Knowledge (XXG)

History of Melbourne Knights FC

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player Hugh Gunn. At the VSF Tribunal SC Croatia was found guilty of having failed to control its spectators, the club had its membership with the VSF revoked which saw it disqualified from all competitions for life. The club appealed the decision and the ban was reduced to the end of the season. It was the first time such a ruling had been handed down in Australian football, the decision saw the club forfeit its final three matches of the season. Before the Hakoah match SC Croatia was sitting in 5th spot, still a chance of making the top 4 State League Cup. SC Croatia felt it had been victimised, with the decision having more to do with politics as accusations of interference were made against Tony Kovac the president of bitter rivals Footscray JUST. The VSF as part of their ruling allowed for SC Croatia to apply for re-admission into the VSF after the conclusion of the season, and on 22 August the club sent in their application. After reviewing the application the VSF rejected it, causing further anger within the Croatian community. As a consequence the club chose to go down the legal avenue taking the VSF to the Supreme Court of Victoria in 1973, but the club would end up losing the case.
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Geelong the club's home ground was initially at Separation Street in North Geelong before making the move to Corio Oval. SC Croatia quickly moved up the state divisions, and by 1959 they were in Division 1 just outside the premier competition of the State League. The club's first title came in 1959, winning the Division 1 championship over Preston on goal difference. That season included SC Croatia's club record 29–1 victory over Brunswick, one of the highest scores ever recorded in a senior Australian football match. With three rounds to go in the season Preston led the league by a point from the second place Lions and two points ahead of SC Croatia in third. SC Croatia had to win all of the three remaining games to take the title, which included two matches against the Lions. SC Croatia was successful as it won the 3 matches, defeating the Lions 3-0 and 3–1 to clinch the title by a point over Preston. That year SC Croatia also made the 5th round of the
170:. The club went as far as to meet arriving boats of immigrants at ports in Melbourne and Geelong to recruit players. Despite these initial difficulties the club quickly became successful, making its playing debut on 10 April 1953. In 1954 the club became an affiliate of the state's governing body Victorian Amateur Soccer Football Association, which saw SC Croatia join and compete in a league competition for the first time that same year in the newly created Victorian Provisional League (a league for amateur clubs). The club's opening match took place on 1 May 1954 against BWR, which finished 3-3. The club's first win coming the week after on 8 May, with a 4–1 victory over Box Hill. It was a successful debut year for the club as they finished second, four points behind the league champions South Yarra. Also in 1954 SC Croatia participated in its first 589:
club took out the much sought after treble of Ampol Cup, Victorian champions and State League Cup (where it defeated George Cross 3–2), an achievement which no other club has ever been able to achieve. The club also made the semi-finals of the Dockerty Cup. Essendon Croatia defended its State League title in 1979 under the dual guidance of Duje Zemunik and player-coach John Gardiner. It proved to be a much tighter race than the previous year. Frankston City had led the league comfortably for most of the season, with the completion of round 17 seeing Frankston 5 points ahead of Essendon Croatia who were sitting in 3rd position. In the remaining 5 matches Essendon Croatia went undefeated as it won 4 and drew 1, clinching the league title on a dramatic final day (defeating Altona City 3–1) on goal difference over Frankston City. That year
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penalties. But it was Altona that took it out 4–3. Knights with a second chance at a Grand Final spot took on Heidelberg United, the Knights proved too strong winning 2–1. The Grand Final, the club's first in 12 years, took place at Bob Jane Stadium in front of 5,500 mostly Knights fans. The club went into the match still missing influential players Franjic and Pelikan, as well as striker Joe Spiteri missing the game due to suspension. It was a game that the Knights dominated, creating many chances but failing to convert them. The match finished 0-0 after 90 minutes and moved into extra match. With the match poised to go to penalties Altona snatched victory with barely a minute left in the match. One piece of consolation came with captain Craig Elvin winning the Jimmy Rooney man of the match award. Also striker
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Croatia had lost to in 1984 and 1985. Those victories in the Buffalo Cup earned the club a spot in the Final for the Ansett Cup against the NSW pre-season Champions. Ironically both years saw Melbourne Croatia take on Sydney Croatia for the Ansett Cup title. In 1986 Melbourne Croatia defeated their Sydney sister club 3–1 at Olympic Park in front 8,500 fans. The following year the club again defeated Sydney Croatia, this time 1–0 at the St George Stadium in Sydney. In 1988 the club also won the Dockerty Cup in a thrilling Final against South Melbourne, which saw Melbourne Croatia come out on top 4-3 after extra-time. The club was later stripped of the title after a protest by South Melbourne, as Melbourne Croatia had fielded an ineligible player.
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season. The solitary loss resulted surprisingly in McArthur's sacking. Up to round 12 the club was on equal points with Green Gully, but inconsistent results would follow for the rest of the season which saw the club fall behind Green Gully by a clear margin. In Round 15 legendary coach Mijo Kiss made a return to the club after an absence of over a decade. Though his return wasn't enough to catch the runaway Green Gully, he was able to hold onto second place and lead the side to a triumphant 4–1 win over Green Gully in round 22. The 1982 season saw Josip Biskic make an incredible impact on his debut season, the beginning of a career which would see Biskic end up playing a club record 328 matches.
244:. In the lead-up to the pivotal game the team manager Frank Burin travelled to Sydney and arranged for six players from Sydney Croatia to play in the one-off match. Unfortunately the clearance for the players failed to come through on time, though in the end it would not matter in the outcome. SC Croatia and Makedonia went into the match on equal points, in the thrilling match SC Croatia came out on top defeating Makedonia 3–1 in front of 4,000 people at a ground in Port Melbourne. Goals came from Billy Vojtek with a double, and Horst Rau. Notably Northern Irishman Ollie Norris joined the club for the 1964 season. During the 1950s Norris had played in the English 852:. But on the park the club still struggled during this period of 1986-1988 despite having one of the strongest squads in the NSL, the club had become the perennial underachievers of the league. So frustrating was this period for the club that over those three seasons Melbourne Croatia had five different coaches. In the 1987 season Melbourne Croatia had been competitive for most of the season, by the end of round 23 the club was in 5th position only two points behind 2nd place. But the club picked up no further points in the remaining 3 rounds of the season as the club fell away to 9th. 1988 was a very similar story, 412:
and Robert Symington. SC Croatia finished a respectable 4th in both 1969 and 1970, qualifying for the top 4 State League Cup in both seasons. Croatia also had success in cup competitions in 1969, in the pre-season Ampol Cup SC Croatia lost in the final to South Melbourne Hellas 2–1 in front of 15,000 fans at Olympic Park. While the club would go on to defend its Dockerty Cup title in 1969 defeating Brunswick Juventus 3–1 in the Final. The back-to-back Dockerty titles were an achievement that at that time had not been achieved by their more fancied and bitter rivals
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Hellas was in 5th on 24 points. Both the remaining matches would see SC Croatia play Hellas, this was due to the earlier encounter in the season being postponed. Due to Croatia's superior goal difference, Croatia would only need to gain a draw in one of the matches to clinch the top 4 spot. The first clash was contested mid-week and it proved to be a remarkable match which saw Hellas leading 3-1 early in the second half. Croatia bravely fought back, equalising on the 80th minute through Bill McLyntyre to see the match finish 3-3 and ensure a top 4 spot.
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having lost the bulk of its squad. In an act of desperation the president of the Preston club contacted the president of SC Croatia, Joe Radojevic, to merge the two clubs. This was a move not supported by many at SC Croatia, so a vote was taken by the committee. The vote was very close, going just in favour of not merging. But unknown to members of the committee Joe Radojevic had already arranged the merger with the Federation and had 8 SC Croatia players transferred to the Preston club. Radojevic had also hoped to sell the club's Division 1 spot to
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expectations of the club were not being met. The club started the season slowly but soon made up ground as a tight battle ensued with league leaders Green Gully. It was neck and neck until late into the season when Essendon Croatia capitulated following a 2–0 defeat at the hands of Green Gully in Round 20. Notably 1981 also saw David Brogan join Essendon Croatia from Croydon City midway through the season, he would go on to become one of the club's most prolific strikers in its long history.
311:), Bill McLyntyre, Joe Keenan, Bobby McLachlan and Ian Currie. The club went to great lengths to bring in these players, sending Frank Burin to Scotland to sign the majority of the newcomers. These incredible signings saw the club dubbed the 'Glamour Team' of the State League. In the final 13 matches of the season the club won 10 of the matches and had the best record, picking up the most points, of any team in the State League over that period. They even defeated the top 3 sides, 1653:. Anthony Pelikan was sent off just before half time, receiving a second yellow card for simulation. The Knights put on a brave performance in the second half. But a late strike from Preston against the run of play killed the game off despite a consolation goal deep in injury time. Overall it was a successful year for the club, finishing 3rd in what was the club's highest league finish in well over a decade. Also the club went on to win the under 21 and under 18 Victorian titles. 677:
Melbourne Croatia, now being coached by the returning John Gardiner, led Green Gully on the ladder for the first 19 rounds, being on top of the table for 18 of those weeks. A Round 20 loss to Brunswick Juventus would prove disastrous for the championship hopes of Melbourne Croatia. The club led 2-0 only to have Juventus come back and win 3–2, giving Green Gully top spot. Croatia would go on to win all 6 of its remaining matches, but still it wasn't enough.
