From ruptured ACL to AFC champion, but Mariners rookie Bradley Tapp has more to do

A Central Coast Mariners’ rookie has achieved things just this season that most don’t in their entire playing careers, but he isn’t finished yet.

Bradley Tapp has made himself a central part of the Central Coast Mariners’ treble chasing campaign. Picture: Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

A-League's rookie Bradley Tapp has achieved things some of the league’s veterans can only dream - but he isn’t finished yet – with all focus on helping Central Coast Mariners lift the championship trophy.

Tapp, 23, was originally due to break into the A-League last season but a horror ACL injury forced him to delay it.

The Central Coast Mariners academy product was playing in the NPL grand final in 2022 when he felt a pop.

“I was in the academy for three and a half years, and then the 2022/23 season I signed a scholarship deal with the club and unfortunately about two weeks into my contract I ruptured my ACL,” Tapp said.

“It was the fourth minute of the grand final, I landed and twisted awkwardly and felt a little pop in my knee. I wanted to carry on, but 10 minutes later when I tried to pivot I had no stability there and collapsed.

“It was an emotional day for me that day.”

The goal of playing in the A-League kept Tapp motivated.

“The rehab was tough at times, especially the first three months when you’re stuck in a brace and you’ve just had surgery and seeing all the boys flourish last year, winning the championship – it really motivated me to come back stronger,” the midfielder said.

“That is what I set my mind to, every day it was how can I improve myself so that when I came back I had no doubts in the back of my mind.”

While the staff played a vital role in his rehab Tapp said he wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support of his family and his girlfriend.

“My family has sacrificed so much for me, especially going through my injury, they’ve been my rock,” Tapp said.

“My girlfriend and her family, especially her mum, they’ve given me a place to stay when I was earning little or no money, they’ve helped out so much.

“I’m just so grateful for everyone around me.”

Bradley Tapp was driven by the goal of playing in the A-League. Picture: Getty Images

Perth’s Jacob Muir and Central Coast’s Bradley Tapp compete for the ball. Picture: Getty Images

Tapp never dreamt his season would unfold the way it has.

Going into the season his goal had been to make 10 appearances.

“I just wanted to get minutes and start to break my way into the team,” Tapp said.

“To start 11 games before playing the finals and playing 15 in the league is just unbelievable, I still can’t believe it.”

On top of that Tapp played in nine of the AFC matches, including starting in the final in Oman earlier this week.

But with the first of their two-legged semi-final against rivals Sydney FC on Friday night Tapp said there hadn’t really been a great deal of time to actually process what he and the team had achieved.

“I haven’t really stopped to take a breath yet, or take it in, I’m just going to keep pushing myself to new heights,” he said.

“At the moment we are looking for that third trophy, we really want the treble. After the season is done we can go back and look at all the achievements and really celebrate.”

Sydney FC are the only team to have beaten Central Coast twice this season.

But confidence is a dangerous thing in finals football and it is something the Mariners have plenty of.

Mariners rookie Bradley Tapp overcame a horror ACL injury to play his way into a season in which the club has lifted two trophies. Picture: Getty Images

“(Sydney FC) have had some good results against us this year and they are a very well structured team but we believe with the quality we have and the way we play, if we tweak a few things and stick to our plan that no one can beat us,” Tapp said.

“It’s going to be a challenge, they are a tough opponent, but we are a quality side who can get the job done.”

Sydney certainly has an advantage – having not had to travel to Oman and back midweek.

Tapp said after a full on season with plenty of mid week trips all around Asia the squad was used to the tight turn arounds and jet lag.

“We are going to go out there and play to our strengths, play to our processes and make sure we get the job done,” Tapp said.

“We’ve got this far.”

Tapp said one of their secrets to success was the culture at the club, particularly through the academy.

Bradley Tapp credits some of the Mariners’ success with the ‘no d***heads policy’ employed by the club’s academies. Picture: Getty Images

“We have this policy (at the academy) – no di**heads, everyone gets along with each other, everyone wants the best for each other and that’s the way it has been since day one,” Tapp said.

“It has seen a lot of us boys go through together, there were 10 of us in the AFC Cup final that had played NPL, so that just shows the development path and that the club is doing it right.”

Tapp said he will embrace the mix of nerves and excitement leading into Friday’s clash with Sydney.

The midfielder grew up in Sydney but has always supported the Mariners.

“This is my first finals series, it’s something you look forward to when you watch it on TV as a kid – thinking about the pressure, the rewards,” he said.

“I can’t wait for that. Playing in the finals in the Asian Cup has given me a taste for it – I already want more.”

Sydney FC host Central Coast Mariners at Allianz Stadium at 7.45pm on Friday.

Originally published as From ruptured ACL to AFC champion, but Mariners rookie Bradley Tapp has more to do