Football Australia have announced that 26 clubs have successfully proceeded to the next phase of the National Second Tier (NST) competition.

Included in the 26 clubs are South Melbourne FC, Heidelberg United FC, Sydney Olympic FC and Olympic FC.

The four ‘Greek’ teams, alongside the other 22 teams, all passed the first Expression of Interest phase and are ready for the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage.

Prior to this announcement, Olympic FC President Mr Peter Ioannidis said that we are in for exciting times as football fans.

“These are exciting times for all involved with football in Australia. This is a great opportunity for clubs to showcase their wares on a national stage and it gives another group of young players an opportunity to become professional players and experience life as a professional playing football as a living,” he said.

“Imagine the crowds that will come and watch clubs like Melbourne Croatia play against Olympic. What an atmosphere this would create on a fortnightly basis for those people that love their football. The last time Olympic met the Melbourne Knights in 2014 was in a round of 32 FFA Cup game at Goodwin Park which drew a crowd of almost 4000 people. It was a great night of football.”

Football Australia’s CEO, James Johnson, commented on the commencement of the second phase and the exciting journey ahead for the participating clubs.

“We are delighted to announce the 26 shortlisted clubs for the National Second Tier competition, reflecting the passion and dedication that these clubs have shown in their pursuit of elevating Australian football,” he said.

“This significant milestone brings us one step closer to realising our 15-year vision for the sport, and we eagerly anticipate working hand-in-hand with these clubs to establish a thriving and sustainable National Second Tier competition.

“Together, we will shape the future landscape of football in Australia, offering new opportunities for growth and development while reconnecting and realigning our nation’s football competitions.”

The full 26 clubs from across Australia include:

ACT

1. Canberra Croatia FC

2. Gungahlin United FC

NSW     

3. APIA Leichhardt FC

4. Fraser Park FC

5. Marconi Stallions FC

6. Rockdale Ilinden FC

7. Sydney Olympic FC

8. Sydney United 58 FC

9. Sutherland Sharks FC / Cronulla Sharks

10. Wollongong Wolves FC

QLD

11. Brisbane City FC

12. Brisbane United FC (Wynnum Wolves FC, Brisbane Strikers FC, Virginia United FC)

13. Gold Coast Knights F.C.

14. Gold Coast United FC

15. Olympic FC

16. Sunshine Coast FC

SA

17. Adelaide City FC

18. Football South Australia

Tasmania     

19. South Hobart FC

Victoria

20. Avondale FC

21. Brunswick Juventus FC

22. Green Gully SC

23. Heidelberg United FC

24. Melbourne Knights FC

25. Preston Lions FC

26. South Melbourne FC

The next phase will run from May to July and it will be followed by an assessment and recommendation phase from July to August, and is anticipated to be completed by September to October.

The new competition is expected to begin in March 2024 and will include 10-16 teams with a home and away, finals structure of 24 to 36 games. However, this isn’t set in stone as other models may be used such as the ‘Champions League’ format.