1574:, for help. The club was told by Lowy that he and his organisation were powerless to do anything the help resolve the issue. As a consequence the club went over 12 months with no football and no source of revenue. This placed the club on the brink of financial ruin, so much so that the club was close to selling its stadium. The 12-month in-action also saw the club lose its entire squad on free transfers, including 3 players that went on to join 303:. Between 1965 and 1972, SC Croatia finished in the top 4 five times and won 9 titles. In its three previous seasons in the State League the club had struggled and the 1965 season looked like this would continue with SC Croatia losing 6 of its first 9 matches of the season as relegation was being faced once more. The club president at the time Enver Begović reacted by spending over 5000 pounds to bring in players such as Scottish international 236:
Despite the high expectations within the Croatian community the club finished a disappointing 11th in its inaugural season as a re-united side in the State League, being relegated back to Division 1. The highlight of the disappointing year was SC Croatia making the semi-finals of the Dockerty Cup. At the conclusion of the 1963 season SC Croatia president Enver Begovic and the President of Richmond Allemania took legal action against the
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coach Mirko Bazic return from Croatia to take charge of the side for the last 6 matches of that season, which included a 1–0 victory over rivals South Melbourne at home in the big derby clash in front of 7,157 spectators. In the final season of the NSL (2003/04) the club finished second last, its worst finish ever in the NSL. Despite the poor finish, 9 of the players from the squad in following years would end up at
191:, the furthest the club had been in the competition up until that point. Controversy embroiled the league in its post-season, which saw SC Croatia stripped of its Division 1 title after a successful appeal by the second placed Preston to overturn a result earlier in the season in their match against the Lions. The title was handed to Preston, whom gained promotion to the Victorian State League. 24: 424:, defeating bitter rivals Footscray JUST 5–1 in the final. The club took this form into the State League season, after round 15 SC Croatia was equal first along with Footscray JUST. Both sides dominated the competition; SC Croatia had won 11 of those matches and lost only 2. But the club capitulated in the final 7 rounds, picking up only 3 points to finish 3rd behind Footscray JUST and 232:
Division 1 title comfortably, winning 19 of its 22 matches. That amazing season saw the debut of club legend Billy Vojtek at the young age of 18. Vojtek had an incredible debut season for SC Croatia as he took out both the club's top goal-scorer and player of year honours. The 1962 season also saw SC Croatia move back to Melbourne, playing out of Tracey's Speedway in Maribyrnong.
508:(a Ukrainian backed club). The first step occurred with the appointment of the influential SC Croatia figure Tony Vrzina as coach of the Essendon Lions late in the 1974 season, rescuing the club from relegation. With the completion of the season a total take-over of the club took place, with Croatia paying $ 25,000 to the Lions to take control of the club and the facilities at 240:, arguing that the decision to relegate their respective clubs was unconstitutional. The courts decision went against the two clubs, seeing both relegated. SC Croatia would quickly return to the State League for the 1965 season after once more winning the Division 1 title in 1964, they lost only one match that season. SC Croatia clinched the 1964 title on the final day against 1870:
returning to Victorian state football in 2005. The 12th-place finish meant Knights had to play in the promotion-relegation playoff match, coming up against fellow Croatian-backed side Dandenong City for the second time that season. A Kym Harris hat-trick secured a 3–2 win for Melbourne Knights on the day and survival in the NPL Victoria.
428:. But SC Croatia got its revenge and proved it was the best side in Victoria by winning the State League Cup, a tournament played at the end of the season featuring the top four sides in the State League. This was very much like the playoffs system but it did not count as an official league championship at the time. SC Croatia defeated 520:, though they would continue to play under the Lions name until 1978 when the name was officially changed to Essendon Croatia. Essendon Croatia's time in Division 1 did not see much success for the club, with the most successful season coming in 1976 when the club finished 3rd. That year the club also made the semi-finals of the 536:. This culminated in the club's Reserve side winning the Division 1 Reserves Championship in 1976. Also during this time the club lost none of its ambition, shown in 1976 with the signings of high-profile State League players such as Nick Kuzmamov, goalkeeper John Kennedy, Ivan Gruicic and the legendary John Gardiner from the 1802:. In the penalty shoot-out, Hume City keeper Chris Oldfield saved all four of Croatia's penalty kicks. At the club's end of season awards night, talismanic striker Stipo Andrijašević took out the 2015 Best & Fairest and 2015 Top Goalscorer awards. Andrijašević's incredible long distance volley into the top corner against 794:. South Melbourne FC won 3–2 in extra-time in a thrilling match in front of 11,000 fans at Olympic Park. It was a painful loss as Melbourne Croatia had led for a large part of the game only to have South Melbourne FC equalise in the closing minutes to take it to extra-time. Melbourne Croatia with a second chance then faced 708:, 3–0. In the quarter-finals the club faced NSL side Adelaide City. Melbourne Croatia put up a brave fight, narrowly going down 1–0 to their more fancied opponents. Croatia proudly made it to at least the second round each time it participated in the Cup, except for 1980 when it was knocked out in the first round by 1720:
The season itself was marred by inconsistency from the Knights as the club struggled and found itself near the bottom of the table for most of the season. With only 3 matches remaining the club was on the brink of relegation as it sat inside the bottom two. But the Knights ensured their placed in the
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and Vinko Buljubašić, the side was decimated. But most importantly the club was no longer replenishing its ranks with new talent from its youth set up at the same rate as it had done in the past. As well as the club not being able to compete with the big dollars of the new non-ethnic clubs that would
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as coach. The club would go on to make an incredible impact on debut, finishing 3rd in the regular season and qualifying for the finals, just showing what a strong side the club had in the State League. The highlight of the regular season was the club's 12 match unbeaten streak, a record for the club
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The following two seasons of 1969 and 1970, while not being as successful as the landmark season of 1968, saw the club continue to consolidate its position as one of Australia's strongest sides despite the loss of key figures from the 1968 side such as Hammy McMeechan, Alfred Glaser, Tommy Friganovic
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With both clubs set to compete in the State League in 1963 factions at both clubs saw it as an opportunity for the two clubs to finally re-unite. Many at SC Croatia were still angry over the 1960 incident, but eventually terms were agreed to and the two clubs re-united under the banner of SC Croatia.
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in the qualifying final and then to bitter rivals South Melbourne 1–0 in the semi-final. The South Melbourne derby was played in-front of 5,000 supporters at Knights Stadium. The bumper crowd was the result of the match falling in the middle of the Australian-Croatian Soccer Tournament hosted by the
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On the field the 2010 VPL season proved to be an unsuccessful one. The year began with a complete clean out of players; only 3 players remained from the 2009 squad. The club had not seen such a clean out since it dropped out of the NSL in 2004. The task of re-building the side fell to former Knights
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The 2010 season will best be remembered for activities off the field which saw the monumental return of the Grb to the Melbourne Knights emblem after an absence of almost 15 years, with the club reverting to the emblem proudly worn during its back-to-back NSL championships of the mid 90s. The return
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and Toto Da Costa was particularly painful and the club struggled as a consequence in its final 2 seasons in the NSL. There were a few positives such as Anthony Pelikan, who became the club's star player and one of the NSL's leading players during this time. The 2002/03 season also saw the legendary
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had another phenomenal season, this time scoring 21 goals and once again took out the treble of individual awards. No other player before or since has been such a dominant force on the national competition. But just as in the previous season there was controversy with Viduka missing 4 matches, which
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who was the coach at the time was sacked after 17 matches following the disappointing results. After Culina's sacking the club saw a late resurgence, and by the end of round 22 the club was sitting in 7th position just a point outside a top 6 finals spot. The club fell away from finals contention as
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In 1985 under coach Dom Kapetanovic the club would continue its good form again making the finals, but this time being knocked out in the first match by Preston 2–1 at Olympic Park in front of 6,000 spectators. 1985 saw the club once again lose the Buffalo Cup Final, this time to Heidelberg in a 5-1
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In 1982 the club changed its name to Melbourne Croatia. For the 82 season Bill McArthur was at the helm as coach of Melbourne Croatia. The club kicked off the season with an 8 match unbeaten streak. In round 9 the club lost 4–2 to main title rivals Green Gully, to record the club's first loss of the
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only lost 2 matches (both losses being to the eventual champions Preston). It was a close battle between the two sides for a large part of the season. After round 14 both Essendon Croatia and Preston Makedonia found themselves on equal points with Preston just ahead on goal difference, the following
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In 2014, the Knights' squad was decimated by injuries in the first half of the season and struggled for results. A resurgence in the second half of the season saw the club pick up more points than most of the clubs above it to finish in 5th place. The major achievement was winning the 2014 Dockerty
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The club relieved Paul Magdic of his duties as head manager in mid-2012, replacing him with club legends Andrew Marth and Frank Juric, the former taking the head role and the latter the assistant's role. Marth led the club on a mini-revival, taking the Knights away from relegation but not enough to
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1994/95 was the season when the long-awaited breakthrough was made. Once more the club was a dominant force during the season, the side played a style of football that was head and shoulders above the rest. The club started the season on fire, winning its first 7 matches, a record that is yet to be
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for the first time after having an amazing season where the club only lost 4 matches. The club clinched the Minor Premiership with a game to spare following an 8-1 thrashing of Wollongong Macedonia, a match where star striker Ivan Kelic scored 6 goals. The club went on to make it to its first Grand
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were controversially denied entry into the NSL despite dominating their respective state competitions. Lesser clubs, with much smaller supporter bases were given priority over the two powerful Croatia clubs. In 1976 Melbourne Croatia was one of seven Victorian clubs to apply for the NSL: the others
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1983 saw the club came agonisingly close, losing the title by one point. At this stage the point system in the State League was 2 points for a win and 1 for a draw. If it had been done by today's system of 3 points for a win Melbourne Croatia would have won the title on goal difference. That season
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of Sydney over two legs. The first leg in Melbourne ended in a 1–1 draw, but SC Croatia won the second leg in Sydney, defeating Western Suburbs 3–1 with a hat-trick from Bill McLyntyre. The win saw SC Croatia hold the unofficial mantle as the best club in the country. They again made the Inter City
