Australian Football

A smooth running wingman who liked to kick a goal, Frank Marchesani is probably best remembered for his controversial switch from Fitzroy to Carlton in 1981, which came after he had shone for the Lions in his debut season. However, he did not feel at home at Brunswick Street and requested a move to the Blues, where he had friends. Fitzroy, however, refused to clear him, and his only option was to stand out of football until the matter was resolved. In the end, a swap deal which saw wingman Peter Francis off-loaded by Carlton in return for Marchesani was rubber-stamped midway through the 1981 season, just before the deadline for mid-year transfers.

Marchesani did not really enhance his reputation with the Blues, initially at least because several of his new team mates resented his arrival, and thereafter because of persistent niggling injuries. He ended up playing 36 VFL games and kicking 26 goals for Carlton from 1981 to 1985 to add to the 16 games and 17 goals registered with the Lions. After being de-listed by the Blues Marchesani was offered another chance by Essendon but once again injuries reared their ugly head and he retired without having added to his senior games tally.

Author - John Devaney