Central Coast Mariners' teenage star Tom Rogic sent off in clash with Sydney FC - Herald Sun

Central Coast Mariners midfielder Tom Rogic (left) is pushed away by Sydney FC's Ali Abbas after Rogic's tackle on Rhyan Grant sparked an all-in melee. Rogic was sent off. Picture: Mark Evans Source: The Daily Telegraph

IT was not how the Mariners' Tom Rogic pictured it - the chance to pit his playmaking wits against one of the finest No.10s in the world and test his own steepling progress.

Instead the night ended in red mist and a red card for the 19-year- old, sent off for a horribly ill-judged tackle on Rhyan Grant in the final seconds. Yet there was also an illuminatory moment straight after, as players from both teams confronted each other in recriminatory mood over the tackle.

For it was Del Piero who pulled Rogic away from any further trouble, making light of the 15cm height difference as if protecting one of his own.

Del Piero must see in Rogic that spark of difference he has himself carried throughout two decades at the elite level, that precious and innate ability to produce something from nothing and make it everything.

He would certainly empathise with the physical treatment Rogic has struggled with at times this season, illustrated by the booking of Peter Triantis in only the sixth minute for a second cynical foul on the Canberra-born youngster.

Anyone who plays in that dangerous role as their team's creative pivot will become a marked man, and Del Piero didn't suffer his continual fouling lightly.

The Italian has a slightly distasteful habit of seeking a yellow card for any miscreant who fouls him - except, noticeably, the one time that Rogic was the culprit when a handshake sufficed.

For the young pretender it became a night of frustration, the promise of a dribble through the heart of Sydney's defence in the 15th minute proving an illusory moment.

But as Graham Arnold has done before, he will surely set Rogic the homework of watching Del Piero throughout the 90 minutes to learn from his positioning, his vision and above all his ability to put himself at the centre of a game.

And with a two-match ban a certainty, there'll be plenty of time for Rogic to reflect on the hot-headedness of youth.