Friday, April 19, 2013

Western Sydney's Ante Covic and Centra Coast's Daniel McBreen are at the ... - Perth Now



Daniel McBreen


Central Coast Mariners striker Daniel McBreen is in top form. Picture: Liam Driver Source: The Daily Telegraph




THEY have been the best players in their respective positions this season, but for evergreen pair Ante Covic and Daniel McBreen there can only be one winner in tomorrow's A-League grand final at Allianz Stadium.



Unwanted by Melbourne Victory at the end of the 2011-12 season, veteran custodian Covic found some well-deserved love at competition newcomers Western Sydney Wanderers.


The move has paid dividends for the 37-year-old former Socceroos gloveman, who was this week named goalkeeper of the year.


While Covic has been instrumental in stopping goals, Mariners marksman McBreen has been lethal in scoring them.


The former North Queensland Fury striker, 36 on Tuesday, found the back of the net 17 times during the regular season to secure the Golden Boot.


McBreen has already added one more in the finals series and intends to score another tomorrow when the Mariners attempt to finally win a decider at their fourth attempt.


"I had a couple of injuries when I was around 30 and had two years out where I didn't play too much football; maybe that's added a coupe of years to the end of my career, I'm not sure," McBreen said in trying to explain his golden season.


"I'm just enjoying it. Whenever you speak to players who have been around for a while, one of the main things they say is you've got to start enjoying it and you realise to go out and enjoy every day.


"Sometimes you do think you're 16 again and carry on like a fool, but ... that's what it's all about."


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Covic had similar sentiments about how much nowadays he looked forward to every match.


"I've been very happy with my form this season and I've loved every minute of it," he said.


"Over the last few years, I've improved every season, regardless of my age. I've got huge belief in myself. I've got a lot of confidence, physically I'm in fantastic shape and I love the game."


Covic added he had nothing to prove to the Victory this season.


"I'm not here to show them that they made the wrong choice," he said.


"When I left Victory, I knew that something more was going to come around. I'm so glad that it's come at Western Sydney Wanderers."


Perhaps it is an omen, but of McBreen's favourite two goals this season, one was among the brace he put past Covic in the Mariners' 2-0 win over the Wanderers at Parramatta Stadium on January 6.


"It was such a good game and a good atmosphere," McBreen said.


"But I'm not bothered if it's me to score the winner (tomorrow) or the other boys. "The fans have gone through a lot of heartache over the years, so to do it for them and everyone associated with the club would be great."



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