The Central Coast Mariners have confirmed the re-signing of injured defender Antony Golec until at least the end of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season.

The imposing-centre-back quickly became a fan favourite at the Central Coast Mariners in his first season with the club, forming a formidable partnership with Captain Alan Baro in the heart of the Mariners’ defence.

At 27-years-of-age, Golec has 81 Hyundai A-League appearances to his name and made 22 appearances with the Mariners this season.

The defender returned to Australia after plying his trade abroad with FC Sheriff Tiraspol (Moldovan National Division), Persepolis FC (Persian Gulf Pro League) & Bucheon FC 1995 (K League Challenge).

Golec commenced his European adventure in 2016 where he signed with Sheriff Tiraspol to play in the club’s Championship winning season and qualification to the UEFA Champions League playoffs.

Currently on the road to recovery after fracturing his tibial plateau in March, Golec is motivated to return for round one of the 2018/19 season and spoke about a sense of ‘unfinished business’ with the Mariners.

“I’m very happy,” Golec said. “Unfortunately, last season didn’t go the way we wanted it to go but on a personal level I felt like I built a strong platform to move forward in the future with the club and I honestly couldn’t imagine playing for another club this season.

“I’ve got unfinished business with the Mariners and I want to achieve something with the club and the fans.

“With Mike coming in, we’ve all heard great things. It’s always exciting when a new coach comes in. When I met with Mike, he was very adamant that next season will be a big season for us, he has big plans for the club and I really want to be a part of that.



“I want to win, I want to win things with the Mariners and share that with the fans, so for me it was a pretty easy decision to stay. To win something with the boys here and celebrate with the fans would be very special. Last season was a tough one for them but they still supported us week-in-week-out regardless so the big motivation for us next season will be to do it for them – give them what they deserve.

“[with my injury] I’m unsure when I’ll be back, but of course I am putting my hand up for round one. There’s a chance I could be back training with the boys in August/September, but I am just going to take my time and not rush anything. If I need more time, I will take it because I want to make sure I am 100% ready to put on that Mariners jersey and give it my all,” Golec said.

Head Coach, Mike Mulvey credited Golec’s leadership qualities and commitment to the Central Coast Mariners.



“We’re rapt that Antony has finally found his football “home” on the Central Coast,” Mulvey said. “He’s embraced this club, this community and what it means to be a leader. He wants to set an example for others to follow.

“He’s been in the A-League for a decade now and turns 28 next month, which means he is coming into his prime years as a defender. We want to build a defence around him and we'll be looking for him to lead from the back,” Mulvey said.

Central Coast Mariners Squad

Goalkeepers: Adam PEARCE, Ben KENNEDY

Defenders: Alan BARO, Antony GOLEC, Jake McGING, Kye ROWLES

Midfielders: Adam BERRY, Wout BRAMA, Tom HIARIEJ, Jacob MELLING, Danny De SILVA

Attackers: Trent BUHAGIAR, Andrew HOOLE, Connor PAIN