Football Season Guide

The most surprising of champions last season. Mariners won their 1st title after sneaking into the top 6 at the last possible moment. No player scored more than 5 goals during the regular season. The results were decent but not great W9 D7 L7. This was enough for 4th place. The real fairytale began in the playoffs. In the Elimination Final came from behind to edge Canberra 2-1. Then in stunning turn of events eliminated Premiership winners Melbourne City. Only to edge heavy favourites Melbourne Victory on penalties in the final. This success was orchestrated by coach Emily Husband. She moved on unexpectedly in August, leaving Mariners in some bother. For now Kory Babington (zero previous experience as a head coach) serves as a caretaker coach. This is probably why Mariners are yet to complete a new signing this summer. At the same time 4 of the most important players from last season are gone. The only reliable striker and hero from the Elimination Final Jade Pennock is no longer in the team. The best CB Nash and 2 of the main CMs Ray and Galic also left. It seems Mariners are very ill-prepared for the start of the season. Still searching for a new head coach. Also, round 1 is likely to find the team having only 14 senior field players to pick from. There are several talented options in the Academy but they can’t be trusted to start games just yet.