Winning coach returns to St George FC chasing more success
Raphael Marie coached St George FC Under 20 team in 2023 and guided them to become NSW League One Champions.
So convincing was the title win, it was all over with still five rounds remaining. It was a factor in Club Chairman Bruce Spiteri’s decision to sign him.
“Absolutely, we saw how hard he worked. He enabled some of our players to establish themselves in first grade the next season. As we had already appointed a First Grade Coach for the next season, we knew he would need to go elsewhere.”
For Raphael Marie, it is a great opportunity.
“I feel incredibly privileged to have been given the opportunity to lead the First Grade Team at this fantastic cub. Having been here previously, I believe I have a strong connection with St George FC and understand how special it is to its community. The Club’s Mission is exciting, and it was an opportunity I was eager to accept. I’d like to express my deepest thanks to club leadership for putting their trust in me to take on this position, and providing tremendous support to help achieve success this year.”
Now, after two successful seasons at NWS Spirit FC he is back.
For Club Chairman Bruce Spiteri, his education is a big plus.
“He is well educated in football. This is a stepping stone for him.
His education will only benefit the players.
We are all about promoting young players, we are a developing club helping our players to go on to bigger things.”
Raph is well educated in working with young players which comes from having early experience with English Premier League “Powerhouse” Club Arsenal FC and more recently with Sydney FC and NWS Spirit FC.
Raph’s three year “stint” with Sydney FC’s Senior Academy saw him work with many talented young players, many of whom are in professional environments and have gone on to feature for their National Teams. After Sydney, Raph had his first spell St George FC. Following the title winning season Raph had two successful years at NWS Spirit FC as their Under 20 Head Coach, with several players coming through the program to join David Perkovic’s title winning squad in 2025.
His Football Philosophy is simple.
“To be on the front foot and proactive in all aspects of the game. We want to score plenty of goals and play football that excites the fans and brings even more of the community to our special stadium, Barton Park.”
Coaching St George FC is an “extension” of what he has done so far in his career.
“I feel ready to take on this responsibility. The club has shown great courage in appointing a younger coach, but I’ve been fortunate to work alongside top professionals in excellent football environments – experiences that have prepared me for this moment.
Taking on this role feels like the natural next step, especially at a club that will support my staff and me in realising our football vision.”
Up until now, his experience has been up to the Under 20 level, now, it extends to First Grade.
“I really want to get my teeth into coaching at this level and working with fantastic players. I’ve been a coach since sixteen years of age in great NPL environments, more than 10 years of learning about what makes successful environments tick, and how to push players to their next level. I’m lucky to have been full time in football for many years at my age.”
His previous success at St George FC will be beneficial.
“The success in 2023 is definitely a proud moment in my career so far. There’s a strong core from that team still here -players like Justin Poon, Evan Souris and Jayden Seeto- and that continuity is important. I want to build success on the pitch the right way, in line with where the club wants to go. For me, it’s about creating a competitive squad with the right balance of youth and experience- a group that will compete and win.”
It will definitely be a “new look St George FC in 2026 – a new apparel partner PEGA a young coach and an exciting talented squad -assembled by Club Chairman Bruce Spiteri and his staff.
“This is our third season in NPL 1. We want to progress further than 2025. Like every other club, we want to win the competition”
The new coach too is looking for progress
“Winners are created over time. We’ve got a brilliant group of players here who will help drive the standard that me and the staff will set. There’s a strong foundation in place -now it’s about becoming even more competitive.”
Finally, what will a successful first season as an NPL First Grade Coach look like for Raphael Marie?
“I want to instil a real belief in the players. We’ve got a talented group who I’m certain will want to win every game we play. There are some fantastic young footballers coming through- I don’t look at age, if a player is good enough, they’re old enough. For me, success is about creating lasting memories that will stay with our playing group and the special members of the St George community.”
By Tony Peters
