The time for the grand final of the Dockerty Cup has arrived, and it is attracting the interest of the Greek community. The finalists are none other than two historical clubs full of Hellenism.
The Cannons from Oakleigh will take on Alexandros from Heidelberg in a battle to the death.
Trophies are an end in themselves for teams of the two rivals’ stature, and they are sure to give it their all to leave the Kingston Heath Soccer Complex with the trophy in their luggage.
This year’s Dockerty Cup marathon saw the participation of 218 clubs from across Victoria, a record number for the last nine years in which the event has been in its current form.
Cannons FC are hoping to make history this year with their shot at the ‘parochial’ Victorian football trophy.
After a valiant effort last year, but losing 2-1 to Bentleigh Greens in the finals, they have had a season of hard work and preparation, motivated by the chance to bring the trophy to their club for the first time ever.
Heidelberg United has won the trophy once, though they haven’t been in the finals since 2017, where they also lost to Pancyprios.
South Melbourne and Melbourne Hakoah have both won the trophy eight times, placing them second on the list of teams with the most victories in history.
The most successful team of the tournament is Melbourne Knights, who have won the trophy an impressive nine times. All eyes will be on Cannons FC as they aim to make history and add the coveted silverware to their collection.
Named in honour of the former president of the Football Association of Victoria, Harry Dockerty, this extraordinary event holds a history spanning over 110 years, having first been established in 1909.
Despite its length of time, the event was left unheld in the three years from 1916 to 1918 as a result of the First World War, and in an unexpected twist of fate, the federation decided to discontinue it in 1996 without explanation.
The Dockerty Cup took a one-season hiatus in 2004, reemerging as the Crazy Johns Cup. It stayed in the freezer for the next five years until 2011, when it returned as the Mirabella Cup. The following two years, the event was known as the FFV State Knockout Cup, and since 2014, it has taken the name and form we know today.
Every year, the Dockerty Cup brings surprises, generates strong emotions, and fills with pride the teams that manage to conquer it.
It is certain that the footballers of the two historic clubs will give it their all to be the ones to lift the important trophy into the Victorian sky.
The big match will be held on Friday, August 4th at 7:30 PM at the Bentleigh Greens ground at the Kingston Heath Soccer Complex, located at 301 Center Dandenong Road in Cheltenham.
Let’s hope we witness a final full of football spectacle and passion for victory – don’t miss it!
May the best team win!
