2024 A-League Men Grand Final

Last updated
2024 A-League Men Grand Final
Bluetongue CC Stadium.jpg
The match was held at Central Coast Stadium
Event 2023–24 A-League Men
Date25 May 2024 (2024-05-25)
Venue Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Joe Marston Medal Ryan Edmondson
Referee Alex King
Attendance21,379
2023
2025

The 2024 A-League Men Grand Final, known officially as the Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final, was a soccer match that was played between Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne Victory on 25 May 2024 at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford, Australia. The match determined the champion of the A-League Men and was the 19th A-League Men Grand Final, the culmination of the 2023–24 season.

Contents

The match was refereed by Alex King. Central Coast Mariners won 3–1 in extra time to win their second consecutive championship. The Mariners achieved the first treble by an A-League club. Ryan Edmondson was awarded the Joe Marston Medal and Josh Nisbet was awarded the Johnny Warren Medal at the trophy ceremony. Mariners' head coach Mark Jackson was named A-League Men Coach of the Year on the same day. Miguel Di Pizio became the youngest scorer for his goal in the match while Danny Vukovic became the oldest to feature in a Grand Final.

21,379 spectators attended the match, a record at the stadium. Victory's head coach Tony Popovic faced his fifth defeat in a Grand Final which was the seventh appearance for Melbourne Victory. Vukovic and Victory player Leigh Broxham retired from professional football after the match.

Background

Central Coast Mariners were playing their second consecutive A-League Men Grand Final, the first time in the club's history, having won in the previous Grand Final against Melbourne City. [1] The Mariners came into the final as premiers [2] and previously won the minor premiership twice in the 2007–08 and 2011–12 seasons, claiming one Grand Final win in 2013 out of four appearances during that time. [3] [4] [5] The club also won the AFC Cup during their 2023–24 campaign and were competing for the first treble achieved by an A-League club. [6] [7]

Tony Popovic managed his fifth Grand Final in his career. Tony Popovic Managing Western Sydney Wanderers Training.png
Tony Popovic managed his fifth Grand Final in his career.

For Melbourne Victory, the club were playing in their seventh Grand Final and the first since 2018 where they won their fourth championship. [8] The club was competing for their fifth Grand Final win and to equal the record for most championships to Big Blue rivals Sydney FC. [2] Victory's Tony Popovic made his fifth Grand Final appearance as head coach, having done so three times for Western Sydney Wanderers and once for Perth Glory in the 2019 final, all of which have ended in defeats. [2] Popovic took Melbourne Victory to one final, winning the 2021 FFA Cup. [2] In the table, Central Coast Mariners finished in first, 13 points above Melbourne Victory who sat in third with 42 points and two points separated from Wellington Phoenix in second. [9]

Previous finals

In the following table, finals until 2004 were in the National Soccer League era, since 2006 were in the A-League Men era.

TeamPrevious grand final appearances (bold indicates winners)
Central Coast Mariners 5 (2006, 2008, 2011, 2013 , 2023 )
Melbourne Victory 6 ( 2007 , 2009 , 2010, 2015 , 2017, 2018 )

Road to the final

Summary

Following the regular season, a five-week Finals Series is played to determine the winner of the A-League Championship. The top two highest-placed teams are given a bye into the semi-finals, while third to sixth are drawn into the elimination finals; both third and fourth hosts against the sixth and fifth-placed sides respectively. [10] The winners progress to a two-legged semi-final, first introduced in the 2021–22 season, [11] with the first leg played at the home stadium of the lowest-ranked club. [10] Both legs' results are put into an aggregate score to decide the winner that will face each other in the Grand Final. If the aggregate scores are level, the second match will go into extra time, and then to a penalty shoot-out if the score remains level. [12] The Away Goals rule is not used in the semi-finals. [12] The finalists who placed highest on the table will host the Grand Final. [10] The finals series will also utilise a video assistant referee (VAR) announcement for the first time in the league's history which allows referees decisions to be announced after a video review. The A-League became the first league of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to implement this. [13]

