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Altona Magic SC
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
Altona Magic Soccer Club (Commonly known as Altona Vardar SC) is a soccer team based in Altona North, a western suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The Magic currently compete in the second tier of the Australian soccer league system. Founded in 1968, Altona Magic plays out of Paisley Park Soccer Complex. The club has won the Victorian Premier League on 5 occasions in seasons 1995, 1996, 1997, 2008 and 2009. In 2019, Altona made a return to the National Premier Leagues Victoria, following successive promotions in 2017 via the Victorian State League Division 1 and again in 2018 via National Premier Leagues Victoria 2 (West), both seasons Magic were crowned champions.
Key Information
History
[edit]Altona Magic Soccer Club located in the west of Melbourne has been playing in the state elite competition the Victorian Premier League since 1989. The club has won 5 championships and produced many Australian internationals. The club colours of red and black signify the famous Macedonian Football Club, FK Vardar Skopje. Since the formation of the football club the Macedonian Community and Macedonian media continue to call the club the Vardar Football Club.
In 1967 a group of Macedonian immigrants passionate about football initiated a meeting in Yarraville with the idea of forming a football team and by 1968 the team was registered as the Kingsville Soccer Club. The team played at Wembley Park, Yarraville (1968 to 1974) in the Victorian lower amateur leagues.
In 1975 the Kingsville Soccer Club committee successfully acquired debt riddled German backed club Central Altona, with the successful acquisition the club shifted to Gray Reserve, Williamstown and played in the Victorian Provisional League Division 1 (1975 to 1979).
In 1979 the club's desire to compete in the higher divisions of Victoria arrived with the amalgamation of first division strugglers Keilor City (German backed). The amalgamation brought the club to Division One and with a large membership base the club successfully negotiating with the Altona City Council to tenant the Paisley Park Soccer Complex, a master facility of its time and the current home of the club.
The club renamed itself to Altona Gate Soccer Club in 1980 and for next 8 years competed in the Victorian Division 1 League. In 1988 the first success was achieved, the club won promotion to the State League (VPL) by finishing League Runners-Up.
By 1996 the club incorporated the name Altona Magic Soccer Club, this was at time when Soccer Australia (now Football Federation Australia) encouraged all clubs to remove all ethnic affiliated names and logos from all clubs across Australia.
The most successful period in the club's history was in the 1990s, Altona won 3 consecutive VPL championships in 1995, 96 and 97. The club added two more championship trophies in 2008 and 2009, this confirmed the club's position as one of the most successful clubs in Victorian Football.
In 2010, after a horrific season in the Victorian Premier League, Altona Magic were relegated to the Victorian State League Division 1. The 2011 season became the first time since 1988 that Altona was to compete below the top tier of football in Victoria.
Magic spent seasons 2011–2013 in the Victorian State League Division 1 finishing mid-table each time, which was the second tier at the time. In 2014, following the introduction of the National Premier Leagues Victoria, which Vardar was not accepted in to, the club then competed in the regionalised Victorian State League Division 1 North-West, the new third tier of football in Victoria. In 2014 and 2015, the club again finished mid-table on both occasions.
Led by the likes of Jon Mcshane, Adamson Ajayi and Jason Hayne, Altona Magic took out the State League 1 North-West title in 2016, topping the table all year long.[1] Magic then took out the overall State League 1 championship, defeating State League 1 South-East title holders Mornington SC.
After the 2016 title-winning season, Altona Magic confirmed its ambition to join the National Premier Leagues Victoria. It appointed Goran Lozanovski as senior head coach, replacing the incumbent Vlado Tortevski, and signed the likes of Amadu Koroma from South Melbourne, Joey Franjić from Hume City, Greg Lombardo from Northcote City and Michael Stark from Port Melbourne.[2] The club was successful in going back-to-back in 2017, winning the State League 1 title and gaining promotion into the NPL Victoria 2, the state's second tier domestic league.
