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Marconi Stallions

Full name	Marconi Stallions Football Club
Nickname(s)	The Stallions
Founded	1956; 68 years ago (1956)
Ground	Marconi Stadium Bossley Park, Sydney New South Wales, Australia
Capacity	9,000
Chairman	Vince Foti
Head Coach	Peter Tsekenis
League	NPL NSW
2024	2nd of 16 (Champions)
Website	http://www.marconifc.com/
Home colours Away colours

Marconi Stallions Football Club is an Australian semi-professional association football club based in Fairfield, Sydney, New South Wales. The club has been crowned Australian champion four times.

The Stallions are the soccer team of Club Marconi, a social and sporting club founded in 1956 by Italian immigrants who settled in Sydney's western suburbs. It earned promotion to the top tier of soccer in New South Wales and established itself as one of the strongest clubs in Sydney during the 1970s, before becoming a founding member of the National Soccer League in 1977. Marconi, along with South Melbourne, were one of just two clubs to compete in all 27 seasons of the now-defunct National Soccer League. The club won its first national title in 1979 but the Stallions' heyday came in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when they won a further three NSL titles across six seasons, twice also finishing on top of the ladder as minor premiers.

Marconi has produced at least six former captains of the Australia national soccer team, as well as former Internazionale and Italy national football team striker Christian Vieri who came through its junior ranks while his father Roberto lived and played in Sydney. Other Marconi youth products include former Leeds United, Liverpool and Australian winger Harry Kewell, former Middlesbrough and national team goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, current AS Roma goalkeeper and national team captain Mathew Ryan, ex-Lazio and Fiorentina midfielder Paul Okon, and former Bari striker Frank Farina, who went on to coach the Australia men's national soccer team.

Marconi currently competes in the National Premier Leagues NSW; the second tier of soccer in Australia. Its home games are played at the 9000-capacity Marconi Stadium in the suburb of Bossley Park in Sydney's west; a venue known affectionately by players and fans as the Palace. Over the years, the club has been known as Club Marconi, Marconi-Datsun Leopards, Marconi-Fairfield and Marconi Stallions.

Throughout the club's history, it has been an institution of the Italian community in Sydney, and its playing colours have varied between a light blue azzurro strip in homage to the Italy national football team and a combination of green shirt, white shorts, red socks, representing the colours of the Italian flag.

History

Foundation and early years (1956–1976)

Club Marconi was founded as a bocce club in 1956 by 106 members of the Italian community in the western suburbs of Sydney. It is named after the Italian inventor and electrical engineer Guglielmo Marconi, whose wireless company sent the first direct radio message from Great Britain to Australia. It was inaugural president Oscar Michelini who first suggested the name Marconi at the second meeting of the club's provisional committee. A statue of Guglielmo Marconi was donated by the Italian government in 1959 and it remains inside the main foyer of the club, inscribed with the message “Guglielmo Marconi, 1874 – 1937, immortal genius of the Italian nation who first with science’s wonders and spiritual wings linked Australia with the world.”

Italo-Australian artist Guido Zuliani, born in 1927, designed Club Marconi's emblem, which remains in use by the social club today. It incorporates a globe, a boomerang to symbolise Indigenous Australian culture, with the colours of green, white and red to represent the Italian heritage. The emblem is encased by Marconi's invention of wireless communication, further portrayed as a radio tower. The club's home base in Bossley Park, next to where Marconi Stadium now stands, was offered for $6900 by the brothers Ruben and Provino Sartor, two inaugural members who had visited the Yoogali Club in the rural town of Griffith, New South Wales to learn how the Italian community there had founded their own social organisation.

The soccer club first appeared in 1958 as a youth team, and the first senior side competed in the 1961 NSW amateur championship that it won by 8 points.

The club gradually moved up the ranks in the NSW soccer system, eventually gaining promotion to the NSW 1st Division in 1970. By this point the club had come of age. Marconi became back-to-back champions of the NSW 1st Division in 1972 and 1973, and continued to challenge for honours up until 1976. The next year, 1977, Marconi and 13 other clubs formed the first ever truly national sports competition in Australia, the National Soccer League.

National Soccer League (1977–2004)

In its first season in the NSL in 1977, Marconi finished second on goal difference to Eastern Suburbs (Sydney City). In 1979, Marconi was Australian champions. The club won the NSL Cup in 1980.

Ahead of the 1981 National Soccer League season, Marconi signed a sponsorship deal with car manufacturer Datsun under which the club were known as Marconi-Datsun Leopards.

What is generally described as the club's "golden era" started in the late 1980s, when some of the finest players in Australia made their way to what was then known as "the Palace". The club made three consecutive Grand Final appearances in 1988, 1989 and 1989–90, winning the 1988 and 1989, but lost the 1989–90 decider. Marconi were also minor premiers in 1989 and 1989–90, and won the 1992–93 Grand Final.