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Preston Croat's inaugural State League season in 1960 ended with the club finishing 2nd to last and relegated to Division 1. In the 1961 season they were undefeated in pursuit of the Division 1 South title and promoted to the top flight for next season. SC Croatia would finish 3rd and only 3 points
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The 1980 Ampol Cup victory was also notable for the club's performances against Melbourne's NSL sides. In the semi-final Melbourne Croatia defeated a full strength South Melbourne NSL side 1-0 and then went on to defeat a full strength Heidelberg NSL side in the final 2–1. The result so infuriated
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Following the completion of the 1968 season, SC Croatia was part of a consortium of 9 clubs (Melbourne sides Hakoah, Hellas and George Cross, Sydney sides APIA, Prague, Hakoah, Sydney Croatia and Pan Hellenic) from both Victoria and NSW that announced their intention to organize a 12 team national
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After a disappointing start to the 2011 VPL season, assistant coach Paul Magdic took over the head job, replacing Ivan Duzel who had been asked to step down. The tough season ended with a bitterly disappointing 10th-placed finish. Some relief was found in the Knights' Mirabella Cup run, where the
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team. The side was strengthened with the signings of a few more experienced players, such as Mate Dugandzic who returned from his stint in Croatia. The first half of the season was disastrous for the Knights, picking up 11 points from just as many matches as they sat third from bottom. The second
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In the opening game of the finals the Knights took on Green Gully. The match ended 1-1 after extra time with the Knights taking out the match on penalties. Knights then took on the Altona Magic for a spot in the Grand Final. The match at Knights Stadium once more saw the game finish 1-1 and go to
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A stellar start to the season saw the Knights go on a club record in the state league with a 19 match unbeaten streak, seeing the club lead the league for a large part of the season. But injuries late in the campaign took their toll bringing the unbeaten streak to an end, with the side's midfield
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The 2006 season was disastrous. The side started off brilliantly, leading the competition in the early stages. Then the club was hit by crisis after crisis; board interference in player selection, three coaching changes and a player walkout, which nearly saw the club relegated. On a positive note
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However this period did see the club have success in cup competitions, dominating the pre-season Buffalo Cup (which had replaced the Ampol Cup) with victories in 1986 and 1987. Rather fittingly the victories came against Heidelberg and South Melbourne respectively, the two clubs to whom Melbourne
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championship comfortably under the guidance of coach and former club great Bill McArthur; the side won a staggering 17 of its 22 matches. The powerful side was one of the most dominant Victoria had seen, so much so that the club had clinched the title with 3 matches still remaining. That year the
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was brought in as coach, he introduced a number of new players including New Zealand international Brian Davidson and Steve Kokoska from Sunshine City. MacKay's influence had a deep impact with the club having a great second half of the season as Essendon Croatia won 6 of its final 10 matches, to
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1972 would be a dark year in SC Croatia's history. On 30 July 1972 SC Croatia played Hakoah at Olympic Park in Round 19 of the VPL. The match was abandoned after the 62-minute mark after SC Croatia supporters invaded the pitch, attacking the match officials following the sending off of SC Croatia
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and South Melbourne Hellas. The 1970 State League season saw an exciting finish in the closing stages for SC Croatia. The final spot in the top 4 cup series was up for grabs between the club and South Melbourne Hellas. With only two matches remaining SC Croatia was in 4th spot on 26 points, while
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In 1967 SC Croatia found itself well off the pace after Round 10, sitting in 7th position. But the final 12 matches of the season saw the club rally as it went on an impressive run that saw it only lose 2 of those remaining 12 matches as they climbed all the way up to 3rd spot, its highest league
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although many clubs playing below the State League, including SC Croatia, initially sided with the VASFA. Preston Croat poach players from SC Croatia; the VSF proved to be a more attractive set-up for players. By February 1962 the VSF gain control of the sport in Victoria when VASFA collapsed and
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It was a bitter blow to the club, made worse by the fact the club was only informed they would not be competing in the Victorian Soccer League a month before the start of the 1960 season. The Preston club having not expected to be participating in the top league and was not prepared for the move,
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2–1. The success was made more remarkable given the club started the 1979 season in turmoil with mass players losses as Yaka Banovic and Eddie Krencevic transferred to National Soccer League clubs, while also losing four other players including Billy Vojtek and Brian Davidson. In its first three
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Tournament at Montgomery Park with 6 clubs competing; this was a precursor to the official tournament which would take place the following year. Also the club's youth system was producing great young talent during this time that would go on to have a deep influence on Australian football, namely
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Finally in 1984 economics gave the club what lobbying could not. The NSL had been struggling financially, with dwindling crowds. So as a solution the Federation reverted from a one division competition of 16 teams, to a duel conference set-up (North and South) with each conference consisting of
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Despite the controversy of the split, the club's initial years of the 1950s had proven to be overwhelmingly successful, with the club finishing in the top 2 on five occasions in its first 6 seasons. The 1950s saw the club have its highest points per game ratio of any decade in its history (2.16
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In 1957 after the conclusion of the season SC Croatia led by Joe Radojevic shifted its base to Geelong, where it would remain until 1962, which had become a hub for the Croatian community. SC Croatia amalgamated with the Croatia club of Geelong which had been founded in 1954. For those years in
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coach Eric Vassiliadis was announced as the new head coach on 21 May 2017. Vassiliadis lasted just 35 days in the role before he was relieved of his duties, gaining one point in five matches in his time as head coach. Croatia finished in 12th place with 24 points, its lowest points total since
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and striker Adrian Cervinski. The final whistle was followed by jubilant celebrations as thousands of Melbourne Knights supporters invaded the pitch and mobbed the players. This back-to-back championship winning side is regarded by many as the greatest club side Australia has seen. Nine of the
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results gave Preston Croat promise when it made the semi-finals. That year saw Preston Croat goalkeeper Ilija Djukic become the club's first representative player, as he was selected in the Victorian state team squad to take on South Australia. SC Croatia on the other hand in 1962 took out the
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to discuss the formation of a Croatian soccer club. The founders of the club were Perica Filipovic (the first President of the club), Ivica Matosevic, Tonika Durakovic, Drago Jukic and Hinko Durakovic. The club was given the name SC Croatia and from the very beginning it was decided the club's
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at Olympic Park in front of over 23,000 fans. It was a match that Melbourne Croatia came agonisingly close to winning. Melbourne Croatia led for most of the match before conceding a later equaliser with only minutes to go. The match went to a penalty shoot out where Melbourne Croatia led 2-1
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each season. The season of 1981 saw Essendon Croatia finish 6 points behind Green Gully, who were now led by player-coach and former Croatia player John Gardiner. It proved to be a season of high frustration for Essendon Croatia with the club going through three different coaches as the high
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The club's time in Division 1 was marked by re-building, the drop and eventual take over of Essendon Lions saw most of the club's previous State League players leave. But none-the-less the club continued to soldier on. In 1974 the club staged the first 'unofficial' Australian-Croatian Soccer
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Throughout 1973 the club held weekly meetings despite having no side competing, also a SC Croatia old-boys team played friendly matches against local sides. In 1974 club members chose to go down a different path to bring the club back, they set their sights on a take-over of the financially
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The club promoted Micky Colina, the club's u20s coach, to take over the senior head manager role for 2019. On 25 May 2019, the club announced that it had parted ways with Micky Colina as head coach of the first team along with his assistant Steve Gojevic. Marijan Cvitković was appointed as
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Hennessey was sacked after round 9 and the experienced Tony Vrzina (who had a couple of coaching stints with the club in the 1970s) came in at round 13 seeing a massive turnaround in the club's fortunes. In the finals, Melbourne Croatia made it to the Major Semi-final where they faced
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in 1980, 1981 (defeating Doveton 3–1 in the final) and 1983 where the club gained its sweetest revenge defeating Green Gully 4–0 in the Final. The club had further success in cup competitions during this period as it won the Dockerty Cup in 1980 and 1983, and the Ampol Cup in 1980.
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The next three years were very disappointing for the club, they missed out on finals action each season (though there was no finals series in 1987). This was despite some major signings such as in 1987 under Terry Hennessey (in his second stint as coach), when the club signed
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won the Under 21 Player of the Year award, soon after he was signed by A-League club Melbourne Heart. The post-season gave some cause for celebration as the club took out the Australian-Croatian Soccer Tournament in New Zealand, only the second time the club had won the cup.
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For the 2005 VPL season the club finally resumed its football. The Knights had to re-build a squad, creating a difficult first few seasons in the VPL. 2005 saw mixed results for the club as they finished 9th, at one stage challenging for a finals spot before falling away.
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in November, 2015 Knights re-signed the majority of their players from the previous season. Established goalkeeper Chris May and long serving full back Anthony Colosimo departed and in came young talents like 18-year-old Nick Glavan and 17-year-old Nikola Jurković from
207:. So for the next three seasons (1960–1962) the two clubs remained separate entities. SC Croatia, following the split, having lost the bulk of its squad merged with the Zagreb club from Geelong (founded in 1958) allowing it to be able to field a side for the season. 693:
being Moorolbark, George Cross, Brunswick Juventus, South Melbourne Hellas, Footscray JUST and Fitzroy Alexander. The Australian Soccer Federation stressed the point that neither club would be welcome till they dropped 'Croatia' from their respective names.
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leaving the club in 1998/99, going to Carlton SC. He left the Knights due to his frustrations with the recruitment policy of the club, it was a devastating blow to the club. One highlight in this dark period came in the 1999/00 season when English legend
1159:
6–0 in the final), the Minor Premiership and the League. They were the only side to have achieved the feat until 2009, when A-League side Melbourne Victory also won the domestic treble. The tag of choker was finally put to rest for the Melbourne Knights.