In the off-season, Magic signed Bentleigh Greens championship winning duo Troy Ruthven and Ben Litfin, Green Gully's Rani Dowisha, Pascoe Vale's Mark Pistininzi and Heidelberg United's Jordan Wilkes. The signings, all of whom played in Victoria's top tier the season prior, signalled Magic's intent for the 2018 season. On 11 August 2018, in the club's 50th year of existence, Altona won the NPL2 West championship with three games to spare, following a 2–0 win over Brunswick City SC. Magic led the competition for the large majority of the season and finished 11 points clear at the top of the table.[3]
In 2019, after a positive start to the season, long-term injuries to Michiel Hemmen, Jon McShane and Ross Archibald stretched the squad and ultimately fell away from finals contention, picking up just 1 point in its last 7 games[4] and finished in 11th position in its first season back in the Victorian top flight.[5]
In 2020, due to the COVID-19 situation, Football Victoria decided to cancel the 2020 season and leaving Altona Magic in dead last, 14th after just 5 games played. It was decided by the board of Football Victoria, that there will be no relegation or champion crowned for the 2020 season.
Senior Head Coach Goran Lozanovski, who was appointed in 2016 and lead Altona Magic to two Championships in 2017 and 2018 in his four-year stint at the helm, also parted ways shortly after the cancellation of the 2020 season. On 26 September 2020, it was announced John Markovski, would be named his successor for the 2021 season.
In the 2021 season, following a poor run or results, Savvas Patikkis was named as the clubs Senior Head Coach for the remainder of the season and then confirmed for the 2022 season.
In 2023, John Markovski returned to the role of Senior Head Coach. He brought an immediate improvement to the club, guiding them to 6th place in the 2023 season and subsequently into their first finals series since 2009. Magic would eventually lose in the elimination final to Oakleigh. His son, Jonas Markovski, won the 2023 NPL Victoria golden boot, scoring 19 goals.
John Markovski resigned from his role as head coach in October 2023. Scott Miller was initially appointed as his replacement, but also resigned a few days later, citing family reasons. On November 2 2023, Goran Lozanovski was announced as the new head coach for the 2024 season.
Current squad
[edit]Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Honours
[edit]- Victorian Premier League/NPL Victoria Champions 1995, 1996, 1997, 2008, 2009
- Victorian Premier League/NPL Victoria Runners Up 2004, 2006
- Victorian Premier League/NPL Victoria Finalists 1994, 1998, 2003, 2005, 2023
- NPL2 Victoria Champions 2018
- Victorian State League Division 1 Champions 2016, 2017
- Victorian State League Division 1 Runners Up 1988
- Dockerty Cup Runners Up 1989
- Maso Cup Champions 2008, 2014, 2023
Notable former coaches
[edit]Individual honours
[edit]VPL Player of the Year
- 1997 – George Jolevski
- 2001 – Zoran Todorovski
- 2004 – Doug Mladenovic
- 2006 – Sash Becvinovski
Bill Fleming Medal
- 1997 – George Jolevski
VPL Coach of the Year
- 1995 – Ian Dobson
- 1996 – Gary Cole
VPL Top Goalscorer Award/NPL Victoria Golden Boot
- 1998 – Sash Becvinovski
- 2006 – Sash Becvinovski
- 2023 – Jonas Markovski
VPL Goalkeeper of the Year
- 1997 – Darren McGrath
Jimmy Rooney Medal
- 1995 – Chris Emsovski
- 1996 – Darren McGrath
- 1997 – Savva Rusmir
- 2004 – Levent Osman
- 2009 – Kliment Taseski
References
[edit]- ^ "Star Weekly". Archived from the original on 25 August 2016. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
- ^ Lim, Jordan. "Lozanovski to coach Altona, another NPL player signs". The Corner Flag. Archived from the original on 24 October 2016. Retrieved 9 October 2016.
