Maja Markovski revels in A-Leagues Women’s comeback after signing with Canberra United
Maja Markovski went from winning consecutive ALW championships with Melbourne Victory to being uncontracted at age 20 – here is how she fought her way back to the elite level.
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She went from two-time A-League’s Women’s Championship winner to contractless but Maja Markovski has fought her way back into the elite competition the only way she knew how – scoring goals.
Her impressive feats in the NPLW Victoria competition earned the 22-year forward a contract with Canberra United.
Markovski grew up loving Melbourne Victory – working her way up from school holiday masterclasses to training with the women’s team as a 14-year-old.
She signed her first professional contract with the club for the 2021/22 season – playing 14 games, scoring two goals and winning the championship.
Her first off-season wasn’t without drama with the forward requiring double hip surgery.
But she managed to recover in time for the 2022/23 season – playing 15 games, scoring a goal and winning a second title.
But there was no contract for a third season and no other clubs came knocking.
Markovski, the niece of Socceroo John Markovski, said it was a mentally challenging time to go from back-to-back titles with her hometown club to being contractless.
“I just used that as motivation to work on myself as a person and as a player and then have a good NPL season so that I was ready to take any opportunity that came to me,” she said.
“It was probably the best thing for me at the time, having that year off and rebuilding, I had a lot of injuries so it was a good opportunity to get on top of those.”
Markovski, playing for Bulleen Lions, was impossible to not notice in the Victorian NPLW series – she took out the golden boot with 20 goals, won the Gold Medal and was named Media Player of the Year.
When Canberra United’s new coach Antoni Jagarinec called Markovski didn’t hesitate in saying yes to the offer.
To Markovski it isn’t just a chance to rejoin the A-League’s it is an opportunity to be mentored by Matildas striker and Canberra stalwart Michelle Heyman.
“I’m super stoked to play an A-League match with her, growing up I looked up to her as a player,” Markovski said.
“They say don’t meet your heroes but she has exceeded my expectations.
“She’s a quality player on the field, but she’s just as cool off it, I’m going to learn a lot from her.”
Having Heyman in the squad did pose a slight problem for Markovski given they both play the same position.
But the 22-year-old has adapted quickly to her new position on the wing – a role she hadn’t played consistently since juniors.
“At the start I was a bit lost, like a headless chicken, but now that I’m a bit more comfortable and confident in my role and know what I’ve got to do out there I’m really enjoying it.”
Her previous experience in the A-League’s has taught her not to get too far ahead of herself – so the first goal on Markovski’s list is to cement herself in the starting 11.
Canberra finished 11th last season and like Markovski they are looking for a fresh start this season.
“It’s a new season, a new chapter, a new coach, new players – it’s a completely fresh start,” Markovski said.
Canberra United will host Brisbane Roar on November 2 for the opening round of the ALW.
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