Robert Puca

 ( 1979 Births ) 

Robert " Robbie" Puca (born 8 May 1979) is an Australian former soccer player who played as a midfielder. A product of Perth SC's youth system, he was a prominent figure in the National Soccer League with the Gippsland Falcons before returning to Western Australia and spending the rest of his career with Perth SC.

Puca was a two-time Perth SC Best and Fairest winner (2005 and 2007), represented Western Australia at state level and later served as an assistant coach with the club.

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Playing career

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Perth SC (first stint: 1996–1998) Puca began his senior career with Perth SC, having progressed through the club’s youth system. He made his senior debut in 1996 and played three seasons in the WA State League, developing a reputation for technical skill, vision, and strong distribution in midfield.

He was also picked in Western Australia's state team whilst still a teenager, travelling to Malaysia to play in matches against Sarawak FA and Bintulu FA in November 1997. He played for WA again in 1998 in a match against the West Ham Academy in Dorrien Gardens.

He was recognised as Perth SC’s Youth Development Player of the Year in 1995.

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Gippsland Falcons (1998–2001) In 1998, Puca joined the Gippsland Falcons, competing in the National Soccer League. He made his NSL debut on 30 October 1998, coming on as an 86th-minute substitute for Andy Vargas in a 2–1 victory over the Newcastle Breakers.

Not long after arriving at the club did Puca claim his first piece of silverware as he came off the bench in the club's 3-0 win over Melbourne Knights in the 1998 Tynan-Eyre Cup Final.

Puca spent three seasons with the club, which was rebranded as Eastern Pride for the 2000–01 season. He made 69 league appearances and scored five goals across his NSL career, making a name for himself as a quick, sharp winger who was capable of both scoring and setting up goals.

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Perth SC (second stint: 2001–2011) Puca returned to Perth SC in 2002 and over the next decade, became a key figure in the club’s midfield and served as captain. During this period, he was praised for his technical skill, vision, and ability to influence matches, helping the team secure multiple WA State League, cup, and Night Series titles.

Puca won the Perth SC Best and Fairest award in 2005 and 2007, represented Western Australia at state level, and later served as an assistant coach for the club. He was forced to retire at the end of the 2011 season following a series of injuries.

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Coaching career Puca later served as Perth SC's assistant coach and in 2025 was appointed as the club's MiniRoos Technical Director.

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Career statistics

+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Perth SC	1996	WA State League
	1997	WA State League
	1998	WA State League
Gippsland Falcons	1998–99	National Soccer League	1
	1999–2000	National Soccer League	3
	2000–01	National Soccer League	1
Perth SC	2002	WA State League
	2003	WA State League
	2004	WA State League
	2005	WA State League
	2006	WA State League
	2007	WA State League
	2008	WA State League
	2009	WA State League
	2010	WA State League
	2011	WA State League

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Honours Perth SC

• WA State League: 2002, 2003, 2005

Gippsland Falcons

• Tynan-Eyre Cup: 1998

Individual

• Perth SC Best and Fairest: 2005, 2007
• Perth SC Youth Development Player of the Year: 1995

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