08/06/2026
Another thoroughly deserved honour!
ANDJELKO CIMERA OAM
Seven years after he was nominated, and three and a half years since we lost him, Andjelko Cimera has been recognised as part of the King’s Birthday Honours, for his extraordinary contribution to club, community and football.
Today he has officially been named as a recipient of the OAM (Medal of the Orders of Australia), the highest honour bestowed by the Governer General in the Australian honours system.
Andjelko remains the longest-serving President of Melbourne Knights FC, leading the club to several minor premierships and grand final appearances throughout the 1990s, most notably the 1995/96 National Soccer League Championship win on home turf. He was a club and community leader for decades and a guiding pillar of strength until the very end.
Melbourne Croatia Soccer Club Inc.
* President, 2014–2022.
Melbourne Knights Football Club Inc.
* President, 1994, 1996, 2003–2004 and 2010–2014.
* Held a variety of committee roles throughout the years, including Vice-President, Treasurer and Board Member, from 1979 onwards.
* Foundation Member, 1984–2022.
* Member, 1968–2022.
Boards and Appointments
* Former Club Delegate, Football Victoria.
Awards and Recognition
* Lifetime Achievement Award, Football Federation Victoria, 2017.
* Hall of Fame Inductee, Brimbank City Council Sports Awards, 2015.
* Inaugural Inductee, Croatian Soccer Association of Australia, Savez Hall of Fame, 2014.
Today is bittersweet. Through his years of unwavering dedication Andjelko earned this award, so it is a shame that he will not be able to receive it himself in person, as he deserved. This honour is so very rarely bestowed upon a volunteer in our community, making it all the more special.
We know he would have been humbled by this recognition, but at the same time, he would have absolutely loved it.
Congratulations Andjelko, kapa do poda.
Forever in our hearts. Some legends never die. ❤️
