Last year he put together his own data to produce an EPV model at Brunswick. 

“We used that data to show the players that we were on the right track, even though we’d hit a slump and that data suggested that the team will regain the form and results," he says.

“It helped. It showed one of the applications of data and analytics. 

Data insights are helping Marchioli bring together his coaching vision at NPL level

“And machine learning with data sets will get more and more accurate as the algorithms get more detailed. 

“There are algorithms and code being written every day to improve the machine learning algorithms. 

“It goes back to making more informed decisions. 

"It’s not the full picture with emotional scenarios in sport. Sometimes the data doesn’t tell the full picture. 

“But having more informed conversations with your players beyond intuition, instinct and memory can make a difference.

“It’s very important for a head coach to keep abreast of all this AI and data revolution.

“I’m building up that [data and digital] skillset while I coach."
 
It’s a heady mix and gives hope to those who despair about the local game. 

We’re witnessing the digital transformation of the sport during COVID.  

READ How data and the digital transformation is influencing sport

Not just streaming, but automating marketing, geo-targeted advertising, data insights on fan behaviors, stadia facilities, COVID protocols, and chatbots are all part of the broader digital transformation of clubs. 

PLUS...

What A-League clubs can learn from MLS dazzlers LAFC

A-League clubs needing inspiration? Look no further than new MLS outfit LAFC, which has successfully forged a fan-driven club at a brilliant, tech-savvy boutique home stadium. 

The likes of Marchioli, 32-year-old Ben Cahn (Olympic FC head coach in Brisbane who was a head coach aged 25), Newcastle's Keelan Hamilton, and others are developing both coaching and data insights to supercharge their careers. 

Combining for a new hybrid type of coach: digitally savvy, progressive in their player management and tactical approach while eager to embrace technology and data. 

In fact, Australia is producing an eye-catching group of digital analysts and coaches working away on laptops in the background across Australia.

And Marchioli is happy to name his cohorts who are at the cutting edge of data and football in Australia.