Macarthur FC

On 1 December 2017, Campbelltown City Council informed the Football Federation Australia (FFA) of their plans to be part of an expanded A-League by gaining entry into the competition in two years.{{cite web |last1=Bossi |first1=Dominic |title=Campbelltown City Council launches A-League bid for south west Sydney |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/campbelltown-city-council-launches-aleague-bid-for-south-west-sydney-20171201-gzx1s5.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=28 September 2023 |language=en |date=1 December 2017 |archive-date=12 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712171212/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/campbelltown-city-council-launches-aleague-bid-for-south-west-sydney-20171201-gzx1s5.html |url-status=live }} Initially called the South West Sydney Football Bid, the bid was intended, by the 2019–2020 season, to have a men, women and youth team playing in a national competition with games hosted at Campbelltown Sports Stadium. It was also proposed to grow the football community in the region and ensure young players a pathway into the professional league for both boys and girls.{{cite web |last1=Zautsen |first1=Daniel |title=Campbelltown launched 'United For Macarthur' A-League bid |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/macarthur/campbelltown-launched-united-for-macarthur-aleague-bid/news-story/eb04a1879a6f47a1c2075d7b510f01b7?amp&nk=737f55a7741d0e7c9f818b9b2cf5b41e-1695877690 |website=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=28 September 2023 |date=16 April 2018}} The proposal by the council soon gained support from other committees in the ensuing months, namely Camden and Wollondilly Shire, and from the Macarthur Football Association, which represented dozens of community clubs and over 10,000 registered players in the region. Brett Emerton, who was raised in Macquarie Fields, Campbelltown, became the bid ambassador and Lang Walker, billionaire and executive chairman of Walker Corporation, was named business ambassador in April 2018.{{cite web |last1=Zautsen |first1=Daniel |title=Former Socceroo Brett Emerton supports Macarthur A-League bid |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/macarthur/former-socceroo-brett-emerton-supports-macarthur-aleague-bid/news-story/06c6cc94ae88e142349768c57787a876?amp&nk=edcb1f79a9cb3843afe29d5b69691482-1695877398 |website=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=28 September 2023 |date=20 April 2018}}{{cite web |last1=Kemp |first1=Emma |title=Macarthur has the AL population: Emerton |url=https://www.espn.com.au/football/story/_/id/23735030/emerton |website=ESPN |access-date=28 September 2023 |language=en |date=8 June 2018 |archive-date=28 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928090311/https://www.espn.com.au/football/story/_/id/23735030/emerton |url-status=live }} Walker pledged to financially invest in the club if the bid succeeded, including upgrades towards Campbelltown Sports Stadium and its facilities.{{cite web |title=Lang Walker supports United for Macarthur A-League bid – News – Walker Corporation |url=https://www.walkercorp.com.au/news/2018/04/lang-walker-supports-united-for-macarthur-a-league-bid/ |publisher=Walker Corp |access-date=28 September 2023 |date=27 April 2018 |archive-date=28 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928090314/https://www.walkercorp.com.au/news/2018/04/lang-walker-supports-united-for-macarthur-a-league-bid/ |url-status=live }} The bid was dubbed "United for Macarthur" and launched that month to allow local businesses and people to support a community-based and owned team proposal.

