Manly United, 3pm Sunday 11th August 2019 (Home)

The last home game of the season is, in my eyes, always an important game whether it means anything in a finals race or not. The chance to get to the game and the club for one last arvo before the 6 month break turns it into a special occasion. And is, for many of us watching Croatia, not just about the game but also the chance to have a few beers and talk football or anything else. This day was a must win game for us to make the finals, and club legend Petar Markovic’s last game in the red after 22 years of loyal service to the club. No other player in the illustrious history of the club has represented Croatia more times than Petar. A true giant of King Tom – thanks for the memories, Petar. He was given a fantastic reception onto the pitch by the SUS, who had made a huge banner thanking him for the service, as streamers went off in the bright sunshine. Once the photos had been taken those of us on the hill settled in for what was a very important game.

Thanks for 22 years Petar!

The scenario was simple: win and we make the finals and play Marconi; probably at Marconi stadium. With the goal difference of Marconi far superior to that of Croatia, they only needed a draw to finish fourth and get a home final. After last week’s loss at Olympic, they too could steal 5th place off us if we were to lose. The perfect scenario would be a win and a Marconi loss, this would put us fourth and get a home tie first week, and for the fanatics on the hill another game at King Tom. As Olympic had Sydney FC, nobody was expecting them to lose which meant we had to win. Marconi were away to league champions Wollongong, for whom the game was a dead rubber as they had already finished top regardless of the result. The sun was shining and the pitch looked awful. How could the game go ahead in such poor conditions? Oh, sorry we are not playing an A League team, that’s why. The pitch actually looked fantastic as the teams walked out and a huge Croatian flag was unfurled on the Boka stand. By the way, I received a lot of positive feedback for the FFA Cup post, much appreciated.

Match action

The game started at a hectic pace and Croatia made all the early running, with barely 10 minutes on the clock a Tariq Maia effort hit the foot of the post and rebounded to safety. Croatia were finding space with alarming regularity and it was no surprise when they took the lead just a few minutes later. Matt Sim swung over a fabulous cross that was met by Bilic, who out jumped two defenders to power a header into the net for an early lead. Croatia continued to press for a second and did not allow Manly time on the ball. It took almost half an hour before they had a shot on goal but the second goal duly arrived. A corner swung in low and fell to Simonoski who lashed the ball into the roof of the net to give Croatia a two goal cushion. By this point Olympic were 2-1 up and Marconi were 0-0, as a game away to Marconi loomed on the horizon. Then in a rare foray forward, Manly hit back just a few minutes later. A superb header reducing the arrears to 2-1, as we quickly checked the scores on the Olympic and Marconi games. Croatia saw out the half at 2-1 and as it stood we were playing Marconi away next weekend.

VB flowing

The second half started with Manly in the ascendancy and Croatia were given a huge let off when Uskok almost headed in an own goal, with Manos pulling off a spectacular save. It was getting nervy and when Forlico dribbled into the area and crossed to an unmarked McDonald in space with 20 minutes left it looked like the game was level, but he could only drag his shot wide. It was a wake up call for Croatia and they made sure of the result with around 10 minutes to play when excellent work by Matt Sim saw substitute Antelmi lash home to make it 3-1. Then we learnt that Marconi were 1-0 down! All of a sudden Croatia were heading for a home final as the live scores were constantly asked for, as well as screaming at the ref to blow for full time. A false rumour that Wollongong had scored a second led to celebrations for a time, and then confirmation that they had won 1-0. The referee finally blew for time and Croatia had made the finals and got another game at King Tom! This is what people do not understand: a home game is an occasion at King Tom. Aside from losing the home advantage, playing in Campbelltown means no meeting at the club before and after and the usual routine that goes with it. The celebrations for achieving a home game are testament to what it means to play here. Petar Markovic was carried to Gilligan’s corner where he was applauded and gave his jersey to a young fan that seems to get to more games than me!

Thank you banner for Petar's service

After the game I met Matt Sabo in the club to conduct the interview. Matt has been doing the club’s Twitter feed.

What was the first game that you attended?

The 1988 Grand Final against Marconi at Parramatta stadium. I recall wanting to go to every game after that.

Who is your favourite player in the history of Sydney Croatia?

I would have to say more than one. Tony Franken (1987-91/1992-94) the former Australia goalkeeper (possibly to do with his hot wife). The second would be David Seal (1989-1990). His 17 goals in 31 games in that one season left an impression on a young man, and that hair was immense. The third would have to be Ante Moric (1992-97/1998-2000/2002). A club stalwart with over 100 appearances for the club. He currently manages Dandenong City.

When the NSL folded, why did you not go to watch Sydney FC?

Simply because they were not my team. By that point I had been coming to Edensor Park for 15 years to watch Croatia.

How long have you been doing the club Twitter Feed?

Since 2018. I was asked by the club as I was doing match updates on my own.

Will there ever be promotion/relegation in Australia?

This will have to happen, but who knows when.

Being a jersey collector, what is your all time favourite Croatia jersey?

Without a doubt the 1991-92 season (Shavonica design, Paradise Legends maker)

Only used for one season, an all time cult classic.

The classic '91-'92 jersey

VB or Toohey’s New?

It would have to be VB. I am hoping that the Hill Bar soon starts to stock Stone & Wood.

What is the biggest game of the season for you?

Marconi, home and away & Olympic, again both home and away.

Are Sydney Croatia singled out by the FFA?

Yes, it’s a joke. We are not treated the same way as other teams. The Campbelltown decision is a good example of this.

Last Question, what is the best game you have attended at King Tom?

I would have to list a few. The first would be against South Melbourne in January 1990. They were a good team and we beat them 3-1 (Hunter, Lamond & Seal) in front of 3,486. The second would have to be the 3-1 win against Marconi in December 1991. We were dead last on the ladder and stuffed them with Tony Krslovic scoring a hat trick in front of over 5,000. In the era since the NSL folded, the cup game against Heidelberg that went to Penalties in August 2017. The Scenes when Adrian Vranic scored in the last minute of extra time were nuts! Watched by 2,513 and flares aplenty as I recall.

Thanks to Matt, and Tomislav Uskok for the beers during the questions in the club. After being deprived of getting to King Tom for the FFA Cup, we are now back again next Saturday at 4pm to face eternal rivals Marconi in the finals. Can’t wait! So get down early and support the boys for what will be the last home game of the season.

Matt and Petar