“We do have that quality you need to reach a grand final,” Pondeljak told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“As someone who's been a bystander for most of this season, I've seen the squad mix and match players and still get results.

“It's obviously a long way to go so it is hard to predict, but that team spirit you need to win championships is there with this group.

"It would be great to secure that Asian Champions League spot.”

Pondeljak, 31, has reached five grand finals – winning three of them - during a stellar 12-year club career in Australia.

He was part of an excellent Melbourne Knights side of the mid-late 90s before finding success with Sydney Olympic and Perth Glory.

“That Knights side had a real winning mentality and their fans didn't accept anything less than that,” added Pondeljak, whose brother Ollie also played for the club at the same time.

“It would be great, however it's early days. Other teams are snapping at our heels.

"But our team spirit is similar to what it was in season one when we reached the grand final. We're a close knit bunch.”

Pondeljak made his first starting appearance last week in the F3 derby, scoring his side's goal in a feisty 1-1 draw.

And after the “satisfying” feeling of scoring, he's expected to again start with the Coast down to a bare bones squad this week for the visit of the rejuvenated Queensland Roar.

Central Coast has never beaten Frank Farina's men at Bluetongue. “It's probably not the best time to play them after that great win against Phoenix,” said Pondeljak who was capped four times for Australia in 2002.

“They'll have nothing to lose – I've always thought they had a strong squad. “

Pondeljak – who is in the final season of a three-year contract at Central Coast – added that the inclusion of warhorse Danny Tiatto is key to the success of their side.

“They're a mobile side and with Tiatto in the middle of the park, they will get plenty of drive," he said.

"Plus the young guys like Zullo and Kruse who did very well last week.”

The surface at Bluetongue is once again expected to be affected by Rugby Union with a local side playing its final game of the season 24 hours before the Mariners clash with the Queenslanders.