Melbourne Knights FC Official Website This Sunday, Tompsett Stadium will play host to what promises to be an unforgettable Croatian derby, where the proud histories of two Croatian clubs – Knights and Saints – will collide in a fierce battle. Both clubs are deeply rooted in the creation of ethnic grassroots football within Victoria, with the famous name of Melbourne Knights now joined by the Saints, who have fought their way into the NPL ranks. Together, these clubs share a bond of tradition and respect, proudly representing their Croatian community.
For the Knights, the stakes are high. Coming off a tough 2-1 loss to Melbourne Victory Youth, the squad is determined to bounce back. Despite their dominant attacking performance – with 11 shots on target – the result was ultimately disappointing, and the players are eager to make a statement on their home turf. With their loyal fans filling the stands at Tompsett Stadium, the Knights are set to take to the pitch with a renewed sense of purpose that only a derby can bring, ready to defend their legacy as one of the most respected clubs in Australian football.
As Coach Ivan Franjic, who has played for both clubs, explains:
“It’s an important game, the Croatian Derby. Obviously, I played at both clubs myself, and this fixture has always been a big game in the season.”
Reflecting on last year’s success against Dinamo, which the Knights hope to replicate, Franjic adds:
“Last year we got the two wins against them, so come this Sunday we will be ready.”
Despite the Knights’ determination, Franjic also knows that improvement is key to success, reflecting on the squad’s past performances:
“We’ve let in too many goals for our standard, which is unacceptable, so we have been working on our defensive structure, as well as our attacking structure, to hopefully be scoring a lot more goals.”
But the Saints, despite coming off a few tough seasons, have entered the 2025 NPL season with newfound motivation, frequently returning home to Churchill Reserve with three points in hand. The Saints also boast a few familiar faces in their ranks, who, like Franjic himself, have played for both clubs. Following his NSL Championship win with the Knights, Tomi Pondeljak later went on to a successful A-League career before retiring to his boyhood club, the Saints, where he now serves as Head Coach of the Senior Women and Second Assistant Coach of the Senior Men. Former juniors of both clubs, Joseph Colina and Marko Bulic, will also feature on this Sunday’s team sheet, making this derby even more personal for some players in attendance.
Situated only 11 minutes apart down Sunshine Avenue, these clubs have a rich footballing history shaped by Croatian migrants who, even years later, continue to play an integral role in Australian football. Thus, while this Sunday’s fixture is ultimately another important game in the 2025 NPL season, the connection between these two clubs runs deeper than just football.
