Central Coast coach Warren Moon has been praised for creating a strong “culture” at the Mariners that has helped put them in contention to play finals football this season.
Unbeaten in their past eight A-League games, the sixth-placed Mariners meet fellow finals contenders Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park on Saturday.
A Mariners win would move them to within two points of Victory and further establish their finals credentials.
Central Coast’s resurgence has come after a difficult start to the season following the departure of previous coach Mark Jackson, who left a week before the club’s 2025-26 A-League campaign began.
Former Brisbane coach Moon was appointed amid turmoil over the club’s ownership and the presence of unofficial football director Labinot Haliti, who had been involved in a power struggle with title-winning mentor Jackson.
However, Moon’s stature has grown as the season has progressed, with Haliti’s departure after the Australian Professional Leagues took control of the club in January giving the ex-Roar boss further control of the team.
Mariners attacker Ali Auglah, who joined the Mariners in January from NPL NSW club Sydney Olympic, credited Moon for uniting a squad that now contained a blend of fresh faces and established players.
“Since we’ve come in, the new boys, and the older boys that have been at the club for a longer time, I feel like he (Moon) has managed to create a good culture between us,” Auglah said.
“He has given us the confidence to be able to build as a team, and the boys being together, and managing our lifestyles together, has made us much closer.
“I hope we keep moving forward and keep getting three points. It’s a key three points this week.”
Moon’s future at the Mariners beyond this season is uncertain, with the APL set to appoint new club owners – most likely to be English Championship club Queens Park Rangers – by the end of the month.
