Tony Sekulic
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Tony Sekulic (born 30 October 1974) is an Australian former professional association footballer and coach. A defender, Sekulic played in Australia’s National Soccer League and Germany’s 2. Bundesliga, most notably for Gippsland Falcons and 1. FSV Mainz 05.
After retiring as a player in 2004, he established a career as a coach, technical director and academy administrator.
Playing career
Early career
Sekulic developed as a junior at Sydney United, before beginning his senior career with Rockdale City Suns in New South Wales state competition in 1995.
Gippsland Falcons
Sekulic joined Gippsland Falcons during the 1996–97 National Soccer League season, becoming a regular starter in defence. He is one of only two players, alongside Brian Bothwell, to have scored a hat-trick for the club in the NSL.
On 29 March 1997, Sekulic scored all three goals in a 3–0 home victory over Newcastle Breakers at Falcons Park, netting twice from corners and once from a set piece.
Across two NSL seasons with Gippsland, Sekulic made 34 league appearances and scored five goals.
Germany
In 1998, Sekulic moved to Germany, signing with 1. FSV Mainz 05, then competing in the 2. Bundesliga. He made 15 league appearances and scored two goals during the 1998–99 season, followed by two further appearances in 1999–2000.
During his time at Mainz, Sekulic was a teammate of future Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager Jürgen Klopp, who was then a defender at the club.
Sekulic later played for SV Darmstadt 98 and VfR Mannheim in the Regionalliga Süd, before a season with 1. FC Eschborn in the Oberliga Hessen, where he scored five goals.
Return to Australia
In 2001–02, Sekulic returned to Australia to play for Marconi Stallions in the National Soccer League, making 21 appearances and scoring three goals. He concluded his senior playing career with Rockdale City Suns in the NSW Premier League.
Post-playing career
After retiring, Sekulic transitioned into coaching and football administration. He served in technical and coaching roles at Sydney United, and was later appointed Technical Academy Director at the club.
Career statistics
| Club | Season | League | Cup | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Gippsland Falcons | 1996–97 | National Soccer League | 14 | 5 | – | – | 14 | 5 |
| 1997–98 | National Soccer League | 20 | 0 | – | – | 20 | 0 | |
| Total | 34 | 5 | – | – | 34 | 5 | ||
| 1. FSV Mainz 05 | 1998–99 | 2. Bundesliga | 15 | 2 | – | – | 15 | 2 |
| 1999–2000 | 2. Bundesliga | 2 | 0 | – | – | 2 | 0 | |
| Total | 17 | 2 | – | – | 17 | 2 | ||
| SV Darmstadt 98 | 1999–2000 | Regionalliga Süd | 17 | 0 | – | – | 17 | 0 |
| VfR Mannheim | 2000–2001 | Regionalliga Süd | 14 | 0 | – | – | 14 | 0 |
| 1. FC Eschborn | 2001–02 | Oberliga Hessen | 14 | 5 | – | – | 14 | 5 |
| Marconi Stallions | 2001–02 | National Soccer League | 21 | 3 | – | – | 21 | 3 |
| Rockdale City Suns | 2003–04 | NSW Premier League | 11 | 0 | – | – | 11 | 0 |
| Career total | 129 | 15 | – | – | 129 | 15 |