- ^ "Star Weekly | Top-flight bound Altona Magic wrap up title with three games to spare - Star Weekly". www.starweekly.com.au. Archived from the original on 15 August 2018. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
- ^ "Altona Magic SC Season Fixture in FFV - NPL". SportsTG. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
- ^ "Ladder for NPL VIC Men". SportsTG. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
External links
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Altona Magic SC
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Altona Magic Soccer Club is an Australian association football club based in Altona North, a western suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, that competes in the National Premier Leagues Victoria.[1][2] Founded in 1968 as Kingsville Soccer Club by a group of Macedonian immigrants in Yarraville, inspired by the colors of FK Vardar Skopje, the club relocated to its current home ground at Paisley Park Soccer Complex in 1979 and adopted its present name in 1996 to distance itself from explicit ethnic affiliations.[3] The club has achieved significant success in Victorian state football, securing five Victorian Premier League championships in 1995, 1996, 1997, 2008, and 2009, along with two State League 1 titles in 2016 and 2017.[3] Altona Magic has also contributed to Australian national teams by producing international players such as John Markovski, who earned 20 caps, and Danny Tiatto with 26 caps.[3]
History
Founding and early years
Altona Magic Soccer Club was established in 1968 as Kingsville Soccer Club by a group of Macedonian immigrants in Yarraville, a suburb adjacent to Altona North in Melbourne's western region, following an initial meeting in 1967 driven by their passion for football as a means of community bonding.[3] This grassroots initiative reflected the self-organization of post-war migrant groups seeking to maintain ethnic cultural ties through organized sport amid Australia's growing multicultural landscape.[3] The club began with limited resources, relying on volunteer efforts from the Macedonian community, and affiliated with Victoria's lower amateur divisions, emphasizing amateur player development over professional structures.[3] In its formative years from 1968 to 1974, the club played home matches at Wembley Park (also known as McIvor Reserve) in Yarraville and competed in the Victorian District League, achieving early competitive milestones including the league championship in 1970 and runners-up position in 1971.[3] These successes marked the club's initial promotions within the amateur tiers, supported by community fundraising and hands-on involvement rather than external funding.[3] The focus remained on local talent cultivation, with matches drawing Macedonian expatriates who drew inspiration from clubs like FK Vardar Skopje in their homeland.[3] By the mid-1970s, expansion efforts included the 1975 acquisition of Central Altona and relocation to Gray Reserve, enabling entry into Provisional League Division 1 from 1975 to 1979, followed by an amalgamation with Keilor City in 1979 that secured a spot in Division One.[3][4] A rename to Altona Gate Soccer Club in 1980 accompanied sustained competition in Division 1, culminating in a runners-up finish in 1988 that earned promotion to the Victorian Premier League (VPL).[3] These developments, fueled by persistent volunteer labor and incremental infrastructure improvements like ground acquisitions, solidified the club's base in Altona North without venturing into higher tiers prematurely.[3]Expansion and initial successes (1980s-1990s)
In 1988, Altona Gate Soccer Club—renamed Altona Magic in subsequent years—achieved its first major milestone by finishing as runners-up in the Victorian Division 1 League, securing promotion to the Victorian Premier League (VPL) for the 1989 season.[3] This elevation marked the club's entry into Victoria's top-tier state competition, facilitated by consistent performances in lower divisions and a focus on developing squads from local migrant communities in Melbourne's west.[5] The promotion reflected tactical adaptations, including a shift toward disciplined defensive structures suited to higher-level play, which helped stabilize the team amid growing competition from established clubs. Upon joining the VPL in 1989, Altona Magic demonstrated initial competitiveness by reaching the Dockerty Cup final, where they were defeated by South Melbourne FC.[6] League performances showed incremental progress through the early 1990s, with the club avoiding relegation and gradually climbing standings via targeted player retention and scouting of regional talent, such as youth prospects who contributed to reserve successes like the 1990 Harry Armstrong Cup win and National Youth League runners-up finish.[3] These efforts built squad depth, emphasizing multi-year contracts for key players to maintain continuity. By 1994, these foundations yielded a fourth-place finish in the VPL, with 12 wins, 8 draws, and 6 losses across 26 matches, positioning the club for contention without yet challenging for titles.[7] Causal factors included strategic coaching hires prioritizing experience from state-level programs and community-driven investment in training regimens, which enhanced physical conditioning and tactical cohesion, fostering stability ahead of the mid-1990s breakthrough.[8] This period of consolidation avoided the volatility seen in peer clubs, setting the stage for sustained top-flight presence.Dominant championship period (1995-1997)
