A massive F3 Derby against Newcastle Jets to open the season, four huge home games before Christmas, a spectacular New Year’s Eve clash with Melbourne City, and 13 home games in total locked in at Our Paradise.
The 2026/27 Isuzu Ute A-League Men’s season will kick off at polytec Stadium on Saturday 17 October when the resurgent Central Coast Mariners under returning legend John Hutchinson take to the pitch against the Jets.
We’ll go right through to Saturday 8 May for Round 28 when the Mariners host Macarthur FC at home.
The Australian Professional Leagues released the draw for the new A-League season today and the countdown is now on to opening weekend of October 15-17.
See the full Central Coast Mariners draw at www.aleagues.com.au
The mighty Mariners have announced several new signings and scholarship players ahead of the 2026/27 A-League season under head coach John Hutchinson. The new additions include:
• Noah McCann: A 20-year-old Scotland youth international central defender who joined from English Championship side Queens Park Rangers (QPR);
• Kristian Popovic: A 24-year-old midfielder who previously played for Macarthur FC and Perth Glory;
• Max Naylor: An 18-year-old forward who progressed through the Perth Glory Academy;
• Shumba Mutokoyi: A 17-year-old academy defender who has signed a senior scholarship contract with the club.
The Mariners have has also focused on retaining key young talent, securing contract extensions for Diesel Herrington, Storm Roux, and Oliver Lavale.
Keep abreast of the Central Coast Mariners Official Website www.ccmariners.com.au for the latest updates as the club continues its roster build under the new ownership of Total Soccer Growth Holdings (TSG).
The international consortium officially assumed operational control of the club from the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) on 1 July 2026.
TSG is a privately-owned international sports business best known as the majority shareholder of English Championship side Queens Park Rangers (QPR) and for an investment stake in Major League Soccer (MLS) club Los Angeles FC (LAFC).
The new ownership model provides exciting new pathways both to and from the Mariners for player recruitment, as well as providing stability for the Mariners.
Club legend John Hutchinson has been involved with the Central Coast Mariners for a total of 13 non-consecutive years, spanning his time as a record-breaking player and assistant coach, and culminating in his current role as the club’s Head Coach.
He was a player between 2005 and 2015), initially joining the club in its inaugural A-League season. Over 10 years, he made a club-record 271 appearances in all competitions. He captained the team for three years and led them to their first A-League Championship in 2013.
After retiring in 2015, he immediately transitioned into coaching as the Mariners’ assistant manager for the 2015/16 season. Following successful coaching stints in the MLS, J-League, and elsewhere, he has returned to Gosford to take over as the club’s Head Coach on a two-year deal.
Bring on the new A-League season. All roads lead to polytec Stadium. Let’s go Mariners!