By the deadline date for expression of interest on 25 May 2018, 15 were submitted with three Sydney-based proposals being introduced.{{cite web |title=A-League expansion race down to 15 clubs |url=https://www.espn.com.au/football/story/_/id/37554755/a-league-expansion-race-15-brisbane-strikers-withdraw |website=ESPN |publisher=Australian Associated Press |access-date=28 September 2023 |language=en |date=20 May 2018 |archive-date=28 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928100013/https://www.espn.com.au/football/story/_/id/37554755/a-league-expansion-race-15-brisbane-strikers-withdraw |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Fifteen A-League expansion bids confirmed on deadline day |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/may/25/fifteen-a-league-expansion-bids-confirmed-on-deadline-day |website=The Guardian |publisher=Australian Associated Press |access-date=28 September 2023 |date=24 May 2018}} The "United for Macarthur" campaign gained further support from A-League club Sydney FC and its chairman, Scott Barlow, who also issued criticism towards the Southern Expansion (Sutherland-St George Illawarra regions) proposal that he stated was "deeply flawed".{{cite web |title=Sydney FC backs Macarthur A-League bid – Nine Wide World of Sports |url=https://wwos.nine.com.au/football/sydney-fc-backs-macarthur-a-league-bid/697e3e17-020d-4d93-abf9-91f36214091c |website=Nine News |publisher=Australian Associated Press |access-date=28 September 2023 |language=en |date=7 June 2018 |archive-date=28 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928100015/https://wwos.nine.com.au/football/sydney-fc-backs-macarthur-a-league-bid/697e3e17-020d-4d93-abf9-91f36214091c |url-status=live }} On 29 June 2018, Macarthur was accepted into the reduced ten-bid shortlist to compete for two new places in the expanded A-League from 2019–20.{{cite web |title=A-League expansion: Wollongong and Canberra make shortlist |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/29/a-league-expansion-wollongong-and-canberra-make-shortlist |website=The Guardian |publisher=Australian Associated Press |access-date=28 September 2023 |date=29 June 2018}}{{cite web |title=Sydney and Melbourne bids dominate shortlist for two spots in expanded A-League |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/sydney-and-melbourne-bids-dominate-shortlist-for-two-spots-in-expanded-aleague/news-story/5ada3932a8b8bfbfd139f2f8a891e87f |website=Fox Sports |publisher=Australian Associated Press |access-date=28 September 2023 |language=en |date=29 June 2018 |archive-date=28 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928100016/https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/sydney-and-melbourne-bids-dominate-shortlist-for-two-spots-in-expanded-aleague/news-story/5ada3932a8b8bfbfd139f2f8a891e87f |url-status=live }} Macarthur merged with South West Sydney Football Club to increase their chances of being selected, following an agreement between South West Sydney director Gino Marra and Macarthur bid chairman Chris Redman, who would act as co-chairmen from there.{{cite web |last1=Barrett |first1=Chris |title=Sydney bid teams shake up A-League expansion battle by joining forces |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/sydney-bid-teams-shake-up-a-league-expansion-battle-by-joining-forces-20180805-p4zvmu.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=28 September 2023 |language=en |date=5 August 2018 |archive-date=28 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928100022/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/sydney-bid-teams-shake-up-a-league-expansion-battle-by-joining-forces-20180805-p4zvmu.html |url-status=live }} The merger was announced on 21 August 2018 and was named "Macarthur South West Sydney".{{cite web |last1=Zautsen |first1=Daniel |title=United for Macarthur and South West Sydney FC bids merge |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/macarthur/united-for-macarthur-and-south-west-sydney-fc-bids-merge/news-story/b9f7562c90d851834a5bd28fc6faff13?amp&nk=9eb49f745eb0b8897ffa55358c438cae-1695894097 |website=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=28 September 2023 |date=21 August 2018}} On 17 October 2018, The FFA again accepted the Macarthur South West Sydney bid into another reduced shortlist of six proposals with now only one other New South Wales bid remaining: Southern Expansion.{{cite web |title=FFA narrows A-League expansion bid field to six applicants |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/oct/17/ffa-narrows-a-league-expansion-field-to-six-applicants |website=The Guardian |access-date=28 September 2023 |date=17 October 2018 |archive-date=12 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712172239/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/oct/17/ffa-narrows-a-league-expansion-field-to-six-applicants |url-status=live }} Prior to the final decision, the Southern Expansion bid attempted a merger with Macarthur which included $20 million in the offer that was rejected by Gino Marra.{{cite web |last1=Lewis |first1=Dave |title=Why South West Sydney bid rejected $20 million carrot from Southern Expansion |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/sport/article/why-south-west-sydney-bid-rejected-20-million-carrot-from-southern-expansion/tlekds9vw |website=SBS Sport |access-date=28 September 2023 |language=en |date=9 December 2018 |archive-date=28 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928102428/https://www.sbs.com.au/sport/article/why-south-west-sydney-bid-rejected-20-million-carrot-from-southern-expansion/tlekds9vw |url-status=live }} The FFA announced on 13 December 2018 that Macarthur South West Sydney alongside Western Melbourne were confirmed to be the two new expansion clubs in the next two A-League seasons.{{cite web |title=A-League announces new expansion teams Western Melbourne Group and Macarthur South-West Sydney |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/live-stream-aleague-announces-new-expansion-teams/news-story/ac2b462aba29ffeb64e871f35867332e |website=Fox Sports |publisher=Australian Associated Press |access-date=28 September 2023 |language=en |date=13 December 2018 |archive-date=30 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430153932/https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/live-stream-aleague-announces-new-expansion-teams/news-story/ac2b462aba29ffeb64e871f35867332e |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=A-League expanding with teams from western Melbourne, south-west Sydney |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-13/a-league-adds-west-melbourne-macarthur-south-west-sydney/10614156 |website=ABC News |access-date=28 September 2023 |language=en-AU |date=13 December 2018 |archive-date=18 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818223636/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-13/a-league-adds-west-melbourne-macarthur-south-west-sydney/10614156 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Davutovic |first1=David |title=Western Melbourne and Macarthur South-west Sydney win the A-League expansion race |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/a-league/western-melbourne-and-macarthur-southwest-sydney-win-the-aleague-expansion-race/news-story/59f503ed4865aee4dd1f067f4ce7bb75?amp&nk=bb341c0e4727e35c438a3000d321391d-1695896485 |website=Herald Sun |access-date=28 September 2023 |date=13 December 2018}}