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had taken charge as coach and at the round 19 mark the club was sitting in 6th only a point outside a finals spot. But the club fell out of finals contention as it went on to lose 5 of its final 7 matches. One positive that came out of this period was
1786:
Cup, beating South Springvale in the final through a 121st-minute goal from captain Tomislav Uskok. On the way to the final, Melbourne beat rivals South Melbourne in the quarter-finals in a riveting contest. The club also qualified for the inaugural
700:, which was open to the top state league sides for a short period, each year from 1978 to 1981. The club's best performance came in 1978 when the club made it to the quarter-finals. A notable victory came in the second round where they defeated 487:, Bill McLyntyre, Brian Adlam, Hugh Gunn, Bill McArthur, Frank Bot, Ante KuĹľelek, Bobby McLachlan, Mirko KovaÄŤek, Welsh international Peter Davies (who joined in the side in 1968) and there was even a short stint from Yugoslavian international 218:
The 1961 season ended would bring turmoil to the Victorian soccer landscape. VASFA was faced with opposition to how the league was run, and the 12 State League clubs (now with Preston Croat among them) decided to breakaway and join the rebel
1614:, saw the club go into the season with high hopes. Despite this it was a mixed start to the season for the club, only winning 2 of its opening 8 games. Soon after the club made 3 key signings; former Knights NSL player Anthony Pelikan from 1709:
player Ivan Duzel who took over from Chris Taylor as coach. What was implemented was a recruitment policy that saw a diverse range of players brought to the Knights, including imports such as the American-Croat Tomislav Skara, Englishman
1797:
The 2015 season saw the club qualify for the newly re-introduced league finals series after a strong league showing, finishing in 4th place. The Knights exited the finals series at the first stage, though, going down on penalties to
1378:. These clubs paid huge salaries to players, the traditional clubs like the Melbourne Knights could not compete and they were priced out of the market. Before the start of the season the Knights won the Dockerty Cup, defeating the 369:. The club had finally lived up to its tag as the 'Glamour Team'. It was a remarkable achievement particularly given that the club was sitting in 5th position by Round 10, a massive 5 points behind the league leaders at the time 154:
colours would be the tri-colours of the Croatian flag (which continues to this day); red jerseys, white shorts and blue socks. An initial difficulty in fielding teams led SC Croatia to recruit players from various suburbs across
928:. The club finished 3rd in the regular season, just 3 points behind top spot. In the Finals Melbourne Croatia defeated South Melbourne in an epic penalty shootout, with a 7–6 scoreline. The club just missed out on making the 753:
twelve teams. With the expansion the club could no longer be ignored and entry to the NSL was finally given. For the 1984 season the club had a squad made up mostly of players from their 1983 state league season, including
873:
After those three painful years of non-finals action, 1989 saw the beginning of what can only be described as the golden era of the club. For the next decade the club would make the NSL finals 8 times out of 9 seasons.
1515:. It was an incredible atmosphere, a celebration of Croatian football in Australia. The match ended 0-0 and with the final whistle there was a mass pitch invasion by the fans of both clubs. The respective captains, 1768:
The Melbourne Knights officially launched a sports gym on 3 March 2013. The newly constructed gym, located behind the Mark Viduka stand at Knights Stadium, is a fully equipped boxing, weight and cardio facility.
1609:
2007 was the year that saw a turnaround in the fortunes of the Melbourne Knights. Chris Taylor was appointed coach and strong recruiting by the club, including the signing of former NSL stars Steve Iosifidis and
199:. This decision was met with much anger and caused a split within the club, seeing SC Croatia remain in Geelong playing in Division 1, while Radojevic's breakaway faction played in Melbourne under the name of 1535:. The Melbourne Knights knowing they would not be part of this new league, opted not to bid for a spot in the A-League unlike the other ethnic clubs. The club dropped back to the state league, now called the 1729:. After the season the club won a number of individual awards with Kevin Townson awarded the media voted Player of the Year award, while finishing runner-up for the Gold Medal VPL Player of the Year award. 1664:
being signed by Croatia's Dinamo Zagreb, and influential goalkeeper Adrian Cagalj transferring to Oakleigh. Players brought into the club included the return of Andrew Barisic from a year stint in Germany.
560:, return to Essendon Croatia to help them get back to the top. The club's first season back was marked by mixed results. The club started the season as one of the favourites after having won the pre-season 1421:. Despite another staggering string of player losses the Knights would still put up a brave fight, going onto narrowly miss the finals that season, losing their crucial final round match against Marconi. 1059:
made a significant impact that season, at only 18 years of age he finished the season as the NSL's top goal scorer with 17 goals. He became the only player to win the treble of individual awards;
334:
and Bill MacArthur. The club continued its great form from the second half of the previous season. With 3 games remaining SC Croatia was sitting in 3rd spot, only 2 points behind the first placed
323:. Despite all this the club finished 6th as the damage at the start of the season was too much to overcome. Croatia also made the final of the Dockerty Cup for the first time, losing 1–0 to 1834:
respectively. Melbourne Knights finished the NPL Victoria season in ninth place, missing out on a finals spot. However, the Somers Street-based side qualified for the national stage of the
606:
won every title that was available, an incredible come back from a club that was all but dead only a few years earlier. It was a testament to the dedication of the Croatian community.
995:
The 1992/93 season was a disappointing one, with the club failing to make the finals and finishing in 10th position. A lot of this had to do with the loss of a number of key players;
516:. By the beginning of the 1975 season Tony Vrzina had become president of the club and Duje Zemunik was appointed coach, after Billy McArthur resigned. The club would become known as 1673:
and Cameron Watson, as well as the early season injury of influential captain Tom Milardovic. Eventually the Knights finished second just a point behind Minor Premiers Green Gully.
299:
With SC Croatia's return to the State League in 1965 the club would cement itself as one of the states most powerful sides under the guidance, for the most part, of long-time coach
380:
to complete a remarkable treble. SC Croatia is one of only two sides to ever achieve that treble, the other being Green Gully in 1981. SC Croatia also went on to narrowly lose the
149:
The initial foundations of the club were set down in 1952 by a small group of Croatian immigrants who met at the home of Hinko Durakovic at 7 Leeds Street in the western suburb of
137:. It was founded in 1953, and has had extensive success in its history, with the club's peak coming in the mid-1990s when it was crowned Australian champions, winning back-to-back 968:
begin to implement measures to de-ethnicise the NSL and give it more mainstream appeal. Clubs had to replace their ethnic names, which saw Melbourne Croatia change its name to
2069: 420:
1971 was a year that proved to be another highlight for the club. Before the start of the season the club showed itself to be the firm favourites by taking out the Victorian
1892:
Victoria season in ninth place, four points adrift of a finals spot. Marijan Cvitkovic, Nate Foster and Uskok all finished the season with eight goals. Croatia won the 2018
2239: 1884:
his assistant. The appointment of Asanović, a World Cup bronze medal winner in 1998, and Računica, was hailed as arguable the biggest coaching coup in the history of the
1761:. The Knights confirmed back to back Australian-Croatian Soccer Tournament titles in October 2011, as the 37th edition of the event was held at Kralj Tomislav in Sydney. 1701:
to the classic emblem was most fitting as the club celebrated the 15th anniversary of those championships, gathering all of the players from that legendary side (except
810:
in the Final. That year also saw Melbourne Croatia reach the Final of the Buffalo Cup, where it lost 3–1 to South Melbourne in front of 13,000 people at Olympic Park.
41: 1861:
were relieved of their coaching duties with the club languishing in third-bottom place and out of the FFA Cup in the qualifying stages, losing to NPL Victoria 2 side
2565: 163: 2652: 641:, and he would spend nearly 15 years playing across Europe. However the stand out player of the back-to-back winning side was without a doubt the English forward 720:
and caused embarrassment for South Melbourne that the president of South, Sam Papasavas, came out in the local media demanding a re-match with a bet of $ 5,000.
661:
round saw the two sides face off. Preston won the crucial match 1-0 as they pulled away from Essendon Croatia, holding onto top spot for the rest of the season.
376:
1968 also saw SC Croatia win the prestigious Dockerty Cup (defeating South Melbourne 1–0 in the final in front of 18,000 people at Olympic Park), as well as the
2728: 350:, a national knock-out soccer tournament featuring the 16 best clubs in the country. SC Croatia won its opening round match 2–0 away to West Adelaide Hellas at 1349:
This was also the beginning of the decline of the side, the constant loss of its players began to catch up with the club. For the 1996/97 season the club lost
267:
Many of the early club legends of SC Croatia played and began their careers during this initial era of the club, the most prominent of these individuals being
897:. The club had a strong season finishing 4th on the regular season table and making the finals for the first time since 1985. In the Finals the club defeated 2697: 1016:
it struggled in the remaining 4 matches, only picking up 3 points. Despite the poor season the club saw some positives with even more new talent emerging in
1456:
after the early season disbanding of Carlton SC. Coach and club legend Vlado Vanis led the side. He made a number of excellent signings, including forwards
1424:
The following two seasons were disastrous for a club so used to success, with the club finishing 12th in both seasons. Matters were made worse with captain
404:. In the end 1968 proved to be an outstanding season where SC Croatia truly came of age, cementing itself as one of the most powerful clubs in the country. 716:
had finished 2nd in the NSL, Croatia once again showed the strength of Victorian State League football by pushing them all the way, eventually losing 3–2.
1393:
From 1997/98 to the final season of the NSL in 2003/04, the club only made the finals twice. The 1997/98 season saw the return of veterans Ivan Kelic and
1083:
that scored the winner for Adelaide City. It made three Grand Final defeats in 4 years for the Melbourne Knights, earning the club the tag of 'chokers'.
1777:
Knights. Marijan Cvitkovic took out the VPL's best-and-fairest player for 2013 as Melbourne Knights celebrated their 60th year of existence in style.
2188: 396:. Finally in 1968 SC Croatia competed in its second Australia Cup in what would be the last tournament staged. In the opening round SC Croatia faced 1697:
half of the season saw a marked improvement from the club, as they came within throwing distance of the top 5 only to fall away late in the season.
1468:, Toto Da Costa and Adrian Cervinski. They went on to score 36 goals between them. Despite all this Vanis was surprisingly sacked by club president 2621: 1900:, beating North Geelong 3–0 in the final. After the conclusion of the season, Asanović and Računica departed the club to take up an opportunity in 1245:. In the Grand Final the Knights met Marconi again, a match which it would go into missing three of its players due to international duty with the 629:. Teenage star Eddie Krnčević made his senior debut at 16 for the club in 1977. He would become one of Australia's first overseas success stories. 338:. Unfortunately SC Croatia crumbled under the pressure, losing all 3 matches to finish fifth and just miss out on the top 4 qualification for the 1634:. These signings saw the club storm home, winning 7 of its final 9 matches and finishing second on the ladder, a point behind the Preston Lions. 1271: 464: 342:. That year also saw the club when its first cup title as the Reserves side won the Armstrong Cup, defeating rivals Footscray JUST in the final. 1476:
took over as player-coach and guided the club to the finals after finishing the regular season in 6th spot. In the finals the Knights took out
88: 2702: 2679: 1893: 961:
missing 3 consecutive penalties. Melbourne Croatia had 2 penalty kicks to win the game, missing both and eventually losing the shootout 5–4.
