Sturt Lions defender John Fusco has officially surpassed a record which now makes him the most capped player in games in a local state-based competition conducted by the member Federation.
The club celebrated John's 556th senior match at Sturt's home match against Campbelltown City last Saturday at West Beach Parks Football Centre.
Strut Lions and the football community came together on social media to congratulate John on his achievement.
Before the game, Football SA spoke to John to get his thoughts on this incredible milestone.
What does it mean to you to break the record?
I never really aimed to reach a certain amount of games, it has all just kept rolling onwards. I have been fortunate to play 556 games, and with these many games comes so many memories, experiences and friendships made. Breaking the record means a lot to me as it reminds me how fortunate I have been and reminds me of my friends I have shared this journey with.
What has been your most memorable moment/game out of the 556 matches?
I have been fortunate enough to have a few. The championship wins with Adelaide City, Birkalla, Raiders and Sturt Lions were all special in their own way. Maybe the two promotions with Sturt were particularly special as it was unexpected and I have seen this club come from nowhere and experienced the impact success on the field has had to the club and its juniors.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career?
My father and mother attended almost all my games over the past 20 plus years and always provided honest feedback on my performances. I also had some fantastic coaches and people teaching me such as Serge Melta, Joe Mullen, Chris Goddard and my Brother Lino Fusco that have given me different perspectives on Football.
Who would you like to thank?
My family, who has always supported me and all the clubs I had the privilege to play for and all the hundreds of volunteers, who coached, refereed, managed, officiated etc over all these years that have made playing in the competition possible.
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Sturt Lions President, John Vander Veeken, is immensely proud of John's achievement and thanks to John for his dedication to the club.
John is in his seventh season with us and is playing his 153rd senior game for Sturt Lions. This is a club record in itself. John has provided incredible service both on and off the field. I have seen John provide leadership both by outstanding play and by example on the field plus also seen him hoist 2 State League Grand Final winning cups for our club. I have also seen him dig holes for junior goals at Manson oval, worked side by side with him on a Friday night to load up one of his large trucks full with miniroos goals to move them to a different venue. And now been part of a club admin team led by John to take our club through the design and approval stages of Karinya with now building it. Am I proud of John? No string of words can describe how proud I am.
Football SA All-Time Player Appearance Top 5 (including NSL & State games)
1. Bohdan Nyskohus: 847 games (includes 5 AUS, 67 State, 300 NSL games)
2. Alex Tobin: 593 games (including 113 Aus, 16 State, 436 NSL games)
3. John Fusco: 557 games (including 1 NSL game)
4. Fraser McLean: 554 games (including 2 State games)
5. Ben (Matthew) Moore: 530 games (including 17 State games)