From 225 teams now down to the final two, the stage is set for an incredible clash between two historic clubs both looking to write their names into the history books of the New Balance Dockerty Cup.
Heidelberg United face Preston Lions this Saturday in the 2026 New Balance Dockerty Cup Final as two historic clubs looks to create history once again, this time with silverware on the line.
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For Heidelberg, the Final is a chance at redemption and to finally get their hands on the trophy that has alluded them in recent years.
In the 2025 Dockerty Cup, The Bergers fell just short to South Melbourne 2-1 in the final and in 2023, they were beaten 3-0 by Oakleigh Cannons, crushing defeats that will add fuel to their fire come Saturday.
The Bergers are no strangers to the occasion, having won the cup once before in 2017 against Bentleigh Greens, they come into the 2026 Final looking as strong as ever.
Heidelberg seem unbreakable this campaign, having not conceding a single goal throughout their campaign, matches that included consecutive 5-0 victories over Malvern City and Yarraville Glory as well as wins over Altona East Phoenix and fellow NPLM side Bentleigh Greens, before a Semi Final triumph against Brunswick Juventus.
The Bergers have shown they’re not just resilient defensively but also ferocious going forward, scoring 14 times in the cup having goals spread out across six different players, with forward Joseph Lee and midfielder Marcus Humbert both shining with four goals apiece. Captain Ben Collins has been at the heart of their unstoppable defence and will play an important role in keeping Heidelberg’s clean sheet record alive in the Final.
For Preston, it’s a first Dockerty Cup Final since their 1992 win on penalties against South Melbourne, a return to the big dance for one of Victoria’s most historic clubs. Playing against their long-standing rivals, the Lions have a chance to lift a second Dockerty Cup and add another memorable chapter to the rivalry.
Preston have also been in goal scoring form throughout the Cup campaign and enjoyed dramatic wins across the knockout rounds.
Beginning with a 4-0 demolition of Nunawading City, they claimed a dramatic a 91st-minute equaliser against Keilor Park which sent the match to extra-time. Although Jamal Ali was sent off in the first half of the ensuing period, the Lions held firm to force penalties and clinched victory in the shootout. They followed up with a win over Uni Hill Eagles despite another red card, put six past Caroline Springs George Cross, and swept aside a gallant North Sunshine Eagles in the Semi-Final.
The Lions have shown resilience and a never-say-die attitude throughout their Cup run and will enter the Final full of confidence. Their attacking spread has stood out in the knockout rounds, with George Mihailidis, Gian Albano and Lleyton Brooks each scoring three goals. If any team can break down Heidelberg’s defence, it is Preston.
Looking at the head to head, Heidelberg have won three of the last five meetings between the two including last season's Preliminary Final. The rivals have faced off twice in the NPLM season, grabbing a 1-0 win each as Heidelberg came out on top in March, with Preston winning the most recent affair in June.
However, League form counts for nought in Victoria's most prestigious knockout competition, and all eyes will turn to Lakeside Stadium on Saturday afternoon to see the latest chapter in Dockerty Cup history.
Can Heidelberg recapture the Dockerty Cup for a second time after knocking on the door so often in recent years, or will Preston emulate the heroes of 1992 and etch their name on the coveted silver trophy once again.
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