In a moment filled with celebration and a hint of intoxication, history-making Central Coast Mariners head coach Emily Husband sat alongside shining star Isabel Gomez, fully aware of the significance of the occasion.
Husband became only the fourth woman in history to lift the Ninja A-League Championship trophy and the first since 2017, leading the Mariners to their first-ever title following a thrilling penalty shoot-out victory over the formidable Melbourne Victory on Sunday.
MATCH REPORT: Mariners clinch their inaugural Ninja A-League Championship in a dramatic penalty shoot-out
“I was definitely overwhelmed with emotion,” she confessed to reporters as Sunday night unfolded, just before Bianca Galic playfully interrupted the press conference by placing the Championship trophy on the table and leaving with a broad smile.
“I’m not one to cry, but I turned into a blubbering mess.”
“This title means everything to this group – the staff and the entire club. Watching the girls achieve this is simply incredible.”
After finishing the match 1-1 at the end of extra time, a penalty shoot-out was required in Melbourne, where Gomez had initially put the Mariners ahead, only for Claudia Bunge to equalise with ten minutes left in regulation.
Despite finishing fourth in the regular season, the Mariners surprised all expectations by overcoming the three-time champions during a historic night at AAMI Park.
EXCLUSIVE CLUB: Emily Husband’s incredible Ninja A-League achievement after Mariners’ victory
This triumph completed a remarkable two-year journey for Husband and the Mariners, returning to the Ninja A-League in 2023-24 after a 14-year absence.
On Sunday night, they made their mark in history, with Husband joining the ranks of Jitka Klimkova (2012, Canberra United), Liesbeth Migchelsen (2014, Canberra United), and Jessica Fishlock (2016-17, Melbourne City – player/coach).
“I’m speechless,” the Mariners’ head coach reflected.
“When I took this job two years ago, I was apprehensive – it was a matter of either sinking or swimming.
“I sought help whenever necessary, particularly leaning on my staff, who were invaluable.
“At the start of the season, we only had one player signed, so Matthew Hutchinson and I scoured the country to find the right talent to bring in.”
“This season, our aim was to build on what we achieved last year. Even after a successful season, I was confident we could do better, and the new players we brought in reflected that ambition to improve.”
“It’s all about the players, honestly. The team has been phenomenal.”
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The entirety of Central Coast’s Finals Series embodied their character, not just Sunday night.
In their Elimination Final, the Mariners rallied from behind to secure a 2-1 win against Canberra United.
Then in the Semi-Finals, the Mariners pulled off a stunning upset against two-time defending champions Melbourne City, thanks to Isabel Gomez’s last-minute goal in the 121st minute, marking the first loss for City all season.
If that wasn’t impressive enough, the Mariners returned to Melbourne to defeat a Victory side that was on a club-record 15-match unbeaten run.
“Momentum is quite an interesting concept,” said Husband. “People kept talking about how well Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City had been performing leading into the Finals Series.
“Having momentum in the league is beneficial, but the Finals Series operates on a different level.”
“I genuinely believe our girls exhibited more heart and determination and collective energy that allowed them to overcome any challenge when they set their minds to it.”
“There were numerous occasions this season when we faced setbacks, but belief within the changing room never wavered; it was always about finding a way back. That’s the kind of belief required to excel in finals.”
What’s next for the Mariners? How do they aim to surpass the successes of the 2024-25 season?
“Winning the league,” Husband answered without hesitation.
A reporter then inquired, “Are you aiming for a double?” to which Husband replied, “Absolutely.”
The dialogue concluded with another reporter querying, “And perhaps a treble the following year?”
“Definitely,” Husband said with a smile.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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