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{{Short description|Australian association football player}}
{{About|the Australian football (soccer) player|the Croatian football player|Ante Čović (Croatian footballer)}}
{{About|the Australian football (soccer) player|the Croatian football player|Ante Čović (Croatian footballer)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox football biography
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Ante Covic
| name = Ante Covic
| fullname = Ante Covic
| image = Ante Covic WSW.jpg
| image = Ante Covic WSW.jpg
| caption = Ante Covic, goalkeeper for the Wanderers
| caption = Covic as goalkeeper for the [[Western Sydney Wanderers|Wanderers]] in 2013
| fullname = Ante Covic<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifadata.com/document/fwc/2006/PDF/FWC_2006_SquadLists.pdf |title=2006 FIFA World Cup Germany: List of Players: Australia |publisher=FIFA |page=3 |date=21 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610174527/https://www.fifadata.com/document/fwc/2006/PDF/FWC_2006_SquadLists.pdf |archive-date=10 June 2019}}</ref>
| height = {{convert|1.93|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1975|6|13}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1975|6|13}}
| birth_place = [[Sydney, New South Wales]], [[Australia]]
| birth_place = [[Sydney, New South Wales]], Australia
| currentclub =
| height = 1.93 m
⚫
| clubnumber =
| position = [[Goalkeeper (association football)|Goalkeeper]]
| position = [[Goalkeeper (association football)|Goalkeeper]]
⚫
| currentclub =
| youthyears1 = 1995
| youthyears1 = 1995
| youthclubs1 = [[Hurstville ZFC|Hurstville Zagreb]]
| youthclubs1 = [[Hurstville ZFC|Hurstville Zagreb]]
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| goals5 = 0
| goals5 = 0
| years6 = 2002–2007
| years6 = 2002–2007
| clubs6 = [[Hammarby IF]]
| clubs6 = [[Hammarby Fotboll|Hammarby IF]]
| caps6 = 121
| caps6 = 121
| goals6 = 0
| goals6 = 0
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| nationalcaps1 = 2
| nationalcaps1 = 2
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| manageryears1 = 2018–
| manageryears1 = 2018–2023
| managerclubs1 = [[Marconi Stallions FC|Marconi Stallions]] (goalkeeping coach)
| managerclubs1 = [[Marconi Stallions FC|Marconi Stallions]] (goalkeeping coach)
| manageryears2 = 2024-
| managerclubs2 = [[Bankstown City FC (women's club)|Bankstown City (Women)]]
}}
}}
'''Ante Covic''' (born 13 June 1975) is an Australian football manager and former [[Association football|soccer]] [[Goalkeeper (association football)|goalkeeper]], and is the current manager of [[Bankstown City FC (women's club)|Bankstown City (Women)]] in [[NSW League One Women's|NSW League One]]. Covic was a member of the [[Australia national football team|Australian national team]] at the [[2006 FIFA World Cup]] in Germany and represented Australia on two occasions. In 2014 he was named Player of the Tournament for the [[2014 AFC Champions League|2014]] [[AFC Champions League]], keeping 8 clean sheets in 12 matches with the [[Western Sydney Wanderers]] as they defeated [[Al-Hilal FC|Al-Hilal]] in the final.
'''Ante Covic''' ({{lang-hr|Ante Čović}}; {{IPA-sh|ˈaːntɛ ˈtʃɔːʋitɕ|}}; born 13 June 1975) is a former Australian [[Association football|football (soccer)]] [[Goalkeeper (association football)|goalkeeper]].

Covic was a member of the [[Australia national football team|Australian national team]] at the [[2006 FIFA World Cup]] in Germany and represented Australia on two occasions.


