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Back with a bang ... the Mariners have put their rivals on notice. Source: Paul Miller / AAP
What's the best response to losing your A-League ladder lead?
Belt six past the next best rival, return to the spot you believe is rightfully yours, before issuing the challenge to Western Sydney Wanderers: come and get us.
Central Coast Mariners were scintillating against Melbourne Victory on Saturday night, with the likes of Bernie Ibini, Mitchell Duke and Nick Montgomery running with purpose and pace that Ange Postecoglou's side couldn't contain as the match went on.
But a secret to the Mariners' success could lie at the feet of a diminutive Kiwi, now enjoying an extended run in his favourite position, as an underrated replacement for prodigal sons Tom Rogic and Mustafa Amini, who have played in the attacking midfielder role in recent seasons.
Enter Michael McGlinchey – scorer of a gorgeous hat-trick against Victory, which you can watch at the top of the page.
McGlinchey laid on one assist and scored three times with his only three shots of the match as the 26-year-old New Zealand international put on a masterclass at Bluetongue Stadium.
Shane Smeltz – his national team colleague – believes the Mariners have unleashed a secret weapon.
"I know Mickey loves to play in the middle and maybe he'll get bit more of an opportunity to do that now and show his true colours," Smeltz told foxsports.com.au.
"We've seen with last night's game and maybe with Rogic gone now, maybe that's the role for him to fill – be a bit more creative going forward, whereas before you've had Rogic there and (Michael) sitting a bit deeper or wider."
While the Mariners' lack of a finals x-factor has been questioned, Smeltz has nominated his countryman to fill the void.
"What you're seeing this season is he's added goals to his game, which has been great," Smeltz said.
"It's great for him, Central Coast Mariners and great for New Zealand's national team. With the games we've got coming up, it's good to see him, and others, hitting form. The more Kiwis firing, the better!"
While Arnold was annoyed at conceding two against the Victory, the truth is that the home side schooled the visitors in the latter stages.
"It was a phenomenal performance," Craig Moore said on Sunday Shootout. "Every time they looked to attack they looked like scoring goals – they could have got double figures!
"I really like Michael McGlinchey – a really clever player. They've got a good balance across the field. On the back of a bad performance, what a great way to see your team bounce back."
Mark Bosnich, however, had stern words for their finals rivals, Victory.
"Melbourne Victory were pretty much pathetic," he said. "They've got a major job next week - a massive test of the players and the coaching staff, coming back from losses like this."
While the Victory pick up the pieces, the Mariners can bounce into a big week in their season – an AFC Champions League clash with Suwon Bluewings before the much anticipated Premiers' Plate showdown against the Wanderers.
Smeltz explains why McGlinchey provides the Mariners with a player that Duke, Ibini and Daniel McBreen can thrive alongside.
"He's someone always a pleasure to play with. He can see your runs.
"And you also know when you get the ball to him, he's going to keep the ball.
"That, for me, is his biggest asset. He rarely turns the ball over."
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The man to fill Rogic's shoes
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