Osman was forced to overcome great adversity in order to win a contract with the Mariners for the Hyundai A-League 2008/09 season, having suffered the most serious of knee injuries early on in season three – an anterior cruciate ligament tear. Osman’s setback came about at an unfortunate time, given the dynamic utility was consistently turning in arguably his best performances in Mariners colours since joining the club as a foundation player in 2005. Prior to this injury, which forced Osman to the watch from the grandstands for the better part of nine months, one of the Mariners’ most versatile players had underlined his value to the yellow and navy cause over two consistent seasons, predominantly as a first eleven player, highlighted by two of the most memorable strikes ever witnessed by Mariners Members and supporters – a left-footed long range special against southern rivals Sydney FC in the 2007 Pre-Season Cup and the ultimately tie-defining match winner against the Newcastle Jets in the 2006 Hyundai A-League Finals Series.