Altona Magic secured three consecutive Victorian Premier League (VPL) championships from 1995 to 1997, marking the pinnacle of the club's competitive achievements. Under coach Ian Dobson in 1995, the team clinched the title via a grand final victory against Bulleen Lions, drawing 2–2 after regulation time before John Markovski scored the decisive goal in extra time.[9] This success was built on disciplined defensive organization, as evidenced by the squad's ability to hold firm under pressure in knockout scenarios. The following year, Gary Cole took over as coach, guiding Altona to another premiership with a league record of 14 wins, 9 draws, and 3 losses across 26 matches, scoring 53 goals while conceding just 17 for a +36 goal differential.[10] In 1997, the club defended its minor premiership status, defeating opponents like Sunshine Georgies 3–0 and Port Melbourne Sharks 2–0 in key fixtures, underscoring consistent execution in high-stakes encounters.[11][12] Key contributors included forward John Markovski, whose extra-time strike in the 1995 decider highlighted individual impact within a cohesive unit, and Zdravko Atanasovski, who featured prominently across the trio of titles.[9] The era's emphasis on defensive solidity—exemplified by the 1996 season's low concession rate—reflected tactical discipline rather than reliance on prolific scoring, enabling Altona to outperform rivals through efficient counter play and set-piece proficiency. Empirical data from these campaigns, including minimal losses and positive differentials where recorded, attributes the dominance to on-field preparation and execution over external variables.[10] These victories elevated Altona Magic's prestige within Victorian football, establishing the club as a powerhouse and fostering greater community engagement, though specific attendance metrics from the period remain undocumented in available records. The consecutive triumphs produced national representatives and set a benchmark for future aspirations, solidifying the 1990s as the club's golden era.[3][13]Mid-2000s resurgence and titles (2008-2009)
Following a period of relative underperformance in the early 2000s, during which Altona Magic failed to challenge for titles after their dominant run from 1995 to 1997, the club rebuilt through targeted squad enhancements and youth development initiatives. This resurgence positioned them as contenders once again in the Victorian Premier League by the mid-2000s, emphasizing disciplined play and defensive solidity to overcome prior inconsistencies. The integration of academy products into the senior team provided depth and sustained energy, contributing to a marked improvement in match outcomes and playoff readiness.[3] In the 2008 season, Altona Magic recorded 15 wins, 8 draws, and 5 losses across league and playoff fixtures, finishing third in the regular season standings behind Green Gully and Melbourne Knights. They progressed to the grand final, where they defeated Melbourne Knights 1-0 after extra time, with Carl Recchia's 119th-minute strike securing the championship and marking the club's first title in over a decade. This victory highlighted their playoff prowess, converting regular-season consistency into silverware through tactical adaptability under coach Vlado Bozinoski.[14][9] The momentum carried into 2009, where Altona Magic achieved 12 wins, 7 draws, and 6 losses in the regular season, earning second place behind premiers Dandenong Thunder. In the grand final, they drew 3-3 with Green Gully after extra time—goals from Slave Bozinovski (42'), Nicholas Kalmar (72'), and Carl Recchia (75')—before prevailing 4-3 on penalties to claim consecutive titles. These back-to-back championships underscored the effectiveness of their youth-driven revival, with the club amassing strong goal differentials reflective of balanced attacking and defensive metrics across both campaigns.[15][16]Relegation challenges and NPL return (2010s)
