To see behind the scenes at today's training and team photo session...

The Central Coast heroes take on the stars of Newcastle Jets in Sunday's crunch Grand Final at Sydney Football Stadium.

But after weekend criticism of the Mariners' playing style, McKinna was unrepentant.

"If you watched us during the season we played some good football," he said after training this morning.

"You can't go through all season trying to play attractive football - we'd always want to pass the ball but just sometimes you can't.

"We can stay at the back and be the best passing team in the league and knock the ball about - but if you don't go anywhere...

"Sometimes you have to be a bit more direct and get the ball to the strikers."

He added: "I'm sure if we win the Grand Final and don't play that well, I don't think too many people on the Central Coast will be caring about it..."

Newcastle boss Gary Van Egmond last night vowed not to be bullied into defeat by the Mariners in the Grand Final.

But McKinna hit back: "Did we bully them last week? I thought we were just the better team on the day and scored three goals.

"I think we only picked up one or two cards. If Gary thinks he was bullied that's his call but I never saw that and neither did 20,000 people who were at the game."

McKinna is relishing the prospect of the showdown against their local rivals but isn't discounting the Jets despite them going through two gruelling matches to get to the final.

"Newcastle's had two hard weeks," he said today. "When the referee gave the penalty with the last kick of the ball, we were quite happy.

"People have suggested they'll be tired but that goes out the window now. It's the Grand Final they're playing for now.

"They'll be full of confidence after the game last night."

He added: "I think it's great for the game that it's a Newcastle-Central Coast F3 Derby Grand Final.

"With 15,000 fans there for each club, it will be a great spectacle on the day. Sentimentally, I'm glad it's Newcastle.

"Queensland were unlucky, they battled well last night but I think for the atmosphere of the game, having a full house and half and half will be good."

The Mariners hope to have a full squad for the crucial clash, with John Aloisi, Nigel Boogaard and Mile Jedinak taking part in light training today.

Alvin Ceccoli and Tom Pondeljak missed today's session but are expect to be in rehab tomorrow and full training on Wednesday.

The squad was boosted by the sight of Nik Mrdja and Dean Heffernan in their Mariners strips - but both were only kitted up for the team photo ahead of the final and didn't take part in training.

McKinna said he had no qualms about the FFA's late switch from the Mariners' home venue of BlueTongue Stadium to the SFS for the big finale.

"We were just keen to be there," he said. "We weren't really fussed.

"It would be nice to have it here but it wouldn't be big enough for the crowd we're going to get. Everywhere in the world the finals are played in the major stadiums.

"We stated all along our main focus is to get there - wherever the final's going to be, we're happy to play it.

"We look forward to winning it and hopefully bringing the trophy back."

To see behind the scenes at today's training and team photo session...