In a statement signing for the NPL Victoria, Heidelberg United have announced the acquisition of both Ivan and Joseph Franjic, adding to the Bergers‘ leadership team that was previously announced this week.
In a long list of signings and announcements over the past week across Victorian football, the acquisition of Franjic will prove crucial to Heidelberg United’s potential title charge in the 2022 season.
Ivan, who joins from George Cross FC following Macarthur’s inaugural A-League season is a former Socceroo having played a part in the 2015 Asian Cup winning squad.
He also won three A-League championships and two premierships under Ange Postecoglou’s Brisbane Roar, having started games at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and also playing for Russian side Torpedo Moscow.
Joseph Franjic, Ivan’s younger brother, is a defender who continues his career in the NPL has played for previous sides such as Melbourne Knights and Hume City.
Following the retirement of several key senior players over the past few campaigns, these signings ensure that Heidelberg are able to rebuild effectively from the backline.
Ivan Franjic stated his excitement at lining up for the Bergers for the upcoming season.
“I’ve spoken to Kats in the past and known him for a while,” he said.
“I’ve heard good things about him, and he’s had plenty of success with Heidelberg so that really intrigued me to come down.
I’m looking forward to a big year ahead with all the Bergers fans supporting us.”
Joseph Franjic also spoke about his discussions with manager George Katsakis and how the side wants to progress for the 2022 campaign.
“The discussion with [George] Kats about what he has planned for the year is really exciting,” Franjic said.
“He really wants to win the league and is determined to do so – the club wants to win, and I’d love to be part of that.
Players play better when there’s fans that care about winning, and Heidelberg have a lot of them. It will be good to see them out in numbers supporting the boys.”
Image Credit: Heidelberg United
