Central Coast Mariners fans can be forgiven for experiencing some whiplash after their stunning success in 2023/24.
12 months ago, they were gearing up to complete a stunning treble when they became the A-League Men Premiers, Champions, and also lifted the AFC Cup trophy.
Now they face a Hahn Australia Cup playoff against Perth Glory as they hope to take the first step towards lifting the only domestic trophy that they have never won.
Read our profile on the Central Coast Mariners at the Hahn Australia Cup below.
A-League Men 2024/25 Season Recap
The Mariners came back to earth this season with a campaign that never really got off the ground.
Of most concern would be their form in the latter half of the season. Since defeating the Western Sydney Wanderers on January 17, they only picked up three points once in 13 A-League Men games.
The good news for Mark Jackson’s men is that lone victory came against Perth Glory in March, their opponents in the Hahn Australia Cup Playoff.
The Mariners have gained a reputation in the last few seasons for giving young players a chance and developing them into well-rounded professionals. They’ll be hoping to use the Hahn Australia Cup as a honing ground for the next generation of youngsters that can bring the Mariners back to the top.
One to Watch
17-year-old Haine Eames burst onto the scene for the Central Coast Mariners this season. The Subway Joey scored two goals and made two assists in 20 appearances but most importantly looked immediately at ease with the demands of A-League football.
He is the Mariners youngest ever player, youngest ever starter, and youngest ever scorer. He also took the captain’s armband at 16 in the AFC Champions League in February.
The teenager will undoubtedly be a key part of the Mariners campaign in the Hahn Australia Cup this year.
The Boss
Mark Jackson arrived at the Mariners at the beginning of the 2023/24 season. Previous coach Nick Montgomery was always going to be a tough act to follow, after transforming a struggling team into A-League Men champions in 2022/23.
It is fair to say that he managed to exceed all expectations, leading his team to a historic treble, sparking wild scenes of celebration in Gosford.
Now after a disappointing 2024/25 season, the former MK Dons manager and England youth international will be tasked with overseeing a rebuild of a team that are now hungry for more success.
Hahn Australia Cup Record
The Mariners have never won the Hahn Australia Cup. They finished runners-up once, in 2021, when they were defeated 2-1 by Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.
They made the semi-finals of the first ever edition of the Cup in 2014 but have struggled since then, only reaching the top four on one other occasion – in 2019 – in addition to their single appearance in the final.
However, if they can get over the line against the Glory, it is not an exaggeration to say that they sky is the limit. With an ever-growing number of talented youngsters at their disposal for the early stages of the competition it will be fascinating to see how the Mariners do this year.
Match Information
Central Coast Mariners v Perth Glory
Date: Tuesday, 13 May
Kickoff: 7.30pm AEST (7pm local)
Venue: Larrakia Park, Darwin
Broadcast: 10Play
Tickets: Ticketebo