In 1995–96 under former Socceroo Manfred Schaefer, Marconi won another Minor Premiership, finishing one point ahead of Melbourne Knights and Sydney Olympic. In the finals series, Marconi made it to yet another Grand Final, this time going down 2–1 to Melbourne Knights at Olympic Park in Melbourne.

Marconi made the finals for the next five consecutive seasons, before experiencing two poor seasons. In 2003–04, the final NSL season, Marconi again made the Finals, but the 1995–96 minor premiership ended up being the final trophy win during the club's time in the NSL.

NSW Premier League/National Premier Leagues NSW 1 (2004–2015)

After the 2003–04 NSL season the competition was ceased. Marconi entered the NSW Premier League for the 2004–05 season. Between 2004 and 2011 in the NSW Premier League the club had mixed results, with their best season in 2009 when they finished second.

In 2012 the club rebounded and the Marconi Stallions were the Champions of the NSW Premier League. After a third placed league finish, Marconi beat Sydney Olympic 2–0 in the Qualifying Final, then lost to Bonnyrigg White Eagles FC 2–0 in the Major Semi-Final. In the Preliminary Final they faced Blacktown City Demons who led 2–1 at half time, but Marconi scored 3 unanswered goals in the second half to win 4–2. In the Grand Final, they came up against the minor premiers and favourites Bonnyrigg at their ground. Bonnyrigg had won the league by 15 points and had already beaten Marconi in the finals series, but Marconi won the Championship with two second half goals to win 2–0.

In late 2013 the Marconi Stallions were accepted into the newly formed National Premier Leagues NSW. The NPL NSW replaced the previous NSW Premier League. In their first season in the NPL NSW in 2014, Marconi finished in 8th place in the 12-team division.

Relegation and Promotion (2015–2017)

Marconi was relegated to the NPL NSW 2 on 16 August 2015, after enduring the worst season in its history. The Stallions earned just seven points all season and, after a mass player exodus, ended the season with ten consecutive defeats.

The Stallions began their rebuilding campaign in October 2015 with the aim of getting straight back in the top state division. They signed former A-League players Sean Rooney, Mirjan Pavlović and Marko Ješić. Marconi qualified for the 2016 FFA Cup and drew Victorian side Hume City in the Round of 32. Marconi sacked head coach Jeff Suzor in mid-July 2016. Marconi were defeated by Hume City despite taking the lead in the first half of extra time, as Hume managed a 117th-minute equaliser and then won the clash on penalties. Marconi finished the NPL 2 season in 4th place, failing to achieve its target of promotion, despite Rooney, Pavlovic and Jesic scoring 51 goals between them.

In September 2017, Marconi won the NPL NSW 2 Grand Final, having already won the premiership by 18 points, and returned to the New South Wales top flight. Sean Rooney won the league golden boot with 27 goals. In January 2018 Marconi signed AFC Champions League-winning midfielder Mateo Poljak. The Stallions finished in 6th place in its first season back in the top-flight.

Marconi won the 2019 Waratah Cup, defeating Sydney United 58 FC 2–1.

Move to National Second Division (from 2025)

The club was announced on 20 November 2023, as one of the eight foundation teams for the National Second Division, due to start either March or April 2025. They will continue to play in the NPL NSW for the 2024 season, before transitioning to the new league.

Current squad

First-team

As of 30 September 2024

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player 1 GK  AUS James Hilton 2 DF  AUS Nathan Millgate 3 DF  AUS Cameron Windust 4 DF  AUS Anton Mlinaric 5 MF  AUS James Bayliss 6 MF  AUS Domenico Costanzo 7 MF  URU Franco Maya 8 MF  AUS Daniel Bouman 10 FW  AUS Marko Jesic 13 MF  AUS Aleksandar Duricic 14 MF  AUS Dylan Susovic

No. Pos. Nation Player 16 MF  AUS Liam Youlley 17 FW  AUS Milislav Popovic 18 FW  AUS George Daniel 19 FW  AUS Kyle Cimenti 21 FW  AUS Jakov Balbasa 23 DF  AUS Brandon Vella 24 GK  AUS Mackenzie Syron 25 MF  AUS Jonathan Soares 26 FW  AUS Matthew Martignago 29 DF  AUS Luke Raso 39 FW  AUS Luka Knezevic

Source:

Rivalries

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Sydney Olympic

Marconi vs Sydney Olympic has always been one of the biggest rivalries in Australian soccer, constantly involved in big and important matches multiplied by the fact that both clubs were backed by large migrant populations of Italians (Marconi) and Greeks (Olympic).

Sydney United 58

Marconi has a rivalry with Sydney United due to the close proximity of the two clubs. Sydney United is located in Edensor Park and play out of King Tomislav Club which is only 1 km south of Club Marconi. The Croatian club have been rivals of the Stallions since 1971 when Marconi were promoted to the State League.

