Central Coast Mariners have handed talented young goalkeeper Dylan Peraic-Cullen a first professional deal with the club, tying him down until the end of the 2026-27 season.
A surprise selection in goal for the Mariners’ first league game of the season, Peraic-Cullen has since gone on to start every match for the two-time reigning champions in both the Isuzu UTE A-League and the AFC Champions League Elite.
Searching for a replacement for recently retired club legend and Socceroo Danny Vukovic, Peraic-Cullen was given the nod between the sticks in favour of off-season signing Adam Pavlesic and has now been rewarded for his impressive early season form.
After debuting against Melbourne Victory in Round 1, the 18-year-old subsequently became both the Mariners’ youngest ever starting goalkeeper as well as the Isuzu UTE A-League’s youngest keeper to keep a clean sheet when starting.
“It is a great feeling to have received a long-term contract with the Mariners,” said the young shot-stopper after putting pen-to-paper on his first pro-deal.
Having training alongside Vukovic before his retirement, Peraic-Cullen now finds himself under the tutelage of his former club captain who has since been appointed to head coach Mark Jackson’s staff as the club’s goalkeeping coach.
“Working with Vuka has been incredible. He was always helping us even when he was still playing, giving us advice, so to now have him coaching us full time, it has been great so far,” he said.
“Playing this season has been brilliant, getting the chance I wanted to grab it with both hands. I want to be consistent in my performances, play at a high level for the club and do something special with the team this season.”
Joining the club at the beginning of the 2023 Academy season, Peraic-Cullen has consistently impressed the Mariners staff and was soon handed his first scholarship deal.
“As a club we are delighted to secure the services of Dylan on a long-term contract,” said Mariners head coach Jackson.
He added: “We want to secure our young players and help give them the platform to continue to get better and develop with us.”
Peraic-Cullen returns to action with Central Coast on Friday November 22 when the Mariners go in search of their first win of the season against Newcastle Jets in Unite Round.