In the 2023–24 season, Central Coast Mariners and Wellington Phoenix were the two highest-placed teams. The Mariners won the premiership in the last game of the season after a 2–0 win against Adelaide United on 1 May 2024. [14] Prior to that match, Wellington held a one-point lead in first. [15] Both teams were given a bye to the semi-finals. [10] [16] Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC finished in third and fourth respectively and acted as hosts for the elimination finals. Macarthur FC and Melbourne City rounded out the top six after placing in fifth and sixth respectively. [17] The second match of the elimination final had its scheduled time changed from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. (AEST) on 5 May. [18] Sydney FC played Macarthur on the day before at Sydney Football Stadium and defeated the Bulls 4–0 to progress to the semi-final. [19]

Central Coast Mariners Round Melbourne Victory
2023–24 A-League Men 1st placed / Premiers
PosTeamPldPts
1 Central Coast Mariners (C)2755
2 Wellington Phoenix 2753
3 Melbourne Victory 2742
4 Sydney FC 2741
5 Macarthur FC 2741
Source: A-Leagues
(C) Champions
Regular season 2023–24 A-League Men 3rd placed
PosTeamPldPts
1 Central Coast Mariners (C)2755
2 Wellington Phoenix 2753
3 Melbourne Victory 2742
4 Sydney FC 2741
5 Macarthur FC 2741
Source: A-Leagues
(C) Champions
OpponentScore Elimination-finals OpponentScore
Bye Melbourne City 1–1 ( a.e.t. ) (3–2 p) (H)
OpponentAgg.1st leg2nd leg Semi-finals OpponentAgg.1st leg2nd leg
Sydney FC 2–1 2–1 (A) 0–0 (H) Wellington Phoenix 2–1 0–0 (H) 2–1 ( a.e.t. ) (A)

Central Coast Mariners

Central Coast Mariners' opponent for the semi-final was drawn to be Sydney FC and was played on 10 May in Sydney. The first-leg ended in a 2–1 win for the Mariners after a goal each for Josh Nisbet and Mikael Doka, from a penalty, overturned the one-goal lead scored from Joel King for Sydney FC. [20] The Sky Blues had two players sent-off after Jack Rodwell and Corey Hollman were given red cards. Rodwell received an initial yellow card for a dangerous challenge on Christian Theoharous before a straight red was shown, following a review by video assistant referee (VAR). [20] The second leg was played eight days later at Central Coast Stadium in front of a sell-out crowd in Gosford. [21] The match ended in a goalless draw, 2–1 on aggregate, allowing Central Coast Mariners to progress to the final. [22] During the match, Mariners' assistant coach Danny Schofield was sent-off for his disputes on a challenge by Max Burgess on Jacob Farrell. Anthony Caceres was given a red card in the final minutes for dissent to referee Alireza Faghani. [22]

Melbourne Victory

Paul Izzo played for Melbourne Victory during the finals series Paul Izzo training for Melbourne Victory December 2022 (cropped).jpg
Paul Izzo played for Melbourne Victory during the finals series

Melbourne Victory, as a result of finishing third, were required to play in the elimination final against Melbourne City in a Melbourne Derby, the first meeting to be played in a finals series since 2015. [18] The match ended in a 3–2 penalty shoot-out win for Melbourne Victory after a 1–1 scoreline in regular time on 5 May. [23] Paul Izzo was named player of the match for Victory, saving four penalties during the shoot-out, with a goal each by Nishan Velupillay and Samuel Souprayen for Victory and City respectively. Both sides had a player sent-off when Zinédine Machach and Curtis Good received a red card. [23] [24] Melbourne Victory faced Wellington Phoenix in the semi-final and drew a goalless scoreline in the first-leg on 12 May. [25] The second-leg took place six days later with Melbourne winning 2–1 over Wellington in extra-time in front of 33,000 spectators at Wellington Regional Stadium. [26] Chris Ikonomidis scored the winning goal in extra-time after Oskar Zawada equalised a late goal for the Phoenix during regular time. [27]

