Central Coast skipper Alex Wilkinson makes his 100th appearance for the Mariners on Friday night, but the defender has not got the personal milestone on his mind.
The durable central defender said getting three vital competition points is more important than reaching the century mark for the Mariners.
Central Coast is clinging to fourth place on goal difference and needs a victory against arch-rivals Newcastle at EnergyAustralia Stadium on Friday night.
Victory will have the Mariners safely in the top four, while defeat could see the team slip to as low as sixth place.
“Reaching 100 for the one club is an honour and it’s something I’m proud of,” Wilkinson said.
“But I haven’t thought about it too much this week. We’re more focused on beating Newcastle, it’s a massive game for us.”
“It (reaching 100 games) is something I’ll look back on down the track. The most important thing about this week is winning.”
Wilkinson took over from Noel Spencer as Mariners captain near the end of the second Hyundai A-League season and has been one of the club’s most consistent performers.
His form this year, especially in the past six weeks, has been outstanding.
The Mariners have been hot and cold in recent weeks but will need to be switched on against the Jets.
Central Coast is coming off a disappointing defeat in New Zealand, while Newcastle turned in a confidence-boosting performance against Melbourne.
“No matter where the teams are on the ladder it’s always a tough match against Newcastle,” Wilkinson said.
