Raphael Marie Returns to Lead St George FC First Grade Team

After guiding St George FC’s Under-20 side to the 2023 League One Men’s Championship, Raphael Marie is set to return to the club, this time as First Grade Head Coach.

Marie’s title-winning campaign two years ago was nothing short of dominant, with the championship secured five rounds before season’s end. That success caught the attention of Club Chairman Bruce Spiteri, who had no hesitation in bringing him back.

“Absolutely, we saw how hard he worked,” Spiteri said.

“He helped some of our young players establish themselves in First Grade the following season. Although we had already appointed a First Grade coach at the time, we knew he’d go on to bigger things.”

Now, following two successful seasons with NWS Spirit FC, Marie returns to St George FC to take on the top job.

“I feel incredibly privileged to have been given the opportunity to lead the First Grade team at this fantastic club,” Marie said.

“Having been here before, I have a strong connection with St George FC and understand how special it is to its community. The club’s mission is exciting, and it was an opportunity I was eager to accept. I’d like to express my deepest thanks to the club leadership for trusting me and providing tremendous support to help us achieve success this year.”

Spiteri said Marie’s coaching background and education made him the ideal choice.

“He’s very well educated in football. This is another stepping stone for him, and that education will only benefit our players,” Spiteri said.

“We’re a development club, focused on helping young players move on to bigger things.”

Marie’s experience working with emerging talent runs deep. Early in his coaching career, he gained valuable experience with English Premier League powerhouse Arsenal FC, before moving on to roles with Sydney FC and NWS Spirit FC.

During his three-year stint with Sydney FC’s Senior Academy, he worked with numerous young players who have since progressed to professional clubs and national teams. He then joined St George FC for the 2023 season, leading the Under-20s to the League One title. At NWS Spirit FC, Marie spent two seasons as Under-20 Head Coach, where several of his players graduated to David Perkovic’s title-winning First Grade squad in 2025.

Marie’s football philosophy is simple yet ambitious.

“We want to be on the front foot and proactive in all aspects of the game,” he said.

“We’ll aim to score plenty of goals and play football that excites our fans and brings even more of the community to our special home, Barton Park.”

Stepping up to coach at First Grade level feels like a natural progression in his career.

“I feel ready to take on this responsibility,” Marie said.

“The club has shown great courage in appointing a younger coach, but I’ve been fortunate to work alongside top professionals in elite football environments, experiences that have prepared me for this moment. Taking on this role feels like the next logical step, especially at a club that shares our football vision.”

Having started coaching at just sixteen, Marie brings over a decade of experience in National Premier Leagues environments.

“I’ve been full-time in football for many years, and now I’m ready to test myself at this level,” he said.

“I’ve learned what makes successful environments tick and how to push players to their next level.”

Marie believes his previous success at St George FC will be invaluable.

“Winning the 2023 title is definitely a proud moment in my career so far,” he said.

“There’s still a strong core from that team, players like Justin Poon, Evan Souris and Jayden Seeto and that continuity is important. I want to build success on the pitch in line with the club’s vision, creating a competitive squad with the right balance of youth and experience.”

The 2026 season will mark a fresh chapter for St George FC, with a new apparel partner, PEGA, a young head coach, and a dynamic, talented squad assembled by Spiteri and his team.

“This will be our third season in NSW’s top tier Men’s competition,” Spiteri said.

“We want to progress further than 2025. Like every club, our goal is to win the competition.”

Marie shares that ambition.

“Winners are created over time,” he said.

“We’ve got a brilliant group of players who will help drive the standards that my staff and I set. There’s already a strong foundation, now it’s about becoming even more competitive.”

As for what success will look like in his first NPL Men’s NSW First Grade season, Marie is clear.

“I want to instil real belief in the players,” he said.

“We’ve got a talented group who’ll want to win every game. Age doesn’t matter, if you’re good enough, you’re old enough. For me, success means creating lasting memories for our players and the St George community.”