"It’s great to be able to know certain die-hard fans by name who always take time out to say hello whether that be out and about in the community or at games, that’s a real testament to the fans that this club possesses. Ultimately, I look forward to playing away games here and seeing the fans again,” Pain said.

Aspropotamitis joined the Mariners from Western Sydney Wanderers this season where he continued his rehab from a major ACL injury and he echoed Pain’s sentiments about the Mariners and their supporters.

“Coming to the Mariners presented some new and exciting challenges for me – moving out of home for the first time, coming to a new team, but I think the most exciting part was coming to a club that had such a history of success and was looking to rebuild after a few lean years,” Aspropotamitis said.

“It’s no secret that the season hasn’t panned out the way that we all thought, and it’s been a very frustrating year on the pitch for everyone at the club.

“Whilst the results have been frustrating, it doesn’t take away from the fact that it has been an honour to represent a proud club like the Mariners.

“I came to the Mariners part way through my ACL recovery, and I’ll be forever grateful and appreciative of the support I got from everyone here, firstly for giving me the opportunity to come here and secondly for the support I received right through my recovery.

“I don’t want to compare fans from different clubs, but what was evident to me in the time I was here was, being involved in the various community events with the Mariners, walking around our stadium after matches and shaking hands with our fans, was that, even in a season like we had, our fans are some of the most supportive and loyal in the league.

“I think in the last few weeks you’ve seen the beginning of a change in mindset at the Club, and I hope it’s something that continues into next season. It’s what our fans deserve.

“I’d like to say thank you for the ongoing support they showed me, especially in the time that I was recovering from my injury, I will always have a soft spot for the Mariners and my time here will always be something I’ll never forget.”