The Central Coast Mariners have claimed the ALW title for the first time in a grand final epic

The Central Coast Mariners have claimed the A-League Women’s title for the first time, after a first ever decider penalty shoot out to produce a grand final epic for the ages.

Central Coast Mariners celebrate after winning a penalty shoot out to win the A-League Women's Grand Final. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

Central Coast Mariners have won their first A-Leagues Women’s Grand final in a 5-4 penalty shootout against Melbourne Victory- but it wasn’t without controversy.

The teams couldn’t be split after 120 minutes of football despite Victory firing in 30 shots to Mariners 15- sending the game to a penalty shootout for the first time in the league’s history.

Victory were first to kick and Alanna Jancevski stepped up to take it.

She is regarded as a penalty queen but nerves or adrelaline got the better of her and she sent the ball into the crossbar.

Pressure was on teenage prodigy Tiana Fuller who was first to the dot for Mariners. She coolly converted.

Central Coast Mariners are champions for the first time. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

When Bianca Galic stepped up for her shot for Mariners it was 4-4- she had to score to secure the NSW outfit their first league trophy.

Galic was clearly up for the task- sending it flying straight down the middle. Victory keeper Courtney Newbon got a hand on it but not enough to keep the ball out of the net.

It could have had a very different ending had the referee not missed Mariners Taylor Ray handball in the box in the third minute of extra time.

It is the second time in as many weeks Mariners have benefited from a referring error- with Isabel Gomez’s match winning goal last week allowed despite being clearly offside.

But as Emily Gielnik said post match- that is just how football works.

Beautiful scenes ❤️

This is the moment @CCMariners were crowned champions of the Ninja A-League for the first time.#MVCvCCMpic.twitter.com/SnrT1RHCRc

— Ninja A-League (@aleaguewomen) May 18, 2025

“Honestly, when it hit her hand, I already envisioned myself scoring the penalty,” Gielnik said.

“That’s how clear it was to me, just as clear as the offside was last week. It’s just, you know, sorry to bring it up, but that’s the game we play in a world without VAR.”

It had been a dramatic game of football before extra time hit.

Mariners were first to score with player of the match Gomez chipping Newbon.

Just as it looked like Mariners would be celebrating Victory ruined their party- with Claudia Bunge equalising with an impressive header in the 80th minute. Neither team could break the deadlock despite Victory having 30 shots to Mariners 15.

GOMEZ A STAR

Gomez, named player of the match, was a star for Mariners.

She broke the deadlock scoring the all important first goal- this time making sure she was onside.

And she did it in front of Sam Kerr who was in the crowd as a special guest to watch as her new Matildas team mate scored the goal.

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS STRIKE FIRST IN THE GRAND FINAL 🌴🔥👊

Semi-Final hero Isabel Gomez pounces ONE MINUTE into the 2nd half!

WOW.

Watch #MVCvCCM live now on 10 Bold, 10 Play & Paramount+. pic.twitter.com/0vwiy6aGlF

— Ninja A-League (@aleaguewomen) May 18, 2025

Even Gielnik couldn’t fault her efforts.

“ I saw Izzy crying and went over to give her a hug,” Gielnik said.

“ I said enjoy that first cap when you wear that green and gold jersey (for the Matilda’s). I said, you deserve it.

“Embrace it and enjoy every minute, because you’ve had a hell of a season.

“You give credit where credit’s due.

I’m getting older and wiser and I love making people feel good, and she’s deserved it, but I also, know how excited she must feel and I know I’m still longing for that excitement.

“It never gets old wearing that jersey.”

Originally published as The Central Coast Mariners have claimed the ALW title for the first time in a grand final epic