The incumbent president Pave Jusup stepped down from the position – making way for a new era in the club’s history as 2023 Vice-President Simon Pincic was elected to lead the club in 2024.
The Melbourne Knights Football Club Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Thursday 19th October and brought about significant changes to the club’s Executive Board for the 2024 season. The AGM, which was attended by club members, marked a pivotal moment in the football club’s journey.
Pave Jusup, who had been at the helm of the club since 2018 and holds the record for the longest consecutive serving of a President at six years (formerly held by Josip Sigur who served for five years between 1982-1986), decided to step down to allow fresh leadership to guide the Club forward and to pursue new opportunities.
Although not an exhaustive list, his tenure is marked by the appointment of Head Coaches Aljosa Asanovic and Ben Cahn, working to position the club as central to the community as a gathering place via several successful international concerts, the elevation of the club’s media profile, the preservation and advancement of the club’s stature in the Australian football community, the successful management of the club through the COVID pandemic, ensuring that it emerged in a positive financial position once the pandemic was over, the introduction of diverse and new members to the Club’s board, the lobbying of Government at a State and Local level to fund the beginning of Club redevelopments, the lobbying of Football Australia for a National Second Division and the establishment of strong links with the Croatian Football Federation (HNS).
Simon Pincic, a respected and well known figure amongst the Melbourne Knights faithful, has an in-depth knowledge of the Club and its operations, and his passion for the game and vision for the club’s future align perfectly with the current aspirations of the Knights.
The newly elected President brings with him a wealth of experience, having served in various leadership roles at the Knights since 2006. His appointment is seen as continuing the Club’s current positive trajectory.
In his inaugural address, Simon Pincic expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by Pave Jusup and outlined his vision for the Knights’ future.
Newly elected Club Secretary Daniel Pavlic commented on the proceedings, “We are deeply thankful for Pave Jusup’s dedicated service over the years and for his leadership, and we welcome Simon Pincic as he embarks on this exciting journey in his new position leading the Club and his committee. Together with our members, supporters and fans, we look forward to a bright and successful 2024.”
The AGM also provided an opportunity for the club’s leadership to discuss its financial position, strategic plans, and various ongoing and future projects.
The atmosphere was one of optimism and outgoing President Pave Jusup urged members and supporters of the club to rally behind the new President and Board saying “Support the club, the club comes first.”
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