At the time of writing they are ALM Champions, AL Club Champions, ALM Premiers and winners of the AFC Cup – a level of attainment never before matched by an Australian club.

Much has already been written about the Mariners model – put in place by Alen Stajcic and Shaun Mielekamp, improved by Nick Montgomery and Serge Raimundo, and perfected by Mark Jackson and his team. That model relies on an outstanding youth academy, early exposure of young players to the first team, a first class scouting network and regular turnover of emerging stars to overseas clubs for profit.

The regular sales (even though mainly for only modest sums) has helped keep the club afloat – which looked very uncertain just three or four years ago. Most Mariners fans would be happy just to see their club survive but to see it thriving – against all odds and despite the riches available elsewhere – means unprecedented joy on the Coast.

Most incredible of all is the way the Mariners have maintained their success (and even improved on it) after having their team stripped of its stars at the end of every season. That can only be put down to the model – outlined above – but such continuity must also be reliant on a strong culture which stays in place no matter who leaves.

Successful Mariners eras have always been built on a real connection between the club and the community in which it resides. This was understood by Lawrie McKinna and Graham Arnold who established the club as something more than the sum of its parts and capable of punching above its weight.

That spirit was lost after Arnie left but was regained – largely through the efforts of Shaun Mielekamp to ensure that the players did not reside in an ivory tower but were visible in the community and invited the fans to feel part of it. The results turned around under Staj and the fans started coming back also. They are included and consulted frequently. They understand what the club is doing – what it must do to survive.

Winning the AFC Cup will mean a decent financial shot in the arm for the Mariners but there are likely to be other windfalls also regarding this year’s crop of graduates to Europe.

The sale of Max Balard has already been announced and Miguel Di Pizio also (apparently). There is strong speculation that Jacob Farrell is considering offers but the biggest hole will be left by Josh Nisbet who has had a stunning couple of years, culminating in Socceroos selection.

Arguably the most effective player in the ALM competition, he has been connected (by rumour) to any number of clubs including Melbourne City and Monty’s Hibs. Mariners fans will be desperately hoping that, if and when he leaves, it is to an overseas club which pays a decent transfer fee. The idea of Nizz turning out to play against the Mariners is as unthinkable as Robert the Bruce fighting against William Wallace. Fortunately, that never really happened in 1298 so hopefully the metaphor stretches to the Mariners in 2024.

There is likely to be interest in other Mariners players also with the prospect of losing as many as half a dozen first teamers.

That will be okay. The model enabled by the culture will ensure that the success continues next year. Probably the biggest worry for fans would be the potential return of the coach (Jackson) to the UK. His stocks have never been higher and there will be people watching over there.

Mind you, there was wailing and lamentation when Monty left and Jacko turned out to be just as good (if not better).

The Mariners will be just fine.

 

Adrian's books can be purchased at any good bookstore or through ebook alchemy. His first sci-fi novel (Asparagus Grass) was published by Hague Publishing in July 2023. The ebook can be purchased here and the paperback can be ordered here or at your local store.