KEEPUP followed along LIVE to bring you all the goals, highlights, up to date scores and biggest talking points from the 2023 Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final between Melbourne City and Central Coast Mariners.
You couldn’t script a better “last dance” if you tried.
In what was his final game in a Central Coast Mariners jersey – confirming as much to Network 10 before the game – Jason Cummings fired home a hat-trick to help his side to a resounding 6-1 victory over Melbourne City in the 2023 Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final.
Cummings opened the scoring before half-time and fired home two penalties to put the result beyond doubt, and take his tally to 20 goals for the campaign – which is the most goals from a Mariners player in a single season – surpassing Daniel McBreen’s record of 19 in the 2012/13 season.
The Socceroos striker also helped himself to an assist for Sammy Silvera, which doubled the Mariners’ lead. His performance was capped off by winning the Joe Marston Medal for best afield.
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The Mariners striker – who is set to depart the club in the off-season reportedly for Indian Super League side Mohun Bagan – reflected on the win and his incredible career turnaround since joining the club in January 2022.
“The last dance, man,” Cummings told Network 10.
“I don’t know what happened. We just beat a great team, 6-1 but I’m not surprised. the team we have got, the hunger, the boys, the togetherness, the family, the gaffer, Serge. Wow what. a journey man.
“I have been here a year and a half and the gaffer changed my life. My career was spiralling out of control and I’ve come here and I’ve just fell in love with the coast man. Best team, wow. I’m lost for words.”
Cummings arrived in Gosford mid-way through last season, with his career at a crossroads following being released by Scottish Premier League side Dundee due to disciplinary reasons.
Since arriving, Cummings has scored 31 goals in 50 games in all competitions, earned a Socceroos debut and a place in their 2022 FIFA World Cup squad, and now a Championship to cap it all off.
The star striker thanked his teammates and coach Nick Montgomery, who helped him rediscover his best football over the last year and a half.
READ: The full story of how Jason Cummings turned his career around in Australia
“I can’t thank them enough,” he said.
“On the pitch, off the pitch. I’ve never experienced anything like it in my life… On the pitch, the belief, I’ve never had a manager believe in me like that. I’m just glad I repaid them today, hat-trick in the Grand Final and we are going to party tonight.”
