Central Coast face an uphill battle to repeat their A-League Women finals heroics after confirming the departure of Matildas veteran Kyah Simon and three other key players.
Striker Simon, goalkeeper Casey Dumont, English defender Faye Bryson and forward Paige Hayward have all left the Mariners, who they helped reach a semi-final in their first season back in the competition.
Simon, 33, returned from the ACL tear that stopped her taking the field in last year's Women's World Cup with Central Coast.
She played 12 matches, scoring three goals and notching an assist.
Dumont played 12 games after crossing from Melbourne Victory, saving two spot-kicks and scoring another in an elimination final penalty shootout win over her former club.
Bryson netted one goal and recorded two assists in her 21 appearances, along with converting a penalty in the elimination final shootout, while Hayward played 24 games, scoring one goal.
"Everyone at the Mariners thanks Faye, Kyah, Casey and Paige for their important contributions to our historic return season to the A-League," coach Emily Husband said in a statement.
"They all played a valuable role in us reaching the semi-finals and will forever be a part of Mariners history. I wish them nothing but the best for the future.
"We have a number of exciting announcements that we look forward to being able to share with the Mariners family soon, including re-signings and some new recruits joining us ahead of what promises to be a huge season."
