Broadmeadow Magic v Adelaide City FC
Magic Park, Friday 7.30pm
Broadmeadow Magic coach Jim Cresnar has challenged his side to start faster as the group B leaders prepare to host Adelaide City FC at Magic Park in round three of the Australian Championship on Friday night.
Magic have made a promising start to their campaign, sitting atop group B with one win, one draw and a bonus point from a penalty shootout. Their early run has already surpassed their points tally from the 2025 campaign but Cresnar knows there is still room for improvement.
Despite their positive results Magic have been slow out of the blocks, allowing opponents to gain the early advantage in the opening rounds.
Avondale registered their first two shots inside the opening minute against Magic in round two, while Wests APIA made an impact in the early stages of round one.
APIA also scored inside the opening two minutes against Adelaide City, highlighting the importance of starting strongly against Friday night’s opponents.
Cresnar wants his side to take the initiative from the outset rather than spend the opening stages reacting to the opposition.
“A good start would be tremendous in terms of where we end up throughout the game as well,” Cresnar said.
“That’s one of the key things we need to get better at in the first 10 or 15 minutes. We’re starting a bit slow.”
While Magic have built their campaign on defensive discipline, their attacking threat began to emerge in round two, with Jarred Baker scoring twice against Avondale.
Cresnar believes the result has given his side the confidence to build on its defensive foundations and become more adventurous in possession.
“I think the confidence has come in, so it’s now showing that we can also play, not just defend,” Cresnar said.
“There probably are parts of the game where we controlled against Avondale, so that’s what we’re going to build on in terms of that.”
That attacking development could prove important against Adelaide City, with Cresnar identifying similarities between the sides, particularly in their ability to transition quickly.
“One of the things I noticed is their transition is similar to us. They’re going to work on that and they’ve got individuals who are really quick up front as well,” Cresnar said.
“So part of our sessions this week have been around those transition moments and making sure we control that better than the opposition.”
Cresnar has also identified potential opportunities to exploit Adelaide City’s defensive line, with Magic hoping to turn their strong start to the competition into another positive result on their home turf.
“I think their weakness potentially is around the defence or the back line. We’ve identified one or two areas that we’ll probably explore as well.”
For Magic the challenge will be to combine a sharper start with the attacking confidence they showed against Avondale, while limiting the opportunities for Adelaide to use their pace in transition.
Returning to Magic Park, Cresnar is also eager to see the club’s performances inspire support from across the Northern NSW football community.
“It’s an exciting time. It’s not just for Magic, for the wider football community and Northern NSW Football as well,” Cresnar said.
“I think at the moment we’re representing NNSWF in a very good position.
“I hope everyone attends and supports our local team and local players. Come out, have a look and see what you think.”
2026 AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND THREE
WHO: Broadmeadow Magic v Adelaide City FC
WHEN: Friday 30 October
WHERE: Magic Park
KICK-OFF: 7.30pm
TICKET DETAILS: Tickets are available HERE
KEY INFORMATION