Dean Campelj becomes Andrew Marth’s third signing in the off-season, with the versatile defender making the switch from fellow NPL club Avondale FC.
Capable of playing multiple roles along the defensive line, Campelj will bring extra depth to the Knights defensive, following the signings of Stefan Cali and Nikola Jurkovic earlier this week.
Coming through the junior ranks at Green Gully under the mentorship of Rodrigo Vargas and Daniel Jones, the 21-year-old won his sides’ Under 21’s Player of the Year and Runner up in successive years, before catching the eye of Avondale FC.
With the guidance of head coach Anthony Barberi, Avondale FC surprised many in 2014 by storming though the NPL1 Season to win promotion, collecting an impressive 10 clean sheets along the way.
“We had a great defensive record, it was a really hard working team” Campelj said to Knights Media.
Despite being restricted to just three games and one goal last season due to injury, when the opportunity arose to sign for the Knights, Campelj was inspired to make his mark on the NPL.
“For the opportunity to play for a big Club with a big history, I felt so lucky when Andrew Marth gave me a call.”
“I’m really looking forward to using the facilities and increased training standards to develop myself as a player and hopefully become a mainstay in the Knights team”.
The name Campelj isn’t unknown to football in Victoria, with Dean’s father making a name for himself at George Cross in the NSL winning the Weinstein Medal in 1981.
“My father has told me about the times he used play at Knights Stadium, and the high level of standard there was.”
“When I came here as a kid, I used to stand near the Knights fans because they had the biggest and loudest fan base”.
The Knights will have a new look back four following the recent signings, as Marth looks to fill the gaps left by the departures of Uskok and Colosimo and build on last season’s top four finish.
The Club will also have news shortly regarding your Melbourne Knights membership for the 2016 season. The Knights is calling all supporters to sign up and show your support in what will be a huge season for all aspects of the Club. #OneLoveOneClub