After Michael Marrone put pen to paper on a one-year contract extension with Adelaide United, we take a look back at five highlights with the Club.
The always dependable Marrone currently sits fourth on the all-time appearances list at the Reds, accumulating a total of 161 matches across two stints.
Here are five memorable moments:
First taste of silverware
Marrone’s first trophy with the Club was clinching the inaugural FFA Cup in 2014. The right-back played the full 90 minutes in Adelaide’s narrow 1-0 win over Perth Glory in front of a capacity at crowd Coopers Stadium.
Maiden Reds goal
To date Marrone has only scored two goals as a Red across all competitions. His first arrived in the Hyundai A-League against Wellington Phoenix on Boxing Day in 2015, ending a drought of 130 Hyundai A-League games without finding the back-of-the-net. It may have been a simple tap-in but it was certainly a moment to savour for a player that rarely finds his way on the scoresheet.
Unprecedented Premiership and Championship double
The then 29-year-old was a key component in Adelaide’s resurgence up the table during an unforgettable 2015/16 campaign. He played the whole game as Adelaide triumphed 2-0 over Melbourne City in the final round of the regular season. The win ultimately secured the Premier’s Plate after Brisbane Roar failed to take all three points the following night.
Three weeks later, in front of more than 50,000 fans at Adelaide Oval, United dispatched Western Sydney Wanderers 3-1. However, it was somewhat bittersweet for the defender, who was forced off the field with 17 minutes remaining after rupturing his Achilles tendon.
Reaching a century with his hometown Club
The majority of players will tell you, personal milestones are subordinate to team success but reaching 100 games with your hometown Club is a special feat. For Marrone, that occurred in February 2017 against no less than fierce rivals, Melbourne Victory.
Second FFA Cup success
Nearly four years since prevailing in the 2014 iteration of the competition, fate would repeat itself again with Craig Goodwin’s stunning brace inspiring United to a famous 2-1 victory over Sydney FC in the FFA Cup 2018 Final. Marrone played the entire 90 minutes at right-back as the Reds became the first team to win the tournament twice.
Adelaide United host Perth in Round 22 of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season on Friday, 15 March at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT. Gates open 6.20pm.