1484:
to finish the season in an impressive 4th position. The following year the Knights again made the finals, but were once more knocked out by
365:(the club's longest serving captain) SC Croatia was dominant winning 15 of its 22 matches, and finishing 7 points clear of the second place 60: 2095: 2147: 940:. Melbourne Croatia had taken a 1–0 lead, only to have Sydney Olympic claw their way back and score the winner 9 minutes from full-time. 853: 834: 680:
During the period of 1980-1983 Melbourne Croatia would make up for falling short so many times in the League by winning the end of year
67: 2461: 1230:
The 1995/96 season was an extremely tight one, with only 6 points separating first and sixth at the conclusion of the regular season.
1187:
The Knights defended its NSL title the following year, despite having lost a number of players during the off-season; Mark Viduka to
814:
thrashing. And the club would gain revenge against Preston, taking out the Dockerty Cup with a 2–0 victory over the Macedonian club.
357:
In 1968 all the hard work of previous years finally paid off with what was the high point of this era, when SC Croatia won its first
1885: 1807: 861:, a product of the club's youth system, who made his debut for the side at only 16 in 1986. He would go on to become a club legend. 107: 2073: 1071:. He achieved all this despite controversially missing 9 matches due to International duty with the Australian Youth team. But the 479:
would become another SC Croatia player to wear the Green and Gold, he became an integral part of Australia's side that went to the
373:. From that point onwards SC Croatia went undefeated for the rest of the season, winning 10 of the final 12 matches of the season. 2121: 1772:
The 2013 season was a welcome change for the Knights, finishing in second place in the regular season, but went down initially to
1132: 393: 74: 2213: 564:, it was the first and only time that a newly promoted side had lifted the trophy. But early season player losses to NSL clubs, 1688:
The 2009 VPL season started with a mass exodus of players, this most notably included Andrew Barisic to new A-League franchise
1386:
in the last round of the regular season. The finals proved to be too much for the side, as they lost comprehensively to rivals
227:
The 1962 State League season proved to be difficult for Preston Croat, the club avoided relegation by 2 points. The pre-season
451:
Ampol Cup champions. This at the time was the only national club title available. SC Croatia won the Inter City Cup defeating
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to cover the loss, and he had an immediate impact for the club. The club won the Minor Premiership, its fourth in 5 seasons.
584:
It would not be too long before the club once more became one of the top sides in the state. In 1978 the club won its second
245: 45: 56: 1444:
The 2000/01 season was the most successful season during this period, a season that saw the return of championship players
576:(for $ 13,000), saw the club have a sluggish start to the State League winning only 2 of its first 12 matches. Club legend 2723: 2638: 2436: 1889: 1567: 849: 766: 581:
finish a respectable seventh. The club also went on to make the Final of the Dockerty Cup, losing to Brunswick Juventus.
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crucially including the first 2 matches of the finals series, due to international duty with the Australian Youth team.
973: 2586: 2384: 648:
From 1980 to 1983, the club painfully finished runner-up on four successive occasions. In 1980 they finished second to
2684: 2291: 1941: 1847: 1627: 905:
in extra time that put an end to Melbourne Croatia's campaign. 1989 also saw Melbourne Croatia finally move away from
400:
at Olympic Park, winning 3–1. The club's run would end in the quarter-finals, losing to eventual tournament Runner-Up
237: 220: 1512: 910: 877:
1989 was where everything began to click for the club. The club strengthened an already impressive side with imports
656:, who had been replaced by Duje Zemunik midway through the previous season. Despite having a fantastic season where 1827: 1693: 802:. Heidelberg United won 3-1 putting an end to Melbourne Croatia's finals campaign. Melbourne Croatia also made the 697: 577: 484: 304: 34: 2409: 1831: 1738: 1064: 1051:
out to Australia. His influence had a major impact as the Knights dominated the season, easily winning its third
782:
in the NSL. But the season didn't start off in such an amazing manner, winning only 3 of its opening 11 matches.
696:
Despite the snub from the ASF Melbourne Croatia showed its ability on the national level by participating in the
1200: 1109: 1047:. On the park to remedy the previous years poor display, the Knights looked to Croatia for help, bringing coach 509: 1909: 1556: 1544: 1536: 1335: 452: 134: 1741:
4–0 in the final. Around 800 people were in attendance, with fundraising actions in place to help sister club
2486: 610: 81: 1382:
4–2. The 1996/7 season saw the Knights just scrape into the finals after a come from behind 3–1 win against
1343: 1208: 906: 791: 437: 385: 307:, Brian Adlam, Hammy McMeechan (who was bought for a then Victorian record transfer fee of 1200 pounds from 1873:
In the post-season, a change in board saw a change in senior team management, with Knights securing former
1850:. In the Round of 16, at home once more, Melbourne Knights lost 3–1 to Green Gully in front of 2,472 fans. 1139:
scoring a hat-trick. So for the third time the club met Adelaide City in the Grand Final, but this time in
463:
The strength of the club during this period was particularly shown by a number of its players representing
1822: 585: 561: 549: 425: 421: 377: 358: 204: 138: 2357: 2317: 2332: 2266: 1897: 1155:. It was an impressive season for the club, claiming the treble that year; the Cup (where they defeated 925: 316: 1877: 878: 1008: 989: 830: 681: 657: 645:
who was signed from Sunshine City for $ 6,500, he won the Player of the Year award in both 78 and 79.
603: 594: 590: 553: 517: 401: 370: 2661: 2538: 2006:. Vol. 46, no. 13, 199. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 10 August 1972. p. 26 1646: 1603: 1552: 1453: 1410: 1394: 1224: 1068: 996: 826: 739:, Steve Short, Carl Gilder, Steve Gojević, Ivan GruiÄŤić, George Hannah, Noel Mitten and Keith Adams. 630: 622: 529: 468: 167: 126: 121: 2626: 1978:. Vol. 46, no. 13, 194. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 4 August 1972. p. 16 1742: 1220: 984:. During this period the club continued to produce young talent and introduce them into their side; 552:, four sides from Victoria entered the NSL. This exodus from the State League allowed the return of 444: 381: 264:. Norris was the most high-profile player SC Croatia had up until this point in the club's history. 1773: 1750: 1615: 1177: 1040: 969: 807: 754: 556:
to the top flight of Victorian football after a 4-year absence. 1977 saw the club's favourite son,
480: 366: 284: 150: 1311: 1212: 858: 774: 770: 736: 732: 724: 565: 354:. SC Croatia was eventually knocked out in the quarter-finals, losing against Brunswick Juventus. 2002: 1974: 1937: 1929: 1540: 1469: 1434: 1387: 1124: 1060: 958: 953: 799: 787: 573: 513: 429: 335: 320: 312: 257: 253: 175: 1350: 1241:. In the finals the Melbourne Knights defeated Marconi over 2 legs, booking a spot in their 5th 1028:(David joined the club in the following season) and Vinko Buljubašić, as well as the signing of 985: 890: 886: 280: 268: 2099: 1656:
2008 season saw the club aim high once more. There were a number of changes in the squad, with
362: 288: 272: 2151: 1949: 1866: 1862: 1839: 1758: 1689: 1583: 1579: 1560: 1501: 1339: 1238: 1231: 1168:
Following the championship win, the club headed over to Japan for a series of matches against
1156: 1144: 1128: 1052: 1044: 1000: 977: 948: 933: 920:
For the season 1989/90, Melbourne Croatia continued to impress, strengthening their side with
882: 795: 713: 709: 537: 397: 351: 300: 159: 1940:
in the Round of 32, ultimately going down 5–2 in the clash played in front of 4,078 fans at
1881: 1843: 1722: 1650: 1638: 1606:. He made his debut in the senior side at only 16 years of age making an impressive impact. 1587: 1371: 1358: 1331: 1291: 1036: 1029: 965: 898: 894: 728: 569: 533: 475:
would follow, becoming the first player of Croatian heritage to play for Australia. In 1970
457: 324: 308: 609:
This back to back championship winning side was a powerful one that contained 5 Socceroos;
2070:"Knights crowned Australian-Croatian champions in New Zealand | Melbourne Knights FC" 1438: 1430: 1181: 1025: 778: 448: 1905: 2055: 2041: 1234:
stormed home with 6 wins from its final 7 matches to finish second, only a point behind
2125: 1858: 1814: 1803: 1754: 1726: 1705:
who was with the Croatia national team) for a successful gala night and reunion match.
