Marusic Medal

The Story Behind the Inaugural Marusic Medal

A collaboration between MetroStars and FK Beograd

The decision to dedicate a game to the Marusic family is a co-decision by the Presidents of MetroStars and FK Beograd, to recognise the history of brothers shared over many years, across both clubs. The Marusic family would like to thank all in their support for this initiative. 

The brothers story starts Italy, in a camp for displaced persons called San Antonio, where the Marusic family spent some time after fleeing a war-torn Slovenia. 

Two of the three Marusic brothers, Elio and Italo played soccer in the camp, and it was their love of soccer and their high level of skill that enabled the Marusic family to make the journey to Australia.

A player from the San Antonio camp made the journey to Adelaide in 1954 and was embraced by Beograd to play in the team. This man spoke about the highly talented Marusic brothers and encouraged the Beograd Club to sponsor the brothers, to migrate to Australia and they arrived in Adelaide in 1958, ready to play. 

The two brothers played their first game, together, in Australia for Beograd against Budapest, unfortunately losing 2-0. But so began a long relationship between the Beograd Soccer Club and the Marusic brothers. 

Italo Marusic enjoyed many, many years at the Beograd Soccer Club, playing for over two decades, captaining the first team for hundreds of games, culminating into being inducted into the Inaugural Beograd Hall of Fame. He was a very calm, highly skilled and dedicated player who was humble about his outstanding achievements throughout his entire life.

Whilst Italo remained loyal to Beograd, Elio went on to play for Hellas (Olympic) and achieved many accolades, including representing South Australia nineteen times and captaining South Australian games against international teams such as Sparta Prague, Manchester United, Roma, and Everton. Both brothers continued to play highly successful seasons for many years, although at different clubs. 

In the early years of MetroStars, Elio, through his son in law Sam Borrello, and the formative Committee, was asked to coach the then Metro Knights Soccer Club to assist the club with its long-term vision of moving into the State League. Elio is now a proud life member of MetroStars who at almost 90 years of age, still regularly attends home games. 

Sadly, Italo Marusic passed away in April 2025, and the Beograd Soccer Club is thanked for the respect and condolences they have communicated to the family.

Today the Marusic Medal, is dedicated to best on ground, and represents the power that the world game of soccer has – the power to change lives and to make a real difference. 

We thank you all for reflecting on two of the pioneering players of South Australian football who have certainly made an impact on these two teams, and the communities that support them. 

Here’s to soccer continuing to transcend the ages and that we all enjoy a great game.

On behalf of the Marusic Family