Simon's role as a super sub for Sydney repeatedly divides fans since he joined the side from Central Coast Mariners.

His regular late appearances off the bench have almost become an A-League cliche, and his battling performances rarely win over rival fans.

But he again proved the difference when he came off the bench and struck twice for Sydney in the late stages of the game.

His first goal was struck off, but he again managed to break the deadlock - and break the Mariners' hearts - with a second strike in the dying moments of injury time to claim the 2-1 triumph.

After the game, Bozza backed Simon and hailed the A-League veteran for what he brings to the game, his club and the league.

"I'm very happy for Matty Simon," Bosnich said on Fox Sports. "He gets a lot of indifferent reports

"But I'll say to anyone on social media: How many games have you played in the A-League? How many goals have you scored?"

He added: "He's popped up and scored a goal that's probably going to give his team their second consecutive title.

For Melbourne Victory hero Archie Thompson backed Bozza's tribute too.

"Matty Simon has a lot of critics but he comes on and always makes a nuisance of himself and he gives 110% all of the time," said Thompson.

"It was a lovely finish and gives them real hope to be Premiers next week."

Sydney struggled to get past the Mariners despite a first half goal from Milos Ninkovic, but Jake McGing levelled things in the second half and looked good for a winner until Simon struck.

Bosnich added: "Winning is winning but no, it wasn't Sydney's best performance by a long shot..."