Tsekenis targeting ruthless intensity against Rockdale

Marconi Stallions were Rockdale Ilinden’s closest challengers in 2024, finishing seven points behind the first-time Premiership winners. 

Along the way, Tsekenis has introduced some new faces into his squad as he plans for the future with a younger team.

Former Central Coast Mariners defenders Cameron Windust and Anton Mlinaric have been regulars in the backline along with George Daniel.

None of the trio are older than 23, but Tsekenis as relied upon them through the year ahead of the big dance on Saturday.

“You’ve always got to look at the forward-planning mode in terms of age,” Tsekenis said.

“At the beginning of this year, I looked at the squad and with it being a 30-game season and as well as cup games, I felt I needed to bring down the average age.

“I thought this year would be getting a relatively new squad together.

“They gelled quicker than I thought they would during the year.”

The Stallions drew 2-2 with Rockdale in the opening round and backed that up with a 9-0 9-0 smashing of their opponents a few months later.

The side demonstrated this ruthless touch again in the semi-finals as they breezed past Blacktown City 6-2.

Despite some spectacular scorelines in the competition, Tsekenis said that previous results will have a limited bearing on who lifts the trophy on Saturday.

“People were saying that’s [beating Rockdale 9-0] a one-off; it was just one of those days, but we did it again. We were 6-1 up against Blacktown in a semi-final,” he said.

“Obviously, I would like to bring that intensity into a grand final. You want to finish your chances when they present themselves.

“We have the ability to do it, but it’s a grand final and against a team that came first who are a good side.

“It doesn’t matter which two teams; the form goes out the window – head-to-head goes out the window.”

For Tsekenis, he said he also wants to see a crowd worthy of the quality of football Rockdale and Marconi have shown this season.

The teams have combined for more than 150 goals in the NPL Men’s NSW.

“There’s nothing better than lifting a trophy,” Tsekenis said.

“That’s why people do it.

“These two teams have entertained this year with scoring a lot of goals.

“I would like to see a good crowd turn up and make it a good atmosphere.”

-By Tim Gibson