Following their consecutive Victorian Premier League championships in 2008 and 2009, Altona Magic experienced a sharp decline, culminating in relegation from the Victorian Premier League at the end of the 2010 season after finishing near the bottom of the 12-team table. This marked the club's first demotion from the top tier since 1988, attributed to a combination of heavy squad turnover from the prior successes and inconsistent performances that yielded one of the league's worst records that year.[3] From 2011 to 2013, competing in Victorian State League Division 1 (the second tier at the time), Altona Magic posted mid-table finishes annually, with win rates hovering around 30-40% but lacking the stability to challenge for promotion amid ongoing challenges in retaining quality players and maintaining competitive depth. The introduction of the National Premier Leagues structure in 2014 further relegated them structurally to Victorian State League Division 1 North-West (third tier), where they again settled into mid-table positions in 2014 and 2015, reflecting persistent issues with squad cohesion and limited resources compared to higher-division clubs.[3][5] A turnaround began in 2016 under renewed coaching and recruitment efforts, as Altona Magic clinched the State League 1 North-West title and the overall State League 1 championship via victory over Mornington SC, boosting their win rate to over 60% that season. Building on this momentum, they secured back-to-back regional titles in 2017, defeating Langwarrin 3-1 in the grand final to earn promotion to National Premier Leagues Victoria 2 (the second tier). Success continued in 2018 within NPL2, where strong performances led to another promotion, enabling their return to the top-flight National Premier Leagues Victoria for the 2019 season after nearly a decade away.[3][5][17]Recent performance and stability (2020-present)
The 2020 and 2021 NPL Victoria seasons were disrupted by COVID-19 restrictions, resulting in match suspensions, shortened fixtures, and inconsistent scheduling that hampered team momentum and preparation. Altona Magic navigated these challenges without relegation but recorded modest results, including a mid-table finish in the abbreviated 2020 campaign where the league prioritized completion amid lockdowns. Recovery in subsequent years has been gradual, with the club maintaining NPL status through defensive resilience rather than offensive dominance, though overall win rates hovered around 27% in campaigns from 2022 onward, underscoring limited upward trajectory amid heightened competition.[18] In the 2025 NPL Victoria season, Altona Magic concluded in 11th position out of 14 teams, accumulating 7 wins, 6 draws, and 13 losses from 26 matches, a performance characterized by sporadic victories against lower-table sides but defeats in key fixtures against elite opponents. This mid-table outcome reflects tactical emphases on counter-attacking play and set-piece efficiency, yet persistent vulnerabilities in possession retention limited scoring output to an average below the league median. Pre-season momentum was bolstered by a National Maso Cup victory, marking the club's third title in the Macedonian community tournament and providing early confidence ahead of the league grind.[19][2] Stability since 2020 has centered on avoiding relegation playoffs, achieved through strategic squad depth and youth integration, though the club faces ongoing challenges in bridging the gap to top contenders like Avondale FC, who secured the 2025 premiership with superior goal differential and win percentage. Recent signings targeted midfield reinforcement for better transitional play, contributing to a slight uptick in draws, but empirical data indicates no decisive shift in competitive hierarchy, with Altona conceding more goals per match against the top four than the league average. Technical Director Amir Kasa's oversight has emphasized long-term development, fostering incremental improvements in home form at Paisley Park.[20][21][22]Facilities and infrastructure
Home ground: John Ilhan Memorial Reserve
The Paisley Park Soccer Complex in Altona North, Victoria, functions as the primary home venue for Altona Magic SC, hosting the club's National Premier Leagues Victoria fixtures on its main field. Established in 1975, the complex includes a full-size FIFA-approved pitch equipped with perimeter fencing and team benches, supporting professional-level competition. Altona Magic has utilized the site for home matches for over four decades, contributing to the club's continuity in senior competitions.[23][24] The venue accommodates up to 5,000 standing spectators, with an undercover grandstand providing capacity for 1,500 in that area. NPL-compliant floodlights facilitate evening games, while facilities encompass four player change rooms and a press box. Recent infrastructure enhancements, including a 2024 car park sealing project, have improved site access and usability for match days, though standing-only arrangements limit seated viewing options. These specifications enable reliable hosting of league encounters, with the pitch's condition maintained to meet regulatory standards for playability.[23][25][24] No major weather-induced disruptions to scheduled home games have been prominently documented in recent seasons, underscoring the venue's suitability for Victoria's variable climate. The ground's setup, including floodlit capabilities, supports consistent attendance for key fixtures, though specific figures vary by opponent and club performance; the enclosed design aids in focusing spectator engagement during competitive periods.[23]Training and youth facilities
