Steve Horvat

NSL Career: Melbourne Knights, Carlton 160 (9) / 1989 - 2002/03

Socceroos Career: 31 (1) A Internationals / 1 (0) B International

One of Melbourne Knight's greatest defenders, Horvat was one of the toughest Australian sweepers during the 1990s. After limited opportunities early in his career saw him move down to the Victorian Premier League, Horvat returned to the NSL stronger and more composed and competed with star defender Milan Ivanović for a spot in the national team.

Born and raised in Geelong, Horvat began his junior career at North Geelong Warriors at the age of eight and progressed through the ranks before earning a scholarship to the AIS Soccer Program at the age of 16. After graduating from the AIS, where he played in the Victorian State League, Horvat joined Melbourne Croatia and made his NSL debut just two weeks shy of his 18th birthday.

With Croatia's defensive positions occupied by star defenders Theo Selemidis, George Hannah, Alan Davidson and Mark Talajic - Horvat spent most of his time in the reserve team - making just 10 first team appearances during the 1989 and 1989/90 seasons. Horvat returned to North Geelong in the VSL Division One and helped them gain promotion to the Victorian Premier League before playing in the side's winning VPL Grand Final the following season. Following his successful stint in the state league, Horvat returned to Melbourne Croatia and became a regular during the 1992/93 season.

Former Yugoslav First League and Canadian Soccer League coach Mirko Bazić took over as coach for the 1993/94 season as the club became known as Melbourne Knights. Bazić's team structure helped Horvat improve as he became part of an improved Knights defence that conceded just 24 goals during the regular season.

Knights progressed to their fourth grand final in five seasons, losing one-nil to Adelaide City in which Horvat played a key defensive role. After a solid season for Knights, Horvat made his full international debut in a friendly against South Africa. Under Bazić, Knights continued to challenge Adelaide City for success and following their six-nil NSL Cup Final win against Heidelberg, in which Horvat scored their second goal, the club progressed to their third consecutive NSL Grand Final.

In the grand final replay, Horvat nullified the City attack which included team mate Mark Viduka's main goalscoring rival Damian Mori. Knights held on to a two-nil halftime lead which earned Horvat the Joe Marston Medal. Following the grand final, Horvat secured a move to Croatia, along with team mate Viduka and North Geelong Warriors star Josip Skoko.

Horvat joined Hajduk Split and became a regular in his first season as the club finished runners-up in the Croatia First Football League. Horvat's game time was limited the following season but was selected for Australia's two-legged World Cup play-off against Iran despite missing the start of the 1997/98 CFFL season.

In one of the most controversial Socceroos selections in history, Australia coach Terry Venables chose the European-based Horvat over the vastly experienced and in-form Adelaide City defender Milan Ivanović. Despite the Socceroos missing numerous chances and Venables failing to instruct his team to "shut up shop", it has been viewed by fans, pundits and former players alike that Ivanović would have likely succeeded where Horvat failed.

Seeking a move away from Hajduk, Horvat trialled in England and signed for Venables's Crystal Palace team but was unable to make an appearance after failing to secure a work permit. After a lack of first team football over two seasons, Horvat returned to Australia and joined NSL club Carlton.

Horvat made his Carlton debut midway through the 1999/00 season and became a regular towards the end of the season, helping the side reach the preliminary final as he got back in to the national team set-up. The Socceroos defender started the 2000/01 season well before Carlton folded and returned to Melbourne Knights. 

Horvat helped his former side qualify for the finals series in both the 2000/01 and 2001/02 seasons and made his last Socceroos appearance prior to start of the 2002/03 season, before a injury-interrupted season led to his retirement as the defender hung up his boots at the age of 32. Following his playing career, Horvat became a part-time football analyst and commentator before being part of the Western Melbourne Group that formed A-League side Western United, where he has served as Director of Football.