As the camera zoomed in on the few hundred Auckland FC fans in the away bay for Saturday night’s Semi-Final at AAMI Park, two members of the travelling support stood out from the rest.
Dancing and chanting in the front row along with the Auckland fans were two fans dressed not in the colours of the Black Knights, but in the yellow and blue of the Central Coast Mariners.
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Having travelled to Melbourne for Sunday’s Ninja A-League Women Grand Final, where the Mariners are set to face off with Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park, the two Central Coast supporters crossed paths with members of the Auckland travelling support at a Melbourne pub in the hours before kick-off.
They were invited along to support the Black Knights against Victory’s men’s side, ahead of watching the Mariners take on Victory in Sunday’s Ninja A-League title decider.
Network 10’s pitchside reporter Niav Owens told the full story on Saturday night’s telecast, while vision of the two Mariners fans jumping with the Auckland crowd played on screen.
“It is an incredible atmosphere here at AAMI Park – added to by the Auckland fans in the corner here as well,” Owens said.
“(There are) a couple of hundred… but you can see there are a couple of Central Coast Mariners jerseys as well.
“They met the Mariners drummer who was in town ahead of the A-League Women’s Grand Final tomorrow afternoon, in the pub just a couple of hours ago. They were invited along to join the Auckland crew for this one and they are here making their voices heard (tonight), and they’ll be back here tomorrow arvo as well.
“Fantastic,” replied commentator Robbie Thomson.
“Nothing like a common enemy to bring people together! Great to see.”
The Ninja A-League Grand Final kicks off TOMORROW!
Melbourne Victory host Central Coast Mariners at AAMI Park in the Ninja A-League Women title decider on Sunday, May 18.
Catch up with all the pre-game build-up below, as well as everything you need to know before kick-off, including broadcast and ticket details.
How to watch?
The Ninja A-League 2025 Grand Final will be shown live on 10 Bold from 2:30pm AEST on Sunday May 18 and available to stream across 10 Play and Paramount+.
For New Zealand viewers, every match of the Ninja A-League Finals Series is available live on Sky Sport and streamed on Sky Sport Now.
Keep up to date with everything you need to know ahead of the Ninja A-League Grand Final by following the A-Leagues on social media:
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Melbourne Victory v Central Coast Mariners – Ninja A-League Grand Final
Sunday, May 18 – AAMI Park – Kick-off 3.15pm AEST
MATCH CENTRE | GET TICKETS | HOW TO WATCH
PRE-GAME READING
GRAND FINAL PREVIEW: Coach’s ‘risky’ XI call in play as ultimate wildcard looms
TAYLOR RAY’S GRAND FINAL MIRACLE: I needed surgery but got the all clear to ‘f****** send it’
STATS DIVE: Is this the best Melbourne Victory team ever assembled? There’s one thing left to do to prove it
KAYLA MORRISON: My Grand Final moment was taken from me by the universe. This year, I’m going to be that person
MATILDAS CALL-UP: Grand Final star completes dream comeback as Matildas reveal latest squad
SARAH ROWE: Why Sunday’s GF is a two-part reunion for multi-sport Mariner: ‘I couldn’t have imagined it’
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