Central Coast Mariners

Last Season: 10th

This Season: 8th

The Mariners amassed 10 more points than last season, when they were cut adrift at the bottom of the A-League.

The fact that Paul Okon’s side briefly threatened to break into the top six is a big testament to the manager, whose resources were limited compared to other A-League clubs.

A run of three straight victories between Rounds 17 and 19 moved the Mariners to within two points of the top six, however they won just one of their final eight games- conceding 17 goals in the process.

Highlight

A 2-0 win away at Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 19 gave the Mariners hope that they could snatch a finals spot.

It followed back-to-back home victories over Perth Glory and Adelaide United and suggested that the Mariners had fixed their leaky defence- conceding just once in three games.

Roy O'Donovan, who has agreed to join Newcastle Jets next season, netted a second half brace following some wasteful finishing from the Wanderers.

Lowlight

The Mariners’ defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed in Round 25, as they were thumped 5-1 by Brisbane Roar.

After a goalless first half, the Mariners took a shock lead four minutes after the interval thanks to a cracker from Fabio Ferreira.

However, the visitors quickly fell apart at the Suncorp Stadium, with in-form forward Jamie Maclaren scoring an eight-minute hat-trick.

Key Player(s)

Roy O’Donovan was the Mariners main source of goals, scoring 11 in the league despite playing for a bottom half side.

Combative midfielder and captain Nick Montgomery, now retired, was also influential for Paul Okon’s side, creating chances for his team mates in the final third while also protecting the back four.