Alan Baro was the unlikely provider of the Mariners’ first, before City fullback Harrison Delbridge’s shocking tackle saw Melbourne reduced to 10 men.

But when one of those 10 men is Ross McCormack, it’s barely a disadvantage. McCormack struck back just before halftime, just to see Paul Okon’s side restore their advantage minutes after the break.

The action never stops however, and for City fans, seeing Marcin Budzinski – the long lost marquee himself – lead their side to a 2-2 draw must have been a bittersweet pill to swallow.

Mariners’ skipper Alan Baro was equally conflicted with the result.

“It’s a disappointing result, we had the game under control most of the time, but we conceded at the last moment,” he said.

“We’re still creating lots of chances, but today the result with one man (extra) is not positive for us.”