Joe Marston is nominated as greatest footballer
Umina resident Joe Marston is amongst a few nominees to be selected by a panel of ex-players, commentators and administrators for the coveted title of 2012's Greatest Australian Footballer.
Nominees were primarily selected on the basis of their positive imprint on the profile and growth of football in Australia, in addition to their consistent demonstration of excellence on the national or international stage, but were also required to either be an Australian citizen or to have played for an Australian team.
The award is supported by the Football Federation of Australia and is used to assist the Johnny Warren Football Foundation by donating all funds raised through sponsorship, ticket sales, and event auctions.
Earlier this year, Mr Marston was one of eight Australian sportspeople to have their portrait included on a stamp as part of Australia Post's Australian Legends series.
Mr Marston is notable for being the first Australian to not only play for, but also reach the FA Cup finals with a British football club (Preston North End, 1954).
Upon his return to Australia after five years in Britain, Mr Marston continued to prove himself as a pioneer by becoming the first man to both captain and coach the Australian team, playing for the squad on 37 occasions in total.
Other accolades received by Mr Marston included the Order of the British Empire, the Alex Tobin Medal, inductions into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, the Football Federation Australia Hall of Fame and the NSW Hall of Champions.
Mr Marston's achievements are acknowledged by the A-League annually, when the Joe Marston Medal is awarded to the player of the match in that year's grand final.
The public can vote for their favourite player on the Greatest Australian Footballer website and the outcome will be decided with an equal weighting between the votes of the panellists and those of the public.
Media release, 12 Apr 2012
Football Australia
Website, 12 Apr 2012
FIFA.com
Website, 12 Apr 2012
Sport Australia, sahof.org.au