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Hatfield Eager to Continue Finals Fight

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For Marconi’s Chris Hatfield the stay-at-home restrictions came at the most inopportune of times, having found his feet in the NPL NSW Men’s Competition after missing so many games due to injury.

Having spent a lot of time in lockdown in Melbourne last year, the Stallions’ attacker is eager to get back on the pitch and continue to make an impact for his team.

“I missed so many weeks due to injury and obviously that wasn’t the plan coming to Marconi but since I’ve since I’ve come back, I think it’s been pretty good,” he explained.

“I suppose as a whole the team would have been expecting to do better this season and it’s disappointing the COVID has hit when it has because I think that we were probably just starting to really find our feet.”

Despite the bad timing, this lockdown is a little different from the last, being back at home with his family.

“I think I’ve got enough experience because I spent the whole year in lockdown in Melbourne last year so I’m a bit of a lockdown veteran.

“I’d say that it’s been a lot easier so far this time because last year I was living in Melbourne with my girlfriend and we weren’t with our families, but at least this time I’m living back at home with my parents which makes it a lot easier to kind of keep the sanity and just spending time with my girlfriend, when possible, makes it a lot easier.”

Despite not regularly seeing his Marconi teammates as he usually would, Hatfield explained that the team is staying in contact through their group chat.

“It’s always going to be more difficult because you can’t actually go out and spend time with them, but we do have a group chat on WhatsApp and we all stay in contact.

“Whenever something’s happening in the sporting world, we’re talking about it or getting updates about COVID and staying in touch.

“It has been difficult going from seeing them so often to just to just having that sort of contact – it’s tough.”

While the club has provided the team with training programs, the focus is on staying motivated to keep working hard in the current climate of uncertainty.

“It is more difficult, mostly on the motivation side, because it can get a bit tough being home all the time.

“We’ve all got training programs and the physical side of things we’re staying on top of.

“It’s just up to the boys personally to stay motivated and if everyone really wants to then they’re going to be pushing hard during this time period.”

Looking forward to the remainder of the season, Hatfield explained that the team has to talent and potential to make the finals.

“I think for everyone in the club the goal is to make the finals, I know that’s what it is for me and that’s what the coaches have discussed with the players.

“That means winning every single game from now on and I think we definitely have the squad to do that.

“We just need to continue to work hard and hopefully everyone’s doing what they can during this period of time to make sure they stay on top of it.”

-By Madeline Riley

 

 

 

 

 

Awards galore at Stallions

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Funland, one of Australia’s fastest growing Arcade Entertainments, is providing Player of the Match Awards to boys and girls in the Marconi Stallions FC SAP, Pre SAP (Under 8) and the younger Youth Age Groups.

Each week until the end of the season, a program is chosen, and Awards are given to the player chosen by the Coach and Team Manager.

The player nominated, receives $20 worth of tokens at Funland (inside Club Marconi) and has quickly become a much sought-after award.

Arcade Trade Director Beau Scott (Former NRL player with St George and Newcastle) is delighted to extend Funland’s involvement with the Marconi Stallions Football Club.

“I was most impressed when the SAP and Youth boys and girls raised over $15,000 for the Balls for Balls Cancer Campaign.”

“We donated tokens to each of the fund raisers because we admired their commitment to the cause.”

The Player of the Match Awards are simply an extension of that “he added.

Due to the success of this year’s initial involvement, Funland intends to further increase its commitment to Marconi Stallions FC in 2022.

So far, Funland Player of the Match Awards have been given out to the following.

Boys SAP

Under 9

Kyden Salim

Sebastian Silva

Cooper Chahine

Under 10

Lachlan Cooke

Nermin Husejnovic

Jacob Kovacev

Under 11

Dean Travlos

Sebastian Spinozzi

Dominik Terzic

Under 12

Elhan Katovic

Lawrence White

William Emms

 

Girls SAP

Under 10

Cydnee Avery

Chelsea Green

Under 11

Milica Alavanja

Shrika Salvi

Under 12

Ceyda Oncu

Annalise Slewo

Under 13

Alexandra Attard

Angelina Putrus

 

Boys Youth

Under 13

Joshua Mezzano

Pharrell – Ibini – Isei 

Under 14

Ashton King

Noah Melluso

 

Girls Youth

Under 14

Elana Lekov

Raquel Taovil

Pre SAP

Under 8

 Fawzy Abdallah

Zavier Faulks

Francesco Sofi

Jack Biset

Early birthday present for Jing Reec

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It has been quite a month for 18-year-old Jing Reec.

The former Marconi Stallions FC “attacker” recently  made his debut “off the bench” in the A League for Central Coast Mariners and turned 18 a week later.

The Australian born youngster of Sudanese background, played with Marconi Stallions FC from  2016 to 2020.  He came through the Stallions Youth Program  starting in 2017 (Under 14) He played Under 15/16 in 2018.

