You can listen to the full interview with Anton Mlinaric on the Tier Two Talk podcast here.
The last three weeks have been a whirlwind of emotion for the team from Bosely Park. From nearly getting knocked out of the competitions after conceding five against Wollongong Wolves on the final day, to knocking out the NPL NSW champions and biggest rivals, Wests APIA, on penalties.
Marconi Stallions have ridden the wave, and defender Anton Mlinaric believes his side is primed to continue their journey in the Australian Championship.
“We just worried about how we can bounce back,” Mlinaric said regarding his side's response to their 5-0 defeat to Wollongong.
“A lot of people [were] saying a lot of things about us, how we were the underdog, that we have no chance, and we shouldn't be there. So it was nice to sort of show people that [the Wollongong game] was a one-off, we can beat anyone and everyone in this championship.”
After not being involved in Marconi’s matchday squad against Wollongong, Mlinaric played 105 minutes of Friday night's Derby d’Italia, limiting Wests APIA's chances and earning him a spot in the final Australian Championship Team of the Week.
“Physically, I don't think I could have taken a penalty. I would have been right at the end. I would have taken it if I was on, but it was definitely nerve-wracking.
“You can count on everyone in our team, and everyone wants to make a difference and add to the team, which is what we've got at Marconi. We've got that good culture where we just want to win for us as a group, and we're a team,” Mlinaric said.
Now advancing to the Semi Finals, the four-time champions of Australia will be eyeing the opportunity to go toe-to-toe with former NSL rivals like South Melbourne and fellow group opponents Heidelberg United if they can make the Final on December 6.
Though they must face off against one of the best attacking sides in the Championship this weekend, in Moreton City Excelsior. Nine goals in their last three games, Excelsior are coming off a resounding 3-1 win at Avenger Park, where they stunned the NPL Victoria premiers Avondale.
“Moreton City, they’ve done extremely well,” Mlinaric continued.
“They want to get stuck in as well, similar to us, they’ve got a young team, boys that want to fight, and they go forward very quickly. To beat Avondale, especially at Avondale, just shows really how good they are.”
Saturday’s Semi Final will be the first meeting between the New South Wales and Queensland clubs, and with a spot in the inaugural Australian Championship Final on the line, neither side will want the opportunity to taste national glory to pass them by.
“It'll be a good battle. We're excited to verse them. I think they're a very good team, and we'll show on Saturday why we think we're better,” Mlinaric finished.