Mariners deny Wanderers fairytale finish but create their own Watch highlights from the A-League grand final as the Central Coast Mariners defeat the Western Sydney Wanderers 2-0. Mariners players celebrate winning the A-League grand final. Graham Arnold's team made Charlesworth's rescue act all worthwhile yesterday. But how often in sport, as in life, does disaster prove a necessary precursor to triumph? "We had to learn the hard way how to win," Arnold said. A few of the boys have been scarred from grand finals. The scars are now gone. Maybe in the long term the Wanderers might be better for having lost the grand final after winning the league title in their very first year. The Mariners used their previous grand final losses - particularly the nightmare of two years ago, when they squandered a two-goal lead near the death and lost on penalties to Brisbane Roar - as motivation. Young goalkeeper Mathew Ryan summed up their outlook when he said: "Maybe you have to lose one to win one." Wanderers coach Tony Popovic was asked whether he agreed. In a moment of great hurt and disappointment, bless his red and black socks, he answered truthfully: "No."