Maja Markovski, while bearing a well-known name in Victorian football, has established her own legacy by winning the 2024 NPLW Gold Medal, tying with Alamein’s Rebecca Saber, both earning 24 votes.
The star forward for Bulleen Lions also claimed the Media Player of the Year Award and the coveted NPLW Golden Boot, finishing the season with an impressive 20 goals.
Reflecting on her achievements, Markovski expected to poll well but admitted she was taken aback by the recognition.
“I don’t even know what to say,” she said.
“It’s not a relief but something special, knowing I worked incredibly hard this season. Sometimes, despite the effort, you don’t get the accolades, so receiving this recognition means a lot to me. Each award is special.”
While individual accolades are significant, what truly resonated with Markovski was the success she experienced alongside her Bulleen teammates.
They secured the Premiership and the Nike FC Cup, although they fell short of achieving a treble in the Semi-Finals.
“Tasting success with my teammates was more important, but we need to go one better next year,” she stated.
“We had the chance to make history, winning the treble, and although we achieved a lot, the championship win still eludes us—it feels like unfinished business.”
Heading into this NPLW season, despite previously winning two A-League Championships with Melbourne Victory, the 22-year-old knew she had much more to offer.
“When I was playing in the A-League with Victory I was in that environment from a young age and I think I got a bit complacent and I think it took everything being taken away from me to realise I need to lift, I need to grow as a player and as a person,” she said.
“I feel like I almost couldn’t give it due to the circumstances of the injuries and how I was as a person as well.”
After taking a year off from A-League action, Markovski had the opportunity to work closely with Bulleen Head Coach Caitlin Friend, who helped her develop the right mindset for the NPLW campaign.
“I was in two minds, do I just give up and maybe this isn’t for me, or do I go ham and put everything out on the table because I have done that so far and I didn’t want to throw it all away,” she explained.
“Getting my mindset straight was the first step, and I knew that one of my key strengths was my work ethic. I just needed to piece it all together, surround myself with the right people for support, and find good mentors. That’s where everything really started to come together.”
Markovski credits her success to her support network, particularly Bulleen Head Coach Caitlin Friend.
“The only person who supported me, and I mean it, was Caity (Friend). She was the only person who had my back from the beginning,” she said.
“She was pushing for me to play and would pull me aside at training and try to get the most out of me. She would see I was upset and take the time to lift me up, she has always been in my corner.
“You don’t find many people like that in your life, so I need to thank her for everything that she has done.”
Another influential figure has been Aleks Sinclair, a respected name in Victorian football.
“Getting close to Aleks was amazing. We bonded over similar experiences, and her wisdom has been invaluable. She’s always there to offer advice and support, and I aspire to be half the person she is,” Markovski said.
As the next NPLW season approaches, Markovski is keeping her options open.
“I love Bulleen and Caity; they hold a special place in my heart, and I want to give back to them for what they’ve done for me this year,” she shared.
“But my dad’s team (Spring Hills) just got promoted to the NPLW, I just don’t want to think too far ahead.”