2005–06 Central Coast Mariners FC season

The 2005–06 season was the first for both the Central Coast Mariners and the A-League

Compared with its Sydney rival, the Central Coast Mariners had a far more low-key buildup to the inaugural A-League season. The majority of its squad were experienced players from the defunct National Soccer League. They generally exceeded most expectations, having a very successful season, culminating in two solid displays in the preliminary competitions and reaching the grand final in the A-League.

Phillips International Soccer Sevens
The Mariners competed in Phillips International soccer sevens tournament played in Hong Kong. Their group featured three of the biggest teams in the world, PSV, Manchester United and Celtic. The Mariners caused one of the upsets of the tournament by defeating a somewhat understrength Manchester United 2-1.

Club World Cup Qualification Competition
The Mariners were runners-up to Sydney FC in the qualifying tournament held to determine Australia's entry in the FIFA Club World Cup, losing in the grand final 1-0.

Pre-Season Cup
Group B

End of Year Awards

 * Mariners Medallist - player of the year, as voted by Club members:
 * Michael Beauchamp
 * Chairman's Award - awarded for outstanding service to the club:
 * John Hutchinson and Ben Coonan (Mariners' media officer) (shared)
 * Golden Boot (top goalscorer):
 * Stewart Petrie
 * Jesters' Pies Marinators' Goal of the Year:
 * Noel Spencer, round 1 vs Perth Glory
 * Central Coast Mariners Members Player of the Year Award:
 * Andre Gumprecht