The FFA Cup has dealt up some intriguing fixtures for our Victorian NPL clubs, with Green Gully’s fixture against A-League opponents Central Coast Mariners the highlight of the Round of 32 draw.
Melbourne Knights will host their first ever FFA Cup fixture at Knights Stadium against Cockburn City, while at the other end of the spectrum, ABD Stadium will pay host to a fourth fixture as Hume City were drawn another home fixture to play Marconi Stallions.
Bentleigh Greens are the only Victorian member federation club to travel for their match-up, as they travel to Adelaide to take on North Eastern MetroStars.
As for the Melbourne-based A-League clubs, Melbourne Victory travel to Hunter Stadium – a ground they’ve famously struggled at – to take on Newcastle Jets, while an Aaron Mooy-less Melbourne City will take on member federation club Floreat Athena, who are on their FFA Cup debut.
Bentleigh Greens 
FFA Cup history: Patient zero in what effect FFA Cup success can have on a member federation club, Bentleigh Greens’ journey to the Semi-Final in 2014 saw the unlikely bunch from Melbourne’s South East become the media darlings of Australian football. Their journey through the competition also considerably raised the club’s profile as well as cash reserves, stemming from a 3,300 strong crowd that packed into Kingston Heath to witness their 3-0 loss to Perth Glory that ended their campaign. At the time, coach John Anastasiadis was asked by The Corner Flag how they would best capitalise on their new-found status.
I think it is the biggest thing that could’ve happened to the club, and hopefully the club will be better for it,” he said at the time.
“Hopefully a lot of people of people will come on board now and help out these clubs in the lower leagues, because without the support of those people you can’t really go far.
“If this FFA Cup is to become bigger and better, we’ve got to attract some good players too, and the lower leagues have to get better, and more professional to match it with the A-League clubs.
The ripples effect of that Cup run has lead to the Greens becoming one of the most stable club’s in the competition, with a squad packed with depth that they haven’t possessed in the past, their downfall last year as they fell three games short of the National Stage after a 4-3 loss to Ballarat Red Devils in 2015.
2016 journey: Bentleigh took nothing for granted this season, having been delivered a reality check after their early exit to lower league opposition last year. They’ve been ruthless in qualifying, piling on 17 goals in their four matches, including a stunning 4-0 victory over South Melbourne to put them through to the National Stage of the FFA Cup.
Interestingly enough, the only goal they’ve conceded came just three minutes into their campaign, against State League One opponents Diamond Valley United, a game in which they went on to win 6-1. Two regional trips followed, as the Greens travelled first to Goulburn Valley Suns, who they dispatched 4-0, and then Murray United, who they beat 3-0.
Their chief destroyer has been Matthew Thurtell, who netted three consecutive braces heading into the game against South Melbourne. His welcome return to fitness provides a welcomed boost to Bentleigh’s chances of progressing deep into the FFA Cup competition proper. On the other end of the scale, Ross Archibald will miss the fixture against the MetroStars after seriously injuring his shoulder in the final qualifying round.
The opponent: North Eastern MetroStars (NPLSA) The MetroStars are no strangers to the FFA Cup, as the 2014 NPL South Australia Champions featured in the 2015 edition of the cup competition. They made it through to the Round of 16, where they were defeated by Victorian opposition in Oakleigh Cannons 1-0. It’s not all bad in terms of the MetroStars’ record against Victorian opposition, as they beat South Melbourne 2-1 in the 2014 National Premier League Finals, on their way to the national title, which earned their qualification into the 2015 FFA Cup.
The MetroStars currently sit seventh in the NPLSA top-flight and qualified as the only South Australian member federation representative after winning their state cup competition with a 1-0 win over the Adelaide Comets.
A familiar face will grace the Greens on their journey to South Australia, with former Socceroo and Adelaide United veteran Travis Dodd on the books of the Adelaide-based club, while ex-Northcote City winger Liam Wooding may also feature.
They have won eight titles in the South Australian top-flight since 2003.
Coach’s thoughts: “Both teams will feel confident in getting through and we’ve got to do another road trip which we don’t mind. It’s not going to be an easy game as they almost progressed to the Quarter-Finals of the competition last year and have got some good players such as Travis Dodd and Fabian Barbiero. So we’re under no illusions and know this will be a tough one.” -Greens coach John Anastasiadis
Player thoughts: “Obviously it would have been better to get a home tie but we’ve played away in this competition before as well as in the Dockerty Cup this season, where we have had a couple of road trips. I’m quietly confident the boys can do the job again.” -Greens defender Jack Webster
Green Gully 
FFA Cup history: It’s an FFA Cup debut for the Keilor-based outfit, who arguably possess their strongest squad since the Cup competition’s inception. They have potency up front, experience at the back and the right mix of creativity and graft in midfield to make a real charge at the competition.
Like Bentleigh, Green Gully’s 2015 journey came to a halt in Round Five of qualifying (Round of 32), which came at the hands of Kingston City, who had an extra-time goal to Sean McIlroy to thank for their progression. Their opening Round Four fixture saw them scrape over the line to State League opponents Diamond Valley United in a 2-1 result, now Avondale FC striker Matthew Sanders hitting a match winning brace.
