Ivo Prskalo

NSL Career: Marconi 141 (0) / 1977 - 1982

Socceroos Career: 14 (1) A Internationals / 13 (0) B Internationals

One of the classiest defenders to ever play in Australia, Ivo Prskalo brought years of top level European experience to Marconi and was key to their early success in the NSL. Prskalo made up for a lack of speed with incredible composure, technical ability and ability to read the play.

Born in Bosnia, Prskalo began his professional career at Bosnian club Velež Mostar, making his Yugoslav First League debut at the age of 19. Over nine seasons in the first team, Prskalo was a regular in the side - playing across the backline and in midfield. Prskalo was part of the Velež side that finished runners-up in the First League in the 1972/73 and 1973/74 seasons and UEFA Cup Quarter-Finalists in 1974/75, but was unable to earn a call-up to the Yugoslavia national team. 

Following his time at Velež, Prskalo was offered the chance to play in the North American Soccer League where he would join a number of experienced players from Europe. New York Cosmos's offer did not guarantee a long-term contract and the 28 year old defender instead took up an offer to join fellow Bosnian Rale Rašić, who was coaching Australian club Marconi in the NSW First Division. Prskalo became a key member of the side that reached the preliminary final before Marconi became a foundation club of the Phillips Soccer League in 1977. 

As Marconi sweeper, Prskalo was part of the league's tightest defence as the club finished runners-up in the league, and the NSL Cup, scoring a rare goal in the first round. Ever consistent, Prskalo missed just one game during the 1978 season as Marconi finished fourth before going on to reach the final of the Play-Off Series. 

Prskalo had his best season in Australia in 1979 - winning the league as captain, being named the league's Player of the Year and became a Socceroos regular. Prskalo helped Marconi remain a top four side in the 1980 season before being part of the side's NSL Cup Final win over Heidelberg, becoming the first NSL club to win both the league and cup. The national team began to bring young Australian-born defenders in to the fold and Prskalo's time as a Socceroo came to an end as the veteran defender missed a large chunk of the 1981 season through injury.

After finishing third-to-last at the end of the 1981 season, Marconi again struggled to compete during the 1982 season as Prskalo missed just one league game before hanging up his boots at the age of 34. Prskalo returned to Yugoslavia following his retirement but later moved back to Australia where he became involved in Marconi's youth set-up and NSL coaching staff.