Early life MacNicol was born in
Scotland but moved with his family to Australia at the age of four, settling in south-east Queensland. He began his football career in the youth team of
Brisbane Premier League side
Rochedale Rovers, before moving to Melbourne to commence his professional football career.
Brunswick Juventus MacNicol began his senior career with
Brunswick Juventus in the Victorian Premier League, quickly establishing himself as a consistent attacking presence. Across the 1990 and 1991 seasons, he scored 12 goals in 52 league appearances, drawing attention for his movement, work rate and finishing ability.
Heidelberg United In 1991, MacNicol joined
Heidelberg United and made the step up to the NSL. He featured regularly across five seasons, including four consecutive national-league campaigns between 1991–92 and 1994–95. MacNicol also joined Hong Kong side
Eastern Sports Club on loan in 1995, where he played in the
1995 Asian Club Championship. He later returned to Heidelberg United in the Victorian Premier League and was a key figure in the club's 1996 campaign. Despite missing a penalty in the shoot-out, MacNicol was awarded the
Jimmy Rooney Medal as best player in the 1996 Victorian Premier League Grand Final, which Heidelberg drew 3–3 with
Altona Magic before losing on penalties.
Gippsland Falcons MacNicol joined
Gippsland Falcons ahead of the 1997–98 NSL season and went on to become one of the most significant players in the club's history. Over four seasons, he made 95 NSL appearances and scored 13 goals, ranking him fifth for appearances and third for goals scored in the competition for the club, behind only
John Markovski and
Brian Bothwell. Although MacNicol never played finals football with Gippsland, he was the club's equal top scorer during the 1999–2000 season, scoring six goals in 34 appearances alongside Andy Vargas. His durability, leadership and consistency were widely praised during a challenging era for the club.
Later career Following the collapse of the Falcons, MacNicol continued playing at state-league level, representing
Bulleen Zebras and
Fitzroy City SC before retiring from senior football. In June 2001, MacNicol played for Victoria against NSW in a representative match at
Epping Stadium, with NSW winning 3–1. ==Career statistics==