They were one step closer to progression the year prior, knocked out in the Qualifying Round of 16 to eventual finalists Melbourne Knights in a 4-1 result.
2016 journey: They’ve had to fight out their fair share of results on their way to the FFA Cup national stage, and even had to test their mettle in a penalty shootout as they progressed through four tough fixtures.
Their entrance in Round Four saw them rack up a last-ditch win over State League One side Cairnlea FC, coming from former Brisbane Roar man George Lambaridis in the 86th minute. Gully’ drew State League Two opponents Geelong SC in the next round, with the man responsible for knocking them out last year in Sean McIlroy lining up for the opposition. The teams were inseparable after 120 minutes, which took them to spot-kicks, Gully holding their nerve to progress 4-3.
Two tougher games followed, first against last year’s FFA Cup Quarter Finalists Heidelberg United, who were downed 2-0 with a host of injury concerns. A 1-0 victory over Bulleen Lions put them through to the national stage, courtesy of a goal from defensive stalwart Roddy Vargas.
The crucial performances of the 37-year-old former Melbourne Victory defender creates an interesting sub-narrative to their qualification, marking a return to national football after what has been almost a five-year absence. His form throughout the competition has been superb alongside Daniel Jones and Rani Dowisha, who have been rewarded with four clean sheets in qualifying.
The opponent: Central Coast Mariners (A-League) The reward for a tough qualification campaign is a match-up with A-League opposition Central Coast Mariners, who make the trip south to Green Gully Reserve. Arthur Papas’ men will get the chance to test themselves against the 2013 A-League Champions, who finished bottom in the 2015-16 A-League season, 12 points adrift of Wellington Phoenix in ninth.
Coached by Englishman Tony Walmsley, the Mariners have utilised the talent available to them in the NPL Victoria, having had Francesco Stella (Avondale FC), Alastair Bray (Bentleigh Greens), Tomislav Uskok (Melbourne Knights) and Dan Heffernan (Heidelberg United) all on their books last season.
Central Coast have enjoyed a mixed bag of results in the FFA Cup to date, making it to the Semi-Finals in 2014, but going out in the first round to Wellington Phoenix last week.
They hold a perfect record against member federation clubs in the FFA Cup.
Coach’s thoughts: “It’s going to be very difficult but at the same time they’re coming to our ground and we’ll do everything we can do prepare as best as we can for it. We’re playing against an A-League side who have been given that opportunity at the top level and our players have not so we have nothing to lose and will do our best to advance to the next stage of the competition.” -Gully coach Arthur Papas
Player thoughts: “Very excited, we are on the national stage now and we have drawn an A-league team, it’s going to be a massive test and to be honest I have complete faith in my team and believe that if we play to the best of our ability we can come out winners and make the final 16. It will create a good buzz around the club – support from local teams and the community will be much appreciated as its a David and Goliath match and we would love a massive home crowd to help us get over the line” – Gully midfielder Evan Christodoulou
“The lads are all really excited about drawing Central Coast Mariners and getting to chance to play against A-league opposition to see where we measure up against them.” -Gully forward Liam Boland
Hume City 
FFA Cup history: The never say die attitude of Hume City and its home support pushed the Broadmeadows-based battlers all the way through to the FFA Cup Semi-Finals, where they were paired up with eventual winners Melbourne Victory.
However they looked all but dead and buried within just 90 minutes of their campaign, having conceded an injury-time goal to Brisbane Strikers fullback Scot Coulson, which put their opponents 2-1 up. A swift push up the pitch from the resulting kick-off saw Marcus Schroen head home an equaliser immediately after to send the game into extra-time, where Schroen once again equalised immediately after a Coulson goal. A 120th minute own goal sent them through into the Round of 16, where they saw off Sydney United 3-1 at ABD Stadium.
A third straight home fixture saw them take on NPL Victoria rivals Oakleigh Cannons, with a brace from Theo Markelis locking the game up at 2-2 after 90 minutes. Up stepped Schroen once more, who tapped home from a keeper spill in the 118th minute to set a date with the Victory.
Despite matching their A-League oppositions for large portions of the clash at AAMI Park, they eventually fell to a 3-0 defeat, with two goals coming late as Hume chased an equaliser.
They looked odds on to qualify in 2014 also, after getting a favourable final qualifying round draw against State League One opponents South Springvale, having piled on 19 goals unanswered in their three games prior. However cup specialists Aris were able to seal a memorable 3-0 win to launch themselves into the national stages.
2016 journey: A relatively kind draw saw Hume City avoid the so-called heavyweights of Victorian football. Their journey began with a narrow 1-0 win over Brunswick City, who were flying in the NPL2 East at that stage of the season.
