[1] The son of former West Perth and Subiaco player Don Marinko Sr., Marinko began his career at West Perth in 1952, playing a total of 164 games for the club mainly as a centreman, including as captain-coach of the side in 1959.
Marinko also played 13 interstate matches for Western Australia, including the 1953 Australian National Football Carnival.
He originally tried out with the South Fremantle Football Club in the WANFL, but was advised by the coach of South Fremantle, Clive Lewington, to return to West Perth, the club whose recruitment zone he resided in, to avoid the need for a clearance.
[6] Marinko debuted for West Perth in 1952, and after a season playing as a half-forward flanker and winger, he was selected to represent Western Australia at the 1953 National Carnival in Adelaide, where he was the youngest player in the team.
After the conclusion of his playing career, Marinko continued as the club as an assistant to coach Kevin Murray, and served time on the selection committee.