While the Melbourne side was set to start in the 2019–20 season, Macarthur South West Sydney was given 12 months to prepare before their inaugural season in the 2020–21 season.{{cite web |title=Winning bid profile: Macarthur South West Sydney |url=https://www.myfootball.com.au/news/winning-bid-profile-macarthur-south-west-sydney |publisher=MyFootball |access-date=28 September 2023 |language=en |date=13 December 2018 |archive-date=28 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928102432/https://www.myfootball.com.au/news/winning-bid-profile-macarthur-south-west-sydney |url-status=live }} It wasn't until April 2019 that the club registered their first potential name, which was initially thought to be "Dharawal Bulls Football Club". Two other draft names under the moniker of Dharawal were found, such as Dharawal Football Club or Dharawal FC, linking to the original custodians of their land, the Dharawal.{{cite web |last1=Rugari |first1=Vince |last2=Bossi |first2=Dominic |title=Third Sydney A-League team could bear the name of Indigenous nation |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/third-sydney-a-league-team-could-bear-name-of-indigenous-nation-20190412-p51dps.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=28 September 2023 |language=en |date=14 April 2019 |archive-date=28 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928132910/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/third-sydney-a-league-team-could-bear-name-of-indigenous-nation-20190412-p51dps.html |url-status=live }} In spite of this, the club announced on 15 May 2019 in a function at Campbelltown Catholic Club, revealing the official name to be "Macarthur FC", with its official colours to be black, gold and white, a notion to the diverse cultures of the area, and their logo to signify a bull in its centre, a sign of the club's physical power.{{cite web |title=Macarthur FC: New Hyundai A-League club confirms name, colours and logo |url=https://www.myfootball.com.au/news/macarthur-fc-new-hyundai-a-league-club-confirms-name-colours-and-logo |publisher=MyFootball |access-date=28 September 2023 |language=en |date=15 May 2019 |archive-date=28 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928132914/https://www.myfootball.com.au/news/macarthur-fc-new-hyundai-a-league-club-confirms-name-colours-and-logo |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=New A-League team Macarthur FC confirm name and club colours |url=https://www.espn.ph/football/story/_/id/37572733/new-league-team-macarthur-fc-confirm-name-club-colours |website=ESPN |publisher=Australian Associated Press |access-date=28 September 2023 |language=en |date=15 May 2019 |archive-date=28 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928134511/https://www.espn.ph/football/story/_/id/37572733/new-league-team-macarthur-fc-confirm-name-club-colours |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Macarthur FC: New A-League franchise name, badge and colours appear to be leaked on social media |url=https://www.goal.com/en-au/news/macarthur-fc-new-a-league-franchise-name-colours-and-badge-appear-to-be-leaked-on-social-media/1kovljeg5ow1w18fid86tdwaiu |website=Goal |access-date=28 September 2023 |language=en-AU |date=15 May 2019 |archive-date=28 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928134512/https://www.goal.com/en-au/news/macarthur-fc-new-a-league-franchise-name-colours-and-badge-appear-to-be-leaked-on-social-media/1kovljeg5ow1w18fid86tdwaiu |url-status=live }} Macarthur also announced their home ground to be Campbelltown Sports Stadium and its training headquarters to be based at a new Centre of Excellence, which was under construction at the time. The facilities at the University of Western Sydney in Campbelltown were instead used temporarily as the training headquarters. On the same day as their unveiling, Ante Milicic was announced as the inaugural head coach of Macarthur FC and was set to start in the club's first season.{{cite web |title=Matildas' Ante Milicic to coach new A-League side Macarthur FC |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/may/15/matildas-ante-milicic-to-coach-new-a-league-side-macarthur-fc |website=The Guardian |access-date=28 September 2023 |date=15 May 2019 |archive-date=12 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712172241/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/may/15/matildas-ante-milicic-to-coach-new-a-league-side-macarthur-fc |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Matildas boss Ante Milicic set to coach Macarthur FC as name, colours, logo confirmed |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/matildas-boss-ante-milicic-to-coach-macarthur-fc/news-story/25599221894389866195a9374b6d9c56 |website=Fox Sports |access-date=28 September 2023 |language=en |date=15 May 2019 |archive-date=28 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928134256/https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/matildas-boss-ante-milicic-to-coach-macarthur-fc/news-story/25599221894389866195a9374b6d9c56 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Kemp |first1=Emma |title=A-League's newest franchise, Macarthur FC unveil Ante Milicic as head coach |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/football/aleagues-newest-franchise-macarthur-fc-unveil-ante-milicic-as-head-coach/news-story/740ab385c6d538c796ddd80e2944f68a?amp&nk=0ad68b0e77c4399ddd60612d493ab34e-1695908278 |website=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=28 September 2023 |date=15 May 2019}} A week prior, Milicic signed an extension with the Matildas for the Summer Olympic in Tokyo. He was also rumoured to have rejected the contract by Macarthur due to this.{{cite web |last1=Bossi |first1=Dominic |title=Milicic set to reject A-League offer and re-sign with Matildas |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/milicic-set-to-reject-a-league-offer-and-re-sign-with-matildas-20190502-p51jgu.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=28 September 2023 |language=en |date=2 May 2019 |archive-date=28 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928134256/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/milicic-set-to-reject-a-league-offer-and-re-sign-with-matildas-20190502-p51jgu.html |url-status=live }}