In 2019 he played Under 16 Boys Youth  before finishing in Under 18 with one First Grade game in 2020.

The “highlight” of his so far “short” career came on Saturday, June 5th when Central Coast Mariners Coach Alen Stajcic called the player wearing jersey 41 off the bench for the final 19 minutes against Western United. (Mariners won 2-0)

“It was a big thrill, I was very proud, my whole family and friends were at the Stadium to watch.”

So, how did he find the 19 minutes playing in the A League?

“It was much faster, the players are smarter, it is a big step up.”

Jing is thoroughly enjoying his “step up” from the NPL to the A League.

“I am learning all the time, training four times per week in a great environment.”

During this season  prior to his call up Jing Reec has been playing with the Youth League and Academy teams.

Called up into the NPL 2 Academy team Jing Reec has scored 10 goals from 14 matches played and justifying the club’s faith and confidence in him.

With the A League season over for now for Jing Reec, he will continue to train with the A League squad (he is contracted for next season) and play with the clubs Academy team in NPL 2.

Season 2022 will hopefully see more cause for celebration – making the rare one-off appearance off the bench into more regular appearances on field as the 18-year-old continues on his promising career path.

Jing Reec is yet another Marconi Stallions FC youngster who has come through the club’s assembly line and moved on to bigger and better things.

From ball girl to mascot to future Wander Woman – Ella Sievwright takes the next step in Wanderful journey

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It’s not every day a 16-year-old gets the chance to fulfil her dream, but young Marconi defender and Western Sydney Wanderers’ ball-girl Ella Sievwright is well on the way.

Ella is one of 35 young ladies who are part of the inaugural ‘Future Wander Women Program’. The 20 week program is free and is designed to unearth the rich footballing talent that exists in western Sydney.

Over 200 girls tried out for the program, with 35 success triallists beginning the journey last month that may one day end up in the Wanderers’ W-League squad.

Ella’s Wanderers’ journey started out six years ago, when she began volunteering for the Red & Black with her father Richard. The Sievwright’s are loyal Western Sydney fans, and can be seen at each W-League and A-League game every weekend.

“Season 2015/2016 was when I first started my role as a ball girl,” explains Ella. “The opportunity to sit on the side lines and have a front row seat to each home game was surreal.

“This experience has led to me meeting and getting to know past and current Wanderers’ players and being able to call myself a WSW Volunteer. I have also been a flag bearer and ball kid for our A-League team as well as also being the Wanderers’ mascot ‘Sunny’.”

Ella first started playing football at the age of five in western Sydney for Rouse Hill Rams. She has developed her skills across the western Sydney region, plying her trade at a number of high profile clubs, before landing at powerhouse Marconi.

“I first started playing soccer in 2010, I played for my local club Rouse Hill Rams for four years, then moved to Hills Brumbies, playing with the boys for another two years.

“In 2017 I moved to Mount Druitt Rangers for a year and then to Inter Lions. For the past three years, I have been playing at Marconi Stallions in their NPLW program. I am currently playing under 17s and Reserve Grade each week.”

Marconi has a rich history of producing world class footballers. In Ella, they have a player that is not only willing to do the hard yards to get there, but one that is committed to taking the next step in her footballing adventure.

The ‘Future Wander Women Program’ is run by Wanderers’ Technical Director Ian Crook, with the head coach being Linda Khamis, the sister of former Matilda and current Wanderers’ forward Leena Khamis.

Ella admits working with Linda and some current Wanderers’ W-League stars has been an exciting part of the set-up.

“Honestly there are so many things in this program that are hard not to like,” she says. “The coaching staff are a major part of this, both Linda Khamis and Libby Copus-Brown have so much experience, and the knowledge they are able to give us which we are able to incorporate into our game helps us to improve the way we see and play the game.

“I like that I have the opportunity to improve my skills and that I have the opportunity to be a future Wanderer and take the leap into such a fast and skillful game.

“Most importantly I loved meeting the other girls. I am so lucky and thankful to have an opportunity to meet such wonderful people.”

While she has a long way to go to achieve her potential and her dream, Ella doesn’t have to look very far for inspiration.

One of her favourite players is recently capped Matilda, and Wanderers’ star defender Courtney Nevin.

“She is my inspiration as a player, the way she is able to attack and defend from her position, her fitness and skill levels are remarkable.

“Watching her play for Wanderers and now the Matildas at such a young age shows that it is possible for me to have the opportunity to work for a spot in the Wanderers’ W-league side.

Ella’s story is sure to be an inspiration to any young budding footballer out there. With the W-League only getting bigger, and the Women’s World Cup coming to Australia and New Zealand in 2023, the future of women’s football down under is in good hands.

Stallions snare vital victory at Wollongong

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Marconi Stallions secured their third victory of the season edging past Wollongong Wolves 1-0 at Albert Butler Memorial Park on Sunday afternoon.

