- Heidelberg United have beaten three A-League sides
- Also yet to concede a goal in the Australia Cup
- Face Newcastle Jets in the final on Saturday night
- No state league team has ever won the competition
Heidelberg United’s run to the Australia Cup final has been impressive – but if the part-time footballers from Victoria hoist the silverware on Saturday night, it will be an own goal for the A-League.
The ‘Bergers’ have swept aside A-League opposition in Western Sydney Wanderers (3-0), Wellington Phoenix (4-0) and Auckland FC (2-0) – and now have the Newcastle Jets in their sights.
Victory for the underdogs at Lakeside Stadium in Victoria would see them become the first club from outside the A-League to win the Australia Cup – and also potentially see them qualify to the AFC Champions League Two competition for the 2026-27 season.
Astonishingly, Heidelberg are yet to concede a goal in four matches.
John Anastasiadis’ squad also reportedly cancelled an end of season trip to Bali following their impressive Cup run.
Standing in their way this weekend is Mark Milligan’s youthful squad.
Heidelberg United’s run to the Australia Cup final has been impressive – but if the part-time footballers hoist the silverware on Saturday, it will be an own goal for the A-League (pictured left, skipper Anthony Lesiotis)
Newcastle’s last piece of silverware was the A-League title in 2008 – and new coach Mark Milligan won’t underestimate his opposition at Lakeside Stadium this weekend
His opposite John Anastasiadis is daring to dream big, with his squad potentially in a position to qualify to the AFC Champions League Two competition for the 2026-27 season
Newcastle’s last piece of silverware was the A-League title in 2008 – and the new head coach won’t underestimate his opposition, who will have the crowd on their side.
‘Regardless of whether we are favourites, we have to capitalise on key moments in the game,’ Milligan said.
‘Our ultimate focus is becoming a better team and winning trophies.’
Anastasiadis is daring to dream big – and while he respects his A-League opposition, he doesn’t fear them.
‘It’s important to stress that the journey to getting here has been phenomenal,’ he said.
‘To beat three A-League teams…anyone in this position would say: you know what, you deserve to be in the final.
‘For our boys, I don’t think anyone expected us to be in this position.
‘If we win this game, it probably gives belief to a lot of NPL clubs throughout the country, that if you believe and you’re confident, nothing’s impossible.
‘I think it (win) will change everything in Australian football. I believe so. The biggest carrot – going to Asia – is something dreams are made of.’
Max Burgess looms as the dangerman for Newcastle, while Heidelberg’s Anthony Lesiotis will look to pull the strings in midfield.
Kick-off is 7.40pm AEDT, with coverage on Channel 10 and Paramount+.