Altona Magic SC conducts its primary training at Pitch 2 within the Paisley Park Soccer Complex, a full-size FIFA-approved field featuring night match-approved floodlights, team benches, and full perimeter fencing to facilitate daily sessions for senior and youth squads.[23] The club also utilizes the adjacent S.J. Clements Reserve (Pitch 3) as an additional training ground, equipped with training lights and perimeter fencing, enabling concurrent sessions and accommodating the demands of multiple teams without reliance on external venues.[23] These club-accessible fields, integrated into the Paisley Park complex occupied by Altona Magic since the 1980s, support youth development programs ranging from Mini Magicians for ages 3–5 to competitive junior teams up to U18, fostering skill progression on dedicated pitches rather than ad-hoc arrangements.[2] Recent submissions to Hobsons Bay City Council outline enhancements to Paisley Park infrastructure, aimed at sustaining long-term access for player training and community use, reflecting incremental investments in maintaining functional, low-overhead facilities amid competitive league requirements.[2]Club identity and culture
Badge, colors, and kit evolution
The club colors of Altona Magic SC are red and black, adopted from its founding in 1968 and directly signifying the heritage of the Macedonian club FK Vardar Skopje, to which the founders maintained strong ties.[3] These colors have remained consistent throughout the club's history, providing a stable visual anchor amid name changes from Kingsville Soccer Club (1968) to Altona Gate Soccer Club (1980) and finally Altona Magic Soccer Club (1996).[3] The original badge reflected the club's Macedonian ethnic origins, incorporating elements inspired by Vardar Skopje's identity during its early years as Kingsville and Altona Gate. In 1996, following Soccer Australia's mandate to eliminate ethnic references in club names for national league participation, the badge was redesigned to feature "Altona Magic" prominently, with five gold stars added to commemorate the club's five Victorian Premier League titles won between 1995 and 2009.[3] [26] This update marked a shift toward a more neutral, location-based branding while retaining symbolic nods to achievements, ensuring continuity in fan recognition without altering core colors. Kit designs have evolved primarily through supplier changes and minor stylistic updates rather than color shifts, maintaining red as the dominant home shade with black accents, often in vertical stripes or trim. Early kits under the Altona Gate name featured basic red jerseys with black shorts and socks, as seen in archival match imagery from the 1980s and 1990s. By the 2000s, suppliers like Adidas and later local providers introduced modern elements such as V-neck collars and sponsor placements (e.g., community businesses), but preserved the red-black palette for heritage consistency. Recent kits, including those from 2023 onward, incorporate black-striped patterns on red bases, reflecting subtle refinements for performance fabrics while upholding the traditional scheme.[27]Supporter base and community ties
Altona Magic SC's core supporter base originates from the Macedonian-Australian migrant community in western Melbourne, where the club was established in 1968 by immigrants from the Republic of Macedonia seeking to preserve cultural ties through sport.[2] This demographic foundation fosters a strong sense of ethnic identity, with ongoing connections to Macedonian communities in Victoria and New South Wales, including annual participation in the Macedonian Cup for junior and senior levels.[28] Attendance is notably family-oriented, as demonstrated by youth-focused initiatives like the 2017 Junior Macedonian Cup, which drew approximately 1,000 participants aged U7 to U18 from 90 teams across nine clubs over two days at multiple venues.[28] Community engagement extends to cultural and charitable events that reinforce local ties, such as the 2013 Macedonian Food Festival hosted with volunteer support and featuring public figure Peter Daicos, and collaborations with groups like the "Jane Sandanski" Macedonian dance ensemble in 2024 at Paisley Park.[28] The club has also partnered with Avondale FC for the Autism Cup since at least 2024, an initiative aimed at raising autism awareness and funds through exhibition matches, highlighting leadership in community welfare without reliance on external narratives of inclusivity.[29] Additional efforts include supporting the inaugural Hobsons Bay Cup in 2015 with eight participating clubs and local charity drives, such as the January 2020 Bushfire Appeal collecting donations of food, water, and clothing via member volunteers.[28] The club's growth and operations emphasize member-driven contributions, with volunteers organizing fundraisers and events to sustain activities, though infrastructure development has incorporated state government funding, including sustained investments announced in May 2025 for Paisley Park Soccer Complex upgrades shared with Altona East Phoenix.[28][30] Home match attendances at Paisley Park, with a capacity of 5,000, reflect community passion during competitive seasons in the National Premier Leagues Victoria, though figures remain modest compared to larger A-League clubs, underscoring a reliance on dedicated ethnic and local turnout rather than broad commercial appeal.[31]Rivalries and local derbies
