Doug Marcina
Doug Marcina is an Australian former professional soccer player who played as a midfielder. He is best known for his time in the NSL with Morwell Falcons/Gippsland Falcons and Canberra Cosmos, and is considered one of Morwell Falcons' greatest ever players, sitting second on their all-time NSL appearances list with 126 matches, only behind Claudio Canosa.
Marcina is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Sport football program and represented the Australian Capital Territory at both indoor and outdoor youth football level.
Early life and youth career
Doug Marcina was born in Canberra, Australia. He represented the ACT schoolboys indoor team in 1988, competing in national-level tournaments. That same year, he represented the Australian Capital Territory at the national championships.He was selected for the AIS football program in 1988.
Club career
Canberra Croatia
Marcina began his senior career with Canberra Croatia in 1989, appearing regularly over the next six seasons.During this period, he played in multiple ACT leagues and was part of the Canberra Croatia squad that competed at the 1989 Ethnic World Cup, a tournament involving clubs representing ethnic communities across the ACT. He developed a reputation as a technically skilled midfielder and was eventually scouted by NSL clubs, leading to his move to Morwell Falcons.
Marcina, dubbed "Mr Reliable" for his durability and work ethic, played his 100th game for Canberra Croatia in September 1992 and was a mainstay of the club under coach Vic Fernandez.
He also served as Canberra Croatia's captain in 1992, when the team was known as Canberra Metro.
Morwell Falcons
Marcina joined Morwell Falcons for the 1994–95 NSL season, immediately establishing himself as a key player. Over the next four seasons, he played 94 NSL games and scored six times. His consistent performances contributed to the club reaching the finals series in his first season.An integral figure across midfield and defence, he also joined many Gippsland Falcons players on loan at South Dandenong SC. Given Marcina's leadership and experience helped Gippsland Falcons compete at a high level, and he is considered one of the club’s all-time best players.