Lakeside Stadium will be host to the 2026 Cecil Earley Plate Final in what will be a cross-town clash, as Altona East SC face neighbouring Williamstown SC following the Dockerty Cup Final, with both the Plate and bragging rights of the South-West up for grabs.
Altona East Phoenix had quite the comfortable run to the Final of the Cecil Earley Plate. Altona started their Dockerty Cup run with wins away against Mooroolbark SC and Craigieburn City FC scoring two goals apiece before beating Dandenong Thunder 2-1 at home.
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY TO THE DOCKERTY CUP + CECIL EARLEY PLATE
Their Dockerty Cup run ended in the sixth knockout round at the hands of a 3-0 defeat to NPLM side Heidelberg United, which then saw them enter the draw for the Cecil Earley Plate as one of the highest finishing State League teams in the competition. Altona were drawn against Uni Hill Eagles in the Semi Final with a spot to play already qualified Williamstown in the final up for grabs, however Uni Hill forfeited the match resulting in a 3-0 win for Altona and a place into the final against their neighbouring rivals Williamstown.
Speaking to Football Victoria, assistant coach Micky Douros aims to “put on a great show for the supporters” and “bring the Cecil Plate back to Altona East”.
“We’re quietly confident in what this group is capable of, our cup run has shown the character and quality within the squad and we’re incredibly proud to reach a final”.
Douros and his side have “great respect” for Williamstown but is adamant “preparation won’t change”. Currently sitting in seventh place with six games left to go in the State League 1 season promotion through the play offs is possible however the Cecil Earley Plate is the clubs best shot at silverware this season and would be a remarkable feat following their promotion to State League 1 last season.
Their opponents Williamstown had a very similar run into the Final seeing a 3-1 win away in the New Balance Dockerty Cup against Rowville Eagles SC, which was followed by a forfeit victory over Phillip Island SC. Wins away at Kings Domain and at home to Old Scotch followed, before their Dockerty Cup run came to an end also in the sixth round, after Caroline Springs George Cross FC came from behind to win 2-1 away.
Williamstown had luck on their side with the Cecil Earley Plate semi-final draw as they were drawn a bye and direct entry into the final. Speaking to Football Victoria, head coach Michael Lowe has kept his focus on the final run-in for the State League 2 campaign (with his side currently sitting 5th) but admits, “The boys will be buzzing to play in a cup final”.
“To be honest our focus is on the league and finishing as high up as we can, but its nice recognition for the players/supporters and club to have a moment under the sun so to speak.”
Lowe knows what his sides coming up against in head coach Paul Donnelly’s Altona team and is expecting nothing less than being “well disciplined, well drilled, and well coached” while giving credit to both their promotion to State League 1 and current standing in the league.
As the curtain closes on the 25/26 State Leagues and Cup campaigns, both Altona East Phoenix and Williamstown SC will be looking to cap off their seasons with some silverware and claim bragging rights of Melbourne’s South-West by bringing the Cecil Earley Plate home.
New Balance Dockerty Cup Ticket Update
Due to high demand, Football Victoria would like to confirm that no ticket for either the New Balance Dockerty Cup or Cecil Earley Plate Final can be made at the gate on match day!
All tickets must be purchased online ahead of the match
Any questions on how to buy tickets, please reach out to info@footballvictoria.com.au
Date: Saturday, August 8
Venue: Lakeside Stadium
Kick-off: 2:30pm (Dockerty Cup) / 6:00pm (Cecil Earley Plate)
Broadcast: Football Victoria YouTube Channel