Ante Milicic officially joined Macarthur FC as the inaugural head coach on 22 January 2020;{{cite web |title=Watch: Ante Milicic announced as Head Coach of Macarthur FC |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/new-article-production |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=29 September 2023 |date=22 January 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011143147/https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/new-article-production |url-status=live }} Ivan Jolić was the inaugural assistant coach under Milicic and was hired in October 2019 prior.{{cite web |last1=Windon |first1=Jacob |title=Ivan Jolic confirmed Macarthur FC assistant coach |url=https://www.a-league.com.au/news/ivan-jolic-confirmed-macarthur-fc-assistant-coach |publisher=Hyundai A-League |access-date=30 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927194934/https://www.a-league.com.au/news/ivan-jolic-confirmed-macarthur-fc-assistant-coach |archive-date=27 September 2020 |date=31 October 2019}} Macarthur also secured the signing of their first player with Central Coast Mariners' winger Tommy Oar.{{cite web |last1=Bossi |first1=Dominic |title=Macarthur FC make Oar their inaugural signing |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/macarthur-fc-on-verge-of-making-oar-their-inaugural-signing-20200113-p53r3a.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=29 September 2023 |language=en |date=13 January 2020}}{{cite web |last1=Lulham |first1=Amanda |title=Macarthur FC secure Tommy Oar from Central Coast Mariners |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/macarthur/sport/macarthur-fc-secure-tommy-oar-from-central-coast-mariners/news-story/65032e4ff2b446b45cdd43d70bb1d751?amp&nk=b08521784c79443acf9eadaef1d572e2-1695984558 |website=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=29 September 2023 |date=16 January 2020}} The club announced his signing on 4 February 2020, alongside the appointment of former Socceroos striker Mile Sterjovski as second assistant coach.{{cite web |title=Macarthur FC Inaugural Signing |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/macarthur-fc-inaugural-signing |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=29 September 2023 |date=4 February 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142648/https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/macarthur-fc-inaugural-signing |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Mile Sterjovski joins as Second Assistant |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/mile-sterjovski-joins-coaching-ranks |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=29 September 2023 |date=4 February 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011143144/https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/mile-sterjovski-joins-coaching-ranks |url-status=live }} Macarthur went through significant changes in the next month. Lang Walker sold his 50% ownership stake in the club to a consortium of two local Sydney businessmen. Michael Gerace, who owns Sydney Trucks and Machinery, and Roy Mammone, a Sydney property developer, bought the 50% stake for an undisclosed fee of over $7 million.{{cite web |last1=Bossi |first1=Dominic |title=Billionaire Walker sells share in A-League newcomers Macarthur |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/billionaire-walker-sells-share-in-a-league-newcomers-macarthur-20200218-p5421r.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=29 September 2023 |language=en |date=18 February 2020 |archive-date=10 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010040355/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/billionaire-walker-sells-share-in-a-league-newcomers-macarthur-20200218-p5421r.html |url-status=live }} The departure of Lang followed with chairman Rabieh Krayem resigning from his position and football director Ken Stead, who had been leading Macarthur's football department, was made redundant from the club.{{cite web |last1=Rugari |first1=Vince |title='Everything's fine': A-League boss defends Macarthur FC after another off-field exit |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/everything-s-fine-a-league-boss-defends-macarthur-fc-after-another-off-field-exit-20200226-p544p0.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=29 September 2023 |language=en |date=26 February 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142648/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/everything-s-fine-a-league-boss-defends-macarthur-fc-after-another-off-field-exit-20200226-p544p0.html |url-status=live }} Gino Marra soon took over as chairman of Macarthur FC.{{cite web |last1=Lewis |first1=Dave |title=Macarthur chairman steps down |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/sport/article/macarthur-chairman-steps-down/f6gkhcutd |website=SBS Sport |access-date=29 September 2023 |language=en |date=24 February 2020}}{{cite web |last1=Kontos |first1=Eric |title=South West Voice – New chairman says all good at Macarthur FC bull pen |url=https://southwestvoice.com.au/macarthur-fc-4/ |website=South West Voice |access-date=29 September 2023 |date=2 March 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142703/https://southwestvoice.com.au/macarthur-fc-4/ |url-status=live }} On 2 June 2020, Macarthur was taken to court after being sued by former employees at the club, who are accusing them of having suffered mental health damage during their employment. Due to the change in ownership in February, both Ken Stead and Neil Favager, who was a chief executive at the club, took legal action in accusing the club of inconsideration of their mental health and positions at the club, with Favager stating that it caused "significant health and safety issues" for him and heightened stress and anxiety for his spouse, which was aggravated by a pre-existing medical issue. Macarthur later denied these allegations.{{cite web |last1=Rugari |first1=Vince |last2=Bossi |first2=Dominic |title=A-League expansion clubs taken to court by former employees |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/a-league-expansion-clubs-taken-to-court-by-former-employees-20200602-p54ytw.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=29 September 2023 |language=en |date=2 June 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142702/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/a-league-expansion-clubs-taken-to-court-by-former-employees-20200602-p54ytw.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Seemampillai |first1=Janakan |title=Coronavirus the last straw for Macarthur FC? |url=https://www.ftbl.com.au/news/coronavirus-the-last-straw-for-macarthur-fc-546006 |website=FTBL |access-date=29 September 2023 |date=3 April 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011143021/https://www.ftbl.com.au/news/coronavirus-the-last-straw-for-macarthur-fc-546006 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Lewis |first1=Dave |title=Macarthur FC face prospect of legal action over axing of football director Stead |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/sport/article/macarthur-fc-face-prospect-of-legal-action-over-axing-of-football-director-stead/j01uh8x5k |website=SBS Sport |access-date=29 September 2023 |language=en |date=28 February 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142720/https://www.sbs.com.au/sport/article/macarthur-fc-face-prospect-of-legal-action-over-axing-of-football-director-stead/j01uh8x5k |url-status=live }}

