Shane Smeltz has the chance to join Kosta Barbarouses as the only All White to taste A-League success when he lines up for Perth Glory against hot favourites Brisbane Roar in Sunday's grand final.
Smeltz and All Whites midfielder Michael McGlinchey went into Saturday's preliminary final at Bluetongue Stadium chasing a finals spot.
In a dramatic game, visiting Perth beat minor premiers Central Coast Mariners 5-3 on penalties after being locked 1-1 at the end of extra time, Smeltz and McGlinchey playing decisive roles - although in McGlinchey's case it was one he will happily forget.
The Mariners went ahead through former Phoenix striker Adam Kwasnik before halftime, but Smeltz equalised a minute later, although replays showed team mate Billy Mehmet to be offside. Eleven minutes into the second half the Mariners should have regained the lead when they got a questionable penalty. But Patrick Zwaanswijk blasted the ball on to the crossbar.
The last 34 minutes, plus a half hour of extra time, failed to break the impasse, leading to a shootout.
