In the build up, much of the talk was about Central Coast’s improvement and the way they were edging, closer and closer, towards beating Roar.

But even with a two-goal deficit with five minutes to play, Brisbane again proved their run of 28 games unbeaten was just too good, levelling the score in the last seconds of play...then taking the title on penalties.

Here's how au.fourfourtwo.com's Matt Dorman rated the Grand Final performances.

 

Brisbane Roar

1. Michael THEOKLITOS – 8: A hero in the shootout. Mark Schwarzer-esque.

2. Matt SMITH – 6: Had it tough with Kwasnik, McBreen and Ibini, especially after Susak’s removal, but did well enough.

4. Shane STEFANUTTO – 6: Kept McGlinchey quiet without offering a whole lot in attack.

5. Ivan FRANJIC – 6: Wasn’t at his incisive best. Tried to get forward but couldn’t produce the final pass.

6. Erik PAARTALU – 8: Didn’t allow Amini to settle and stood tall to head equaliser.

7. Kosta BARBAROUSES – 6: Touch and pass were off despite some nice interplay.

9. Jean Carlos SOLORZANO – 6: Worked hard to test Ryan but was deprived of space.

15. Matt MCKAY – 8: Started brightly, faded and then finished strongly. Brilliant pass for Brisbane’s first.

17. Mitch NICHOLS – 6: Couldn’t capitalise with a pass or finish when in promising areas.

22. Thomas BROICH – 7: Also started brightly but faded as CCM pounced. Great corner for equaliser.

23. Milan SUSAK – 6: Made a couple of important blocks and interceptions. Sacrificed before second CCM goal.

10. HENRIQUE – 7: Struggled initially but came up trumps with the first BR goal and winning penalty.

8. Massimo MURDOCCA – 6: Worked hard as usual, though without any decisive influence.

14. Rocky VISCONTE – 7: Looked like he wouldn’t be of significance before earning the all-important final corner.

 

Central Coast Mariners

20. Matt RYAN – 8: Wasn’t overawed. Made numerous important saves, but questionable on the first BR goal.

3. Josh ROSE – 6: Couldn’t exert his usual attacking drive. Not overly troubled in defence.

4. Pedj BOJIC – 6: Worked himself back well after early problems with Broich.

6. Patrick ZWAANSWIJK – 7: Good. Displayed his exceptional reading of the play.

8. Rostyn GRIFFITHS – 8: Did everything that was required in his role, stifling BR through the middle.

11. Oliver BOZANIC – 8: Popped up for a massive goal. Always an outlet for CCM.

14. Michael MCGLINCHEY – 6: Didn’t offer much in attack, though got through his share of defensive work.

18. Alex WILKINSON – 7: Rarely offered an inch for the BR attackers.

19. Matt SIMON – 5: Butchered a golden opportunity in the first half.

22. Mustafa AMINI – 5: Found promising space but wasted possession. Ineffective.

23. Adam KWASNIK – 9: Threatening in normal time, stepped it up beyond the 90 minutes with a goal and assist.

7. John HUTCHINSON – 7: Made the challenge on Henrique which resulted in CCM’s second.

2. Daniel MCBREEN – 7: Much improved output when shifted into a more withdrawn role.

24. Bernie IBINI-ISEI – 8: Involved from the second he was introduced, his pace opening up new opportunities.

Man of the Match –Both teams had a number of heroes, but on an individual level, Adam Kwasnik’s cutting edge in front of goal should have had him on the winning side. The striker positioned himself well for the opener and kept his cool when others would have lost theirs to assist what might have been the sealer.

Key Moment –Where to start? Cases could be made for a couple of the Mariners chances in the first half or Matt McKay’s fantastic long-range pass to Solorzano initiating the comeback. For mine, though, it was Rocky Visconte’s determined run to win the equalising corner. If Daniel McBreen had taken an extra split second to think through his clearance he might have put the ball out safely for a throw-in.