Milicic continued to expand the squad with the signings of Denis Genreau,{{cite web |title=Denis Genreau signs with Macarthur FC |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/denis-genreau-signs-macarthur-fc |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=29 September 2023 |date=28 July 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142720/https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/denis-genreau-signs-macarthur-fc |url-status=live }} Adam Federici,{{cite web |title=Socceroo Gloveman Adam Federici Locked in for Two Years |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/socceroo-gloveman-adam-federici-locked-two-years |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=29 September 2023 |date=30 July 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142518/https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/socceroo-gloveman-adam-federici-locked-two-years |url-status=live }} Mark Milligan,{{cite web |title=Socceroo Legend Mark Milligan in as Marquee Man |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/socceroo-legend-mark-milligan-marquee-man |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=29 September 2023 |date=31 July 2020}} and Matt Derbyshire.{{cite web |title=Derbyshire to Bring Strike-Power to Macarthur FC |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/derbyshire-bring-stike-power-macarthur-fc |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=29 September 2023 |date=4 August 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142817/https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/derbyshire-bring-stike-power-macarthur-fc |url-status=live }} Milligan signed as Macarthur's first marquee player,{{cite web |last1=Bossi |first1=Dominic |title=Former Socceroos captain signs marquee deal with Macarthur |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/former-socceroos-captain-signs-marquee-deal-with-macarthur-20200730-p55h1g.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=29 September 2023 |language=en |date=30 July 2020 |archive-date=16 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416081532/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/former-socceroos-captain-signs-marquee-deal-with-macarthur-20200730-p55h1g.html |url-status=live }} while Derbyshire became the first overseas player signed by the Bulls.{{cite web |title=A-League newcomers beef up strike force with Matt Derbyshire |url=https://neoskosmos.com/en/2020/08/06/sport/football/a-league-newcomers-beef-up-strike-force-with-matt-derbyshire/ |website=Neos Kosmos |access-date=29 September 2023 |language=en |date=5 August 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142722/https://neoskosmos.com/en/2020/08/06/sport/football/a-league-newcomers-beef-up-strike-force-with-matt-derbyshire/ |url-status=live }} Macarthur announced further signings with Milislav Popovic,{{cite web |title=Liverpool Local Milislav Popovic signs with Macarthur FC |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/liverpool-local-milislav-popovic-signs-macarthur-fc |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=30 September 2023 |date=28 August 2020}} Ivan Franjic,{{cite web |title=Franjic Strengthens Bulls Defence |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/franjic-strengthens-bulls-defence |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=30 September 2023 |date=1 September 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142626/https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/franjic-strengthens-bulls-defence |url-status=live }} and Nicholas Suman coming in to reinforce the squad.{{cite web |title=Macarthur FC Strengthen Keeper Ranks |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/macarthur-fc-strengthen-keeper-ranks |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=30 September 2023 |date=7 September 2020}} Macarthur also announced on 21 August 2020 that Fairfield Showground would become the new training base for the club in the upcoming season after coming to an agreement with Fairfield City Council.{{cite web |title=Macarthur FC Announce Partnership with Fairfield City Council to House Training Base |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/macarthur-fc-announce-partnership-fairfield-city-council-house-training-base |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=30 September 2023 |date=21 August 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011143144/https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/macarthur-fc-announce-partnership-fairfield-city-council-house-training-base |url-status=live }} In October 2020, Aleksandar Šušnjar,{{cite web |title=Bulls Secure Socceroo Susnjar |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/bulls-secure-socceroo-susnjar |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=30 September 2023 |date=7 October 2020 |archive-date=24 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924045743/https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/bulls-secure-socceroo-susnjar |url-status=live }} Moudi Najjar,{{cite web |title=Najjar confirmed in City Loan Agreement |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/najjar-confirmed-city-loan-agreement |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=30 September 2023 |date=8 October 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142808/https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/najjar-confirmed-city-loan-agreement |url-status=live }} Aleksandar Jovanovic,{{cite web |last1=Staff |title=Aleksandar Jovanovic signs with Macarthur FC |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/aleksandar-jovanovic-signs-macarthur-fc |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=30 September 2023 |date=13 October 2020}} and Jake Hollman were announced by the club as new signings.{{cite web |title=Macarthur FC Lock-in Young Socceroo |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/macarthur-fc-lock-young-socceroo |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=30 September 2023 |date=9 October 2020}} Šušnjar became the 10th player signing under Milicic.{{cite web |last1=Bossi |first1=Dominic |title=Macarthur FC set to unveil Socceroos defender |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/macarthur-fc-set-to-unveil-socceroos-defender-20201002-p561h2.html |publisher=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=30 September 2023 |language=en |date=2 October 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011143144/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/macarthur-fc-set-to-unveil-socceroos-defender-20201002-p561h2.html |url-status=live }} Frenchmen Loïc Puyo was signed and announced on 19 October 2020 as the club's second international player after Derbyshire's announcement.{{cite web |title=Macarthur FC Lock-in Frenchman Loïc Puyo |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/macarthur-fc-lock-frenchman-loic-puyo |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=30 September 2023 |date=19 October 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011143144/https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/macarthur-fc-lock-frenchman-loic-puyo |url-status=live }} Cypriot-Australian footballer Antonis Martis was also announced, just two days later, coming in on a season-long loan from Danish club FC Midtjylland.{{cite web |title=Antonis Martis Joins The Bulls On Loan from Danish Champions |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/antonis-martis-joins-bulls-loan-danish-champions |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=30 September 2023 |date=21 October 2020 |archive-date=18 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918192603/https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/antonis-martis-joins-bulls-loan-danish-champions |url-status=live }} Mark Milligan was appointed as Macarthur's first club captain in their history on 23 October 2020.{{cite web |title=Mark Milligan appointed Macarthur FC Inaugural Captain |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/mark-milligan-appointed-macarthur-fc-inaugural-captain |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=30 September 2023 |date=23 October 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142729/https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/mark-milligan-appointed-macarthur-fc-inaugural-captain |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Bossi |first1=Dominic |title='He sets the standard': Milligan captaincy was a no-brainer for Macarthur |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/he-sets-the-standard-milligan-captaincy-was-a-no-brainer-for-macarthur-20201023-p567xn.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=30 September 2023 |language=en |date=23 October 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142730/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/he-sets-the-standard-milligan-captaincy-was-a-no-brainer-for-macarthur-20201023-p567xn.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Mark Milligan appointed inaugural Macarthur FC captain |url=https://www.socceroos.com.au/news/mark-milligan-appointed-inaugural-macarthur-fc-captain |publisher=Socceroos |access-date=30 September 2023 |language=en |date=24 October 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011143021/https://www.socceroos.com.au/news/mark-milligan-appointed-inaugural-macarthur-fc-captain |url-status=live }} Macarthur FC played their first-ever match, a friendly against Camden Tigers at Ron Dine Memorial Reserve in Camden. The Bulls triumphed 6–0 with Liam Rose scoring the club's first goal in the match which was extended by Michael Ruhs and Jake Hollman.{{cite web |last1=Rugari |first1=Vince |title=Ring the bells: Macarthur FC take first step towards A-League debut |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/ring-the-bells-macarthur-fc-take-first-step-towards-a-league-debut-20201025-p568em.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=30 September 2023 |language=en |date=25 October 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142648/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/ring-the-bells-macarthur-fc-take-first-step-towards-a-league-debut-20201025-p568em.html |url-status=live }} Before the finalisation of the final squad for the upcoming season, Macarthur signed additional players for further depth and strength. Spanish duo and former Athletic teammates, Beñat Etxebarria and Markel Susaeta, signed for the Bulls on 13 and 18 November 2020 respectively.{{cite web |last1=Rugari |first1=Vince |title=The two Spanish Bulls ready to light up the A-League |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/the-two-spanish-bulls-ready-to-light-up-the-a-league-20201218-p56ou9.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=30 September 2023 |language=en |date=18 December 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011143144/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/the-two-spanish-bulls-ready-to-light-up-the-a-league-20201218-p56ou9.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Spaniard Beñat joins the Bulls |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/spaniard-benat-joins-bulls |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=30 September 2023 |date=13 November 2020}}{{cite web |title=Macarthur FC Lock-in Second Spaniard Susaeta |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/macarthur-fc-lock-second-spaniard-susaeta |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=30 September 2023 |date=18 November 2020}} Antony Golec,{{cite web |title=Bulls Lock-in experienced Golec |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/bulls-lock-experienced-golec |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=30 September 2023 |date=26 November 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142720/https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/bulls-lock-experienced-golec |url-status=live }} Lachlan Rose,{{cite web |title=Macarthur FC Announce Lachlan Rose for Inaugural Season |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/macarthur-fc-announce-lachlan-rose-inaugural-season |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=30 September 2023 |date=26 November 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142600/https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/macarthur-fc-announce-lachlan-rose-inaugural-season |url-status=live }} and James Meredith were among the last signings made by the club before the opening match of the 2020–21 A-League season.{{cite web |last1=Rugari |first1=Vince |title=Bulls on parade: Why the A-League's newest team are playing the long game |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/bulls-on-parade-why-the-a-league-s-newest-team-are-playing-the-long-game-20201224-p56q3m.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=30 September 2023 |language=en |date=25 December 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142518/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/bulls-on-parade-why-the-a-league-s-newest-team-are-playing-the-long-game-20201224-p56q3m.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=James Meredith Signs for Inaugural Season |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/james-meredith-signs-inaugural-season |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=30 September 2023 |date=9 December 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142648/https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/james-meredith-signs-inaugural-season |url-status=live }}

