Alana Jancevski had never played a professional game in defence before a Melbourne Victory great’s mid-season retirement. It’s led to her footballing transformation.
It may not be a permanent move for the 22-year-old winger, but having been shoehorned into left-back by Victory coach Jeff Hopkins, Jancevski is flourishing in a formidable defensive line – and her contributions both in attack and defence have been pivotal to her side booking a spot in the 2025 Ninja A-League Grand Final.
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Victory began the 2024-25 season with versatile three-cap CommBank Matilda Goad starting at left-back, but the 27-year-old’s retirement at the end of 2024 left head coach Hopkins without one of his best and most experienced players for the remainder of the campaign.
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Hopkins turned to Jancevski to fill the void, and the decision proved to be a masterstroke.
Named Network 10’s Isuzu UTE Player of the Match in Victory’s 3-1 Semi-Final second leg win over Adelaide United on Saturday, Jancevski has thrived since being thrust into left-back and put one of her best performances of the season together to help her side seal a place in the title decider.
On Saturday, Jancevski’s powerful first-half free-kick forced a spillage from Adelaide keeper Claudia Jenkins and led to Rachel Lowe opening the scoring on the day with a goal that put Victory 4-1 up on aggregate in the two-legged Semi-Final tie.
Speaking post-game, Jancevski revealed that a voice memo from Goad, her former Victory teammate, helped her settle into a new position at the club – a position she’s still getting used to playing for the very first time in professional football.
“The first game I played there, I sent her a message,” Jancevski told Network 10 after the 3-1 win.
“I said: ‘Please help me! You’re the best player I’ve ever seen play there’. And she sent me a really nice voice memo.
“If I can be 1% of what she can do for the team, I’ll be happy to fill her shoes. We’d love to have her back, of course!”
“I’d never played a professional game defending,” Jancevski added. “My family, even my brother is laughing (at me) playing as a defender. I never thought I’d be there, but I think I have strengths (to play) in that position. I’m just happy to help the team.
“It’s been a difficult shift, but I guess as a footballer, you’ve got to be willing to grow, learn and do whatever is required for the team. I’ve really enjoyed learning from such a great defensive unit. I’ve got Kayla (Morrison), such a great centre-back, (Claudia) Bunge, and Courtney (Newbon) behind (me). I’ve really enjoyed it, and I’ve loved adding my skills to that position.
“We’re in a Grand Final, so I don’t care where I’m playing.”
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