Pre-match

Venue and promotions

As the team that finished highest in the table, Central Coast Stadium in Gosford was the hosting venue for the A-League Men Grand Final, the first time a Grand Final was to be played at the ground. [28] The ground has been home to Central Coast Mariners since the 2005–06 season and previously shared with the New Zealand Warriors during the pandemic. [29] This was the second time the Mariners was named as the home side since 2008, although the venue was moved from Central Coast Stadium to Sydney Football Stadium at the time. [30] It was also the first time the host was awarded to the highest-placed club since the reversal of the Grand Final deal in November 2023. The 2023 final, in which the Mariners had won, was hosted at Western Sydney Stadium in Parramatta and remains the only time a set venue has hosted at a Grand Final. [31]

The match was set to be the lowest attended final in the league's history due to the 20,059 capacity in Central Coast Stadium. [30] As a result, additional seats were installed in the ground to accommodate more spectators. [32] Tickets were distributed on Ticketek on 20 May 2024 to club members, attached with a 10% per cent discount, before public release the next day and sold out on 24 May, including to 3,000 away fans. [33] [34] The venue was set to break the previous crowd record of 20,060 spectators from the Sydney Roosters of the National Rugby League in July 2017. [32] [35] [36] Central Coast Council hosted a live site at Gosford Leagues Club Park to view the final with entertainment and activities for participants. [37] A live site was also hosted at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium for fans to watch. [38]

Broadcasting

The Grand Final was broadcast live on Network 10 in Australia, Sky Sport in New Zealand, and streamed on Paramount+ and 10Play. [2] This was the third Grand Final broadcast on Network 10 and Paramount+ since the networks were contracted in May 2021. [39] The broadcast reached 1.12 million viewers in Australia on Network 10, 10 Play and Paramount+, which was the highest viewership for an A-League match on the services and second most-watched program on the day. [40] For the 2023–24 season, the total viewers combined during the season of the A-League Men and A-League Women was 5.72 million which saw a 16% increase in broadcast television viewership, 33% on 10 Play and 53% on Paramount+. [41]

Build-up to Final

In the three matches played between Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne Victory during the 2023–24 A-League Men, the two clubs drew twice in their first two meetings. The only win for either side came in the third meeting with a 1–0 victory for the Mariners in Melbourne. [2] In previous meetings, Victory has met Central Coast 54 times, winning 25 matches and losing 13 times against their opposition. [42] Before the final, Bruno Fornaroli led as the top goal scorer of the two clubs with 18 goals during the season for Melbourne and sat second in the goalscoring table behind Adam Taggart. Josh Nisbet led in assists with a total of nine, the second-highest in the league behind Anthony Caceres. [2] [43]

The referee for the 2024 Grand Final was Alex King, representing Football Queensland. King officiated his first A-League Men Grand Final in his career, having had a previous appearance as a fourth official in the 2020 final. [44] Kearney Robinson and Brad Wright were named as the assistant referees, with Adam Kersey appointed as the fourth official. Representing Football NSW, Kearney made his fifth appearance in the Grand Final and his second as an assistant while Wright made his debut as assistant referee. [44] Shaun Evans was the video assistant referee (VAR) with Kris Griffiths-Jones and Richard Naumovski to assist him. Hugh Fenton-White was named as the reserve assistant referee. [44]

Melbourne Victory announced two changes to their squad with Leigh Broxham and Zinédine Machach, who returned from a two-match suspension. [45] [46] Central Coast Mariners also announced two changes to the side, with Dylan Wenzel-Halls and Bailey Brandtman, to replace Noah Smith and Sasha Kuzevski due to injury. [46] Broxham would feature in his last match for Melbourne after announcing his retirement in April. [45] [47] In the starting line-up, Mark Jackson named an unchanged line-up from their previous match against Sydney FC while Tony Popovic named two changes from their match against Wellington Phoenix, with Machach and Salim Khelifi replacing Roly Bonevacia and Nishan Velupillay. [48] [49]