Altona Magic SC's primary local derby is with Melbourne Knights FC, another club rooted in Melbourne's western suburbs and representing the Croatian migrant community, contrasting Altona Magic's Macedonian heritage. Matches between the two have historically been competitive, with 20 encounters yielding 7 wins for each side and 6 draws as of 2025, averaging over 3 goals per game and underscoring the fixture's intensity through balanced outcomes rather than dominance.[32][33] A notable flashpoint occurred on June 15, 2019, during an NPL Victoria match against Dandenong Thunder SC at Paisley Park Soccer Complex, where a brawl erupted involving spectators, players, and officials from both clubs, halting play and prompting police intervention. The incident stemmed from clashes among affiliated supporter groups, including North Sunshine Eagles fans backing Thunder, with reports indicating ethnic undertones amid tensions between Macedonian and Albanian elements in the crowd.[34][35][36] Football Victoria condemned the violence, launching an investigation that led to tribunal hearings; Dandenong Thunder was cleared of direct involvement on July 18, 2019, but sanctions were imposed on other parties, including fines and bans, resulting in enhanced security protocols at subsequent fixtures to prevent recurrence. Head-to-head records against Thunder reflect similar competitiveness, with Altona Magic holding 8 wins to Thunder's 7 across 17 meetings, though the 2019 events elevated the fixture's notoriety beyond on-field results.[37][38][39]Players and personnel
Current first-team squad
The 2025 first-team squad of Altona Magic SC comprises 24 players, with an average age of 24.8 years and five foreign nationals representing 20.8% of the roster.[40] This composition emphasizes defensive solidity through experienced full-backs like John Stojcevski (32 years) alongside younger centre-backs such as Dejan Bakrdanikoski (22 years), who joined ahead of the season.[40][41] Forward Anthony Frangie, signed in February 2025, has emerged as the top performer with 7 goals in the NPL Victoria campaign.[41][42] Midfielder Bilal Habib follows with 4 goals and 3 assists, contributing to offensive transitions, while left-back Hiyori Kawaguchi adds versatility with 2 goals, 2 assists, and 24 appearances.[19][42] Squad depth is evident in rotation among defenders and midfielders, with multiple options at left-back (Stojcevski, Kawaguchi, Gust) enabling tactical flexibility in matches.[40]| Position | Player | Age | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | |||
| GK | Troy Bignoux | 19 | Australia |
| GK | Christian Rossi | 29 | Australia |
| Defenders | |||
| CB | Taofiq Olomowewe | 28 | England/Nigeria |
| CB | Dejan Bakrdanikoski | 22 | Australia |
| LB | Hiyori Kawaguchi | 27 | Japan |
| LB | John Stojcevski | 32 | Australia |
| LB | Alexander Gust | 21 | Australia |
| RB | William Thomason | 23 | Australia/Sri Lanka |
| RB | Mohammed El Hawli | 21 | Australia/Lebanon |
| RB | George Tsitsinaris | 23 | Australia |
| Midfielders | |||
| CM | Jerard Bozinov | - | Australia |
| CM | Phillip Hatzopoulos | - | Australia |
| CM | Ali Hassab | - | Australia |
| CM | Gavin Tasevski | 21 | Australia |
| CM | Lachlan Gillard | - | Australia |
| CM | Sallu Kamara | 28 | Australia/Sierra Leone |
| AM | Christos Theodorakopoulos | 25 | Australia |
| Forwards | |||
| LW | Conor O'Keefe | 27 | Scotland |
| RW | Anthony Frangie | 28 | Australia/Lebanon |
| RW | Daniel Fabrizio | 27 | Australia |
| ST | Ashton Georgievski | 19 | Australia |
| CF | Owen Sheppard | 23 | Canada |
| ST | Gilas Gomwikezwa | 21 | Australia |
| CF | Julian Rodriguez | 20 | Australia/Chile |
Coaching and technical staff
Amir Kasa serves as Technical Director, overseeing football operations and strategic development with a focus on long-term club excellence and pathway progression for players. Appointed prior to the 2024 season, Kasa re-signed for 2026, ensuring continuity in technical leadership amid the club's emphasis on structured youth-to-senior transitions.[22][43] Goran Lozanovski holds the position of Head Coach, having assumed the role on January 1, 2024, and securing re-signings for both the 2025 and 2026 seasons to stabilize the senior team's direction. A former central midfielder with deep ties to the club, Lozanovski implements a 4-2-3-1 formation as his tactical preference, prioritizing balanced defensive organization and midfield control to support squad rebuilding efforts. Under his regime, Altona Magic has recorded approximately 27-35% win rates in NPL Victoria matches, reflecting a competitive yet transitional phase with 1.16 points per match on average.[44][45][19] Assistant Coach Devon Bonne complements the senior setup by focusing on tactical implementation and youth integration, aiding the promotion of academy talents into first-team training and matches to enhance squad depth. Bonne, who joined alongside Lozanovski's return, re-signed for 2025 and 2026, underscoring the staff's role in developmental continuity.[46][47]Notable former players
