Heidelberg United FC will take on Newcastle Jets FC in the Australia Cup final this Saturday 4 October.
In what is sure to be a historic decider, Heidelberg have the opportunity to become the first member federation side to lift the cup, and coach John Anastasiadis knows the enormity of the occasion.
“I think last time Heidelberg won a cup like this was in 1980, had a phenomenal team then with Socceroos – 45 years later if we can do it again, that’ll be something else. It will elevate the club to another level,” he told media at a press conference at Olympic Village on Tuesday.
The Bergers have stunned three A-League opponents on their way to the decider, eliminating Western Sydney Wanderers, Wellington Phoenix, and Auckland FC, all while racking up a +9-goal difference.
It marks just the second time a Member Federation club has reached the Final in the modern era, giving Heidelberg a chance to etch their name in Australian football history.
“If we win this game it probably gives relief to a lot of NPL clubs across the country if you believe it and your confident nothing’s impossible,” Anastasiadis said.
“I think it’ll change everything in Australian football. Knowing the biggest carrot is going to Asia, it’s something that dreams are made of.”
“(For) our supporters, who haven’t seen this sort of thing for years – for them to be a part of it, they’re super excited.”
He said everyone from the community has been wishing them the best, the other NPL clubs too.
While winning the whole thing may bring eyes to him for a coaching gig elsewhere, Anastasiadis is much more focused on Heidelberg and wants to see them go to another level.
“I want to see the players get their reward, some of them were in the A-League, didn’t quite make it, well this is another opportunity,” he said.
He said for the ones who are striving to get there, this is a look at the national stage.
“I will have more satisfaction seeing some of these boys getting that opportunity again.”
One of those players is Anthony Lesiotis, who has had stints with Melbourne City, Melbourne Victory and Western Sydney Wanderers in the A-League.
When asked how the players are approaching the game, he said it’s no different to how they’ve prepared other games this year.
“We’ve been approaching it as we would any other game, obviously the occasion’s there and we know it’s an enormous game… we try to keep it normal as we can,” he said.
However it has begun to set in what this could mean for them.
“I think it’s starting to really hit us now that we get closer that for some of us or maybe all of us, it could be the only chance we get to win this trophy.
“To be able to go play in Asia is just something a semi-professional footballer wouldn’t even think about before the season or even if you join an NPL club.”
Lesiotis also had a message for the Alexandros faithful to keep coming down, keep bringing that great atmosphere.
“We’ve has some amazing support through this competition and through our NPL campaign,” he said.
“They are one of the biggest parts as to why we’re so successful and why so many of us players love playing for this club and putting smiles on peoples faces.”
As someone who has seen highs and lows of professional football in Australia, the 25-year-old said playing for Heidelberg has been a revelation.
“Playing here as a kid and watching this club from young has obviously been one of the main reasons I came back,” he said.
“I was in a bit of a limbo area in my football career, I didn’t really know what I wanted and where I would to go. I think it’s really helped bring back that love for the game.
“Especially under Johnny and the coaches, it’s been nothing but good times and good memories and something that I’m glad I decided to jump into and join this group of players and club that’s got so much history.”
Heidelberg United FC will take on Newcastle Jets FC on Saturday, 4 October, at Lakeside Stadium (7.40pm AEST).