Match

Details

Central Coast Mariners 3–1 (a.e.t.) Melbourne Victory
Report
Central Coast Stadium , Gosford
Attendance: 21,379
Referee: Alex King
Kit left arm ccm2324h.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body ccm2324h.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm ccm2324h.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks long.svg
Central Coast
Mariners
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body mvfc202324 home.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks long.svg
Melbourne
Victory
GK20 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Danny Vukovic (c)
LB18 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Jacob Farrell Yellow card.svg 83'
CB3 Flag of Vanuatu.svg Brian Kaltak
CB23 Flag of Fiji.svg Dan Hall
RB15 Flag of New Zealand.svg Storm Roux Sub off.svg 70'
LM7 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Christian Theoharous Sub off.svg 57'
CM6 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Max Balard
CM26 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Brad Tapp Sub off.svg 70'
RM2 Flag of Brazil.svg Mikael Doka
CF4 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Josh Nisbet
CF9 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Alou Kuol Sub off.svg 46'
Substitutes:
GK30 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Jack Warshawsky
MF16 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Harry Steele Sub on.svg 70'
FW17 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Jing Reec
FW22 Flag of Brazil.svg Ronald Barcellos Sub on.svg 70'
DF33 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Nathan Paull
MF39 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Miguel Di Pizio Sub on.svg 57'
FW99 Flag of England.svg Ryan Edmondson Sub on.svg 46'
Manager:
Flag of England.svg Mark Jackson
CCM-MVC 2024-05-25.svg
GK20 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Paul Izzo
LB3 Flag of Cote d'Ivoire.svg Adama Traoré Yellow card.svg 21'Sub off.svg 115'
CB21 Flag of Portugal.svg Roderick Miranda (c)
CB5 Flag of France.svg Damien Da Silva Yellow card.svg 106'
RB2 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Jason Geria
DM25 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Ryan Teague
DM27 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Jordi Valadon Sub off.svg 90+1'
LW23 Flag of Tunisia.svg Salim Khelifi Sub off.svg 58'
AM8 Flag of France.svg Zinédine Machach Sub off.svg 75'
RW19 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Daniel Arzani Yellow card.svg 70'Sub off.svg 75'
CF10 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Bruno Fornaroli Sub off.svg 90+1'
Substitutes:
GK40 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Christian Siciliano
FW7 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Chris Ikonomidis Sub on.svg 90+1'
FW11 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Ben Folami Sub on.svg 75'
MF14 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Connor Chapman Sub on.svg 115'
FW17 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Nishan Velupillay Sub on.svg 58'
MF22 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Jake Brimmer Sub on.svg 90+1'
MF28 Flag of Curacao.svg Roly Bonevacia Sub on.svg 75'
Manager:
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Tony Popovic

Man of the Match (Joe Marston Medal):
Ryan Edmondson

Assistant referees: [44]
Kearney Robinson
Brad Wright
Fourth official: [44]
Adam Kersey
Video assistant referee: [44]
Shaun Evans
Assistant video assistant referees: [44]
Kris Griffiths-Jones
Richard Naumovski

Match rules

Statistics

Post-match

Central Coast Mariners achieved what has been called a treble by those who consider finishing 1st in the A-League regular season to be the equivalent of the Australia Cup, which the Mariners did not win that season. They became the first A-League team to finish 1st in the A-League regular season then win the Grand Final and win an Asian competition, with the Championship, Premiership, and AFC Cup won during the 2023–24 season; [52] Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC had previously achieved the Australian version of a "domestic treble" by simultaneously holding the A-League Premiership, A-League Championship and Australia Cup. The Mariners also achieved two consecutive Grand Finals wins for the first time in club history and the third A-League team to do so after Sydney FC in 2020 and Brisbane Roar in 2012. [53] Around 21,379 fans attended the match, the highest crowd recorded in Central Coast Stadium, and a pitch invasion ensued when the full-time whistle was called. [52] [54] Before the trophy was brought, fans were removed from the pitch as per police's requests. [55] After the match, the 2023–24 squad of the Central Coast Mariners was named as one of the best teams in Australian history, compared to Ange Postecoglou's Roar, that went 36 games unbeaten until 2011, and Graham Arnold's 2016–17 season with Sydney FC. [56] Ángel Torres finished as the top goalscorer for the club despite being absent from the match due to charges brought by New South Wales Police. [57] As premiers, Central Coast Mariners entered the 2024–25 AFC Champions League Elite. [58]

