What Can We Expect from MacArthur FC, the Newest Addition to the A-League?

As the A-League goes ahead with its unprecedented expansion plans, we are beginning to get a stronger sense of what this larger, newer, and the supposedly better league will look like. Since the expansion was launched in earnest at the tail end of 2018, the league has grown to twelve teams, with the addition of young upstart clubs such as Western United FC.

In the next A-League season, whenever it actually starts, there will be a new team in the form of MacArthur FC, a three-year own club based in South Western Sydney. While expectations are high, little is actually known about this young and ambitious club. Let’s take a closer look to see what we can expect from MacArthur FC in the next A-League season.

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Source: Pixabay

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The Basics

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Let’s get some of the basic facts down first, for those of you who are unfamiliar with this new addition to the league. MacArthur FC is nicknamed The Bulls and will have its home turf at Campbelltown Stadium in Leumeah, promising to bring much-needed revitalization to the surrounding area.

The club will be the exclusive A-League representative of the South Western Sydney area, and the club’s founders have pledged to place a special focus on scouting and training local soccer talent – a rarity for a member of any top-level sporting league. As of yet, the club doesn’t have an owner, although we understand that inquiries have been made by a number of individuals.

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Source: Pixabay

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Big Names

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The squad for MacArthur FC is nowhere near complete, with the club boasting only one signed player at the time of writing. However, that one player suggests that the club is off to a promising start. MacArthur FC have signed on former Central Coast Mariners’ Midfielder and Aussie National Team player Tommy Oar as their Midfielder.

​Given that Oar has delivered celebrated performances at the FIFA World Cup, as well as the 2014 and 2015 Asian Cups tournaments, few would doubt that he is a solid first signing for the fledgling club. Anyone looking to take part in some A-League betting on the club once their first odds are posted should also take into account the coaching staff of MacArthur FC, which contains some big names and a lot of promise.

​Football heavyweight Ante Milicic, perhaps best known as the first A-League player to ever score a hat-trick, will be taking on the role of head coach for MacArthur. Meanwhile, he will be supported by former Perth Glory and Central Coast Mariners’ right-winger Mile Sterjovski, who has also distinguished himself on the world stage, both at the FIFA World Cup and during his stint playing for English Premier League.

While the team is still in its early stages, these impressive signings show that MacArthur FC is focused on building a squad with a range of skills, rather the focusing on attracting as many glitzy A-list names as possible. This is a club that means business, and will likely make a name for itself early on during the next season. The more established clubs should make sure to not underestimate these guys.

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