The 2026 New Balance Dockerty Cup begins this week, with the prospect of another year of historic clashes, stunning upsets, and unforgettable moments across Victorian football.
With 225 teams entering, the competition remains one of the state’s most prestigious, tracing its origins back to 1909 and providing a stage for clubs at all levels of Vicorian football to test themselves against Victoria’s powerhouse clubs.
For the first seven rounds, the Dockerty Cup serves as the Preliminary Rounds of the 2026 Hahn Australia Cup, giving teams the chance to progress nationally while chasing state glory. Round 1 is set to take place between Friday, February 13 and Sunday, February 15, with the Cup Final scheduled for August 9 and Semi-Finals on June 14.
Reigning champions South Melbourne FC will look to defend the Dockerty Cup, while Mill Park SC aim to hold onto the Cecil Earley Plate, awarded to the winner of the final two state-league sides standing ahead of the Final.
Individual accolades include the Alec Forrest Medal, presented to the Dockerty Cup Golden Boot winner, which was remarkably shared between four players from four different tiers of the Victorian Men’s State League in 2025, and the Jimmy Mackay Medal, awarded to the player judged best on pitch in the Cup Final, which was claimed by youngster Campbell Dovison as he scored a match-winning brace to steer South Melbourne to a record-breaking tenth win.
2026 Dockerty Cup – Key Dates & Awards
- Round 1: Feb 13–15 (Preliminary Rounds for Hahn Australia Cup)
- Semi-Final: June 14
- Cup Final: August 9
- Team Honours: Dockerty Cup, Cecil Earley Plate
- Individual Honours: Alec Forrest Medal, Jimmy Mackay Medal
Round 1 – Must-see match-ups
Melbourne University v Brighton
Friday, February 13, 8:00pm @ Home of the Matildas (Pitch 3)
Two of Victoria’s oldest clubs lock horns in the opening round at the Home of the Matildas, with Melbourne University keen to progress against the five-time winner of the Dockerty Cup.
Watsonia Heights v Swinburne University
Saturday, February 14, 1:00pm @ Greensborough College
One of community football’s feel-good stories has been witnessed in Watsonia Heights, who have made great investment in sharing their club’s story. Will the first instalment of the Watsy Way deliver progression into the next round. You can witness the drama first hand on Saturday afternoon.
Seaford United v Croydon Ranges
Saturday, February 14, 4:00pm @ North Seaford Reserve
Over half-a-century since their formation, Croydon Ranges make their long-awaited debut in the Dockerty Cup, travelling thirty minutes down the M3 to face Seaford United. Can Ranges claim a win in the opening round or will Seaford finally get a win in the Cup for the first time since 2021?
FC Eaglehawk v Ballarat North United
Sunday, February 15, 3:00pm @ Truscott Reserve
One of Bendigo’s most successful clubs in Eaglehawk take on the reigning champions of Ballarat in a mouth-watering clash. Which club will give their region bragging rights at the conclusion of this contest?
Shepparton United v Melbourne City
Sunday, February 15, 7:00pm @ Truscott Reserve
Nothing beats a road-trip to get your pre-season underway, and Melbourne’s Argentine community will take the Hume up to Shepparton to challenge United, one of the region’s legacy clubs.