At the trophy ceremony, Ryan Edmondson was given the Joe Marston Medal for his two goals in the match. [59] [60] Josh Nisbet was awarded the Johnny Warren Medal and head coach Mark Jackson was named the A-League Men Coach of the Year. [61] It was Jackson's first season as head coach for the Mariners after Nick Montgomery departed in the previous season. [62] [63] With his first medal as best player, Nisbet placed first in votes ahead of Bruno Fornaroli, who finished second in the Golden Boot, and Kosta Barbarouses. [64] After scoring the second goal for Central Coast, Miguel Di Pizio became the youngest player to score at a Grand Final, aged 18 years, 4 months, and 22 days old, [65] while Danny Vukovic became the oldest player to play in an A-League Grand Final at 39 years and 58 days old. [48] Vukovic announced his retirement from professional football the next day, on 26 May 2024, at the club's season celebration in Erina Fair. [66] [67] For Melbourne Victory, Leigh Broxham, who was not selected for the match squad, retired with the most appearances made in the A-League after making 389 league appearances for Victory. [68]

Jackson was confident about the win and praised his side's determination to comeback despite going down early into the second half. He gave credit to assistant Danny Schofield, who was suspended from the semi-final, for the work and success made during the season. [69] Edmondson also praised the staff and players for the hard work brought in the season, saying he is "grateful for each and every person out here, it’s not just a football club". [59] In contrast, Tony Popovic was distraught for his side's loss, assuring that his side should have won the match. He added that he "felt for the supporters" who travelled from Melbourne and promised to change his Grand Final losing streak; [70] Popovic ended up departing as Victory manager a little over a fortnight after the match. [71]

Notes

  1. Each team was given only three opportunities to make substitutions, with a fourth opportunity in extra time, excluding substitutions made at half-time, before the start of extra time and at half-time in extra time.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central Coast Mariners FC</span> Association football club in Gosford, Australia

Central Coast Mariners Football Club is an Australian professional soccer club based in Gosford, on the Central Coast of New South Wales. It competes in the A-League Men, under licence from the Australian Professional Leagues (APL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Danny Vukovic</span> Australian soccer player

Daniel Vukovic is a former Australian professional soccer player who played as a goalkeeper. He is currently the goalkeeping coach for Central Coast Mariners FC. Vukovic also represented the Australian national team during his career. Vukovic is the holder of several A-League records: he has the most clean sheets of any goalkeeper in A-League history (103), and he is the only goalkeeper to score in the A-League.

The 2007–08 season is Sydney FC's third season of football (soccer) in Australia. The club finished seventh in the A-League Pre-season Challenge Cup and competed in the 2007–08 A-League season.

Mark Graham Jackson is an English football manager and former player who is the head coach of Australian A-League Men's team the Central Coast Mariners. A former defender, he notably played for Scunthorpe United. At international level, he made four appearances for the England U20 national team.

The 2012–13 A-League was the 36th season of top-flight soccer in Australia, and the eighth season of the Australian A-League since its establishment in 2004. The 2012–13 season saw the introduction of a new Western Sydney-based team, the return of Newcastle Jets FC after their A-League licence was returned by FFA, and the end of Gold Coast United after they were removed from the competition at the end of the previous season. This season was also the last A-League season to be broadcast exclusively on paid television, after SBS obtained the rights to a live Friday night game each week of the A-League season, and all A-League finals games on a one-hour delay, on a $160 million four-year broadcast deal, effective from the 2013–14 A-League season onwards.

The 2014–15 A-League was the 38th season of top-flight soccer in Australia, and the 10th season of the A-League since its establishment in 2004. Brisbane Roar were both the defending A-League Premiers and Champions. The regular season commenced on 10 October 2014 and concluded on 26 April 2015. The 2015 Grand Final took place on 17 May 2015. The season was suspended from 9–24 January in order to avoid a clash with the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, which was hosted by Australia.

Joshua Nisbet is an Australian professional soccer player who plays for Ross County and the Australia national team. He can play in several positions including defensive midfield, winger, attacking midfield or as a forward.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020–21 A-League</span> 44th season of top-tier soccer league in Australia

The 2020–21 A-League was the 44th season of national level soccer in Australia, and the 16th since the establishment of the A-League in 2004. The season was started on 28 December 2020 and concluded with the Grand Final on 27 June 2021. The start of the season was later than previous seasons as a result of both the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia and New Zealand, and as part of a gradual shift to move the competition from summer to winter. Wellington Phoenix played the majority of their home matches at Wollongong Showground in Wollongong due to international travel restrictions.

