He lifted the Australia Cup on Saturday. By Monday, he had a new job

Just two days after guiding South Melbourne to a historic Australia Cup triumph, Sinisa Cohadzic has been appointed head coach of NPL Victoria champions Avondale FC.

In one of the worst kept secrets, Cohadzic has signed a long-term deal with Avondale following the departure of championship-winning coach Jonatan Germano, bringing an extraordinary chapter at Lakeside Stadium to an end.

His departure follows a remarkable 17-month transformation at South Melbourne, having inherited a side fighting to avoid relegation in May 2025 before guiding them to the Dockerty Cup, inaugural Australian Championship and Australia Cup, as well as the OFC Pro League final.

It is also the second time in five months that Cohadzic has departed South Melbourne. His exit was announced earlier this year before differences were resolved and he was reinstated just four days later.

Speaking after Saturday's Australia Cup triumph, Cohadzic reflected on the opportunity South Melbourne had given him after years of struggling to break into senior coaching.

“I tried for many years to break through, and I knew this was my one and only opportunity when I took the South Melbourne job 18 months ago,” he said.

“I've always believed I could reach this level. It's that belief and passion. But I can't do it without the human beings in my dressing room.”

Cohadzic now inherits an Avondale side preparing to begin their Australian Championship campaign this week, with the reigning NPL VIC champions facing Broadmeadow Magic, Adelaide City and Wests APIA in the group stage.