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Covic is of Croatian heritage. He is married to Vanessa Covic and has 2 kids, Emelie and Christopher .<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsradio.com.au/former-socceroo-ante-covic-the-croatian-community-has-more-players-play-for-australia-than-any-other-nationality/|title=Former Socceroo, Ante Covic “the Croatian community has more players play for Australia than any other nationality”|accessdate=24 January 2019}}</ref>
Covic is of Croatian heritage. He is married to Vanessa Covic and has two children, Emelie and Christopher.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsradio.com.au/former-socceroo-ante-covic-the-croatian-community-has-more-players-play-for-australia-than-any-other-nationality/|title=Former Socceroo, Ante Covic "the Croatian community has more players play for Australia than any other nationality"|access-date=24 January 2019|archive-date=25 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190125073408/https://www.sportsradio.com.au/former-socceroo-ante-covic-the-croatian-community-has-more-players-play-for-australia-than-any-other-nationality/|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Club career==
==Club career==
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===Hammarby IF===
===Hammarby IF===
Leaving Australia in 1999 Covic made numerous appearances in various european clubs before arriving in Hammarby IF, a Swedish club based in Stockholm. There he battled [[Erland Hellström]] for the spot as first keeper, a fight where the outcome in no way was predetermined. About a month into the Swedish Allsvenskan series, Covic made his debut between the posts (however, not his debut game with Hammarby as he made an appearance roughly three weeks earlier in a cup game) and after that he was more or less given in the starting eleven.
After Australia in 1999, Covic made numerous appearances for various European clubs before arriving in Hammarby IF, a Swedish club based in Stockholm. There he battled [[Erland Hellström]] for the spot as first keeper. About a month into the Swedish Allsvenskan series, Covic made his debut between the posts (however, not his debut game with Hammarby as he made an appearance roughly three weeks earlier in a cup game) and after that he was more or less given in the starting eleven.


Covic left Hammarby in 2006 after having played 121 games - a feat that has only been surpassed by three other goalkeepers in the history of the club.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hammarbyfotboll.se/aktuellt/nyheter/julkalendern-lucka-13-australien/|website=Hammarby IF|publisher=Hammarby IF|title=Julkalendern lucka 12: Australien|language=Swedish|trans-title=Christmas calendar luck 12: Australia|access-date=30 December 2017|date=16 December 2017}}</ref>
Covic left Hammarby in 2006 after having played 121 games - a feat that has only been surpassed by three other goalkeepers in the club's history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hammarbyfotboll.se/aktuellt/nyheter/julkalendern-lucka-13-australien/|website=Hammarby IF|publisher=Hammarby IF|title=Julkalendern lucka 12: Australien|language=sv|trans-title=Christmas calendar luck 12: Australia|access-date=30 December 2017|date=16 December 2017}}</ref>


===Newcastle Jets===
===Newcastle Jets===
[[File:AnteCovic.JPG|thumb|right|222px|Ante Covic training with Newcastle in 2008.]]
[[File:AnteCovic.JPG|thumb|right|222px|Ante Covic training with Newcastle in 2008.]]
Covic made his [[A-League]] debut in a 3–2 loss to [[Adelaide United FC|Adelaide United]] in December 2006 at [[Hindmarsh Stadium]]. Čović was the starting goalkeeper for Newcastle Jets in the 2007 season which he won the A-League championship. On 17 March 2009, it was announced that Covic was leaving the Jets for a three-year deal with Swedish club [[IF Elfsborg]].
Covic made his [[A-League]] debut in a 3–2 loss to [[Adelaide United FC|Adelaide United]] in December 2006 at [[Hindmarsh Stadium]]. Čović was the starting goalkeeper for Newcastle Jets in the 2007 season, in which he won the A-League championship. On 17 March 2009, it was announced that Covic was leaving the Jets for a three-year deal with Swedish club [[IF Elfsborg]].


===Melbourne Victory===
===Melbourne Victory===
On 4 October 2011, Covic signed a one-year deal with [[Melbourne Victory FC|Melbourne Victory]] as an injury replacement for [[Tando Velaphi]] who was ruled out for 12 weeks. Čović debuted in the opening game for the A-League season against [[Sydney FC]] at Etihad Stadium in front of 40,000 in attendance. Covic achieved instant hero status with the home fans when he thwarted [[Brett Emerton|Emerton]] from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute, he was named man of the match in the 0–0 draw. He was again named man of the match after the Melbourne Derby two weeks later.
On 4 October 2011, Covic signed a one-year deal with [[Melbourne Victory FC|Melbourne Victory]] as an injury replacement for [[Tando Velaphi]], who was ruled out for 12 weeks. Čović debuted in the opening game of the A-League season against [[Sydney FC]] at the Etihad Stadium. Covic achieved instant hero status with the home fans when he saved [[Brett Emerton|Emerton]] from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute, he was named man of the match in the 0–0 draw. He was again named man of the match after the Melbourne Derby two weeks later.