1678: 1661: 1657: 1619: 1485: 1481: 1414: 1354: 1319: 1299: 1283: 1235: 1105: 1048: 937: 914: 902: 845: 689: 505: 413: 249: 1039:
continued with its campaign of de-ethnicising the sport in Australia. They ruled that
2717: 1710: 1702: 1591: 1508: 1461: 1398: 1295: 1216: 1188: 1116: 1101: 1076: 1012: 981: 980:
once more, but again lost the Grand Final on penalties at Olympic Park, this time to
943:
In 1990/91 the club had its most successful season in the NSL up to that point. With
762: 649: 642: 638: 626: 614: 598: 488: 347: 339: 241: 228: 200: 196: 1043:
was still too 'ethnic', seeing the club change its name once more, this time to the
2174:"Summary - NPL Finals - Australia - Results, fixtures, tables and news - Soccerway" 1945: 1921: 1917: 1901: 1854: 1835: 1799: 1787: 1730: 1714: 1670: 1516: 1473: 1449: 1445: 1425: 1379: 1375: 1362: 1307: 1303: 1287: 1266: 1258: 1196: 1192: 1173: 1148: 1093: 1021: 921: 758: 653: 618: 557: 521: 476: 472: 331: 330:
In the 1966 season, SC Croatia strengthened its already powerful side, bringing in
276: 188: 171: 2566:"Adelaide overrun Knights to advance to FFA Cup Round of 16 | Daily Football Show" 1925: 1737:
In early 2011, the Knights took out the Victorian Croatian Cup, after defeating
1682: 1642: 1623: 1611: 1548: 1547:
season, with various clubs in a campaign led by former Socceroo and JUST player
1520: 1492: 1477: 1465: 1457: 1383: 1367: 1279: 1275: 1262: 1254: 1250: 1242: 1204: 1161: 1152: 1136: 1120: 1080: 1072: 1056: 1017: 1004: 929: 822: 777:
and George Hannah. The club had a major coup singing legendary Welsh footballer
665: 433: 346:
finish. This first ever top 4 finish saw SC Croatia qualify for the prestigious
23: 1944:. 4 days later, a second cup run came to an end for the Knights, losing 1–0 to 1997: 1969: 1791: 1571: 1511:
on 29 February 2004. The match was played in front of a crowd of 8,423 at the
1418: 1402: 944: 841: 447:
final, which was a match that took place between the respective Victorian and
1721:
VPL as it recorded its two most important victories of the season, defeating
1531:
The NSL was disbanded in 2004 to make way for a new professional league, the
1338:, a key decision was the removal of ethnic symbols from club emblems. So the 1713:
and Frenchman Jean-Charles Dubois. Also there was the return of club legend
1559:
clubs prior to the vote that they would vote in support of the entry of the
838: 819: 155: 130: 1555:
blocking their entry. This was despite assurances from the majority of the
1441:
attracted a record 11,500 people; unfortunately the side was thrashed 4–0.
1433:
came out for at two match guest stint at the club. His first match against
1681:
had a stellar season scoring 19 goals, the most by a Knights player since
1330:
For the 1996/97 season the de-ethnicising continued under the helm of the
1933: 1818: 1631: 1575: 1532: 1497: 1464:. Vanis employed a very attacking style of football, playing 3 strikers; 1169: 1140: 1097: 705: 1055:
6 points ahead of second place South Melbourne. Future Socceroo captain
483:. Other notable players during this era included Scottish international 327:. They defeated their arch rivals Footscray JUST 2–1 in the semi-final. 2630: 1790:
through their progression in the Dockerty Cup, but were knocked out by
1491:
By 2002/03 the club had once more lost much of their side, the loss of
1406: 1246: 803: 701: 593:
took out the prestigious treble; State Champions, Dockerty Cup and the
634: 389: 261: 1757:
on their way to the final, but lost 2–0 at Melbourne's AAMI Park to
1500:
clubs (including 7 that would in subsequent years go on to play for
1115:
The Knights had a sluggish start to its finals campaign, losing to
1472:
late in the season after the two clashed over a number of issues.
1265:
win in their home city. The Knights goals were scored by captain
1147:. The Knights were dominant, winning 2–0 with goals from captain 1920:
for the remainder of the 2019 season. Knights qualified for the
1853:
After a disappointing first half of the 2017 season, head coach
471:
becoming the club's first international representative. In 1967
408:
league to begin in 1969. The proposed league did not eventuate.
174:, the young club was knocked out in the opening round losing to 2634: 2611: 1932:
in the qualifying stages. Melbourne Knights were drawn against
1211:. These player losses were made up for with emerging talent in 806:
final that season, winning 5 matches in a row before losing to
1366:
join the league over the next decade; professional clubs like
1346:(coat of arms) that had adorned the club's emblem since 1953. 688:
Also during this period Melbourne Croatia and its sister club
17: 2616: 1507:
The club's final NSL match was fittingly against sister club
1261:. The club defeated Marconi 2–1 at Olympic Park, their first 1781:
National Premier Leagues Victoria and FFA Cup (2014–present)
224:
disbanded. All VASFA clubs in Victoria then joined the VSF.
2437:"Asanovic a statement of intent as Knights look to new era" 723:
Great players from this era not already mentioned included
1119:
over 2 legs. But the club soon made up for it, making the
1594:). The club has never been compensated for these losses. 2025:
Sunshine Advocate, 1982, Loyalty is coach's strong point
1888:. Uskok also returned to the club. Knights finished the 664:
The next three seasons saw the club finish runner-up to
1075:
saw a repeat of the events of 1991/92, again losing to
467:
in international football. The first came in 1965 with
2625:
4. 'Ethnicity and Soccer in Australia' academic study
2214:"Season 2015 draws to a close with Presentation Night" 1203:
also returning to Croatia and the loss of their coach
1079:
at Olympic Park. Cruelly it was former Knights player
976:
take over as coach. Under his tenure the club won the
460:. SC Croatia lost 4–1 in Sydney and 1–0 in Melbourne. 2148:"Knights open sports gym | Melbourne Knights FC" 1717:, returning to finish off his career at the Knights. 1602:
there was the unearthing of an exciting new talent,
1207:. Mirko Bazic was replaced by former Knights player 988:
made his debut at 18 for the club in 1990/91, while
901:
2–0, which was followed by an agonising 3–2 loss to
2513:"Colina to take the reigns for the 2019 NPL Season" 211:points per game), and an impressive 68% win ratio. 48:. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. 2410:"Asanovic and Racunica commit to Knights for 2018" 1745:after their clubrooms were flooded in Queensland. 1480:over two thrilling legs and then narrowly lost to 972:. That season saw former club legend and Socceroo 260:team of 1957 which made the quarter-finals of the 2385:"Melbourne Knights nervously see off late threat" 2096:"Knights win Croatian Cup – Melbourne Knights FC" 1669:being decimated by the loss of Anthony Pelikan, 1649:. The club lost 2–1 in a controversial match at 1108:using his contacts in Croatia brought in import 1924:, managing impressive wins over league-leaders 917:. This move saw a dramatic increase in crowds. 164:Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre 2610:1. Various work's of soccer historian Roy Hay 2240:"Mariners sign defender from PS4 NPL Victoria" 2122:"Magdic in charge | Melbourne Knights FC" 1813:With youth product, captain and fan-favourite 2646: 2587:"Hume City Takes Out 2019 Dockerty Cup Final" 1806:on 18 July was voted as the best goal in the 1566:The Knights went to the president of the new 8: 2292:"Golden Son Sends Knights to National Stage" 2056:"Victorian State League 1979 Season Results" 2042:"Victorian State League 1980 Season Results" 1794:in the Round of 32 in a contentious affair. 1725:2–0 away and a 4–2 victory at home against 1096:left the club after round 20, signing with 833:and a major coup in Scottish international 203:(a name officially adopted in 1961) in the 2653: 2639: 2631: 2267:"Talented quartet leave Melbourne Knights" 2014:– via National Library of Australia. 1986:– via National Library of Australia. 964:The 1991/92 season saw the governing body 652:, managed by former Essendon Croatia boss 456:Cup final the following year, but lost to 215:behind Preston Croat and fail to promote. 