Danny Vukovic is yet to decide if the Central Coast Mariners' grand final triumph was his final bow, but the veteran goalkeeper at least feels he has completed his own redemption arc.
Key points:
- Vukovic had previously received a red card during an A-League Men grand final
- The Mariners thrashed Melbourne City 6-1 on Saturday night
- Vukovic says the win "feels like a dream"
Fifteen years ago, Vukovic slapped referee Mark Shield's hand in the Mariners' grand final loss to the Newcastle Jets.
It was an embarrassing moment that earned him a straight red card and lengthy suspension, hurt his reputation and cost him a shot at the 2008 Olympics.
On Saturday night, after the Mariners thrashed Melbourne City 6-1 to claim their first A-League Men championship in 10 years to cap off Vukovic's return season, the captain could not help but relish the moment.
"I'm feeling really good," Vukovic said.
"I've had some heartbreak at this club and I've embarrassed this club in the past and this is a dream come true.
"I wanted to come back to the coast and be successful and 6-1, it feels like a dream.
"Honestly, everything kind of went right for us. But we deserved it.
"We played well, we grinded it out when we had to. It was ugly at times, but sometimes it has to be that way. Super proud of the boys."
Vukovic's 307 A-League Men matches include stints at the Mariners, Wellington Phoenix, Perth Glory, Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC.
He won a premiership-championship double with the Sky Blues in the 2016/17 season before heading to Europe.
But succeeding with the Mariners is a career highlight.
"It means so much," he said.
"They were close to folding a few years ago. A couple of wooden spoons there and a lot of disgruntled fans, and now we're here, champions of the A-League.
"The story behind the team it's just amazing."
AAP
Loading