In the A-League round 5 match between [[Brisbane Roar FC|Brisbane Roar]] and [[Melbourne Victory FC|Melbourne Victory]] in 2011, Covic, along with fellow Victory defender [[Matthew Foschini]], were controversially sent off by referee [[Ben Williams (referee)|Ben Williams]] for challenges against Roar defenders, reducing the Victory to playing with nine men throughout the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/222172,nine-man-victory-heroically-hold-champs.aspx |title=Nine-Man Victory Heroically Hold Champs |date=5 November 2011 |publisher=FourFourTwo Australia |accessdate=8 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111108051237/http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/222172%2Cnine-man-victory-heroically-hold-champs.aspx |archivedate=8 November 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref>
In the A-League fifth round match between [[Brisbane Roar FC|Brisbane Roar]] and [[Melbourne Victory FC|Melbourne Victory]] in 2011, Covic, along with fellow Victory defender [[Matthew Foschini]], were controversially sent off by referee [[Ben Williams (referee)|Ben Williams]] for challenges against Roar defenders, reducing the Victory to playing with nine men throughout the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/222172,nine-man-victory-heroically-hold-champs.aspx |title=Nine-Man Victory Heroically Hold Champs |date=5 November 2011 |publisher=FourFourTwo Australia |access-date=8 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111108051237/http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/222172%2Cnine-man-victory-heroically-hold-champs.aspx |archive-date=8 November 2011}}</ref>


On 1 May 2012, it was announced new Melbourne Victory coach [[Ange Postecoglou]] would not resign the veteran goalkeeper, opting to stay with younger goalkeepers [[Lawrence Thomas (footballer)|Lawrence Thomas]] and [[Tando Velaphi]]. The shock decision came after Covic was awarded the Player's Player of the Year award at the Melbourne Victory Awards Dinner.
On 1 May 2012, it was announced new Melbourne Victory coach [[Ange Postecoglou]] would not resign the veteran goalkeeper, opting to stay with younger goalkeepers [[Lawrence Thomas (footballer)|Lawrence Thomas]] and [[Tando Velaphi]]. This decision followed Covic winning the Player's Player of the Year award at the Melbourne Victory Awards Dinner.


===Western Sydney Wanderers===
===Western Sydney Wanderers===
On 2 July 2012, Covic joined A-League expansion club [[Western Sydney Wanderers FC|Western Sydney Wanderers]] on a free transfer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/wswanderersfc/news-display/Wanderers-snare-Covic-and-Haliti/47922|title=Wanderers snare Covic and Haliti|publisher=[[Football Federation Australia]]|date=2 July 2012}}</ref> The Wanderers performed above expectations and won the Premier's Plate in their maiden season,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westsydneyfootball.com/_/first-team-match-reports/wanderers-secure-premiership-with-3-0-win-over-newcastle-r361|title=Wanderers Secure Premiership With 3-0 Win Over Newcastle!|publisher=[[Western Sydney Wanderers FC|Western Sydney Football]]|date=29 March 2013}}</ref> with Čović being named in the inaugural A-League All-Star team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-20/all-star-team-packed-with-a-league-finalists/4769424?section=sport|title=A-League All Star team to face Manchester United full of Mariners, Wanderers|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]]|date=20 June 2013}}</ref> He helped his side to win [[2014 AFC Champions League|2014]] [[AFC Champions League]], with keeping 8 clean sheets in 12 matches. At the end of the final which they defeated [[Al-Hilal FC|Al-Hilal]], he was named as MVP of the tournament.
On 2 July 2012, Covic joined A-League expansion club [[Western Sydney Wanderers FC|Western Sydney Wanderers]] on a free transfer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/wswanderersfc/news-display/Wanderers-snare-Covic-and-Haliti/47922|title=Wanderers snare Covic and Haliti|publisher=[[Football Federation Australia]]|date=2 July 2012}}</ref> The Wanderers performed above expectations and won the Premier's Plate in their maiden season,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westsydneyfootball.com/_/first-team-match-reports/wanderers-secure-premiership-with-3-0-win-over-newcastle-r361|title=Wanderers Secure Premiership With 3-0 Win Over Newcastle!|publisher=[[Western Sydney Wanderers FC|Western Sydney Football]]|date=29 March 2013}}</ref> with Čović being named in the inaugural A-League All-Star team.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-20/all-star-team-packed-with-a-league-finalists/4769424?section=sport|title=A-League All Star team to face Manchester United full of Mariners, Wanderers|newspaper=ABC News|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]]|date=20 June 2013}}</ref> He helped his side to win [[2014 AFC Champions League|2014]] [[AFC Champions League]], keeping 8 clean sheets in 12 matches. The Wanderers defeated [[Al-Hilal FC|Al-Hilal]] in the final, after which he was named as MVP of the tournament.