2333:"Knights confirm Vassiliadis appointment" 1342:had to change their emblem, removing the 443:1971 also saw SC Croatia qualify for the 108:Learn how and when to remove this message 1092:broken. Unfortunately long-time captain 798:, again for a spot in the final against 1961: 1842:. Knights drew Western Australian side 1618:, 2006 under 21 VPL player of the year 158:, as well as from outside the city in 2703:Australian-Croatian Soccer Tournament 2318:"Knights part ways with Marth, Juric" 1894:Australian-Croatian Soccer Tournament 361:championship. Under the captaincy of 7: 2729:History of soccer clubs in Australia 2358:"Knights Part Ways with Vassiliadis" 2189:"Oldfield heroics block out Knights" 1270:players would go on to play for the 256:, and was part of the giant killing 46:adding citations to reliable sources 2487:"Asanovic departs for Saudi Arabia" 1543:were not allowed to enter the 2004 909:and move into its own stadium, the 125:is an Australian semi-professional 2698:Croatian Australian Football Clubs 540:for a then record fee of $ 6,000. 14: 2620:3. The Melbourne Knights website 1630:who had spent time at Portugal's 992:made his debut at 19 in 1991/92. 952:Final where they met city rivals 602:seasons back in the State League 57:"History of Melbourne Knights FC" 1314:who would go on to play for the 1272:Australia national football team 295:A Victorian powerhouse 1965-1972 22: 1637:In the finals the club lost to 1523:, were chaired off the ground. 1513:Melbourne Croatia Sports Centre 911:Melbourne Croatia Sports Centre 33:needs additional citations for 2615:2. Statistics from OzFootball 1316:Croatia national football team 1: 1890:2018 National Premier Leagues 1838:following a 2–0 victory over 1749:club dispatched the likes of 1568:Football Federation Australia 1539:. But the Knights along with 704:, a Serbian backed club from 548:1977 saw the creation of the 2193:Football Federation Victoria 1172:sides. The Knights defeated 524:where they lost to Polonia. 2539:"Colina and Gojevic depart" 1065:Under 21 Player of the Year 848:, and experienced Scotsman 637:in 1981, joining Croatia's 504:struggling Division 1 club 221:Victorian Soccer Federation 2745: 1694:Melbourne Victory FC Youth 947:as coach the club won the 837:. As well as in 1988 with 698:National Soccer League Cup 2693: 2670: 1739:North Geelong Warriors FC 1626:and up-and-coming player 1397:, as well as the loss of 1880:as the head coach, with 1846:, defeating them 2–1 at 1537:Victorian Premier League 1527:Return to State football 1131:in a thrilling match at 491:during the 1972 season. 1970:"Disqualified for life" 1828:Melbourne Victory Youth 1310:), as well as defender 1184:champions at the time. 1176:and more significantly 1024:, Adrian Cervinski and 1875:Croatian international 1832:North Geelong Warriors 1823:Central Coast Mariners 1087:Champions of Australia 1035:In the 1993/94 season 792:Conference Grand Final 743:National Soccer League 586:Victorian State League 550:National Soccer League 426:South Melbourne Hellas 386:Hakoah Eastern Suburbs 359:Victorian State League 205:Victorian State League 139:National Soccer League 1765:book a finals berth. 926:Sunshine George Cross 572:and John Gardiner to 317:Sunshine George Cross 2724:Melbourne Knights FC 2663:Melbourne Knights FC 2543:Melbourne Knights FC 2517:Melbourne Knights FC 2491:Melbourne Knights FC 2462:"Ladder for NPL VIC" 2414:Melbourne Knights FC 2362:Melbourne Knights FC 2296:Melbourne Knights FC 2218:Melbourne Knights FC 1417:to the newly formed 1395:Alan Edward Davidson 997:Alan Edward Davidson 827:Alan Edward Davidson 544:The return 1977-1983 122:Melbourne Knights FC 42:improve this article 1774:Bentleigh Greens SC 1751:Oakleigh Cannons FC 808:Newcastle KB United 2383:Jenkinson, Lance. 2265:Kounelis, Jordan. 2246:. 23 November 2015 2003:The Canberra Times 1975:The Canberra Times 1938:Adelaide United FC 1898:Gold Coast Knights 1541:South Melbourne FC 1435:South Melbourne FC 1388:South Melbourne FC 1125:South Melbourne FC 1061:Player of the Year 959:South Melbourne FC 954:South Melbourne FC 829:, Croatian import 800:South Melbourne FC 790:for a spot in the 597:where it defeated 574:South Melbourne SC 458:St George Budapest 430:South Melbourne SC 336:South Melbourne SC 321:Brunswick Juventus 313:South Melbourne SC 129:club based in the 2711: 2710: 2591:Football Victoria 2519:. 31 October 2018 2220:. 12 October 2015 2031:, published: 1982 2029:Sunshine Advocate 1950:2019 Dockerty Cup 1840:Port Melbourne SC 1759:Northcote City FC 1690:Gold Coast United 1584:Daniel Piorkowski 1580:Melbourne Victory 1563:into the league. 1561:Melbourne Knights 1502:Melbourne Victory 1340:Melbourne Knights 1239:Marconi Fairfield 1232:Melbourne Knights 1157:Heidelberg United 1145:Hindmarsh Stadium 1129:preliminary final 1053:Minor Premiership 1045:Melbourne Knights 1001:Francis Awaritefe 978:Minor premiership 949:Minor premiership 934:preliminary final 893:from sister club 883:Francis Awaritefe 796:Heidelberg United 714:Heidelberg United 710:Heidelberg United 650:Preston Makedonia 599:Preston Makedonia 398:Adelaide Juventus 352:Hindmarsh Stadium 242:Preston Makedonia 166:in north-eastern 118: 117: 110: 92: 2736: 2664: 2655: 2648: 2641: 2632: 2603: 2602: 2600: 2598: 2593:. 10 August 2019 2583: 2577: 2576: 2574: 2572: 2561: 2555: 2554: 2552: 2550: 2535: 2529: 2528: 2526: 2524: 2509: 2503: 2502: 2500: 2498: 2493:. 8 October 2018 2483: 2477: 2476: 2474: 2472: 2458: 2452: 2451: 2449: 2447: 2432: 2426: 2425: 2423: 2421: 2416:. 7 October 2017 2406: 2400: 2399: 2397: 2395: 2380: 2374: 2373: 2371: 2369: 2354: 2348: 2347: 2345: 2343: 2328: 2322: 2321: 2314: 2308: 2307: 2305: 2303: 2288: 2282: 2281: 2279: 2277: 2262: 2256: 2255: 2253: 2251: 2236: 2230: 2229: 2227: 2225: 2210: 2204: 2203: 2201: 2199: 2184: 2178: 2177: 2170: 2164: 2163: 2161: 2159: 2150:. Archived from 2144: 2138: 2137: 2135: 2133: 2128:on 31 March 2015 2124:. Archived from 2118: 2112: 2111: 2109: 2107: 2102:on 16 March 2015 2098:. Archived from 2092: 2086: 2085: 2083: 2081: 2076:on 27 March 2015 2072:. Archived from 2066: 2060: 2059: 2052: 2046: 2045: 2038: 2032: 2022: 2016: 2015: 2013: 2011: 1994: 1988: 1987: 1985: 1983: 1966: 1844:Cockburn City SC 1830:and sister-club 1723:Bentleigh Greens 1651:Bob Jane Stadium 1588:Steve Pantelidis 1372:Parramatta Power 1359:Fausto De Amicis 1332:Soccer Australia 1292:Fausto De Amicis 1201:Krešimir Marušić 1178:Yokohama FlĂĽgels 1123:after defeating 1110:Krešimir Marušić 1037:Soccer Australia 1030:Fausto De Amicis 1009:Branko Milošević 990:Oliver Pondeljak 966:Soccer Australia 895:St Albans Dinamo 831:Branko Milošević 682:State League Cup 658:Essendon Croatia 604:Essendon Croatia 595:State League Cup 591:Essendon Croatia 570:Canberra City FC 554:Essendon Croatia 518:Essendon Croatia 402:Hakoah Melbourne 371:Hakoah Melbourne 113: 106: 102: 99: 93: 91: 50: 26: 18: 2744: 2743: 2739: 2738: 2737: 2735: 2734: 2733: 2714: 2713: 2712: 2707: 2689: 2685:Knights Stadium 2666: 2662: 2659: 2607: 2606: 2596: 2594: 2585: 2584: 2580: 2570: 2568: 2563: 2562: 2558: 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1089: 1069:Top Goal-scorer 1026:David Cervinski 871: 788:South Melbourne 779:Terry Hennessey 750: 745: 546: 510:Montgomery Park 497: 469:Hammy McMeechan 453:Western Suburbs 449:New South Wales 297: 258:AFC Bournemouth 184: 182:The early years 147: 145:Club foundation 114: 103: 97: 94: 51: 49: 39: 27: 12: 11: 5: 2742: 2740: 2732: 2731: 2726: 2716: 2715: 2709: 2708: 2706: 2705: 2700: 2694: 2691: 2690: 2688: 2687: 2682: 2677: 2671: 2668: 2667: 2660: 2658: 2657: 2650: 2643: 2635: 2629: 2628: 2623: 2618: 2613: 2605: 2604: 2578: 2556: 2530: 2504: 2478: 2453: 2435:Kulas, Damir. 2427: 2401: 2375: 2364:. 25 June 2017 2349: 2331:Kulas, Damir. 2323: 2320:. 16 May 2017. 2309: 2298:. 16 June 2016 2283: 2257: 2231: 2205: 2179: 2165: 2154:on 31 May 2015 2139: 2113: 2087: 2061: 2047: 2033: 2017: 1989: 1960: 1959: 1957: 1954: 1867:Port Melbourne 1863:Dandenong City 1857:and assistant 1815:Tomislav Uskok 1804:Green Gully SC 1782: 1779: 1755:Green Gully SC 1743:Rocklea United 1727:Northcote City 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2564:Lynch, Joey. 2560: 2557: 2545:. 