If the Central Coast Mariners hope to be the heroes of an Australian football fairy tale, then Scott Jamieson is more than happy for Melbourne City to be the villains who send the story off-script.
The retirement-bound City skipper has a second Premiership-Championship double and team dynasty in his sights ahead of Saturday’s Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final, billed as a David v Goliath-style showdown.
BUY TICKETS TO THE GRAND FINAL
BUY TICKETS TO THE GRAND FINAL
When asked about the prospect of shooting Bambi, that is, spoiling the Mariners’ fairy tale, Jamieson had no qualms about playing antagonist.
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“If we have to take down Bambi, so be it,” he told AAP.
“I could not care less.”
The Mariners and head coach Nick Montgomery have deservedly earned plaudits for securing a top-two berth with a squad primarily comprised of former academy players.
In their first Grand Final since triumphing in 2012-13, Central Coast will face a trophy-laden City squad packed with current and former Socceroos at CommBank Stadium on Saturday night.
“You have to give them credit for the season they’ve had, they’ve done really well,” Jamieson said.
“I don’t buy in to the whole budget stuff – it’s a salary-capped league, albeit there’s marquees outside it.
“They’ve done really well and they’ve earned the shot to compete in the final game and in the times we’ve played them they’ve been really good games.
“But those previous encounters won’t count for anything. It’ll be about who’s the best team on the Saturday night and who’s the team that handles the moments better.”
It’s this competitiveness that has defined Jamieson’s tenure as City captain and transformed the club from underachievers to a behemoth.
The City skipper has also dealt with a personally challenging campaign.
Twenty-year-old sensation Jordan Bos’ incredible rise has included dislodging Jamieson from left-back.
Vidosic told AAP the skipper had handled his situation “like a true professional gentleman”, with Jamieson prepared to play as a centre-back, defensive midfielder, or lead from the bench.
“If I was a younger version of me, it would have been a massive ego blow,” Jamieson said.
“But the 34-year-old me understands that things happen in football and it was not down to my bad form or anything.
“It started with me filling in to play centre-back because we were missing our centre-backs against Western United in the first game of the season and Jordy running with it and doing super well.
“I’ll never begrudge someone playing superbly and that’s what Jordy’s done. It’s clear to see with making his Socceroos debut and getting a transfer overseas he’s had a fantastic season.
“I’ve just had to adapt to the role that I’ve had to play and that’s coming on or starting in different positions – I’ve been happy to do that.”
Jamieson will join Vidosic’s coaching staff when he finishes up.
But first, he is ready to lead on the field one last time.
“The reason you play is ultimately to have fun, to compete and to win trophies,” he said.
“I never take it for granted.”
