Is there a more famous Hyundai A-League game than the 2010/11 Grand Final?
Ahead of Central Coast Mariners’ clash with Brisbane Roar in Gosford on Saturday, we’re looking back on their most memorable meeting of all.
Ange Postecoglou’s side had broken records and set new standards in sweeping to a maiden premiership and a debut decider at a heaving Suncorp Stadium.
But the visitors, intent on erasing the pain of two previous Grand Final defeats, forced an even contest into extra-time, where Adam Kwasnik stunned the 50,000 in attendance by poking home from a corner.
Kwasnik was involved again when Oliver Bozanic capped off a counter-attack to further punish an increasingly desperate Roar, putting Graham Arnold’s underdogs into a 2-0 lead that looked sure to be enough.
Postecoglou’s men had made a habit of late comebacks, however, and this was to be their most incredible yet.
Henrique cut the deficit with a side-footed finish at the end of a flowing move, setting the scene for Erik Paartalu to plant home his towering 120th minute header from Thomas Broich’s in-swinging corner.
Brisbane rode the wave of emotion throughout the ensuing shootout and converted their first three attempts, before Michael Theo’s superb twin saves from Daniel McBreen and Pedj Bojic enabled fan favourite Henrique to stroke home the decisive spot-kick.
Re-live all the drama of this epic in the video player above!
