Central Coast defender Storm Roux says this season’s Mariners should be regarded among the many “biggest A-League groups of all-time” no matter whether or not they full the treble by efficiently defending their championship.
Having already received the A-League premiership and the AFC Cup, the Mariners proceed to defy the chances and are only a recreation away from a second successive A-League grand closing look.
Up 2-1 after the semi-final first leg win over Sydney FC, Central Coast solely want a attract Saturday evening’s second leg in Gosford to not solely qualify for the next weekend’s decider however host it at Industree Group Stadium.
Roux, who has made 245 appearances for 3 golf equipment in an A-League profession courting again to 2013, stated the Mariners’ achievements this season had been already plain.
“It’s obtained to be up there,” the 31-year-old New Zealand worldwide stated.
“Not solely have we received the AFC Cup, received the premiership, we’re doing it on the identical time.
“I don’t suppose anybody actually understands how laborious it’s with the journey, backing up for video games, getting outcomes and taking part in underneath strain.
“We’ve obtained to be up there with one of many biggest A-League groups of all-time.”
Roux stated the Mariners had been “stuffed with confidence” forward of Saturday evening’s battle with the Sky Blues.
“If you happen to had instructed us at first of the season we’d be on this place (of getting received two trophies and aiming for a 3rd), we wouldn’t have believed you, however we stored the boldness going all through the season, and the idea, and we should be the place we’re,” he stated.
“We’re assured in ourselves that we’re the very best crew within the league. We have to show that now with a grand closing win.”
The Sky Blues, who had already misplaced talisman Joe Lolley for the remainder of the season with a hamstring damage earlier than final Friday’s loss, will even be with out star defender Jack Rodwell and midfielder Corey Hollman for the second-leg after each had been despatched off in first-leg.
Rodwell received’t play once more this season after copping a two-game ban, whereas Hollman will probably be accessible for the grand closing if Sydney get that far.
“I believe they had been each purple playing cards, so I don’t suppose you possibly can complain an excessive amount of,” Roux stated.
“I don’t suppose we obtained underneath their pores and skin, I simply suppose we caught to our recreation plan and (that’s) what occurred.
“We in all probability ought to’ve pushed on a bit extra to try to get a number of extra objectives with the two-man benefit however that didn’t occur.
“We simply should get the job accomplished at dwelling.”
