After an arduous and gruelling season, it all comes down to 90 minutes, or more, to decide the champion of the Isuzu Ute A-League 2022/23 season.
Melbourne City versus Central Coast Mariners. One versus two.
Statistically and fittingly the two best teams are in the title decider and there's no surprises that a number of Subway Socceroos will be in action at CommBank Stadium on Saturday night. Six to be precise.
City accounted for Sydney FC, while the Mariners took care of business against Adelaide United in the semi-finals.
This is City's fourth successive Grand Final appearance and will be out for redemption after falling short last year, having claimed the honours in 2021. For the Mariners, this is there first trip to the bid dance in 10 years.
In the two previous meetings, little has separated them. City recorded a narrow 1-0 win thanks to Jamie Maclaren's close-range finish in scorching conditions at AAMI Park, before both teams played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in Gosford with Jordan Bos dispatching a sensational strike.
The Final - Saturday, 3 June - 7:45 PM AEST
Jamie Maclaren and Jason Cummings have been talismanic for their particular teams this season, finishing one and two in the Golden Boot race respectively.
Maclaren has scored 24 goals, while Cummings found the net on 17 occasions including this finals series.
Maclaren was on target in that first meeting back in December who became and months later would break the all-time A-League Men's scoring record.
Both will be expected to lead the line and incorporate other players into the game, while equally possessing excellent poaching instincts inside the box.
Mathew Leckie scored seven goals and was arguably one of the favourites for the Johnny Warren Medal before a hamstring injury forced him to miss an extended period.
Fellow teammate Marco Tilio has enjoyed his most productive season to date and will aiming to continue his rich vein of form, reaching 10 goals and amassing five assists in 2022/23.
Jordan Bos' exemplary performances has earned him a move to Belgian outfit KVC Westerlo, reportedly breaking the previous transfer record involving an Australian club set by Zeljko Kalac in 1995.
The 20-year-old enjoyed a breakout year and boasts strong defensive attributes and explosiveness going forward, making him a threat in advanced areas. This term he grabbed two goals and three assists.
Aiden O'Neill, the metronome in midfield has controlled the tempo for City all season and like Bos his immense displays saw him receive his maiden cap for the Subway Socceroos. O'Neill has four goals and three assists in 26 matches.
Subway Olyroos
Central Coast Mariners: Nectarios Triantis, Jacob Farrell
Melbourne City: Callum Talbot
Subway Joeys
Central Coast Mariners: Miguel Di Pizio