"We're not done yet!"

Above: Moreton City Excelsior celebrate during their vital Group A draw with South Melbourne. Picture Josh Springfield Football Australia

Moreton City Excelsior have surprised many by reaching tomorrow’s Australian Championship semi-finals - but not those inside the club.

MCE travel to Sydney to face Marconi Stallions (kick-off 12.35pm) with a place in the national final just 90 minutes away.

It follows a stunning 3-1 quarter-final victory at Victorian Premiers Avondale last weekend – despite a raft of injuries, especially in the forward line.

“This year we’ve just got better and better,” coach Cameron Millar told the Australian Championship after the game.

“Chris Maher in preseason said I believe we can do something special this year. We kept that theme going throughout the year – and we have.

“We keep doing it, we keep showing up, we’re not done yet and want to keep moving forward in this competition.”

MCE are the second highest scorers in the competition with 18 goals – only Heidelberg, who face South Melbourne in the second semi, have more with 21.

But Marconi has one of the strongest defences, conceding just eight goals in seven games – bettered only by South Melbourne 6 and Heidelberg 7.

However, MCE is the only 2025 state premier left in the competition and as Mike Tuckerman wrote on football360.com.au “they’re on track to end it as a name no one forgets”.

“Not only have Moreton City shown themselves to be outstanding representatives for the Sunshine State, but they’ve also proved what can be accomplished when a progressive club backs an intelligent young coach,” he says.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I would love to see Millar and his underdogs battle their way through to the final of the competition.”

Injuries and history may be against MCE – formed two years ago when Moreton Bay United and Albany Creek Excelsior merged - with Marconi formed in 1956, Heidelberg 1958 and South Melbourne 1959.

But coach Cameron Millar said after the quarter-final there is “character and belief”.

“Our plan was to come here and play our football and believe if we got that right we could beat Avondale and I think that was on show,” he told the Australian Championship.

“Yes, they went down to 10 (players), but I think before that we were in complete control.

“Some of those goals were incredible. Pleased in the performance and outcome. Look forward to next week.

“(belief) comes from the character of the people in our group. All the players, the staff, everyone in our club. It’s people that bring that together.

“Such a positive culture, a hard working culture."