===Perth Glory===
===Perth Glory===
On 8 July 2015, Covic joined [[Perth Glory FC|Perth Glory]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.perthglory.com.au/article/ante-covic-heads-west-for-more-glory/u3ro9vcoskfh1mfvxodofzsae|title=Ante Covic heads west for more Glory|publisher=[[Perth Glory FC|Perth Glory]]|date=8 July 2015}}</ref>
On 8 July 2015, Covic joined [[Perth Glory FC|Perth Glory]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.perthglory.com.au/article/ante-covic-heads-west-for-more-glory/u3ro9vcoskfh1mfvxodofzsae|title=Ante Covic heads west for more Glory|publisher=[[Perth Glory FC|Perth Glory]]|date=8 July 2015|access-date=28 June 2016|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924071612/http://www.perthglory.com.au/article/ante-covic-heads-west-for-more-glory/u3ro9vcoskfh1mfvxodofzsae|url-status=dead}}</ref>


===Rockdale City and retirement===
===Rockdale City and retirement===
In June 2016, at the end of his contract, Covic decided to leave Perth Glory to return east to be closer to his family,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://au.sports.yahoo.com/football/a/31909290/football-perth-glory-sign-liam-reddy-in-a-league/#page1|title=Glory sign journeyman goalkeeper Reddy|first=Justin|last=Chadwick|publisher=[[Yahoo7]]|date=24 June 2016|access-date=28 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817050656/https://au.sports.yahoo.com/football/a/31909290/football-perth-glory-sign-liam-reddy-in-a-league/#page1|archive-date=17 August 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> and joined [[Rockdale City Suns FC|Rockdale City Suns]] in January 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Covic joins Rockdale |last=Parkinson |first=Andrew |work=St George & Sutherland Shire Leader |date=17 January 2017 |accessdate=2 February 2019 |url= https://www.theleader.com.au/story/4409845/covic-joins-rockdale/}}</ref> He retired from football at the end of the [[2018 National Premier Leagues|2018 NPL season]] in November 2018, after two seasons at the club, to take a position as goalkeeper coach for [[Marconi Stallions FC|Marconi Stallions]].<ref>{{cite episode|title=Episode 182|series=Bill and Boz|network=[[Fox Sports (Australia)|Fox Sports]]|date=13 November 2018}}</ref> In December, he joined [[Wellington Phoenix FC|Wellington Phoenix]] as short-term injury cover following an injury to first-choice goalkeeper [[Filip Kurto]].<ref>https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/a-league/109145348/wellington-phoenix-sign-43yearold-goalkeeper-ante-covic-as-injury-cover</ref> He remained on the bench for the duration of the side's 3–1 win over [[Sydney FC]].<ref>https://www.sofascore.com/wellington-phoenix-sydney-fc/wucstbd</ref>
In June 2016, at the end of his contract, Covic decided to leave Perth Glory to return east to be closer to his family,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://au.sports.yahoo.com/football/a/31909290/football-perth-glory-sign-liam-reddy-in-a-league/#page1|title=Glory sign journeyman goalkeeper Reddy|first=Justin|last=Chadwick|publisher=[[Yahoo7]]|date=24 June 2016|access-date=28 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817050656/https://au.sports.yahoo.com/football/a/31909290/football-perth-glory-sign-liam-reddy-in-a-league/#page1|archive-date=17 August 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> and joined [[Rockdale City Suns FC|Rockdale City Suns]] in January 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Covic joins Rockdale |last=Parkinson |first=Andrew |work=St George & Sutherland Shire Leader |date=17 January 2017 |access-date=2 February 2019 |url= https://www.theleader.com.au/story/4409845/covic-joins-rockdale/}}</ref> He retired from football at the end of the [[2018 National Premier Leagues|2018 NPL season]] in November 2018, after two seasons at the club, to take a position as goalkeeper coach for [[Marconi Stallions FC|Marconi Stallions]].<ref>{{cite episode|title=Episode 182|series=Bill and Boz|network=[[Fox Sports (Australia)|Fox Sports]]|date=13 November 2018}}</ref> In December, he joined [[Wellington Phoenix FC|Wellington Phoenix]] as short-term injury cover following an injury to first-choice goalkeeper [[Filip Kurto]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/a-league/109145348/wellington-phoenix-sign-43yearold-goalkeeper-ante-covic-as-injury-cover|title=Wellington Phoenix sign 43-year-old goalkeeper Ante Covic as injury cover|date=6 December 2018}}</ref> He remained on the bench for the duration of the side's 3–1 win over [[Sydney FC]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sofascore.com/wellington-phoenix-sydney-fc/wucstbd|title = Sydney FC vs Wellington Phoenix live score, H2H and lineups &#124; SofaScore}}</ref>


