The two sides became the first from Australia to appear in the AFC Cup when they began the group stage back in September and, having taken the tournament by storm, they now face off to see who will emerge as the ASEAN champions and advance to the next phase of the continental competition.

Jed Drew (Macarthur FC)

A Macarthur academy product, Jed Drew has had an eye-catching second season for the first team where he has established himself on the right wing. The 20-year-old has recorded five goals and six assists in all competitions, including seven goal contributions in the AFC Cup, as he continues to shine under the guidance of head coach Mile Sterjovski.

Drew scored twice against Dynamic Herb Cebu in the group stage, and was at his best once again when he provided the assist for the opener before finding the net twice with a pair of lovely finishes against Sabah FC in the ASEAN Zonal semi-finals. The youngster will now hope to replicate that form on Thursday.

Ryan Edmondson (Central Coast Mariners)

Having arrived in Australia only last month, Ryan Edmondson announced himself in fine fashion as he scored a hat-trick on his AFC Cup debut against Phnom Penh Crown. The 22-year-old, who joined from Carlisle United in England’s third tier, couldn’t have asked for a better start to life in new surroundings.

Edmondson came off the bench in the 60th minute and completely took the game away from the Cambodian champions, going on to score his first professional career hat-trick. The striker will now hope for a starting berth against Macarthur and to continue his fine goalscoring form in continental football.

Valere Germain (Macarthur FC)

After Macarthur finished bottom of the A-League last season, the signing of Valere Germain has transformed the club. The Bulls currently sit in the upper echelons of the league table with Germain a big reason behind that, having contributed ten goals and four assists in addition to four goals and four assists in the AFC Cup.

The Frenchman is no stranger to big occasions, appearing in the UEFA Champions League semi-final and the UEFA Europa League final with Monaco and Marseille respectively. And having scored his first A-League goal against Central Coast Mariners in October, Germain will face a familiar opponent in another crunch continental clash.

Angel Torres (Central Coast Mariners)

Central Coast Mariners’ tricky winger and the one capable of creating a spark, Angel Torres has been a pivotal figure for his team as they continue to fight on all fronts this season. The 23-year-old provided the assist for Jing Reec’s ice-breaking goal against Phnom Penh Crown which set the team on their way to a comprehensive win.

However, the Colombian is not just about goals and assists for Mark Jackson’s side having completed 20 successful dribbles in the AFC Cup, more than any other player in the ASEAN Zone. And after being rested in their weekend win over Western Sydney Wanderers, the Mariners are ready to unleash Torres once again in the ASEAN Zonal final.

Ulises Davila (Macarthur FC)

The inspirational leader of Macarthur, Ulises Davila is in his third season with the club having arrived from Wellington Phoenix after being adjudged the A-League’s Best Player in 2021. Davila delivered a man-of-the-match performance in their triumphant Australia Cup final against Sydney United 58, which ultimately helped them secure their qualification for this season’s AFC Cup.

Seven goals and three assists in the A-League coupled with three goals and two assists in the AFC Cup, which includes a goal and an assist against Sabah, means Davila remains as influential as ever and the Mexican, who last month became the sixth player to notch up 50 league appearances for the Bulls, will aim to add another feather to his cap in Thursday’s showdown.

Joshua Nisbet (Central Coast Mariners)

A product of the Central Coast Mariners academy, Joshua Nisbet has been one of the first names on the team sheet over the past four years, and last season enjoyed his finest moment when he was in the heart of midfield for the 6-1 victory over Melbourne City in the A-League Grand Final.

The 24-year-old is the heartbeat of this Mariners side having already reached double figures for assists across all competitions this season, in addition to having 91 percent passing accuracy, 84 percent tackle success rate and 42 recoveries in the AFC Cup to underline how crucial he is to his side’s success.