By Kieran Yap/ interview conducted by Isabelle Campbell. 17/5/25
Above: Alana Jancevski. Photo: A-Leagues
Alana Jancevski is preparing for her second Grand Final in less than 12 months.
The Victory Star and goal of the year nominee lifted an NPLW Championship trophy with Victorian club Heidelberg United in the off-season. Now she is back at her other childhood club ready to repeat that success.
“I think being a part of a Grand Final experience is really important,” she told Impetus at Victory’s open training session.
“I think you can understand (the) excitement, the nerves.
“Obviously going down in that Grand Final and having that real feeling to need to have a big last seven to ten minutes to try and get the result.”
In that game, Heidelberg were down 2-1 until the dying stages, when a late Jancevski corner helped deliver a dramatic win.
“I think being in that position was really helpful and I hope that on the day on Sunday it can help me in tough moments.”
Jancevski’s arrival back at Victory was one of the most heralded signings by the club. A former star of the youth setup, she developed her game at Perth Glory and Adelaide United before returning home and delivering one of her best individual seasons.
Her ability was no surprise to Victory fans, but her role was somewhat unexpected. Following the retirement of Beattie Goad, Jancevski dropped into fullback and has been part of the leagues most uncompromising defence.
“Jeff (Hopkins) came up to me when Beattie retired with such big shoes to fill and he asked if I’d be open to try it out.
“Of course I’d want to do anything for the team and anything for us to win.
“It was definitely a challenging experience and throughout the season there’s been ups and downs where I’ve had such good role models and such good people to help me in that position.”
Jancevski, the prodigal star has more than delivered on her return to the club, and has the chance to cap off the season with her first A-League title on Sunday.
It will mean the world to the 22 year old who once dreamed of representing the club as a child.
“It warms my heart and I know little Alana would be screaming in her boots right now so I think that’s just got to fuel me throughout the game and really enjoy it and put everything out there for her.”
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