Joe Marston, MBE

Joe Marston was a strong and agile central defender in an illustrious career in Australia and England.

He represented Australia and also coached the national team, but made his name with famous English club Preston North End.

Marston was the first Australian to play in an English FA Cup Final when Preston North End went down to West Bromwich Albion in 1954.

He made 154 appearances for the club and was picked for the English League against the Scottish League.

Before and after his time in England, Marston was a star player in the New South Wales State League, and later was a leading club coach.

Among the many individual accolades bestowed upon Marston was was an MBE, the Australian Sports Medal and induction into the Football Australia Hall of Fame.

The best player in the A-League Grand Final is awarded the Marston Medal.