Macarthur FC played their first league match on 30 December 2020, in a derby match against Western Sydney Wanderers at Western Sydney Stadium. The Bulls went on to win 1–0 over the Wanderers, with Mark Milligan scoring the first league goal for the club in the 72nd minute of the match, assisted by Beñat from a free kick.{{cite web |last1=Rugari |first1=Vince |title='Coffee shop talk': Why Milicic is ignoring the hype around Macarthur FC |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/coffee-shop-talk-why-milicic-is-ignoring-the-hype-around-macarthur-fc-20201231-p56r1e.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=30 September 2023 |language=en |date=31 December 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142817/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/coffee-shop-talk-why-milicic-is-ignoring-the-hype-around-macarthur-fc-20201231-p56r1e.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Garb |first1=Daniel |title=A-League: Newcomers Macarthur FC defeat Western Sydney Wanderers |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/aleague-newcomers-macarthur-fc-defeat-western-sydney-wanderers/news-story/8f47c59c72a6f9dd9991e2380221e8bb |website=Fox Sports |publisher=NCA NewsWire |access-date=30 September 2023 |language=en |date=30 December 2020 |archive-date=12 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712173345/https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/aleague-newcomers-macarthur-fc-defeat-western-sydney-wanderers/news-story/8f47c59c72a6f9dd9991e2380221e8bb |url-status=live }} Macarthur then played their first league match at Campbelltown against Central Coast Mariners on 3 January 2021, losing 2–0 in front of a home crowd of 4,538.{{cite web |last1=Rugari |first1=Vince |title=Bulls brought back to earth by plucky Mariners in home opener |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/bulls-brought-back-to-earth-by-plucky-mariners-in-home-opener-20210103-p56rh7.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=30 September 2023 |language=en |date=3 January 2021 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142518/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/bulls-brought-back-to-earth-by-plucky-mariners-in-home-opener-20210103-p56rh7.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Jackson |first1=Ed |title=Milicic eager for Macarthur to make amends |url=https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/7078951/milicic-eager-for-macarthur-to-make-amends/ |website=Newcastle Herald |access-date=30 September 2023 |language=en-AU |date=8 January 2021 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142729/https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/7078951/milicic-eager-for-macarthur-to-make-amends/ |url-status=live }} The club would go winless in their next three home matches before a 4–0 win over Adelaide United led the Bulls to achieve their first victory at home. Matt Derbyshire scored the first hat-trick for the club. Notably, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian was unveiled as Macarthur’s number 1 ticket holder prior to the match.{{cite web |last1=Rugari |first1=Vince |title=Bulls brought back to earth by plucky Mariners in home opener |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/bulls-brought-back-to-earth-by-plucky-mariners-in-home-opener-20210103-p56rh7.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=30 September 2023 |language=en |date=3 January 2021 |archive-date=12 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712173345/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/bulls-brought-back-to-earth-by-plucky-mariners-in-home-opener-20210103-p56rh7.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Whaley |first1=Pamela |title=Derbyshire hat-trick in Bulls A-league win |url=https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7125150/derbyshire-hat-trick-in-bulls-a-league-win/ |website=The Canberra Times |access-date=30 September 2023 |language=en-AU |date=12 February 2021 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142730/https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7125150/derbyshire-hat-trick-in-bulls-a-league-win/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Determined Derbyshire bags three in Macarthur's second-half demolition of Reds |url=https://keepup.com.au/news/macarthur-fc-v-adelaide-united-match-report-highlights-score-video/ |website=keepup.com |access-date=30 September 2023 |language=en-AU |date=12 February 2021 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142720/https://keepup.com.au/news/macarthur-fc-v-adelaide-united-match-report-highlights-score-video/ |url-status=live }} Milicic led his side towards top 6 of the A-League ladder, peaking at second to third place by March,{{cite web |last1=Lulham |first1=Amanda |title=Sydney FC v Macarthur Bulls: Friends Calem Nieuwenhof, Jake Hollman A-League rivals |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/sport/sydney-fc-v-macarthur-bulls-friends-calem-nieuwenhof-jake-hollman-aleague-rivals/news-story/ab1240578b2fef17544cab2aa010d410?amp&nk=464f8a098fc874c60935e9940cf122ab-1684649606 |website=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=30 September 2023 |date=26 February 2021 |archive-date=21 May 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230521061318/https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/sport/sydney-fc-v-macarthur-bulls-friends-calem-nieuwenhof-jake-hollman-aleague-rivals/news-story/ab1240578b2fef17544cab2aa010d410?amp&nk=464f8a098fc874c60935e9940cf122ab-1684649606 |url-status=live }} and finishing at 6th by the end of the league season.{{cite web |title=Mariners end seven-year finals drought as A-League knockouts confirmed |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/aleague-202021-finals-series-sydney-fc-melbourne-city-how-to-watch-dates-scores-results-live-stream/news-story/e322aa0dfd7d15e75281ad2e49c680cc |website=Fox Sports |access-date=30 September 2023 |language=en |date=5 June 2021 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142600/https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/aleague-202021-finals-series-sydney-fc-melbourne-city-how-to-watch-dates-scores-results-live-stream/news-story/e322aa0dfd7d15e75281ad2e49c680cc |url-status=live }} From the end of March to early April, Macarthur achieved three consecutive victories, triumphing over Western United, Wellington Phoenix and Perth Glory, leading them to take second place behind the Mariners.{{cite web |title=A-League's newest side puts the rest of the competition on notice |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/aleague-2021-macarthur-fc-def-perth-glory-score-result-video/news-story/a9da3a7a07fe5c4de51b27faddb812c8 |website=Fox Sports |access-date=30 September 2023 |language=en |date=2 April 2021 |archive-date=12 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712173346/https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/aleague-2021-macarthur-fc-def-perth-glory-score-result-video/news-story/a9da3a7a07fe5c4de51b27faddb812c8 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Match Report MW15: Bulls make it 3 from 3 over Glory |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/match-report-mw15-bulls-make-it-3-3-over-glory |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=30 September 2023 |date=2 April 2021 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142626/https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/match-report-mw15-bulls-make-it-3-3-over-glory |url-status=live }} In their first finals series match, Macarthur FC defeated Central Coast Mariners 2–0 in extra time. The club went down to 10 men after James Meredith was sent off in the 75th minute before a goal each in extra time by Charles M'Mombwa and Michael Ruhs sealed the Bulls qualification to the semi-final.{{cite web |last1=Bossi |first1=Dominic |title=Ten-man Macarthur shock Mariners to reach semis |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/ten-man-macarthur-shock-mariners-to-reach-semis-20210612-p580jj.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=30 September 2023 |language=en |date=12 June 2021 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142720/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/ten-man-macarthur-shock-mariners-to-reach-semis-20210612-p580jj.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Adno |first1=Carly |title=Incredible A-League fairytale gets even better |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/aleague-2021-macarthur-def-central-coast-mariners-score-result-video/news-story/006758e18970d5d2ee54b5b0281da252 |website=Fox Sports |publisher=NCA NewsWire |access-date=30 September 2023 |language=en |date=12 June 2021 |archive-date=12 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712173347/https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/aleague-2021-macarthur-def-central-coast-mariners-score-result-video/news-story/006758e18970d5d2ee54b5b0281da252 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Elimination Final Report: Bulls down Mariners to set up Grand Final Qualifier with City |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/elimination-final-report-bulls-down-mariners-set-grand-final-qualifier-city |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=30 September 2023 |date=12 June 2021 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011194935/https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/elimination-final-report-bulls-down-mariners-set-grand-final-qualifier-city |url-status=live }} Macarther would fall to a 2–0 defeat against eventual champions Melbourne City in that semi-final stage on 20 June 2023.{{cite web |last1=Rugari |first1=Vince |title=Sensational City set up A-League grand final fight after blowing Bulls away |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/sensational-city-sets-up-a-league-grand-final-fight-after-blowing-bulls-away-20210620-p582mb.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=4 October 2023 |language=en |date=20 June 2021 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142730/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/sensational-city-sets-up-a-league-grand-final-fight-after-blowing-bulls-away-20210620-p582mb.html |url-status=live }} The venue was set at Jubilee Stadium, instead of City's home ground in Melbourne, due to crowd restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in Victoria.{{cite web |last1=Catalano |first1=Alex |title=Venue change no worry for Macarthur in a club first semi final |url=https://www.theinnersanctum.com.au/macarthur-venue-change-tommy-oar/ |website=The Inner Sanctum |access-date=4 October 2023 |date=17 June 2021}}{{cite web |title=A-League 2021 Semi Final between Melbourne City FC and Macarthur FC switched to Netstrata Jubilee Stadium |url=https://keepup.com.au/news/a-league-2021-semi-final-between-melbourne-city-fc-and-macarthur-fc-switched-netstrata-jubilee/ |website=keepup.com |access-date=4 October 2023 |language=en-AU |date=17 June 2021 |archive-date=12 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712173350/https://aleagues.com.au/news/a-league-2021-semi-final-between-melbourne-city-fc-and-macarthur-fc-switched-netstrata-jubilee/ |url-status=live }}

