SUCCESS always comes at a price and for Central Coast Mariners that price is about to become apparent. This weekend, the transfer window opens and most of the squad is up for grabs. The Mariners are at the top of the pile and shortening favourites for a maiden championship with a squad which, collectively, is the lowest paid in the league. No wonder the phone line to Gosford is ringing hot.

In years gone by, the Mariners were proudly the league's most unfashionable team. Players other clubs didn't want were moulded into a fighting unit by a coach, Lawrie McKinna, who wore the underdog tag like a badge of honour. But things have changed under Graham Arnold. Suddenly, the Mariners are, yep, fashionable.

Playing sophisticated football. And don't the fans know it ... Central Coast Mariners. Credit:Getty Images

The football is more sophisticated and so are the players. Virtually the entire first XI is in demand. From the oldest player, Patrick Zwaanswijk, to the youngest, Mustafa Amini. The latter is off to the Bundesliga midyear, but the club must make sure the recent departure of top-scorer Matt Simon doesn't herald a mass exodus.

Pick a player and you can bet he's fielding an offer right now. The challenge for the Mariners is a new one. To compete in the transfer market rather than simply observe it. It's a ruthless business - even contracted players such as Bernie Ibini-Isei and Alex Wilkinson are vulnerable to approaches, as recent events have shown. Every man has his price and but what price are the Mariners prepared to pay?