Canberra Croatia return to the national stage this Wednesday night, set to host South Australian powerhouse MetroStars in the Round of 32 of the Hahn Australia Cup at Deakin Stadium.
It’s the club’s third appearance in the Final Rounds of the prestigious national tournament – and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
After falling short in both 2018 and 2023, the reigning Capital Football Federation Cup champions are aiming to make history with their first-ever win in the Hahn Australia Cup round of 32.
Kick-off is set for 7:30pm, and the atmosphere is expected to be electric under the lights at Deakin, with a vocal home crowd rallying behind a squad that has been dominant all season.
Unfinished business on the national stage
While the club boasts an incredible 20 Federation Cup titles, success on the national front has eluded Canberra Croatia—until now, they hope.
Veteran defender Daniel Subašić, who made his Australia Cup debut as a teenager back in 2018, is preparing to play in his third Round of 32 fixture. He is one of three players in the current squad – alongside Thomas James and Mathew Grbeša – with experience at this level.
James famously scored the club’s first-ever Australia Cup goal back in 2018, while Grbeša, the club’s 38-year-old vice-captain, continues to lead by example both on and off the field.
“I’ve been here since juniors,” said Grbeša, who has surpassed 290 NPL appearances for the club. “My dad played for the club, I played for the club as a junior as well, so I’ve gone through the ranks.”
Youth meets experience in Canberra’s Croatian heartbeat
This 2025 Canberra Croatia squad is a potent mix of youth and experience, with an average age under 25 and over half the team of Croatian descent. Among the exciting young talents are 20-year-old Nicholas Pratežina, currently leading the club’s NPL scoring charts, and 18-year-old Riley Zsuzsa, who has impressed as the youngest regular first-team player.
“The club’s got a great mentality,” Grbeša added. “Every game’s a championship final for us, so we play it like that, and preparation has been no different.”
That mentality has paid off. With two-thirds of the NPL season behind them, Canberra Croatia sits firmly at the top of the ladder, boasting an incredible 53 goals in 14 matches—an average of nearly four per game. They’ve also conceded just 15 goals, an impressive figure.
Add 16 more goals from their cup campaign and this is a side that’s as lethal going forward as it is disciplined at the back.
MetroStars Await—Battle of the Best
The challenge awaiting Canberra Croatia is formidable. MetroStars are the current league leaders in South Australia’s NPL and come to Deakin with a reputation for attacking football and a proud history of their own.
But assistant coach Andy Rakic, who will take the reins on Wednesday night, is confident in the side’s preparation.
“We’ve had a really strong season,” Rakic said. “We’re top of the ladder, and coming off a 7-1 win last week. It’s about going out there and enjoying it. No pressure.”
“It’s Canberra’s best versus Adelaide’s best. A lot of people have been talking about that. Now we get to find out who’s really on top.”
Rakic is also looking forward to the rare opportunity of a night match at home.
“We usually play Sunday afternoons for the older Croatian fans,” he laughed. “But the boys love these night games. When the crowd’s behind us—it’s all on.”
Generations of Passion
For many of the Canberra Croatia players, representing the club isn’t just about football—it’s about heritage. Grbeša’s son, Hugo, is just one of many young fans eager to cheer on their heroes from the stands.
“Really excited,” Hugo grinned when asked about watching his dad play on Wednesday. “It’s going to be a pretty good game, hey?”
One Win From History
With a perfect run through the preliminary rounds—racking up wins against ANU, Monaro Panthers, Tuggeranong United, and Queanbeyan City—Canberra Croatia enter the Round of 32 full of confidence.
But now, it’s time to turn potential into history.
Should they defeat MetroStars on Wednesday night, Canberra Croatia will become only the third team from the ACT to advance beyond this stage in the Cup’s history—and the first since 2016.
For Canberra Croatia, Wednesday’s match is an opportunity to showcase their quality on the national stage — and perhaps make club history with a first-ever win in the Hahn Australia Cup Final Rounds.
For many players, these games are a huge opportunity in their career which is a monumental occasion.
For Grbeša, when asked what advice he’d give to younger players coming through, he kept it simple: “Enjoy your football. I think that’s the big one.”
Kick-off is at 7:30pm at Deakin Stadium, with the match also broadcast live on 10 Play.
Match Details
Canberra Croatia FC vs North Eastern MetroStars SC
🗓️ Wednesday, 30 July 2025
⏰ Kick-off: 7:30pm AEST
📍 Deakin Stadium, Canberra
📺 Live on 10 Play