Following the conclusion of the season, Mark Milligan announced his retirement on 2 June 2021, making 24 competitive appearances for the Bull prior to the announcement.{{cite web |title=Mark Milligan Calls Time On Decorated Career |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/mark-milligan-calls-time-decorated-career |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=5 October 2023 |date=2 June 2021 |archive-date=12 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712173351/https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/mark-milligan-calls-time-decorated-career/ |url-status=live }} Both Beñat Etxebarria and Markel Susaeta would later announce their retirement on 29 June 2021.{{cite web |title=Beñat & Susaeta Announce Retirement |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/benat-susaeta-announce-retirement |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=5 October 2023 |date=29 June 2021 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142808/https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/benat-susaeta-announce-retirement |url-status=live }} Four days prior, Macarthur FC confirmed the departure of Ivan Franjic, Loic Puyo, Walter Scott, Yianni Nicolaou, Milislav Popovic and Kyle Cimenti from their squad.{{cite web |title=Bulls confirm six players to depart club |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/bulls-confirm-six-players-depart-club |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=6 October 2023 |date=25 June 2021 |archive-date=1 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001081802/https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/bulls-confirm-six-players-depart-club |url-status=live }} Denis Genreau became the first recipient of the Macarthur Medal as part of Macarthur FC’s inaugural end of season award ceremony.{{cite web |title=Genreau Claims Inaugural Macarthur Medal |url=https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/genreau-claims-inaugural-macarthur-medal |publisher=Macarthur FC |access-date=6 October 2023 |date=2 July 2021 |archive-date=18 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018015334/https://macarthurfc.com.au/news/genreau-claims-inaugural-macarthur-medal |url-status=live }} Matt Derbyshire finished as top goalscorer for the club, having scored 14 goals during the season,{{cite web |last1=Catalano |first1=Alex |title=A-League Season Review: Macarthur FC |url=https://www.theinnersanctum.com.au/a-league-season-review-macarthur-fc/ |website=The Inner Sanctum |access-date=6 October 2023 |date=21 June 2021 |archive-date=1 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401084310/https://www.theinnersanctum.com.au/a-league-season-review-macarthur-fc/ |url-status=live }} with 7 of those in his first 12 A-League games.{{cite web |title=Bulls eye happy A-League home return |url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/soccer/bulls-eye-happy-a-league-home-return-ng-s-2054148 |website=The West Australian |access-date=30 September 2023 |language=en |date=19 March 2021 |archive-date=11 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011142627/https://thewest.com.au/sport/soccer/bulls-eye-happy-a-league-home-return-ng-s-2054148 |url-status=live }}

