The Central Coast Mariners made a stunning return to the A-League Women’s competition, clinching the 2024/25 grand final in a dramatic penalty shootout against Melbourne Victory, with Sam Kerr observing from the stands. This triumph is remarkable for the Mariners, as they withdrew from the league in 2010 due to financial issues, only to re-enter the competition in 2023, marking their comeback with a commendable fifth-place finish.
In the final match, the Mariners initially took the lead through 22-year-old Isabel Gomez, who scored shortly after the second half commenced. However, Melbourne equalised in the 80th minute when Claudia Bunge headed in from a corner. With neither team able to secure a goal in the remaining time or during extra time, the match went to penalties.
Melbourne’s Alana Jancevski had a shaky start, hitting the post with her penalty. The kick-off ignited a wave of successful conversions until Bianca Galic executed the decisive penalty, sealing the Mariners’ remarkable victory.
Mariners coach Emily Husband was visibly emotional following the win, embracing her players and expressing empathy towards the defeated opposition. Commentator Teo Pellizzeri celebrated the moment as one of the most extraordinary tales in Australian football history — a club reborn from obscurity to standing at the pinnacle of the women’s league.
In addition to the collective joy of the team and fans, this grand final highlights a significant chapter in the Mariners’ history, illustrating resilience and determination.