Adelaide United defender Michael Marrone targets FFA Cup history

MICHAEL Marrone had no idea how big the FFA Cup was, until he helped Adelaide United win it.Now he stands on the cusp of becoming one of just two players to claim the national knockout competition twice.

Adelaide United right back Michael Marrone is mobbed by teammates after scoring the Reds’ winner in their FFA Cup triumph over Newcastle Jets. Picture: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images

MICHAEL Marrone had no idea how big the FFA Cup was, until he helped Adelaide United win it.

Now he stands on the cusp of becoming one of just two players to claim the national knockout competition twice.

Marrone was part of the Reds side which downed Perth Glory 1-0 in the inaugural cup decider in front of a capacity 16,142 crowd at Hindmarsh Stadium in 2014.

The right back hoped to add to his medal collection when he lined up against Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium in Tuesday night’s final.

“We were lucky enough to play in the first FFA Cup final, but I didn’t really know what to expect at the time,” Marrone, 30, recalled.

“It was probably good that way because I didn’t feel the pressure in the slightest and didn’t fully understand the importance of it.

“But when we won it and had the celebrations and got the trophy, I thought ‘wow, this is big’. In your career you’ll maybe get lucky and have the chance to participate in a grand final or a cup final once or twice.

“Some players go their whole career without getting silverware, so it really makes you appreciate the opportunity and motivates you to win.”

Marrone and skipper Isaias were the only survivors from the 2014 cup triumph expected to face the Sky Blues, as defender Tarek Elrich continued his recovery from a torn ACL.

The Para Hills product said victory might act as a springboard for the Reds, who won their maiden A-League title 18 months after claiming the cup.

“Winning definitely becomes a habit,” said Marrone, who scored United’s winner in its round-of-32 cup success over Newcastle Jets in August.

“In the year we won the league we started poorly and didn’t win for the first eight rounds, but wins build confidence and you almost go out expecting to win.

“It’s not arrogance, but you have a winning mentality.”

Adelaide arrived in Sydney early Monday and would train at Allianz later that day ahead of its clash with the reigning A-League champion.

Marrone said the Reds, $4.20 outsiders with UBET, were relishing their underdog tag. “It will be their home game so the pressure will be on them.

“There will be no fears for us heading over there. We’ve got the reward now we’re in the final and we can’t wait.”

Originally published as Adelaide United defender Michael Marrone targets FFA Cup history