==International career==
==International career==
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|-
|-
|rowspan="3" valign="center"|[[Marconi Stallions FC|Marconi Stallions]]
|rowspan="3" valign="center"|[[Marconi Stallions FC|Marconi Stallions]]
|[[1997–98 National Soccer League|1997–98]]<ref name="worldfootball">{{cite web|url=http://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/ante-covic_2/2/|title=Ante Čović » Club matches|publisher=worldfootball.net}}</ref>
|[[1997–98 National Soccer League|1997–98]]<ref name="worldfootball">{{cite web|url=http://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/ante-covic_2/2/|title=Ante Čović » Club matches|date=19 March 2014 |publisher=worldfootball.net}}</ref>
|rowspan="2" valign="center"|[[National Soccer League]]
|rowspan="2" valign="center"|[[National Soccer League]]
|25||14||0||0||0||0||25||14
|25||14||0||0||0||0||25||14
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|-
|-
|rowspan="3" valign="center"|[[P.A.O.K. F.C.|PAOK]]
|rowspan="3" valign="center"|[[P.A.O.K. F.C.|PAOK]]
|[[1999–2000 Alpha Ethniki|1999–2000]]<ref name="worldfootball"/><ref name="irishtimes">{{cite web|url=http://soccer-stats.irishtimes.com/?pStr=Player&plid=60805&cust=&lang=0|title=Ante Čović Soccer Stats|publisher=[[The Irish Times]]|access-date=23 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202094340/http://soccer-stats.irishtimes.com/?pStr=Player&plid=60805&cust=&lang=0|archive-date=2 February 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|[[1999–2000 Alpha Ethniki|1999–2000]]<ref name="worldfootball"/><ref name="irishtimes">{{cite news|url=http://soccer-stats.irishtimes.com/?pStr=Player&plid=60805&cust=&lang=0|title=Ante Čović Soccer Stats|newspaper=[[The Irish Times]]|access-date=23 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202094340/http://soccer-stats.irishtimes.com/?pStr=Player&plid=60805&cust=&lang=0|archive-date=2 February 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|rowspan="2" valign="center"|[[Superleague Greece|Alpha Ethniki]]
|rowspan="2" valign="center"|[[Superleague Greece|Alpha Ethniki]]
|4||1||2||2||3||1||9||4
|4||1||2||2||3||1||9||4
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!Total||2||1
!Total||2||1
|}
|}
{{col-break|width=80%}}
{| class="wikitable collapsible" style="text-align:center"
|-
!colspan="7"|'''International appearances'''
|-
! # !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Result !! Game time !! Competition
|-
!colspan="7"|'''2006'''
|-
| 1. || 22 February 2006 || [[Bahrain National Stadium]], [[Riffa]], [[Bahrain]] || {{fb|BHR}} || 3–1 || Full match || [[2007 AFC Asian Cup qualification#Group D|2007 AFC Asian Cup qualification]]
|-
!colspan="7"|'''2008'''
|-
| 2. || 22 March 2008 || [[National Stadium, Singapore|National Stadium]], [[Singapore]] || {{fb|SIN}} || 0–0 || Full match || [[Exhibition match|Friendly]]
|}
{{col-end}}


