A-League: Central Coast Mariners Focus

Central Coast Mariners will be targeting their third consecutive A-League grand final victory when they begin the 2024/25 campaign.

The Mariners, who have one of the lowest budgets in the A-League, continue to defy the odds and it would take a brave man to back against them in the season ahead.

They can be backed at 5.00 to go on and win the grand final and, despite losing some key players, look to have a squad capable of doing it.

Head coach Mark Jackson also remains on board so the Mariners will be confident heading into the new campaign.

A third straight premiership would be something special, while they can also be backed at 4.50 to win the minor premiership.

Let’s take a look at how the Mariners are shaping up ahead of the new season.

. What: 2024/25 A-League season
. Where: Venues across Australia and New Zealand
. When: October 2024 to May 2025
. How to watch: Paramount+, Channel 10
. Odds: Central Coast Mariners 5.00, Melbourne Victory 5.50, Melbourne City 6.00, Sydney FC 7.00

Mariners dominate under Jackson

Following the departure of head coach Nick Montgomery after the 2022/23 grand final success, the Mariners faithful feared the wheels may come off.

Those fears increased following a slow start to the 2023/24 season, but as soon as they kicked into gear there was no stopping them.

Jackson managed to take the Mariners to yet another level, by not only winning the Premiership/Championship double, but also tasting glory in the AFC Champions League.

That kind of success will take some matching, but one thing we have learnt about the Mariners over the last couple of seasons, they should never be underestimated.

Some key players have moved on, but plenty have remained, while the Mariners have also made a habit of making some shrewd signings.

Youth will also play a pivotal part once again, with some talented young guns looking to make a mark in the campaign ahead.

Nisbet among those to leave

Josh Nisbet is one of the key players to leave the Mariners during the off-season as he headed to Scotland to sign for Ross County.

The playmaker was instrumental in their success last season and will be a big loss. The same can be said of Jacob Farrell, who joined English Championship side Portsmouth.

Max Balard and Dan Hall have also left, but the Mariners will be pleased with the players they have brought in as replacements.

Experienced central defender and former Socceroos star Trent Sainsbury has returned to the A-League and his leadership skills will be huge.

Jackson has also used his connections in England again to sign midfielder Alfie McCalmont from Carlisle United and just like fellow Englishman Ryan Edmondson, he could be a big hit down under.

Mariners open up against Victory

The Mariners kick-off the new season against Melbourne Victory, who also have high hopes of winning the grand final in 2024/25.

Central Coast can be backed at 2.25 to pick up the three points, while Victory are available at 3.10 and the draw is 3.30.

They will then travel to take on Adelaide United the week after, before back-to-back home games against Perth Glory and Wellington Phoenix.

Central Coast wrap up November with a trip to take on Newcastle Jets.