Tony Popovic is getting the old band together at Melbourne Victory after reuniting with Australian forward Tomi Juric.
Juric and Popovic won the 2014 AFC Champions League together at Western Sydney Wanderers and now the pair are linking up again in Melbourne for the 2022-23 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
A 41-time Socceroo, Juric arrives from Macarthur FC, where he scored once in eight appearances last season.
The 30-year-old is the latest player to rekindle their relationship with Victory head coach Popovic, after Nick D’Agostino, Matthew Spiranovic, Josh Brillante, Chris Ikonomidis and Ivan Kelava followed the former Perth Glory and Xanthi boss to Melbourne in 2021-22.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the club and can’t wait to get started,” Juric said.
“Linking up again with Tony Popovic is an exciting prospect for me and with how he helped me earlier in my career, I’m looking forward to again learning from the Boss and getting back to my best for Victory faithful.
“Melbourne Victory is an ambitious club and I want to be a part of helping the club achieve success off the back of a great season for Victory last year. I want to push myself every day and contribute to
winning silverware next season.”
Juric is Victory’s third new signing of the off-season after George Timotheou and Noah Smith as the team look to build on their semi-final appearance last term.
And Juric has been backed to rediscover his best form at AAMI Park, with the former Roda JC, Luzern and CSKA Sofia marksman netting nine goals in 18 A-League Men appearances for Adelaide United in 2020-21.
“Tomi has enormous pedigree as a striker and we believe the environment at the club can bring the best out of him,” said Popovic.
“Tomi’s addition to our attack elevates our quality and increases our options and we have no doubt that he can help us in achieving our goals this season.”
