Zoran Juraj SABLJAK
Photos Dražen JURINA
In a pulsating start to the 2025 season, Dandy City Hajduk and Dinamo St Albans played out an enthralling 3-3 draw in the first of six Croatian derbies scheduled for the year. The match, played under warm but blustery conditions, drew a substantial crowd to witness what would become a memorable encounter.
The pre-match festivities featured a Presidents’ lunch attended by distinguished guests, including the Mayor of the Greater City of Dandenong, Cr Jim Memetti, alongside major sponsors and committee members from both clubs. Dinamo St Albans President Ilija Dragičević was also present for the occasion. Adding to the ceremonial atmosphere, the youngest members of FA Zvonimir, and junior players, delivered stirring renditions of both the Croatian and Australian national anthems.
President of Dandy City Hajduk Mr Bero Jurešić at the pregame luncheon between Hajduk and Dinamo
The match itself lived up to its billing from the opening whistle. Dinamo struck first through Joseph Monek in the fifth minute, only for Will Bower to equalise for Hajduk just three minutes later. The teams went into the break deadlocked at 1-1 after an intense first half.
The second half brought even more drama. Dinamo regained the lead in the 48th minute when Mickel Platt successfully converted from the penalty spot. However, their advantage was short-lived as the in-form Bower immediately responded with a powerful left-footed strike to level the scores at 2-2.
The see-saw battle continued when Monek netted his second goal in the 55th minute, producing a magnificent curling effort with his left foot that left the Hajduk goalkeeper helpless. Yet Dinamo’s hopes of maintaining their lead were dashed once again when Michael Grgić fouled Bower in the penalty area in the 66th minute. Kenny Athiu stepped up to take the spot-kick, confidently converting to make it 3-3.
Despite both sides creating numerous opportunities to secure all three points in the closing stages, they ultimately had to settle for a draw. Dinamo will particularly rue their inability to capitalise on taking the lead three times during the match. Looking ahead, Dandy City Hajduk will host newly-promoted Preston Lions this Friday, 14th February, in what promises to be a fierce Valentine’s Day clash, with kick-off scheduled for 19:45. Meanwhile, St Albans Dinamo face another away fixture, travelling to Paisley Park to take on Altona Magic on Saturday, 15th February, with the match beginning at 18:15.