On 1 October 2022, Macarthur FC won the Australia Cup for the first time in their history, beating Sydney United 58 2–0 in the final. The game was played at Commbank Stadium in front of 16,461 fans.{{cite web | url=https://www.austadiums.com/sport/event/26729 | title=Australia Cup: Final – Macarthur FC d Sydney United 58 | work=austadiums | date=1 October 2022 | access-date=2 October 2022 | archive-date=2 October 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002000042/https://www.austadiums.com/sport/event/26729 | url-status=live }} Two years later, at AAMI Park, Melbourne Macarthur defeated the home favourites Melbourne Victory FC 1–0 in front of 13,289 fans to win their second Australia Cup final.

The logo designed by Twosome Creative, and depicts a black and gold ochre bull which is contained in a crest where the inner border is black and the outer gold ochre with the club's name written in the aforementioned colours above the bull and three federation stars at the bottom. The bull makes reference to the region where a runaway herd of cattle was discovered in its past.{{Cite web|url=https://www.a-league.com.au/news/Macarthur-FC-hyundai-a-league-club-confirms-name-colours-and-logo|title=Macarthur FC: New Hyundai A-League club confirms name, colours and logo|website=Hyundai A-League|language=en|access-date=2019-05-15|archive-date=7 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107235012/https://www.a-league.com.au/news/Macarthur-FC-hyundai-a-league-club-confirms-name-colours-and-logo|url-status=live}} The federation stars symbolise the soccer community in Australia, the National Premier Leagues and the A-League. The logo features mainly black and white with the addition of gold ochre to highlight the Dharawal heritage of the area.

{{Main|Macarthur FC–Western Sydney Wanderers FC rivalry}}

Macarthur FC has a rivalry with the Western Sydney Wanderers. The rivalry is largely based on geography, with both teams based in Greater Western Sydney. The two clubs first met in the opening round of the 2020–21 A-League season on 30 December 2020, with Macarthur winning the match 1–0 after a goal scored by Mark Milligan. On 6 February 2021, in the following derby, Macarthur drew 2–2 at home with goals by Aleksandar Jovanovic and Aleksandar Šušnjar.

Macarthur FC vs. Western Sydney Wanderers

{{Fb_rs |w=3 |d=3 |l=2 |gf=11 |ga=14 |hw=1 |hd=3 |hl=0 |hgf=8 |hga=6 |aw=2 |ad=0 |al=2 |agf=3 |aga=8 }}

{{updated|28 May 2025}}

{{for|recent transfers|2025–26 Macarthur FC season#Transfers}}

{{fs start}}

{{fs player|no=5|nat=AUS|pos=DF|name=Matthew Jurman}}

{{fs player|no=6|nat=AUS|pos=DF|name=Tomislav Uskok}}

{{fs player|no=7|nat=AUS|pos=MF|name=Daniel De Silva}}

{{fs player|no=8|nat=AUS|pos=MF|name=Jake Hollman}}

{{fs player|no=9|nat=AUS|pos=FW|name=Chris Ikonomidis}}

{{fs player|no=11|nat=AUS|pos=MF|name=Peter Makrillos}}

{{fs player|no=12|nat=POL|pos=GK|name=Filip Kurto}}

{{fs player|no=13|nat=AUS|pos=DF|name=Ivan Vujica}}

{{fs player|no=14|nat=AUS|pos=MF|name=Kristian Popovic}}

{{fs player|no=17|nat=AUS|pos=MF|name=Oliver Randazzo|other=scholarship}}

{{fs player|no=18|nat=AUS|pos=DF|name=Walter Scott}}

{{fs player|no=20|nat=AUS|pos=DF|name=Kealey Adamson}}

{{fs player|no=21|nat=AUS|pos=FW|name=Bernardo Oliveira}}

{{fs player|no=22|nat=AUS|pos=MF|name=Liam Rose}}

{{fs mid}}

{{fs player|no=23|nat=AUS|pos=MF|name=Frans Deli|other=scholarship}}

{{fs player|no=24|nat=AUS|pos=FW|name=Dean Bosnjak|other=scholarship}}

{{fs player|no=26|nat=AUS|pos=MF|name=Luke Brattan|other=captain}}

{{fs player|no=27|nat=AUS|pos=DF|name=Joshua Damevski|other=scholarship}}

{{fs player|no=28|nat=AUS|pos=FW|name=Harry Sawyer}}

{{fs player|no=30|nat=AUS|pos=GK|name=Alexander Robinson}}

{{fs player|no=33|nat=AUS|pos=DF|name=Yianni Nicolaou}}

{{fs player|no=35|nat=AUS|pos=FW|name=Henrique Oliveira|other=scholarship}}

{{fs player|no=39|nat=CIV|pos=DF|name=Kévin Boli}}

{{fs player|no=44|nat=CRO|pos=FW|name=Marin Jakoliš}}

{{fs player|no=95|nat=TUN|pos=MF|name=Saîf-Eddine Khaoui}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=AUS|pos=FW|name=Zane Helweh|other=scholarship}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=AUS|pos=DF|name=Sebastian Krslovic|other=scholarship}}

{{fs player|no=|nat=AUS|pos=DF|name=Will McKay|other=scholarship}}

{{fs end}}

{{main|Bulls FC Academy}}

:Players to have been featured in a first-team matchday squad for Macarthur FC from their National Premier Leagues NSW affiliate Bulls FC Academy.

{{fs start}}

{{fs player|no=25|nat=AUS|pos=MF|name=Flynn Madden}}

{{fs player|no=29|nat=AUS|pos=MF|name=Ante Vojvodic}}

{{fs mid}}

{{fs player|no=40|nat=AUS|pos=GK|name=Franklin Jan}}

{{fs end}}

Football department

• {{flagicon|AUS}} {{sortname|Ante|Milicic}} (2020–2022)
• {{flagicon|TRI}} {{sortname|Dwight|Yorke}} (2022–2023)
• {{flagicon|AUS}} {{sortname|Mile|Sterjovski}} (2023–Present)

File:Performance Chart A-League Men MAC.svg]]

• Australia Cup
• Winners (2): 2022, 2024

• Expansion of the A-League Men

{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{official website|https://www.macarthurfc.com.au/}}
• [https://www.flashscore.com.au/team/macarthur-fc/bL3ChiWQ/results/ Macarthur FC results] – Latest scores for Macarthur FC

{{Macarthur FC}}

{{A-League}}

{{E-League}}

Category:Soccer clubs in Sydney

Category:Association football clubs established in 2017

Category:A-League Men clubs

Category:Australia Cup winners

Category:Expansion of the A-League Men

Category:2017 establishments in Australia