==Honours==
==Honours==
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* [[A-League Goalkeeper of the Year]]: [[2012–13 A-League|2012–13]]
* [[A-League Goalkeeper of the Year]]: [[2012–13 A-League|2012–13]]
* [[PFA Footballer of the Year Awards|PFA A-League Team of the Season]]: [[2012–13 A-League|2012–13]]
* [[PFA Footballer of the Year Awards|PFA A-League Team of the Season]]: [[2012–13 A-League|2012–13]]
* [[A-League All Stars Game|A-League All Star]]: [[2013 A-League All Stars Game|2013]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/jul/20/manchester-united-aleague-all-stars-win|title=Manchester United thrash A-League All Stars to give David Moyes first win|first=Jamie|last=Jackson|date=20 July 2013|location=Sydney|access-date=7 September 2020|website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref>
* [[AFC Champions League]] Most Valuable Player: [[2014 AFC Champions League|2014]]
* [[AFC Champions League]] Most Valuable Player: [[2014 AFC Champions League|2014]]


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==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
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* [http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/Players/C/COM.html Oz Football profile]
* [http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/Players/C/COM.html Oz Football profile]
* {{NFT player|pid=12413}}
* {{NFT player|pid=12413}}
* [https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/nov/20/ante-covic-you-need-to-be-a-little-bit-nuts-to-be-a-goalkeeper Ante Covic Interview]


{{A-League Goalkeeper of the Year}}
{{A-League Goalkeeper of the Year}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Covic, Ante}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Covic, Ante}}
[[Category:1975 births]]
[[Category:1975 births]]
⚫
[[Category:Australian soccer players]]
[[Category:Australian people of Croatian descent]]
[[Category:Australian people of Croatian descent]]
[[Category:Australia international soccer players]]
[[Category:Australia men's international soccer players]]
[[Category:A-League players]]
[[Category:A-League Men players]]
[[Category:Association football goalkeepers]]
[[Category:Men's association football goalkeepers]]
[[Category:Wellington Phoenix FC players]]
[[Category:Wellington Phoenix FC players]]
[[Category:Perth Glory FC players]]
[[Category:Perth Glory FC players]]
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[[Category:PAOK FC players]]
[[Category:PAOK FC players]]
[[Category:Kavala F.C. players]]
[[Category:Kavala F.C. players]]
[[Category:Hurstville Zagreb players]]
[[Category:Hurstville ZFC players]]
[[Category:APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC players]]
[[Category:APIA Leichhardt FC players]]
[[Category:Marconi Stallions FC players]]
[[Category:Marconi Stallions FC players]]
[[Category:Superleague Greece players]]
[[Category:Rockdale Ilinden FC players]]
[[Category:Super League Greece players]]
[[Category:Football League (Greece) players]]
[[Category:Football League (Greece) players]]
[[Category:2006 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:2006 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:Allsvenskan players]]
[[Category:Allsvenskan players]]
[[Category:National Soccer League (Australia) players]]
[[Category:National Soccer League (Australia) players]]
[[Category:Australian expatriate soccer players]]
[[Category:Australian expatriate men's soccer players]]
[[Category:Expatriate footballers in Greece]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Greece]]
[[Category:Australian expatriate sportspeople in Greece]]
[[Category:Australian expatriate sportspeople in Greece]]
[[Category:Expatriate footballers in Croatia]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Croatia]]
[[Category:Australian expatriate sportspeople in Croatia]]
[[Category:Australian expatriate sportspeople in Croatia]]
[[Category:Expatriate footballers in Sweden]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Sweden]]
[[Category:Australian expatriate sportspeople in Sweden]]
[[Category:Australian expatriate sportspeople in Sweden]]
[[Category:Soccer players from Sydney]]
[[Category:Soccer players from Sydney]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Croatian First Football League players]]
[[Category:Croatian Football League players]]
[[Category:National Premier Leagues players]]
[[Category:National Premier Leagues players]]
⚫
[[Category:Australian men's soccer players]]
[[Category:AFC Champions League-winning players]]

Latest revision as of 20:25, 29 March 2024

This article is about the Australian football (soccer) player. For the Croatian football player, see Ante Čović (Croatian footballer).

