Brad Tapp has been upgraded to an A-League contract with the Central Coast Mariners, signing on until the end of the 2025/26 season.
First joining the Mariners academy at 18, the versatile footballer, who can play as either a midfielder or central defender, has risen through the ranks, being a mainstay in the NPL First Grade team.
A natural leader, Tapp has previously captained the Mariners Academy Men’s first grade team, where he helped the side finish as premiers and gain promotion to the NSW NPL 1 competition.
In an unfortunate event, the young midfielder tore his ACL in the grand final against St George, which sidelined him for the entirety of the championship winning 2022/23 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
The 22-year-old has since come back stronger than ever, making his A-League debut against Macarthur in round 2, while also featuring in the AFC Cup.
He made his first professional start against Bali United in the crucial 2-1 away win in November, while in total featuring off the bench in three A-League matches.
A versatile footballer who never shies away from a challenge, Tapp is now locked into the Central Coast until at least the end of the 2025/26 season.
“It is amazing to be awarded with my first professional contract; it is what I have been working for and to be able to get that after a couple of years of setbacks is an honour,” he said.
“I love this club; I owe the Mariners everything after they gave me my first opportunity in the academy, and I am just excited to keep repaying them and giving everything I have for them on the field every day.”
Mariners Football Manager Mark Jackson said the deal is recognition for the hard work Tapp has been putting in.
“Upgrading Brad’s contract is great recognition for him,” Jackson said.
“As a Mariners Academy product, he has been with the club for a long time and has been developing rapidly over the past few months.
“He has a first-class attitude and coming back from an injury like he has shows great mental character, so it is nice to be able to reward him with his first professional contract.
“We have stressed to Brad that this is only the beginning for him, and we look forwarding to watching him continue to develop over the coming years with us at the Mariners.”