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Private Notes
The series begins with an in-depth look at head coach Graham Arnold’s strategy leading into the Round 5 game game against Sydney FC, before looking back at the first two months of the competition, starting with the pre-season and promo day. We look at the Central Coast Mariners’ state of the art facility in Tuggerah - the Centre of Excellence - and we join the team at training as Graham Arnold announces news of two new Socceroos among the Mariners’ ranks. This extra responsibility brings additional PR work for a young Mat Ryan, however this doesn’t affect his preparation for the crucial Round 8 clash with arch-rivals, the Brisbane Roar. Doing promos is part of life for a professional footballer, but the task is a little less strenuous when you spend the day fishing on the Hawkesbury with fans who’ve won a Facebook competition.
As the team prepares for their game against Adelaide United, we take a look at a Mariners initiative that promotes a message of healthy bodies and physical activity among the community; while Patrick Zwaanswijk looks back on a recent visit to the Treetop Adventure Park in the Ourimbah State Forest with his children - on his way to the big game. Looking ahead to the F3 derby, we take time to learn about Graham Arnold's coaching philosophy and a new addition to the Mariners family.
The F3 Derby gives the Mariners a chance to avenge their Round 3 defeat, against the Jets, while Coach Arnold reminds the players to focus on the result, not the event. Meanwhile the team Xmas Party gives the players a chance to mix with wives, partners and children. Mayor of Gosford Lawrie McKinna juggles a busy schedule while Pedj Bojic puts the Heart to the sword, and an recent favourite of the club returns for an overdue ovation. Former Premier League player Nick Montgomery discusses his family’s move Down Under.
A windy destination as the Mariners road takes them to Wellington to face the Phoenix, but not before some dinner table entertainment from Patrick Zwaanswijk. The ups and downs of trans Tasman travel becomes evident as a low fog grounds the team in NZ’s capital only days before Xmas. In return, some of the team’s elder statesmen enjoy a rare lunch in the sun, and discuss the season, their futures and the impending pressure of being the League’s top team.
Nick Montgomery’s impressive legacy in UK football provides some extra support for the Mariners as they take on glamour club Sydney FC in a battle that will result in two unusual red cards for two star players. The fireworks and NYE celebrations envelope the Central Coast as Perth FC visit Bluetongue Stadium for the final match of 2012. During the first week of the New Year, the day to day process of the coaching staff is put under the microscope as they prepare for the Western Sydney Wanderers visit.
The impact of the league’s new team, the Western Sydney Wanderers, is felt as the team travels to the Red and Black coliseum, and - despite the intimidating atmosphere - come out on top. As a reward for the win, two surf lovers take to the waters of Terrigal Beach to let off some steam. John Crawley’s role as goalkeeping coach allows viewers an insight to football’s last line of defense, while Graham Arnold becomes an unwitting centre piece and a controversial talking point of the game against the Melbourne Victory in Tasmania. The team must come to grips with 45 minutes of football with no head coach on the bench.
Stand-in head coach Phil Moss attends to his weekly radio slot on 2GO, and Lawrie McKinna fills us in on Tom Rogic’s latest European adventures. Brad McDonald demonstrates a unique ritual between himself and the players which helps in building a special bond between them. Also, a rare but heartfelt apology is made during the Monday training session, allowing the team to move on from the difficult Adelaide trip. Local boy Oliver Bozanic explains the often difficult journey to professional football; and three of the team’s elder statesmen introduce their families to the Australian Reptile Park at Sommersby before taking on the dangerous Newcastle Jets at a wet and windy Bluetongue Stadium.
The cameras follow three sets of fans, all of whom have a unique approach to their beloved Mariners and the match day experience. A young family, two wise old friends and the coaches wives are under the fan spotlight, as they talk through their relationship with football. We watch as all three live through a tense encounter with Adelaide United. As the finals series approaches, the team must handle the challenges of suspension, injury and the additional games of the Asian Championship League. At the club, the Youth team are setting their sights on the Youth title - the club’s development program is the envy of the league and as such is well admired and well supported. The game against the Wellington Phoenix produces a vintage performance.
An important appearance by the team draws fans from every corner of the Central Coast. The Asian Champions League tests the resolve of the playing roster while the Premiers Plate slips from the Mariners grasp. The final regular season game provides an important rehearsal for the finals series. Off the field, a payment delay puts pressure on the staff and players to pay the bills, while a change of ownership assists in settling the club mood. Despite the off field stresses, the team conquer the mighty Melbourne Victory which sends the Central Coast faithful into raptures. All attention turns to the Grand Final with the two of the nation’s best teams coming together for an epic showdown.