Ante Covic
Covic as goalkeeper for the Wanderers in 2013
Personal information
Full name Ante Covic[1]
Date of birth (1975-06-13) 13 June 1975 (age 48)
Place of birth Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Height 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in)
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Youth career
1995 Hurstville Zagreb
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1996–1997 APIA Leichhardt Tigers 23 (0)
1997–1999 Marconi Stallions 46 (0)
1999–2001 PAOK 8 (0)
2000 → AO Kavala (loan) 15 (0)
2001–2002 Dinamo Zagreb 0 (0)
2002–2007 Hammarby IF 121 (0)
2007–2009 Newcastle Jets 54 (0)
2009–2011 IF Elfsborg 59 (0)
2011–2012 Melbourne Victory 24 (0)
2012–2015 Western Sydney Wanderers 78 (0)
2015–2016 Perth Glory 28 (0)
2017–2018 Rockdale City Suns 49 (0)
2018 Wellington Phoenix 0 (0)
Total 505 (0)
International career
2006–2008 Australia 2 (0)
Managerial career
2018–2023 Marconi Stallions (goalkeeping coach)
2024- Bankstown City (Women)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Ante Covic (born 13 June 1975) is an Australian football manager and former soccer goalkeeper, and is the current manager of Bankstown City (Women) in NSW League One. Covic was a member of the Australian national team at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany and represented Australia on two occasions. In 2014 he was named Player of the Tournament for the 2014 AFC Champions League, keeping 8 clean sheets in 12 matches with the Western Sydney Wanderers as they defeated Al-Hilal in the final.

Personal life[edit]

Covic is of Croatian heritage. He is married to Vanessa Covic and has two children, Emelie and Christopher.[2]

Club career[edit]

He formerly played for Marconi Stallions and Sydney Olympic in Australia's National Soccer League, PAOK Salonika and AO Kavala in Greece and Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia.

Hammarby IF[edit]

After Australia in 1999, Covic made numerous appearances for various European clubs before arriving in Hammarby IF, a Swedish club based in Stockholm. There he battled Erland Hellström for the spot as first keeper. About a month into the Swedish Allsvenskan series, Covic made his debut between the posts (however, not his debut game with Hammarby as he made an appearance roughly three weeks earlier in a cup game) and after that he was more or less given in the starting eleven.

Covic left Hammarby in 2006 after having played 121 games - a feat that has only been surpassed by three other goalkeepers in the club's history.[3]

Newcastle Jets[edit]

Ante Covic training with Newcastle in 2008.

Covic made his A-League debut in a 3–2 loss to Adelaide United in December 2006 at Hindmarsh Stadium. Čović was the starting goalkeeper for Newcastle Jets in the 2007 season, in which he won the A-League championship. On 17 March 2009, it was announced that Covic was leaving the Jets for a three-year deal with Swedish club IF Elfsborg.

Melbourne Victory[edit]

On 4 October 2011, Covic signed a one-year deal with Melbourne Victory as an injury replacement for Tando Velaphi, who was ruled out for 12 weeks. Čović debuted in the opening game of the A-League season against Sydney FC at the Etihad Stadium. Covic achieved instant hero status with the home fans when he saved Emerton from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute, he was named man of the match in the 0–0 draw. He was again named man of the match after the Melbourne Derby two weeks later.

In the A-League fifth round match between Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory in 2011, Covic, along with fellow Victory defender Matthew Foschini, were controversially sent off by referee Ben Williams for challenges against Roar defenders, reducing the Victory to playing with nine men throughout the match.[4]

On 1 May 2012, it was announced new Melbourne Victory coach Ange Postecoglou would not resign the veteran goalkeeper, opting to stay with younger goalkeepers Lawrence Thomas and Tando Velaphi. This decision followed Covic winning the Player's Player of the Year award at the Melbourne Victory Awards Dinner.

