Zoran Juraj SABLJAK
Photos: Fidji Studios
Editors note: As we begin the digital era of the Vjesnik, we’re looking back at some of our favourite articles from the New Gen archives.
Melbourne Knights launched their 2025 NPL campaign in dramatic fashion, securing a pulsating 3-2 victory against Heidelberg United at the newly christened Tompsett Stadium.
The evening began with a prestigious president’s dinner, where club president Simon Pinčić addressed major sponsors and distinguished guests. During his speech, Pinčić expressed heartfelt gratitude to the club’s major sponsors for their continued support and shared his ambitious vision for the club’s future, noting that extensive renovations at the ground are nearing completion in the coming weeks.
Melbourne Knight’s president Simon Pinčić sharing his vision and future plans for the club.
Pregame president’s dinner at Melbourne Knights’ season opener last Thursday night.
The match itself proved to be a rollercoaster of emotions for the home supporters. An early defensive masterclass from Tomas Karlović in the 21st minute, executing a crucial goal-line clearance, kept the scores level. The deadlock was finally broken in the 28th minute when Bramwell rose highest to head home, sending the passionate Knights faithful into celebration.
The Knights maintained their slender 1-0 advantage heading into the half-time break, but the drama was far from over. Shortly after the restart, Bramwell doubled his tally, converting another header from Shepherd’s precise cross, with the ball somehow finding its way over the line.
Heidelberg refused to surrender, and Lesiotis pulled one back in spectacular fashion in the 53rd minute with a thunderous strike from 30 yards that gave the Knights’ goalkeeper no chance. The visitors then drew level in the 66th minute, setting up a thrilling finale.
As both sides pushed for victory, substitute Josh Karantz emerged as the unlikely hero on debut. The fresh-legged forward capitalised on a poor clearance from the Heidelberg defence to restore the Knights’ lead, much to the delight of the home huge crowd.
There was still time for late drama as Heidelberg thought they had snatched a point in stoppage time, only for their celebrations to be cut short by the assistant referee’s raised flag for offside on two occasions.
The Knights will look to build on this impressive start when they face traditional rivals South Melbourne Hellas in the season’s first OG Derby. The highly anticipated clash is scheduled for Monday, 17th February, at Lakeside Stadium, with kick-off set for 19:30.