diff --git a/cluster/applications/minecraft/application.yaml b/cluster/applications/minecraft/application.yaml
index f03c804..e4de865 100644
--- a/cluster/applications/minecraft/application.yaml
+++ b/cluster/applications/minecraft/application.yaml
@@ -12,6 +12,9 @@ spec:
     repoURL: https://gitea.mk-labs.cloud/rblundon/homelab.git
     targetRevision: main
     path: cluster/applications/minecraft
+    directory:
+      recurse: false
+      exclude: application.yaml  # prevent self-reference loop with apps-of-apps
   destination:
     server: https://kubernetes.default.svc
     namespace: minecraft