As Alex King’s whistle rang out at Industree Group Stadium, there was no amount of security or barriers on Earth that could have held them back. The Central Coast Mariners’ supporters, apostles clad in blue and yellow, streamed onto the pitch, unable to contain their joy. Their side had just written themselves into history, defeating Melbourne Victory 3-1 in Saturday evening’s A-League Men grand final and securing a historic treble of AFC Cup, premiership and now championship.
It was a remarkable win. An incredible comeback that almost defies explanation. But that the Mariners still exist at all is perhaps something of a minor miracle, so maybe the nature of this win shouldn’t have come as a surprise.