APIA Leichhardt

The Stallions and APIA have a friendly rivalry. These two clubs are the two Italian backed clubs in New South Wales. The two clubs compete every season in the Italian Derby.

Seasons

Key

Key to league competitions:

Seasons

Honours

National Soccer League

• NSL Championship

Champions (4) – 1979, 1988, 1989, 1992–93

• NSL Premiership

Minor Premiers (3) – 1989, 1989–90, 1995–96

• NSL Cup

Winners (1) – 1980

National Premier Leagues

• National Premier Leagues NSW Championship

Champions (4): 1972, 1973, 2012, 2024

• National Premier Leagues NSW 2 Premiership

Premiers (1): 2017

• National Premier Leagues NSW 2 Championship

Champions (1): 2017

Academy

• National Youth League Championship

Champions (2): 1988, 1995–96

Individual

• Brad Maloney won the Johnny Warren Medal while playing for Marconi in the 1998–99 NSL season.

Divisional history

By seasons

By tier

References

1. "Club Marconi, Fairfield". dictionaryofsydney.org. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
2. "Christian Vieri: made in Australia". www.smh.com.au. 8 June 2002. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
3. "Marconi Stallions' situation poses the question the FFA must answer". www.smh.com.au. 4 March 2016. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
4. "Marconi Stallions' situation poses the question the FFA must answer". www.smh.com.au. 4 March 2016. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
5. Alic, Dijana (3 July 2013). "Shifting Grounds: Identity Politics and Sydney's Ethnic Clubs" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 30 November 2015.
6. "Sixty Years Young". clubmarconi.com.au. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
7. "Sixty Years Young". clubmarconi.com.au. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
8. "Sixty Years Young". clubmarconi.com.au. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
9. "Sixty Years Young". clubmarconi.com.au. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
10. "History of Marconi". www.ozfootball.net. Retrieved 30 November 2015.
11. Curran, Brian (27 February 1981). "Soccer – no-one's poor aunt". The Sydney Morning Herald. p. 24. Retrieved 26 August 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
12. Curran, Brian (29 January 1981). "Marconi seal $250,000 contract with car firm". The Sydney Morning Herald. p. 32. Retrieved 26 August 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
13. "Marconi Stallions – PS4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men's 1". www.nswpl.com.au. Retrieved 30 November 2015.
14. "NSW Premier League 2012 Index". www.socceraust.co.uk. Retrieved 30 November 2015.
15. "NSW Premier League 2012 – Fixtures/Results". www.socceraust.co.uk. Retrieved 30 November 2015.
16. "Fixtures/Results – PS4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men's 1". www.nswpl.com.au. Retrieved 30 November 2015.
17. "Pavlovic, Rooney depart Oakleigh". The Corner Flag. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
18. Stavroulakis, Mark (18 May 2016). "NSW spots confirmed for Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32". Westfield FFA Cup. Retrieved 18 May 2016.
19. "Sydney FC to meet Wollongong Wolves in FFA Cup Round of 32". The World Game. SBS. Retrieved 1 July 2016.
20. "FFA Cup shock: opposing coaches axed". FFA Cup. 21 July 2016. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
21. "Hume City FC v Marconi Stallions FC - FFA Cup Match Centre". theffacup.com.au. 31 July 2017. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
22. "Competition Stats for 1st - PlayStation 4 NPL 2 NSW Men's". SportsTG. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
23. "Marconi crowned football champions". www.dailytelegraph.com.au. 19 September 2017. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
24. "Competition Stats for 1st - PS4 NPL 2 NSW Men's 2017". SportsTG. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
25. "Transfer news: former Wanderers star signs for NPL club Marconi". Hyundai A-League. 12 January 2018. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
26. "Ladder for 1st - NPL NSW Men's 2018". SportsTG. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
27. "Marconi Stallions crowned 2019 TAFE NSW Waratah Cup Champions". National Premier Leagues NSW Men's 1. 14 July 2019. Retrieved 31 July 2019.
28. "Football Australia announces foundation clubs for National Second Tier". Football Australia. 20 November 2023.
29. "Stallions poised for huge NPL NSW Men's 2021 campaign". 20 January 2021.

Alex elyassih was goalkeeper from 1987 to 1988.

External links

• Official website
• Deepika Ratnaraj and Sahar Shirazi (2012). "Club Marconi Fairfield". Dictionary of Sydney. Dictionary of Sydney Trust. Retrieved 9 October 2015.. Origins of Italian social club which founded soccer club.

• Marconi Stallions FC
• Association football clubs established in 1958
• National Soccer League (Australia) clubs
• New South Wales Premier League teams
• National Premier Leagues clubs
• 1958 establishments in Australia
• Italian-Australian backed sports clubs of New South Wales