Wellington Phoenix will have a tangible reminder of what's at stake sitting on the touchline, when they host MacCarthur FC in their final regular season A-League game this weekend.
The Premiers Plate will be presented to the Phoenix for the first time in their history IF they win and Central Coast Mariners lose their game being played at the same time across the Tasman.
No-one inside Sky Stadium will likely be thrilled to see fate being tempted.
"It definitely would be a crowing achievement," reflected Phoenix striker Kosta Barbarouses. "It would be right up there for sure."
In their 17-year history, the Phoenix have never done it. Their best finish was third in 2020.
"I consider the league more important than the playoffs, because if you win the league, you are the best team," said Phoenix striker Oskar Zawada.
That drought-breaking piece of history could be just 90 minutes away.
"I don't know if I've been in that situation, where it's come down to the last game," said Barbarouses, who has previously won the trophy with Brisbane Roar, Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC.
The scenario is unique, because the Phoenix and second-placed Mariners kick off simultaneously on Saturday night.
Wellington will win if they beat Macarthur FC and Central Coast lose to Newcastle. If they lose or draw, and Mariners win, the latter will take honours with a game in hand.
Otherwise, the rivals will have to wait until Wednesday, when Central Coast play their make-up game against Western United.
"Maybe the coaching staff might check with half an hour to go," wondered Barbarouses.
That's possibly not a given, since Giancarlo Italiano is a superstitious head coach. He's known to throw away shirts worn during losses and he doesn't watch when penalties are taken.
"Probably on game day, he’ll be pretty measured and calm about it, but I'm sure in the office, he's thinking up all sorts of things," said Barbarouses.
Hopefully, it's a winning gameplan that will write him and his team into history, as the club's best ever.
