Born in the Goldfields region of Western Australia, he was educated at Christian Brothers' College in Perth, and made his senior debut for Subiaco in 1923, at the age of 16.

In January 1925, Marinko appeared before the Boulder Police Court on two complaints made by a Mr. Ivan Rocci of assault and using abusive language.

[7] Midway through the 1925 season, Marinko attempted to transfer to the Mines Rovers Football Club, also based in Boulder.

[11] Marinko retired at the end of the 1939 season, in part due to lack of movement caused by a strained back suffered at work, and was elected a life member of West Perth at the club's 1940 annual general meeting.

[12] Two of his sons, Donald Anthony and Raymond George Marinko, both played WAFL football for West Perth in the 1950s.