Buoyed by an impressive $2 million refurb, Melbourne Knights are on the verge of returning to the national stage.
Over 21 years since the Knights played their final NSL game, current president Šime Pinčić revealed that the club is preparing an official application to join the Championship.
Whilst the Knights exercised caution and refused to apply alongside Sydney United for the inaugural 2025 kick-off, a massive Somers Street refurb has left the famous club plotting a return to the national spotlight.
Sydney United is the only confirmed Croatian-backed club in the inaugural edition of the Championship, kicking of this October.
Coinciding with the 30-year anniversary of the club’s maiden
NSL title, the Knights feel this is the perfect springboard for a formal application for 2026.
“We are in talks with Football Australia and at this stage we are planning to submit an application to be part of the (Championship) in 2026. It’s due in July,” Pinčić said.
“We were not completely comfortable with the conditions
to be part of the first season in 2025.
“But with the changes made by Football Australia and all the works that have taken place at Knights Stadium in the last 18 months, we believe the club is in a position to apply.
Now known as Tompsett Stadium, a $2 million-plus refurb leaves the club well-placed to host national second tier matches.
The works include new changerooms, junior pitches and corporate facility upgrades plus asphalt and drainage works plus a new green space at the clubrooms.
Ante Jurić’s United has drawn APIA Leichardt FC and the Premier from WA and SA, which could be ex-NSL club Adelaide City. The Raiders are 10 points adrift.
United will host the SA or WA premier at Edensor Park on Sunday October 12. Avondale FC have joined former NSL sides Preston Lions and South Melbourne as Victoria’s foundation representatives as part of the confirmed eight clubs.
The top-ranked side from each top tier state and territory competition this season will join them.
The in augural competition will be a group format (four groups of four), before the knockout phase commences culminating in a final on December 6 or 7.
The Knights’ hopes of qualifying as the top-placed Victorian side are all but over after a slow start to the 2025 season, which saw coach Ivan Franjić resign.
Heidelberg United, Dandenong Thunder and Oakleigh are in the box seat to be Victoria’s additional representative, populating positions two-to-four on the ladder.
This article is from the May Edition of Hrvatski Vjesnik.