It is a modern Mariner
And he stoppeth regu’ly
By the stadium on the waterfront
At one end lined with trees.
His club they’ve made their sales pitch grand
“This year we will be back!
We’ve got the Dutch to plug the holes
And the Spaniards like bulls will attack”.
He’s doubtful from experience
But hope flickers like a candle
That this year might be different
Or at least easier to handle.
But woe is he, for Bluetongue’s view
Is still the only pleasure…
Reliably found in Gosford
Week on week – they bow to pressure.
For first they strike and all is right
But when they must stand ground
The skill and structure vanish
Leaders nowhere to be found.
He loves his team – they’re not to blame
The owner must invest!
Selling all your talent
Is no way to be the best.
And at least self-pity’s always fun
“They’re so incompetent
The one who shows the most spirit
Is our mascot condiment!”
Who at the FFA
Thought 7:50 on a Sunday
Was any time to hold a match?
Good governance? Maybe one day.
But patience is a virtue
The good old days have to come back
Till then, suffice do memories:
Arnold, Rogic, Jedinak.
He goes like one that hath been jaded
And is of success bereft
But of loyalty and heart
He has plenty left.

About Alex Darling
Melbourne-born, Horsham-based footy fan. Lover of the Saints, classic rock guitar and good writing on each of these topics.
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The sauce bottles are mentioned so this truly is a fine work of Central Coast Mariners prose.
He goes like one that hath been jaded
And is of success bereft
But of loyalty and heart
He has plenty left.
Beautiful work. And glad you had plenty left!