The 2021–22 A-League Men, known as the Isuzu UTE A-League for sponsorship reasons, was the 45th season of national level men's soccer in Australia, and the 17th since the establishment of the competition as the A-League in 2004.

The 2022–23 A-League Men, known as the Isuzu UTE A-League for sponsorship reasons, was the 46th season of national level men's soccer in Australia, and the 18th since the establishment of the competition as the A-League in 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 A-League Men Grand Final</span> Football match

The 2022 A-League Men Grand Final was the 17th A-League Men Grand Final, the championship-deciding match of the Australian A-League Men and the culmination of the 2021–22 season. The match was played between season premiers and defending champions Melbourne City and Western United on 28 May 2022 at AAMI Park in Melbourne.

The 2023–24 A-League Men, known as the Isuzu UTE A-League for sponsorship reasons, was the 47th season of national level men's soccer in Australia, and the 19th since the establishment of the competition as the A-League in 2004. This season is expected to be the last as a 12 team competition, with expansion to 14 teams from 2024–25 with the inclusion of Auckland FC. Another team proposed is Canberra United FC which is yet to be confirmed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 A-League Men Grand Final</span> Football match

The 2023 A-League Men Grand Final was the 18th A-League Men Grand Final, the championship-deciding match of the Australian A-League Men, and the culmination of the 2022–23 season. The match was played on 3 June 2023 at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta between Melbourne City and Central Coast Mariners.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023–24 Melbourne Victory FC season</span> Melbourne Victory 2023–24 football season

The 2023–24 season is the 19th in the history of Melbourne Victory Football Club. In addition to the domestic league, Melbourne Victory participated in the Australia Cup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A-League Men Grand Final</span> Association football match to determine the season champions

The A-League Men Grand Final is an association football match to determine the champions for an A-League Men season. Played at the end of the finals series, the game has been held annually since 2006.

The 2023 A-League Men finals series was the 18th annual edition of A-League finals series, the playoffs tournament staged to determine the champion of the 2022–23 A-League Men season. The series was played over four weeks culminating in the 2023 A-League Men Grand Final, where the Central Coast Mariners won their second championship 6–1 against premiers Melbourne City.

The 2024 A-League Men finals series was the 19th annual edition of A-League finals series, the playoffs tournament staged to determine the champion of the 2023–24 A-League Men season. The series was played over four weeks culminating in the 2024 A-League Men Grand Final.

This is a list of Australian soccer transfers for the 2024–25 A-League Men. Only moves featuring at least one A-League Men club are listed.

The 2024–25 A-League Men, known as the Isuzu UTE A-League for sponsorship reasons, is the 48th season of national level men's soccer in Australia, and the 20th since the establishment of the competition as the A-League in 2004. Central Coast Mariners are the defending premiers and champions.

