A-League grand final: Central Coast vs Melbourne City – Jason Cummings scores hat trick for Mariners

Jason Cummings has provided Central Coast Mariners with possibly the best farewell present ever after netting a hat trick for his side in the men’s A-League grand final against Melbourne City.

Before the grand final, Cummings confirmed that the big game ‘is the last dance’ for him, amid reports the Socceroos cult hero is moving to India.

And 20 minutes into the match against regular season premiers City, Cummings sent the Mariners faithful wild with a neat finish to give his side a surprise lead.

The Scottish-born striker found himself in the perfect spot for a cross from the right hand side, and was quickest to pounce on the loose ball to finish past City goalkeeper Thomas Glover. 

‘It is the last dance, maybe I’ll do a little speech after [the game],’ he told Network 10.

The Mariners were in dreamland a short while later when their lead was doubled by Sam Silvera, before City pulled one back through Richard van der Venne. 

The underdogs were forced to weather a second half storm from City but a 64th minute penalty, converted by Cummings, offered Central Coast much-needed breathing space as they aimed for their first title in 10 years. 

Just moments later, Cummings stepped up for a second penalty following a handball in the City box, becoming only the second player to score a treble in an A-League grand final, after Socceroos legend Archie Thompson.  

More to follow.  

Jason Cummings provided Central Coast Mariners with a farewell gift on Saturday

The Socceroos cult hero scored twice for the A-League side in the men’s grand final

Central Coast are hoping to win their first A-League title in 10 years