Melbourne Victory have announced the re-signing of one key defender and the departure of another, with Matthew Spiranovic extending his stay and Jason Davidson signing for Belgian outfit KAS Eupen.
Spiranovic, 33, signs on for the 2022-23 Isuzu UTE A-League season after making 14 appearances in all competitions through his maiden campaign at the club, returning to professional football after spending more than two seasons away from the game.
Working under head coach Tony Popovic for the third time in his career, after stints at both Western Sydney Wanderers and Perth Glory, Spiranovic helped Victory rebound from finishing bottom in 2020-21 to an FFA Cup triumph and ALM semifinal in 2021-22.
He says next season’s goal is to secure more silverware for the club as he repays the faith instilled in him by Victory to ease back into the professional game.
“I’m thrilled to spend another season at the Club with this incredible group of staff and players,” Spiranovic told club media.
“The club has been amazing in supporting my journey back to professional football and I’m looking to repay the faith they have in me to continue to deliver on the field.
“We came so close to achieving the ultimate success last season and that spurs me on to help the team and the Club lift trophies next season.”
Davidson, meanwhile, departs the club in favour of a European move to KAS Eupen after making 28 appearances across all competitions for Victory in 2021-22.
Davidson’s ALM form at Victory led to his recall to the Socceroos squad and inclusion in the A-Leagues All Stars team, with the left-back playing from the start against LaLiga giants FC Barcelona in May.
In a club statement, Victory director of football John Didulica thanked Davidson for his impact throughout the 2021/22 season.
“As a club, we are proud we were able to elevate Jason back into the national team but we also understand that comes with the challenge of losing players to Europe and other competitions around the world,” Didulica said.
“As much as we would have loved Jason to stay with the Club, we wish him all the best in Europe leading into Qatar 2022 and have no doubt he cherished his time with Victory.”
Whilst Victory announced comings and goings on Wednesday evening, Sydney FC skipper and central defender Alex Wilkinson re-signed with the Sky Blues for a transitional season in the club’s history.
Wilkinson, the winner of five ALM Premierships and three Championships, will lead the club out at the brand new Allianz Stadium next season, looking to add to the 200 Sky Blues appearances he’s accrued throughout his career to date.
The veteran defender played 34 out of his side’s 37 fixtures in a testing 2021-22 campaign – one he claims was “physically the toughest A-League season we’ve ever had to endure” – but the veteran defender insists he’s confident about what the club can achieve moving forward.
“It’s a massive honour to lead Sydney FC into a new period in the club’s history,” Wilkinson told club media.
He added: “We know this season is a big one for us and with the right preparations and focus we expect to lift silverware in our phenomenal new home.”
