After 27 games of blood, sweat and agony, the Illawarra's finest crop of footballers will get their shot at A-League immortality when the finals kick off this weekend.
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Wollongong-born Mariners striker Mile Sterjovski is sure to make his mark and should inspire his Central Coast side in his final season as a professional.
The Socceroos legend will call time on a memorable career at season's end and will be hoping to depart the game with a winner's medal around his neck.
His Mariners - which also feature Justin Pasfield - have to deal with a midweek match in the Asian Champions League but should be buoyed by the prospect of going back-to-back.
Standing in their way this week is an Adelaide United outfit which is sure to throw a cat among the pigeons.
Reds gaffer Josep Gombau took a while to get settled in the A-League but eventually got his side playing the exciting brand of football he had hoped for.
If they can play up to that standard they'll be a knockout hope to claim their first finals crown.
In the harbour city, Sydney FC will have a tough time winning their third title but, with Alessandro Del Piero on their side, anything can happen.
Illawarra talents Corey Gameiro, Pedj Bojic, Aaron Calver and Matt Jurman have all suited up for the Sky Blues this campaign and, as one of my old clubs, I will be desperately hoping they can pull off a surprise.
They face the other dark horse of the finals, the Melbourne Victory.
World beaters one week and pedestrian the next, the Victory's unpredictability makes them a sure finals threat if they are on song.
But a short back-up from tonight's Champions League game to Friday's final with Sydney could prevent them from progressing any further.
Brisbane and the Western Sydney Wanderers are set to take the week off courtesy of their one-two finish.
They will however keep one eye on the weekend's games as they await their opponents.
The Roar are worthy title favourites after claiming the regular season crown by 10 points and have a wealth of experience around finals time.
The added bonus of not having an Asian Champions League campaign to worry about ensures Mike Mulvey's squad will be firing on all cylinders when they get their chance at Suncorp Stadium in a fortnight.
Their notable challenger will be the Brendon Santalab-led Wanderers, who will be better for the experience of last season's grand final loss.
However, they also have their own Champions League destiny on the line.