As I said in another thread, last night was the greatest of my footballing life including my trips to the famed Elland Road as a supporter of Leeds United.
Why was it better than our first Grand Final appearance though?
Look at the pictures.
The Central Coast people were as one last night. Before and after the game were moments that will live with me forever. There was a "us against them" mentality from the 5 year old who was going to his first game to the 90 year old retiree who has followed football his whole life.
We went in to this game and NO ONE gave us a chance. No one. The only people who believed we could this was the players, the coaching staff, our fabulous administration and the fans. Our backs were to the wall and we showed that fighting spirit that goes hand-in-hand with the Central Coast Mariners.
I admit, that third goal brought a tear to my eye - as it did with a whole lot of people who where cheering their heart out. Hell, this awesome young family in front of us attending their first game turned around and said "what have we been missing out on! we'll be back every game next season!"
I saw kids in Aloisi jerseys as opposed to the 1000's of Manchester United or Chelseas jerseys we saw in the first couple of versions more often than not.
Football has arrived on the Central Coast. Our membership base will grow ten fold next season. We have captured the heart of entire region, for that, we should be proud.
I have never been prouder as a Central Coast Mariner fan than I was last night.
To the game ...
I cannot fault one player. Every single player tried his ass off. Aloisi didn't get on the score sheet again after missing some chances, it happens to the best of them. Johnny A is a big time player and he will be at his very best on Grand Final night, that you can be assured. Whilst he didn't score, his presence was felt.
Danny Vukovic - I am really gonna' miss him when he is signed to a European club. This guy is all passion. I love watching him in goal. His heart is on his sleeve and he is first class between the sticks.
What about our defenders, the unsung heros more often than not. Vidmar - brilliant. Boogs - took another step forward to greatness last night. Wilko - inspirational captain's dig. Clarkey - you gotta' love this guys heart.
I could go on and on. I won't. Who reads this long, long posts! lol
My last word goes to Lawrie McKinna. I have said it before, I will say it again, this guy has a contract for life. I shook my head when I read from a MARINERS FAN that he should be let go as he cannot get the job done - where are you now doubter? The coaching performance of McKinna this season will go down in Mariners folklore.
The Packers had Lombardi, Manchester United Sir Alex Fergurson, Brisbane Bronco's Wayne Bennett - the Central Coast Mariners have Lawrie McKinna
BRING ON THE GRAND FINAL - WE ARE GOING FOR THE CLEAN SWEEP AND THEN ON TO CLAIM THE TREBLE IN ASIA!