Magic leads Australian Championship pool after midfielder's six-week break
Jack Simmons returned from a six-week European break and helped Magic reach the top of Pool B.
Jack Simmons spent six weeks travelling through Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia and Britain over July and early August. Jack Simmons did not touch a soccer ball once.
When he came back to Broadmeadow Magic, he had to fight to win his spot back in the squad. Now he's among the team's best performers as Magic sits at the top of Pool B in the Australian Championship.
Simmons said the mental break was exactly what he needed. "It was probably the best thing for me," he said.
"I feel refreshed and a few people have commented that I look fit and am moving better." Magic beat Avondale 2-1 and Adelaide City 3-2 in recent games.
They face top-of-the-table rival APIA Leichhardt on Saturday, with a win nearly guaranteeing them a spot in the next stage.
- Six weeks
- Simmons' break length
- Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Britain
- Countries visited
- Jim Cresnar
- Coach
- Avondale 2-1, Adelaide City 3-2
- Recent wins
Why it mattersSimmons' revival shows how recovery time can sharpen an athlete, especially when competition runs all year. A win Saturday keeps Magic's path to the title wide open.
AustraliaBroadmeadow Magic play in Newcastle, NSW, and their Australian Championship run is a major local sporting milestone after finishing last in their pool in 2025.
