Melbourne Knights FC Official Website Starting XI: G. Matti, B. Carrigan, S. Brecevic, S. Whyte, C. Bramwell, S. Lawless, F. Dunlop, D. Nikolaidis, D. Anastovski, J. Morton, M. Chiba
Substitutes: T. Karlovic, J. Franjic, T. Woerndl, C. Oldfield, M. Petheriotis, A. Hird
On a crisp Friday night at Tompsett Stadium, Melbourne Knights were left to rue missed opportunities, with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Preston Lions in Round 9 of the NPL Victoria season. In a game that brought the intensity and passion expected of two proud clubs, it was a single error that made the difference — and a result that ultimately didn’t reflect the effort or spirit shown across the park.
The match’s decisive moment came in the 40th minute. A turnover in midfield gave Preston just enough space to break forward, and Matthew Schroen made no mistake with his finish. The Knights rallied in response, piling on pressure throughout the second half, but a mix of bad luck and resolute defending from the visitors kept the scoreboard unchanged.
After the match, head coach Ivan Franjic reflected candidly on the turning point:
“One error in the middle of the park cost us the game, and obviously we had a lot of opportunities — but it’s one of those things, when it doesn’t want to go in, it doesn’t want to.”
For Franjic, however, the standards and morale within the changeroom remain clear:
“Every time you put on a Melbourne Knights shirt, you should be excited to play.”
Despite recent results, that mindset continues to fuel a positive spirit around the club.
The night served as a powerful reminder of the often-underestimated community that surrounds football institutions in Victoria. In a league made up of corporate clubs, past NSL giants, and community staples, the NPL can sometimes feel disjointed. But as a healthy crowd filled Tompsett Stadium, the shared passion between Knights and Preston fans ignited a sense of unity and belief.
Among the many in attendance was Daniel Mulino MP – Member for Fraser and Natalie Suleyman MP – Member for St Albans, with the later speaking on the club’s deeply rooted local impact:
“It’s fantastic to be here at Melbourne Knights. It’s an institution not only for the west but for Victoria,” she said. “I’m really proud to have been part of funding for this club. To see the many families, young people and kids coming together and connecting to one another — I think that’s really important.”
Also in attendance was Nathan Godfrey, General manager of the Australian Championship from Football Australia, showing further acknowledgement of the role Melbourne Knights plays in the national footballing landscape.
For Club president Simon Pincic, the occasion reflected far more than 90 minutes of football:
“A lot of people have put a lot of work into this place over the last 18 months or so, so when you see it all come together and people really appreciating all the hard work that’s been done, it feels really rewarding.”
Acknowledging the disappointment of the result with characteristic honesty, he added:
“Unfortunate about the result, but that’s football.”
Pincic also offered a broader message to those beyond the Knights faithful:
“It’s good to see the community support — not just our community, but the football community as a whole here in Victoria.”
A sentiment shared by coach Franjic, who spoke to the electric matchday experience:
“It would be good if crowds like that came every week — makes a big difference, and it’s a big spectacle.”
While the scoreboard didn’t swing the Knights’ way, the commitment of players, staff, and supporters was undeniable. And with a long season ahead — and the toughest stretch of fixtures behind them — the squad remains focused, proud, and ready.