References

  1. ""We dug deep and it's got us to a Grand Final" Jacko post-Sydney". Central Coast Mariners. 20 May 2024. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Grand Final Preview: Six Mariners v Victory storylines to watch as 2021 omen looms large". A-Leagues. 20 May 2024. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  3. "Central Coast Mariners beat Adelaide to reach A-League grand final". ABC News. 20 May 2023. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
  4. D'Urbano, Nick (18 May 2023). "How the Mariners went from 'laughing stock' to A-Leagues force after legend's on-air gaffe". KEEPUP.
  5. Maasdorp, James (21 April 2013). "As it happened: Mariners break grand final hoodoo". ABC News. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  6. Monteverde, Marco (22 May 2024). "Central Coast striker Ryan Edmondson says Mariners are only concerned with winning grand final rather than contemplate treble success". news.com.au. NCA NewsWire. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  7. "Alou Kuol writes Mariners history with AFC Cup Final winner". Central Coast Mariners. 6 May 2024. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  8. Pisani, Sacha (5 October 2023). "RANKED: The A-Leagues clubs with the most trophies from 13-1". A-Leagues . Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  9. "A-League Standings (2023–24)". Ultimate A-League. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  10. 1 2 3 4 "How the 2023–24 A-Leagues Finals will work: Structure, dates, everything you need to know". A-Leagues. 17 October 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  11. "A-League Men introduces two-leg semifinals". ESPN. 29 October 2021. Retrieved 2 March 2024.
  12. 1 2 "Isuzu UTE A-League Semi Finals guide - everything you need to know". A-League. KEEPUP. 11 May 2023. Retrieved 2 March 2024.
  13. "Live VAR to debut during A-League Men's Final Series". Football Australia. 30 April 2024. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  14. "Plucky Mariners pick-up Premiers Plate in pink". Central Coast Mariners. 1 May 2024. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  15. Rollo, Phillip (24 April 2024). "Premiers Plate on its way to Wellington for Phoenix decider". www.stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  16. Jansen, Bonnie (22 May 2024). "Revealed: Date set for Wellington Phoenix's historic semifinal". NZ Herald. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  17. "Elimination Finals Preview: A Derby clash 9 years in the making & the drought Sydney must end". A-Leagues. 2 May 2024. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  18. 1 2 "Elimination Final fixture update: New time for Melbourne Derby blockbuster". A-Leagues. 29 April 2024. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  19. "Sydney FC beat Macarthur to march into semi-finals". Sydney FC. 4 May 2024. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  20. 1 2 Comito, Matt (10 May 2024). "Josh Nisbet explains party game entire Mariners team are loving in hilarious interview". A-Leagues . Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  21. "Match Preview: More history to be made for Jacko's Mariners". Central Coast Mariners. 18 May 2024. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  22. 1 2 "Mariners march into Grand Final after gritty draw". Central Coast Mariners. 18 May 2024. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  23. 1 2 "MATCH REPORT | Victory win Elimination Final classic". Melbourne Victory. 5 May 2024. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  24. Lynch, Joey (6 May 2024). "The incredible new chapter in Melbourne Derby history". ESPN. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  25. "MATCH REPORT | Scores remain locked after semi-final first leg". Melbourne Victory. 12 May 2024. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  26. Monteverde, Marco (18 May 2024). "WILD extra-time finish; cards galore and 'crazy moments' as A-League GF match-up sealed". Fox Sports. NCA NewsWire. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  27. "WATCH: Highlights from Phoenix's semi-final against Melbourne Victory". Friends of Football. 18 May 2024. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  28. "Industree Group Stadium announced as potential Grand Final Venue". Central Coast Mariners. 9 May 2024. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  29. Rothwell, Lloyd (10 February 2023). "Industree Group Stadium – Central Coast Mariners". Stadium Journey. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  30. 1 2 Williams, Paul (22 May 2024). "'A nice buzz': Central Coast shines under the spotlight of A-League grand final". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  31. Kemp, Emma (17 October 2023). "A-Leagues reverse controversial grand final deal with Destination NSW". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 27 May 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  32. 1 2 "BOOSTED! Isuzu UTE A-League 2024 Grand Final set to break all-time ground record". A-Leagues. 24 May 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  33. "Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final details locked in: Everything you need to know". A-Leagues. 18 May 2024. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  34. "Captain's brilliant answer says it all as 'money can't buy' Grand Final impact hits home". A-Leagues. 24 May 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  35. "Industree Group Stadium Crowds (Central Coast Stadium) | Austadiums". Austadiums. Archived from the original on 28 May 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  36. "Sell-out crowd justifies Central Coast move". National Rugby League. 1 July 2017. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  37. "Central Coast Council to host Grand Final Live Site to cheer on the Mariners!". Central Coast Council. 