Central Coast defender Nathan Paull believes the time is now to cement his spot in the Mariners’ starting XI and to shine in 2025, after scoring his first-ever goal in the Isuzu UTE A-League to earn his side a point in a 1-1 draw with Melbourne City on Tuesday night.
Paull’s 68th-minute header brought the Mariners back into the New Year’s Eve contest at Industree Group Stadium and from there, he helped the hosts shut out City for the remainder of the game and collect a point in their final game of a memorable 2024 for the club.
MATCH REPORT: Mariners ride wave of momentum to earn a point in comeback draw with City
Paull made 12 appearances for the Mariners in 2023-24 but his debut Isuzu UTE A-League season was spent largely on the fringes as he watched Brian Kaltak and Dan Hall form a formidable central defensive partnership en route to an historic trophy treble.
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Having watched the likes of Hall and Nectar Triantis turn into dominant defenders at the club in recent years, the 21-year-old says the moment has arrived for him to emulate their successes – and with Socceroo Trent Sainsbury and Vanuatu international Kaltak to learn off, there’s no better place for the young defender to develop than at the Mariners.
“Having Trent back is obviously massive,” Paull told Network 10 after the 1-1 draw.
“He’s a big player, we’re learning a lot from him so it’s good – but it’s about the young players stepping up as well when the time is needed and I feel like I’ve done that tonight.
“I learned a lot from last year. I got to play here and there, and travel through Asia, but now I feel like it’s my year. I’m ready to take the opportunity.
“Last year I might have let it slip a little bit and fair play to Hally (Dan Hall), he’s unbelievable – and what a guy too. But this year, I’m doing good and I’m feeling ready.”
Paull didn’t play in Round 1 but has featured in all nine of Central Coast’s fixtures since this season, and has made eight starts – two more than he made all season in 2023-24.
His first A-Leagues goal in his 21st league appearance was the equaliser against City after Samuel Souprayen’s opener in the New Year’s Eve clash.
MATCH REPORT: Mariners ride wave of momentum to earn a point in comeback draw with City
