9. Steve Corica

He had to wait to be acknowledged with the captains’ armband for Sydney, but he was always a sky-blue leader. The former Wolverhampton legend came to Australia with a marquee reputation – but happily played second fiddle to first Dwight Yorke, then Mark Rudan.

Although ultimately, for the club he loved, his contribution far exceeded them both. Perhaps most impressive was his versatility for Sydney - his longevity was product of an excellent ability to read the game, which enabled his transition into a more central role in his later years.

Captaining the side as an attacking midfielder, he led Sydney to a the A-League double in 2009/10, although heartbreakingly Corica missed the final due a season-ending hamstring injury.

Fittingly for a player who never quite got the recognition he deserved during his career, Corica became the first inductee into Sydney FC’s hall-of-fame in 2015.

8. Nikolai Topor Stanley

It would be hard to believe, if it weren’t so poetically fitting, that the towering centreback never quite settled before he found the Wanderers.

But the wanderer in him subsided - to devastating effect - when he found his home in Western Sydney. The rest, as they say, is history.

It’s easy to overlook how the commitment of players like Topor-Stanley went a long way to forming the Wanderland ethos surrounding Western Sydney today.

The jewel in Tony Popovic’s glittering defensive crown, Topor-Stanley’s consistency, aerial prowess and un-abating commitment led the club to the 2012/13 A-League Premiership and a famous Asian Champions League victory – capping off one of the greatest underdog stories in Australian football history.

7. John Hutchinson

If captains are judged by trophies, Hutchinson commanding the Mariners to their first ever A-League championship in 2013 – in his first season as captain - stacks up there with the best.

If they’re judged by loyalty and longevity, there are few that can match his 228 league appearances for the Gosford club, giving 100 per cent through thick and thin.

If it’s about leading by example, Hutch’s never-say-die mentality, famous work-rate and devotion to his club is the stuff of legend. He could score goals, time crucial tackles and play searching through-balls with ease.

But in the end he’ll be remembered best for what he means to the Yellow & Navy fans – he’s a symbol of the club, who in their darkest times acts as a reminder of everything good the Mariners represent in Australian football.