Melbourne Knights FC Official Website Melbourne Knights face a significant test this Saturday as they take on Altona Magic in Round 13 of the 2025 NPL Victoria season. The match, set for a 6:15pm kick-off at Magic’s home ground, comes at a transitional moment for the Knights, who will be without outgoing head coach Ivan Franjic for the first time this season.
Franjic, who recently stepped down, was instruments in the Knights 2023 and 2024 squad, however, after a string of injuries, couldn’t find a rhythm for the Knights, ultimately only winning 3 matches out of 12 in 2025. The club and its supporters thank him for his commitment and wish him well in the future.
On the field, the Knights will be aiming to respond after a tough run of results. Having been beaten by Dandenong City in their last league outing, their recent performance was followed by earlier losses to Hume City and Dandenong Thunder. While their 3-0 cup victory over Werribee City offered a brief reprieve, their current standing leaves uncertainty amidst the Knights’ position. Altona Magic, however, sit just below them with 7 points to their name, and have also found wins hard to come by, drawing 1-1 with Melbourne Victory Youth in their most recent match. They equally remain winless in their past six league fixtures.
Saturday’s clash offers the Knights a chance to reset and refocus, offering a time for the players to once again showcase their unity in times of difficulty, with Steve Whyte stepping in as player coach. For one player, it will also be a personal occasion. Forward Darcy Anastovski will be taking on his former club for the first time since making the switch to the Knights earlier this year. Having worn Magic’s colours most recently, Anastovski will be keen to make an impact and will no doubt be eyeing off a goal to mark the occasion. The last meeting between the two sides ended in a 2-1 win for the Knights in July 2024, and both teams will be eager to come out on top once again.
With the ladder so tight at the lower end and a new chapter beginning for the Knights, there’s plenty riding on this match—not just for points, but for confidence and direction heading into the second half of the season.