They dished out Dandenong Thunder’s only loss of the season in the next round, with a 3-1 win at George Andrews Reserve, following that up with a 4-0 win over State League One side Malvern City. A match against Richmond SC was all that stood between them and a second consecutive foray into the FFA Cup, and they were able to get past their NPL Victoria rivals with a 4-0 win, courtesy of a brace to Kym Harris and further goals to Theo Markelis and Tom Cahill.
Despite an inconsistent league campaign to date, Lou Acevski’s side are peaking at the right moment and are one of the form teams in the competition at the moment. Mid-season signing Craig Carley is one of those leading the charge, but the Englishman remains Cup-tied after featuring for Goulburn Valley Suns in their failed FFA Cup campaign.
The opponent: Marconi Stallions (NPL2 NSW) The fallen giants of New South Wales football make their FFA Cup debuts in the third iteration of the competition. After almost 30 years playing in the NSL which included four national titles, the Stallions were demoted to the State Leagues after the national league folded in 2004.
They won the title in 2012, but have struggled in the NPL era, which saw them relegated in 2015, after a season that yielded just seven points. The Stallions currently sit fourth on the NPL2 ladder and are aiming for promotion back to the top-flight of New South Wales football. As such, they are the equal lowest team on the Australian footballing pyramid to qualify for the competition.
The club is also home to former Oakleigh Cannons pair Mirjan Pavlovic and Sean Rooney who have 20 league goals between them this season. Completing a potent front half is former Newcastle Jets man Marko Jesic who has 12 goals this season and will likely be a marked man at ABD Stadium, while they also house former Sydney Olympic captain Petar Markovic.
Coach’s thoughts: “I’m happy with the draw because I wanted another home game and that’s what we have got. Marconi are a good team with a rich history and are pushing to get back into the NPL so it will be a tough game for us but one where we will be hoping to progress from.” -Hume coach Lou Acevski
Player thoughts: “It’s going be a very tough game but to get the home advantage it will play a huge role in us progressing to the next stage of the competition.” -Hume goalkeeper Chris Oldfield
Melbourne Knights
FFA Cup history: Their first foray into the FFA Cup Round of 32 saw them travel to Goodwin Park in Brisbane, where they met Olympic FC, who took out a 3-1 win in front of their home fans. It was as if their journey in 2014 was over as soon as it had started, after plenty of pre-match build up playing on the once NSL powerhouses return to top-tier football in Australia.
They progressed to the national stage that season in 2014 with a win against bitter rivals South Melbourne in a 2-0 result. They grabbed a 4-0 win against Whittlesea Ranges in the first round of the cup, before getting past Mornington SC on penalties and then Green Gully 4-1.
They bowed out two games short of qualification last season in a memorable contest against bitter rivals South Melbourne FC, with the Knights crumbling to defeat after holding a 1-0 lead for half an hour, courtesy of skipper Tomislav Uskok. Goals to Milos Lujic and a brace to Nick Epifano in the final seven minutes sealed passageway for South.
2016 journey: The Knights take a youthful squad into this season’s FFA Cup campaign, one that is largely different to that of their 2014 campaign. In fact, only seven players remain from that ill-fated campaign, one it was one of them that effectively launched them into the national stages of the FFA Cup once more.
A brace to fan-favourite Marijan Cvitkovic sealed their progression into the main draw in a 2-0 win over Port Melbourne at Knights Stadium, in a game lacked conviction from either side.
In the lead-up to the final qualifying round, the Knights cruised past State League Three high-fliers Eltham Redbacks 7-0 with Jason Hicks grabbing a hat-trick in that fixture. Staring at an early Cup exit once more, with the score reading 1-0 to Oakleigh Cannons in the 89th minute, Milan Batur and Josh Brekalo each found the back of the net to somehow prolong their FFA Cup journey.
Three goals in the first half saw the Knights cruise through the penultimate qualifying round, in a 3-1 win over Dandenong City.
The opponent: Cockburn City (NPL WA) One of two Western Australian clubs to qualify for the 2016 FFA Cup, Cockburn City (Pronounced Co-burn) made it to the national stage after making it into the Grand Final of the Football West Cup competition alongside Floreat Athena, who also face Victorian opposition in the form of Melbourne City.
With former Perth Glory manager Scott Millar at the helm, a club he’s coached over three different stints, the team have strong management at the top despite sitting ninth on the NPL Western Australia
They have former Melbourne Heart midfielder Cameron Edwards and former Perth Glory Youth goalkeeper Luke Radonich on their books, while another danger man is South Sudanese international Friday Zico who provides an outlet up front.
Coach’s thoughts: “First and foremost we’re happy to get a home tie. Our stadium is a fortress and we will do our best to make it one meaning we’ll make it an unwelcome place for the opposition.”
On the club potentially signing Joe Simunic as a guest player: “Without a doubt we’re looking to bring in a guest player but probably not in round of 32 stage as I’m confident the boys we’ve got can do the job for us. Bringing in a guest player is something we will look into for the later rounds of the competition if we progress.” -Knights coach Andrew Marth
Player thoughts: “It’s going be a very tough game but to get the home advantage it will play a huge role in us progressing to the next stage of the competition.” -Knights vice-captain Stipo Andrijasevic