A drama-filled weekend of semi-final football has set up the first-ever Australian Championship Final, with South Melbourne and Marconi Stallions securing their places after narrow 1–0 victories on Saturday, November 29.
South Melbourne defeat Heidelberg to set up final showdown
South Melbourne claimed the second spot in the Final after a tight win over rivals Heidelberg United.
The match opened at high pace, with two Football Video Support penalty reviews in the first 15 minutes, neither awarded. Both sides traded half-chances before the break.
Heidelberg gained momentum around the hour mark and won a penalty when Thomas Giannakopoulos pulled Asahi Yokokawa’s shirt. Bul Juach stepped up but Javier Lopez produced a “vital stop” to deny him.
South Melbourne capitalised in the 72nd minute. Max Mikkola launched one of his trademark long throw-ins, with the ball falling to Manny Aguek at the far post, who “nodded in with his first touch since coming off the bench.”
Heidelberg pushed hard late, but Lopez remained solid as South Melbourne saw out a nervy finish to book their place in the inaugural Australian Championship Final.
Final Confirmed: South Melbourne v Marconi Stallions
Football Australia confirmed the final will take place at Olympic Village, Victoria, on Saturday, December 6 (3.00pm AEDT).
The venue, one of Victoria’s most historic football grounds, was selected to honour the competition’s values of “authenticity, connection, pride and belonging.”
South Melbourne, who topped Group A, enter the Final as the higher-ranked team, while Marconi progressed after finishing second in Group B and surviving a dramatic quarter-final shootout.
The decider promises a landmark moment, bringing together “two of Australia’s most storied clubs” as they compete to be crowned the first Australian Championship winners.
Tickets go on presale from 12.00pm AEDT on Monday, December 1, for FA+ members, with general public sales from 2.00pm AEDT on Tuesday, December 2.
The Final will be broadcast live and free on SBS and SBS On Demand from 2.30pm AEDT.