A second half strike from Marko Jesic was the difference as the Stallions claimed a valuable three points which keeps their slim finals hopes alive.

The Wolves started strong but failed to make the most of their early dominance going into the interval still locked scoreless.

However, it was a different story in the second half with the Stallions leading the charge and claiming a penalty which Jesic would net in the narrow victory.

The Wolves had a strong start to the match when just a minute in Liam Willie played a ball across to the right for Marcus Beattie inside the box who failed to hit the target.

In the 20th minute, Beattie was involved again down the right sending another effort over from a similar area.

Six minutes later, Beattie looped a cross towards the middle finding Stefan Dimoski’s head who was unable to make sufficient contact with the ball.

27 minutes in, Marconi created their first real opening of the match with Anthony Frangie turning well at the top of the box but firing over.

With two minutes to play in the half Wollongong’s Leroy Jennings took aim from outside the box on the left with his effort finishing just past the far post.

On the stroke of halftime, Frangie had another opportunity when a low cross from the right courtesy of Christopher Hatfield found him free inside the box, but the shot lacked power.

The sides went into the break unable to be separated despite being plenty of chances for both teams.

The Stallions came out strong in the second period creating several chances with the first quarter-of-an-hour.

Nine minutes in, Frangie forced a top save from Hayden Durose after a powerful strike from outside the box and three minutes later, Mitch Mallia saw his shot batted away by Durose.

The pressure finally told with the visitors being awarded a penalty in the 59th minute.

The skipper took responsibility from the spot sending an effort into the far right of the net with Durose diving the other way to record his ninth goal of the 2021 NPL NSW Men’s campaign.

Marconi continued to push forwards in search of doubling the advantage with Durose being called into action on several occasions to keep the Wolves in the game.

In the 77th minute, a corner in from the right met the head of Nathan Millgate at the back post who headed over the bar for the away team.

Despite the home side pushing on in search of an equaliser, they were unable to find it with Marconi hanging for all three points.

Wollongong Wolves coach Luke Wilkshire felt his side deserved more out of the game considering their overall display.

“When you’re dominating a game and you don’t score, it’s always a worry and that’s football,” he said.

“The application, the way we played. The boys deserved more out of the game.”

Marconi Stallions coach Peter Tsekenis felt there was a contrast in the performance of his side in either half, highlighting an improvement in the second period.

“It was a game of two halves, I think the wind played a factor in it,” he said.

“They had the wind in the first half, I thought we defended quite well.

“They started off very well, but I thought we went with them.

“Second half we had the wind and I think we took advantage of it.”

The Wolves will look at returning back to the winner’s circle as they entertain APIA Leichhardt this Wednesday at Macedonia Park in the Waratah Cup Elimination Final. Scheduled for a 7:30pm and a match that will be shown Live on Football NSW’s YouTube and Facebook page, the winner of this clash will host the Mt Druitt Town Rangers in Cup Semi-Final hoping to land a Cup Final spot against Sydney Olympic or Blacktown City.

Match Stats

Wollongong Wolves 0

Marconi Stallions 1 (Marko Jesic 59’)

Sunday 20 June 2021

Albert Butler Memorial Park, Primbee

Referee: A. Arndt

Assistant Referee: K. Robinson and H. Fisher

Fourth Official: A. Naji

Wollongong Wolves: 23.Hayden Durose, 2.Taylor McDonald, 4.Nikola Djordjevic, 6.Ethan Kambisios, 7. Marcus Beattie, 11.Leroy Jennings, 13.Stefan Dimoski (24.Lachlan Scott 60’), 16.Fletcher McFarlane (9.Nicholas Duarte 67’), 18.Evan Ball, 19.Bilal Belkadi, 20.Liam Wille (17.Jake Lavalle 76’)

Substitutes Not Used: 1.Aiden Munford, 5.Dax Kelly, 12. Harrison Taranto,

Yellow Cards: Ethan Kambisios 14’, Nicholas Duarte 87’

Red Cards: Nil

Marconi Stallions: 1.Nenad Vekic, 2.Nathan Millgate, 3.Giorgio Speranaza, 6.Mark Rodic, 7.Christopher Hatfield (32.Jarred Mckinley 85’), 8.Connor Evans, 10.Marko Jesic, 11.Mitch Mallia (12.Stefan Nikolic 68’) 14.Anthony Frangie, 16.Liam Youlley, 19.Zach Cairncross (5.Mason Ingram 75’)

Substitutes Not Used: 20.Dion Shaw, 25.Blake Ilitch, 41.Ahmed Taleb

Yellow Cards: Anthony Frangie 29’, Liam Youlley 67’, Nenad Vekic 91’

Red Cards: Nil

– By National Premier Leagues NSW Reporter Timothy Gibson