Heidelberg United FC will contest their third Nike FC Cup Final as they chase a second title, having first lifted the trophy in 2013. After falling just short against South Melbourne in last year's decider, the Bergers will be determined to go one step further and reclaim one of Victorian football's most prestigious trophies.
Heidelberg's journey to the Final was anything but straightforward, navigating three all-NPL Victoria clashes and edging past Caroline Springs George Cross in a pulsating 10-goal semi-final.
Round 4
Avondale 1-3 Heidelberg United
Heidelberg’s journey to returning to the Cup Final and righting the wrongs of 2025 started on a difficult note, facing fellow NPLW Victoria side Avondale FC on the road.
Despite it being their first season in the NPLW Victoria, Avondale were no pushovers, with Matildas pair Elise Kellond-Knight and Beattie Goad, alongside New Zealand international Hannah Wilkinson, all donning the jersey.
The Bergers' cup run looked to be over before it had really begun after 2025 NPLW Victoria Team of the Season defender Cam Barreiro found the back of the net in the 22nd minute.
Young gun Irena Ruzamic ensured her side wouldn't head into the break trailing, producing a composed finish in the 41st minute. Heidelberg then rode the momentum into stoppage time of the first half, taking the lead through an own goal in the 45th minute to turn the game on its head.
Their NPLW counterparts continued to push for an equaliser throughout the second half, but the game remained in the balance until the closing moments, when Eve Tiktikakis sealed the result with a 90th-minute goal to secure a hard-fought 3-1 victory.
Round 3
Caroline Springs George Cross 4-6 Heidelberg United
Heidelberg were once again tasked with hitting the road in the next round of their cup journey, travelling to face State League 1 outfit Caroline Springs George Cross.
The Bergers ensured they got off to a much better start than they had in the opening round, with Ruby King opening the scoring before Sarah Assumma doubled the visitors' advantage inside the opening 10 minutes.
George Cross looked to be in trouble early, but managed to reduce the deficit through Kisa Mori, who found the back of the net for the home side in the 25th minute.
The match then took another turn as former Boroondara Eagles captain Hayley Geurts restored Heidelberg's two-goal advantage with a strike in the 39th minute, before Minori Akiyama made it 4-1 on the stroke of half-time, handing the NPLW outfit a sizeable lead heading into the break.
However, just when the contest looked to be slipping away from the Georgies, they found a way back into the game once again, with Suzu Murakami scoring just seconds before the half-time whistle to reduce the deficit to 4-2 and ensure Heidelberg still had work to do after the interval.
The Bergers looked to have regained control after the break, with Ruby King completing her brace to restore Heidelberg's three-goal advantage. However, George Cross refused to go away, as Emily Tanaka (55') and Kisa Mori (66') found the back of the net to cut the deficit to just one goal with more than 20 minutes still to play.
With the game hanging in the balance, Heidelberg finally put the contest beyond doubt late, as Olivia Wood struck in the 85th minute to seal a thrilling 6-4 victory and send the Bergers through to the sixth round of the Nike FC Cup after an almighty scare.
Quarter Final
Heidelberg United 4-0 Clifton Hill
In Round 6, Heidelberg United hosted their first home clash of the Nike FC Cup campaign, welcoming VPLW outfit FC Clifton Hill to the Bergers' backyard.
The visitors started the match strongly, applying early pressure and creating several attacking opportunities. Their bright start was rewarded when Heidelberg captain and centre-back Rosie Wild was shown a red card after denying a clear goalscoring opportunity in a one-on-one situation.
Despite being reduced to 10 players, the Bergers produced a remarkable response, turning the momentum of the match on its head. Heidelberg took complete control, looking as though they were the side with the numerical advantage, with their trademark work rate, intensity and teamwork on full display.
American import Haley Phillips opened her Heidelberg account in her first start for the club, finding the back of the net in the 20th minute before Olivia Wood continued her impressive Nike FC Cup form with a strike five minutes later.
Irena Ruzamic then produced a stunning long-range effort from outside the box in the 38th minute, scoring a contender for goal of the tournament and her second goal of the campaign. Annalee Bidwell added a fourth before the break, putting the result beyond doubt.
The second half saw Heidelberg manage the contest professionally, controlling their advantage and cruising into the next round of the cup with a composed performance from the 2025 finalists.
Semi Final
Heidelberg United 1-0 South Melbourne
In a rematch of the 2025 Nike FC Cup Final, South Melbourne hosted Heidelberg United with a place in the big dance on the line.
With the added incentive of securing hosting rights for the final, the stakes were even higher in what proved to be an absorbing and tightly contested affair.
After a tense opening period with chances created at both ends, Heidelberg found the breakthrough in dramatic fashion, forcing the ball over the line in a goalmouth scramble with Haley Phillips putting the Bergers ahead in the crucial Semi Final clash.
Heidelberg carried their one-goal advantage into the second half and showed tremendous resilience to maintain their lead as South Melbourne pushed for a response.
The hosts had the better of the opportunities after the break, with efforts from Alexis Pantazopoulos and Francesca Iermano striking the woodwork but somehow staying out as Heidelberg continued to hold firm.
Then, in the dying stages, Mia Bailey produced a moment of heroism for the Bergers, making a crucial goal-line save to deny South Melbourne a golden opportunity.
The vice-captain's late heroics secured Heidelberg's place in the 2026 Nike FC Cup Final, with the Bergers earning redemption after last year's Final defeat.
2026 Nike FC Cup Final
Heidelberg United FC v Essendon Royals SC
All roads lead to The Home of The Matildas as Heidelberg United and Essendon Royals prepare to battle for one of Victorian football's most prestigious trophies in the 2026 Nike FC Cup Final.
The decider marks the eighth meeting between the two clubs, with Heidelberg holding a narrow 4-3 advantage in the head-to-head record.