25 May 2019 2544: 2540: 2534: 2531: 2518: 2514: 2508: 2505: 2492: 2488: 2482: 2479: 2467: 2463: 2457: 2454: 2442: 2438: 2431: 2428: 2415: 2411: 2405: 2402: 2390: 2386: 2379: 2376: 2363: 2359: 2353: 2350: 2338: 2334: 2327: 2324: 2319: 2313: 2310: 2297: 2293: 2287: 2284: 2272: 2268: 2261: 2258: 2245: 2241: 2235: 2232: 2219: 2215: 2209: 2206: 2194: 2190: 2183: 2180: 2175: 2169: 2166: 2153: 2149: 2143: 2140: 2127: 2123: 2117: 2114: 2101: 2097: 2091: 2088: 2075: 2071: 2065: 2062: 2057: 2051: 2048: 2043: 2037: 2034: 2030: 2027:, publisher: 2026: 2021: 2018: 2005: 2004: 1999: 1998:"Ban reduced" 1993: 1990: 1977: 1976: 1971: 1965: 1962: 1955: 1953: 1951: 1947: 1943: 1939: 1935: 1931: 1928:and old foes 1927: 1923: 1919: 1913: 1911: 1907: 1903: 1899: 1895: 1891: 1887: 1883: 1882:Dean RaÄŤunica 1879: 1876: 1871: 1868: 1864: 1860: 1856: 1851: 1849: 1845: 1841: 1837: 1833: 1829: 1824: 1820: 1816: 1811: 1809: 1805: 1801: 1795: 1793: 1789: 1780: 1778: 1775: 1770: 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1233: 1228: 1226: 1222: 1218: 1217:Tom Pondeljak 1214: 1213:Josip Ĺ imunić 1210: 1206: 1202: 1198: 1194: 1190: 1189:Dinamo Zagreb 1185: 1183: 1180:who were the 1179: 1175: 1171: 1166: 1163: 1158: 1154: 1150: 1146: 1142: 1138: 1134: 1130: 1126: 1122: 1118: 1117:Adelaide City 1113: 1111: 1107: 1103: 1102:Selangor F.C. 1099: 1095: 1086: 1084: 1082: 1078: 1077:Adelaide City 1074: 1070: 1066: 1062: 1058: 1054: 1050: 1046: 1042: 1041:Melbourne CSC 1038: 1033: 1031: 1027: 1023: 1019: 1014: 1013:Branko Culina 1010: 1006: 1002: 998: 993: 991: 987: 983: 982:Adelaide City 979: 975: 971: 970:Melbourne CSC 967: 962: 960: 955: 950: 946: 941: 939: 935: 932:, losing the 931: 927: 923: 918: 916: 912: 908: 904: 900: 896: 892: 888: 885:, as well as 884: 880: 875: 868: 866: 862: 860: 855: 851: 850:Paul Donnelly 847: 843: 840: 836: 832: 828: 824: 821: 815: 811: 809: 805: 801: 797: 793: 789: 783: 780: 776: 772: 768: 764: 763:Tommy Cumming 760: 756: 755:Steve Gojević 747: 742: 740: 738: 734: 730: 729:Branko ÄŚulina 726: 721: 717: 715: 711: 707: 703: 699: 694: 691: 686: 683: 678: 674: 670: 667: 662: 659: 655: 651: 646: 644: 643:Tommy Cumming 640: 639:Dinamo Zagreb 636: 632: 628: 627:Steve Kokoska 624: 620: 616: 615:Tommy Cumming 612: 607: 605: 600: 596: 592: 587: 582: 579: 578:Duncan MacKay 575: 571: 567: 563: 559: 555: 551: 543: 541: 539: 535: 534:Branko ÄŚulina 531: 525: 523: 519: 515: 511: 507: 501: 494: 492: 490: 489:Stjepan Lamza 486: 485:Duncan Mackay 482: 478: 474: 470: 466: 461: 459: 454: 450: 446: 441: 439: 435: 431: 427: 423: 418: 415: 409: 405: 403: 399: 395: 391: 387: 383: 379: 374: 372: 368: 364: 360: 355: 353: 349: 348:Australia Cup 343: 341: 340:Australia Cup 337: 333: 328: 326: 322: 318: 314: 310: 306: 305:Duncan MacKay 302: 294: 292: 290: 286: 285:Mirko KovaÄŤek 282: 278: 274: 270: 265: 263: 259: 255: 254:Middlesbrough 251: 247: 243: 239: 233: 230: 225: 222: 216: 212: 208: 206: 202: 201:Preston Croat 198: 192: 190: 181: 179: 177: 173: 169: 165: 162:and even the 161: 157: 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Retrieved 1973: 1964: 1922:2019 FFA Cup 1918:player-coach 1914: 1906:Slaven Bilić 1902:Saudi Arabia 1896:, hosted by 1886:NPL Victoria 1872: 1855:Andrew Marth 1852: 1836:2016 FFA Cup 1817:signing for 1812: 1808:NPL Victoria 1800:Hume City FC 1796: 1788:2014 FFA Cup 1784: 1771: 1767: 1763: 1747: 1736: 1731:Adrian Zahra 1719: 1715:Danny Tiatto 1707: 1699: 1687: 1685:in 1994/95. 1675: 1671:Ivan Franjic 1667: 1655: 1636: 1608: 1600: 1596: 1565: 1530: 1517:Andrew Marth 1506: 1490: 1474:Andrew Marth 1450:Steve Horvat 1446:Andrew Marth 1443: 1426:Andrew Marth 1423: 1392: 1380:Altona Magic 1363:Danny Tiatto 1348: 1344:Croatian Grb 1329: 1308:Danny Tiatto 1304:Andrew Marth 1288:Steve Horvat 1267:Andrew Marth 1259:Danny Tiatto 1229: 1197:Hajduk Split 1193:Steve Horvat 1186: 1174:Jubilo Iwata 1167: 1151:and striker 1149:Andrew Marth 1133:Olympic Park 1114: 1094:Josip Biskic 1090: 1034: 1022:Steve Horvat 994: 963: 942: 922:Andrew Marth 919: 907:Olympic Park 879:Ĺ˝eljko AdĹľić 876: 872: 863: 859:Mark Talajić 816: 812: 784: 775:Peter Blasby 771:David Brogan 759:Josip Biskic 751: 737:Josip Biškić 733:Ante Bilaver 725:Peter Blasby 722: 718: 712:. That year 695: 687: 679: 675: 671: 663: 654:Brian Edgley 647: 619:Billy Vojtek 608: 583: 566:Ivan GruiÄŤić 558:Billy Vojtek 547: 538:George Cross 526: 522:Dockerty Cup 502: 498: 477:Jimmy Mackay 473:Billy Vojtek 462: 442: 438:Olympic Park 419: 410: 406: 394:Olympic Park 375: 356: 344: 332:Jimmy Mackay 329: 298: 277:Billy Vojtek 266: 234: 226: 217: 213: 209: 193: 189:Dockerty Cup 185: 172:Dockerty Cup 148: 120: 119: 104: 98:October 2020 95: 85: 78: 71: 64: 52: 40:Please help 35:verification 32: 15: 2523:18 December 2389:Star Weekly 2276:20 December 2250:23 November 1926:Avondale FC 1859:Frank Jurić 1683:Mark Viduka 1643:Grand Final 1612:Joe Spiteri 1549:Ernie Tapai 1493:Joel Porter 1478:Perth Glory 1470:Harry Mrksa 1466:Joel Porter 1458:Joel Porter 1384:Perth Glory 1368:Perth Glory 1355:Frank Jurić 1284:Frank Jurić 1280:Mark Viduka 1276:Joe Spiteri 1263:Grand Final 1255:Frank Juric 1251:Joe Spiteri 1243:Grand Final 1205:Mirko Bazic 1162:Mark Viduka 1153:Joe Spiteri 1137:Mark Viduka 1127:3–2 in the 1121:Grand Final 1106:Mirko Bazić 1081:Damian Mori 1073:Grand Final 1057:Mark Viduka 1049:Mirko Bazić 1018:Mark Viduka 1005:Damian Mori 930:Grand Final 854:Ian Wallace 835:Ian Wallace 823:Robbie Dunn 767:Keith Adams 666:Green Gully 434:Grand Final 432:3–2 in the 2718:Categories 2224:12 October 2010:29 January 1982:29 January 1956:References 1910:Al-Ittihad 1904:, joining 1792:Olympic FC 1647:Whittlesea 1572:Frank Lowy 1553:Whittlesea 1521:Mark Rudan 1419:Carlton SC 1403:Hamburg SV 1351:Mark Silić 1336:David Hill 1334:president 1320:World Cups 1209:Ian Dobson 986:Mark Silić 974:Ken Murphy 957:following 945:Ken Worden 891:Ivan Duzel 887:Ivan Kelić 842:Jeff Olver 633:headed to 611:Ken Murphy 281:Jim Vojtek 269:Bozo Bašić 246:Division 1 141:titles. . 133:suburb of 68:newspapers 2597:11 August 2571:11 August 2549:11 August 2497:8 October 2471:8 October 2446:8 October 2420:8 October 2271:MFootball 2198:29 August 1946:Hume City 1865:. Former 1098:Malaysian 869:Dominance 839:Socceroos 820:Socceroos 562:Ampol Cup 495:Expulsion 465:Australia 422:Ampol Cup 378:Ampol Cup 363:Horst Rau 289:Horst Rau 273:Frank Bot 197:Makedonia 156:Melbourne 151:Footscray 131:Melbourne 2466:SportsTG 2244:A-League 1934:A-League 1819:A-League 1645:against 1632:FC Porto 1624:Richmond 1616:Oakleigh 1576:A-League 1533:A-League 1498:A-League 1170:J-League 1141:Adelaide 1104:. Coach 706:Adelaide 514:Essendon 301:Mijo Kis 176:Yallourn 168:Victoria 2680:Players 2675:History 2302:16 June 1952:final. 1948:in the 1639:Preston 1407:Germany 1376:Carlton 1318:at two 1247:Olyroos 1135:, with 899:Preston 804:NSL Cup 702:Beograd 392:3–2 at 367:Polonia 252:) with 160:Geelong 82:scholar 2342:26 May 1409:, and 635:Europe 390:Sydney 325:Slavia 309:Slavia 262:FA Cup 178:12–1. 127:soccer 84:  77:  70:  63:  55:  1936:side 1821:side 1622:from 1578:club 1100:club 924:from 248:(now 89:JSTOR 75:books 2599:2019 2573:2019 2551:2019 2525:2018 2499:2018 2473:2018 2448:2017 2422:2017 2396:2017 2370:2017 2344:2017 2304:2016 2278:2015 2252:2015 2226:2015 2200:2015 2160:2015 2134:2015 2108:2015 2082:2015 2012:2023 1984:2023 1753:and 1660:and 1590:and 1519:and 1460:and 1452:and 1413:and 1374:and 1306:and 1257:and 1223:and 1067:and 1007:and 889:and 881:and 844:and 825:and 625:and 532:and 319:and 287:and 61:news 1908:at 1557:VPL 1551:at 1545:VPL 1504:). 1437:at 1405:in 1401:to 1195:to 1143:at 936:to 913:in 568:to 512:in 436:at 388:of 384:to 238:VSF 44:by 2720:: 2589:. 2541:. 2515:. 2489:. 2464:. 2439:. 2412:. 2387:. 2360:. 2335:. 2294:. 2269:. 2242:. 2216:. 2191:. 2000:. 1972:. 1912:. 1810:. 1586:, 1570:, 1448:, 1370:, 1361:, 1357:, 1353:, 1322:. 1302:, 1298:, 1294:, 1290:, 1286:, 1282:, 1278:, 1253:, 1249:; 1227:. 1219:, 1215:, 1199:, 1191:, 1063:, 1032:. 1020:, 1003:, 999:, 773:, 769:, 765:, 761:, 757:, 735:, 731:, 727:, 621:, 617:, 613:, 440:. 315:, 291:. 283:, 279:, 275:, 271:, 2654:e 2647:t 2640:v 2601:. 2575:. 2553:. 2527:. 2501:. 2475:. 2450:. 2424:. 2398:. 2372:. 2346:. 2306:. 2280:. 2254:. 2228:. 2202:. 2176:. 2162:. 2136:. 2110:. 2084:. 2058:. 2044:. 1582:( 1274:( 111:) 105:( 100:) 96:( 86:· 79:· 72:· 65:· 38:.

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"History of Melbourne Knights FC"
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Melbourne Knights FC
soccer
Melbourne
Sunshine North
National Soccer League
Footscray
Melbourne
Geelong
Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre
Victoria
Dockerty Cup
Yallourn
Dockerty Cup
Makedonia
Preston Croat
Victorian State League
Victorian Soccer Federation
1962 Ampol Cup
VSF

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