Despite the retirement of central defender Patrick Zwaanswijk and the departure of goalkeeper Mathew Ryan, attacking midfielder Oliver Bozanic, striker Bernie Ibini-Isei and right back Pedj Bojić during the pre-season — and continued departures during the season, including Head Coach Graham Arnold and Head of Sports Science Andrew Clark — the Mariners came close to repeating that success, finishing third in the 2013–14 A-League and reaching the semi-final against Western Sydney Wanderers along with narrowly missing out on reaching the Round of 16 of the Champions League.

Following an injury-plagued stint at K-League side Chunnam Dragons which subsequently saw that club grant him a release early in 2013, Matt Simon re-signed with the Mariners on a one-year contract on 16 May.

After trialling with Club Brugge during the January transfer window and with French Ligue 1 side Lille after the Grand Final, Bernie Ibini-Isei signed a 3-year deal with Chinese Super League newcomers Shanghai SIPG on 4 June.

[6] Midfielder Adriano Pellegrino and left back Brad McDonald moved to National Premier Leagues NSW side Central Coast Mariners Academy on 5 June after the conclusion of their contracts.

[7] The club announced on 8 June[8] that striker Daniel McBreen would join Shanghai SIPG on loan until the end of October; he would be available to play for the Mariners again in the Round 4 F3 Derby on 2 November.

[12] On 23 August the club announced the signing of former Sydney FC, Wellington Phoenix, Brisbane Roar and Newcastle Jets goalkeeper Liam Reddy on a one-year "zero-tolerance" contract.

[13] This signing was viewed as highly controversial given his previous drunken behaviour[14] at Sydney FC (which resulted in his contract being terminated[15] in April 2012) and violent conduct against Mariners players Matt Simon[16] and Wayne O'Sullivan.