22 May 2024. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  38. "Everything you need to know about tonight's Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final". A-Leagues. 25 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  39. Rugari, Vince (26 May 2021). "A-League seals landmark five-year, $200m broadcast deal with Network Ten". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 27 May 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  40. "Isuzu UTE A-League 2024 Grand Final Scores Record Audience on 10 And 10 Play". Paramount+. 24 May 2024. Archived from the original on 27 May 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  41. "GF Talking Points: Mariners reignite all-time A-Leagues debate as Nisbet drops transfer hint". A-Leagues. 27 May 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  42. "Melbourne Victory vs Central Coast Mariners (Match-up History)". Ultimate A-League. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  43. "Stat hints Mariners could opt for rarely used Grand Final XI curveball: GF by the Numbers". A-Leagues. 23 May 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  44. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Alex King appointed referee for 2023-24 A-League Men Grand Final". Football Australia. 21 May 2024. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  45. 1 2 "Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final Match Preview". Melbourne Victory. 24 May 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  46. 1 2 "Grand Final Ins & Outs: Victory star back from ban, retiring great gets one last shot at glory". A-Leagues. 23 May 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  47. "Leigh Broxham retires from professional football". Melbourne Victory. 23 April 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  48. 1 2 Howcroft, Jonathan (25 May 2024). "Central Coast Mariners defeat Melbourne Victory in A-League Men Grand Final – as it happened (1 of 4)". The Guardian. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  49. "Grand Final Preview: Mariners chasing historic treble". Central Coast Mariners. 25 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  50. 1 2 3 4 "A-League Playoffs, Final: Central Coast Mariners vs Melbourne Victory". Sofascore. 7 October 2023. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  51. 1 2 3 4 "MATCH REPORT | Grand Final heartbreak for Victory". Melbourne Victory. 25 May 2024. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  52. 1 2 Comito, Matt (25 May 2024). "TREBLE COMPLETE: Mariners crowned Isuzu UTE A-League Champions after extra-time thriller". A-Leagues . Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  53. Clarke, George (25 May 2024). "Incredible moment fans celebrate Mariners' A-League championship". Seven News . Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  54. "Unprecedented scenes as Mariners crowned Isuzu UTE A-League champions". A-Leagues. 25 May 2024. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  55. Garb, Daniel (25 May 2024). "'Best scenes ever': Central Coast goes berserk as Mariners win A-League championship". news.com.au. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  56. Rugari, Vince (25 May 2024). "Miracle Mariners: Is this the greatest team Australian soccer has ever seen?". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  57. Clarke, George (26 May 2024). "Treble-winning Mariners enter ALM's greatest debate". Illawarra Mercury. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  58. "HISTORY! Treble-chasing Central Coast Mariners claim AFC Cup title". A-Leagues. 5 May 2024. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  59. 1 2 Comito, Matt (25 May 2024). "'It's the biggest surprise I've had in a long time in football'". A-Leagues . Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  60. Guelas, Joanna (25 May 2024). "Edmondson stars in ALM grand final to win Joe Marston". The Canberra Times. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  61. Guelas, Joanna (25 May 2024). "Mariners ace Nisbet clinches Johnny Warren Medal". FTBL. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  62. "Super subs cement Mariners place in A-League history books". Central Coast Mariners. 25 May 2024. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  63. "Mariners boss caps stellar debut season with Isuzu UTE A-League Coach of the Year award". A-Leagues. 25 May 2024. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  64. "Mariners star Josh Nisbet claims Johnny Warren Medal after dream season: Full final leaderboard". A-Leagues. 25 May 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  65. Comito, Matt (25 May 2024). "'You'll remember his name': Special interview after Australia's next 'superstar' emerges". A-Leagues . Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  66. "Central Coast Treble winning captain and Mariners Legend Danny Vukovic announces retirement from professional football". Central Coast Mariners. 26 May 2024. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  67. Simkin, Emma; Kozaki, Danuta (26 May 2024). "Mariners captain announces retirement a day after club's historic win in A-League men's grand final". ABC News. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  68. Monteverde, Marco (23 April 2024). "Melbourne Victory stalwart Leigh Broxham to retire after more than 450 games". Fox Sports. NCA NewsWire. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  69. "Mariner boss' tribute to 'massive factor' in title triumph: 'Without him, this wouldn't happen'". A-Leagues. 25 May 2024. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  70. "Popovic's raw response to his Grand Final record: 'Why do you bring it up?'". A-Leagues. 25 May 2024. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  71. "Tony Popovic departs Melbourne Victory". Melbourne Victory FC. Retrieved 15 July 2024.