Western Sydney Wanderers[edit]

On 2 July 2012, Covic joined A-League expansion club Western Sydney Wanderers on a free transfer.[5] The Wanderers performed above expectations and won the Premier's Plate in their maiden season,[6] with Čović being named in the inaugural A-League All-Star team.[7] He helped his side to win 2014 AFC Champions League, keeping 8 clean sheets in 12 matches. The Wanderers defeated Al-Hilal in the final, after which he was named as MVP of the tournament.

Perth Glory[edit]

On 8 July 2015, Covic joined Perth Glory.[8]

Rockdale City and retirement[edit]

In June 2016, at the end of his contract, Covic decided to leave Perth Glory to return east to be closer to his family,[9] and joined Rockdale City Suns in January 2017.[10] He retired from football at the end of the 2018 NPL season in November 2018, after two seasons at the club, to take a position as goalkeeper coach for Marconi Stallions.[11] In December, he joined Wellington Phoenix as short-term injury cover following an injury to first-choice goalkeeper Filip Kurto.[12] He remained on the bench for the duration of the side's 3–1 win over Sydney FC.[13]

International career[edit]

He was part of the Australian squad for the 2006 World Cup play-offs against Uruguay and was Australia's third choice goalkeeper behind Mark Schwarzer and Zeljko Kalac for the finals in Germany.

He made his debut for Australia against Bahrain on 22 February 2006 in an Asian Cup qualifier. On 22 March 2008 he earned his second and last cap against Singapore in an international friendly and was captain for part of the second half after Harry Kewell and Jade North left the field.

Career statistics[edit]

As of 15 May 2015

CS = Clean Sheets

Club Season Division League1 Cup International2 Total
Apps CS Apps CS Apps CS Apps CS
Marconi Stallions 1997–98[14] National Soccer League 25 14 0 0 0 0 25 14
1998–99[14] 21 7 0 0 0 0 21 7
Total 46 21 0 0 0 0 46 21
PAOK 1999–2000[14][15] Alpha Ethniki 4 1 2 2 3 1 9 4
2000–01[15] 4 0 1 0 0 0 4 0
Total 8 1 3 2 3 1 13 4
AO Kavala (loan) 1999–2000 Alpha Ethniki 15 ? 0 0 0 0 15 0
Total 15 ? 0 0 0 0 15 0
Dinamo Zagreb 2001–02 Prva HNL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Hammarby IF 2002[14][15] Allsvenskan 20 0 0 0 2 0 22 0
2003[15] 26 12 0 0 0 0 26 12
2004[14][15] 26 9 0 0 4 1 30 10
2005[15] 26 8 0 0 0 0 26 8
2006[15] 23 9 0 0 0 0 23 9
Total 121 38 0 0 6 1 127 39
Newcastle Jets 2006–07[16] A-League 8 3 0 0 0 0 8 3
2007–08[14][16] 25 8 5 2 0 0 30 10
2008–09[14][16][17] 21 3 3 1 2 1 26 5
Total 54 14 8 3 2 1 64 18
IF Elfsborg 2009[17] Allsvenskan 29 10 2 0 6 4 37 14
2010[17] 17 5 0 0 4 2 21 7
2011[17] 13 6 2 1 3 1 18 8
Total 59 21 4 1 13 7 76 29
Melbourne Victory 2011–12[16] A-League 24 3 0 0 0 0 24 3
Total 24 3 0 0 0 0 24 3
Western Sydney Wanderers 2012–13[16] A-League 29 11 – – – – 29 11
2013–14[16][17] 28 10 – – 12 8 40 18
2014–15[16][17] 21 3 1 0 6 2 28 5
Total 78 24 1 0 18 10 97 34
Career Total 405 121 13 4 42 21 460 145

1 – includes A-League final series statistics
 2 – includes continental tournaments and FIFA Club World Cup; AFC Champions League statistics are included in season ending during group stages (i.e. ACL 2014 and A-League season 2013–14 etc.)

National team statistics[edit]

As of 23 January 2014

CS = Clean Sheets[17]

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