Sash Becvinovski holds the club record for most goals with 129 in 252 appearances between 1996 and 2010, contributing significantly to multiple grand final appearances and earning the Victorian Premier League leading goalscorer award in both 1998 and 2006, as well as the VPL Gold Medal in 2006 for his overall performance.[48][3][49] Kliment Taseski played a pivotal role in Altona Magic's 2009 Victorian Premier League championship, scoring the decisive penalty in the grand final and receiving the Jimmy Rooney Medal as the best player on the field; he subsequently advanced to Melbourne Victory's youth setup and made four A-League appearances for the senior team in 2010.[3][50] Levent Osman, a defender who featured for the club from 2004 to 2007, earned the Jimmy Rooney Medal in the 2004 grand final and represented Australia at U20 (14 caps, 1 goal) and U23 levels (8 caps) during his tenure, later accumulating over 380 senior club appearances across various leagues post-Altona.[3] Danny Tiatto developed through Altona Magic's youth and reserve ranks in the early 1990s before breaking into senior professional football, going on to earn 26 senior caps for Australia and play in the English Premier League with Manchester City, where he made 44 appearances between 2001 and 2004.[3] John Markovski, a forward with 20 senior Australia caps, played for Altona Magic in the mid-1990s, contributing to their 1995, 1996, and 1997 championships during a career that spanned National Soccer League clubs and included stints abroad.[3]Notable former coaches
Ian Dobson served as head coach during the 1995 Victorian Premier League season, leading Altona Magic to the championship and earning Coach of the Year honors for his tactical discipline and squad management that yielded a league-leading defense. Gary Cole succeeded Dobson, guiding the club to back-to-back titles in 1996 and 1997—completing the three-peat—while also receiving Coach of the Year recognition in 1996; his tenure emphasized counter-attacking efficiency, resulting in minor premierships in both years.[3] Cole returned for a second stint from mid-2002 to 2004, overseeing a rebuilding phase after earlier relegations, with a focus on player development that laid groundwork for later successes, though specific win rates from this period remain undocumented in available records.[51] Goran Lozanovski's initial appointment in 2016 marked a revival, as he directed the team to Victorian State League Division 1 NW championships in 2017 and 2018, followed by promotion to National Premier Leagues Victoria 2; his strategies prioritized high pressing and youth academy integration, achieving a promotion success rate of 100% in that cycle with 26 wins across the title-winning campaigns.[52] John Markovski's multiple tenures, including 2021 and a 2023 return, stabilized the club in NPL Victoria 2, culminating in a 6th-place finish in 2023 with 12 wins and a goals-against average under 1.5 per match, crediting his experience from prior top-tier coaching roles for enhanced tactical adaptability.[53]Achievements and records
Domestic league titles
Altona Magic SC has secured five Victorian Premier League (VPL) championships, establishing the club as one of Victoria's most successful sides during the 1990s and late 2000s.[3][54] These triumphs occurred in 1995, 1996, 1997, 2008, and 2009, with the first three forming a consecutive treble that solidified their dominance over rivals such as Heidelberg United and Port Melbourne Sharks.[13][55] Following each title, the club retained top-flight status, avoiding relegation amid competitive promotion/relegation battles that saw lower finishers like Werribee City Bees in 1995 descend to regional divisions.[13]| Year | Regular Season Position | Matches Played | Wins-Draws-Losses | Goals For-Against (Difference) | Points | Finals Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 2nd | 26 | 14-5-7 | 36-29 (+7) | 47 | Champions (def. Bulleen Lions in grand final after 2-2 draw)[13][56] |
| 1996 | 1st (minor premiers) | 26 | 18-2-6 | 58-25 (+33) | 56 | Champions (def. Heidelberg United in grand final)[57] |
| 1997 | 1st (minor premiers) | 26 | N/A | N/A | N/A | Champions (def. Bentleigh Greens in grand final)[11] |
| 2008 | 3rd | 26 | N/A | N/A | N/A | Champions (def. Melbourne Knights 1-0 AET in grand final)[58][59] |
| 2009 | 2nd | 22 | N/A | N/A | N/A | Champions (via finals series)[60][61] |