13. STEVE CORICA

Season Club managed GM W D L W % D % L % GS GC
2018-19 Sydney FC   29 18 4 7 62.07% 13.79% 24.14% 49 30

Preeetty daaamn impressive pulling off an A-League Championship in your debut season, including a 6-1 thrashing of your biggest rival and a Grand Final heartbreaker for West Sydney's spiritual creator.

But dropping the trophy's rubbing it in a bit, surely?

In truth, Corica could prove a turning point in the A-League's history.

Sydney share the A-League Premiership and Championship records with Melbourne Victory, they share the stable ownership, funding and marquee status, but with Alex Brosque's retirement, they now lack that fiery figurehead that galvanises fans.

Steve Corica, the quiet, studious coach affectionately known as ‘Bimbi’, couldn’t be any further from Muscat’s demeanour.

The old English Championship abounds with stories of a virulent Muscat protecting his then-teammate Corica at Wolverhampton from booing or jeering fans. For every sinew of aggression Muscat encompasses, Corica is equally calm and measured.

But what they do share is loyalty and dedication. Corica, too, is a foundation player at Sydney. He also delivered two Championships as captain, including raising the inaugural trophy as goalscorer in the first ever A-League Grand Final.

He is similarly woven into the Sky Blues’ fabric, also choosing the slow, steady route; gradually progressing through the ranks at Sydney over eight years in youth, assistant and caretaker coaching roles before seizing the ultimate opportunity.

Now he’s endearing himself to his club’s fans just like Muscat.

If there is one thing the A-League learned over the past two campaigns, it’s that the big-two’s dominance is sort-of infallible. The A-League is a tale of two cities, but so far, Melbourne has always had the upper hand.

Yet as one legend departs, another is born.