The stakes could not be any higher with the Steph Catley Plate on the line as league rivals Craigieburn City take on Caroline Springs George Cross at The Home of The Matildas (HoTM). The Georgies aim to go back to back in the fourth Final, while Craigieburn will look to spoil the party.
It’s a match up we’ve already seen this season in the Women’s State League 1 North-West, with the league fixture ending 4-2 in favour of Caroline Springs and the domestic clash in the cup is set to rock HoTM. The ultimate revenge could be on the cards for Craigieburn however, they must withstand the free-scoring last season’s winners Caroline Springs.
The Georgies enjoyed a cup run filled with goals and matching the display of goal scoring output they have had in the league. Their First match of the Nike FC Cup showed their attacking threat at the best of its ability; putting 14 Goals past Burwood City FC as Catherine Sikic bagged a hat trick within five minutes and Kisa Mori scoring six herself on the night. Their cup run continued with a 2-0 win on the road against North Geelong Warriors before beating Ringwood 5-4 on penalties after the game ended 2-2 during the 90.
Their cup run would come to an end in dramatic fashion to eventual finalists Heidelberg United. The Georgies would bow out in style, staying true to their goal scoring form as the game ended 6-4 in favour of Heidelberg. The club earned qualification into the Steph Catley Plate as one of the two highest finishing State League teams in the competition and will be heading into the match against their domestic rivals confident, with the last meeting between these two teams ending in a 4-2 win for Caroline Springs away from home.
Speaking with Football Victoria, Head Coach Davide Gualtieri said his group are “prepared, focused”, and “ready to embrace the opportunity ahead”.
“It’s a privilege to lead this group into the Steph Catley Plate for the second consecutive year. Winning the inaugural Plate in 2025 was a special achievement for the club, but the opportunity to return and compete again is a reflection of consistency, commitment, and standards this group has continued to set”.
Craigieburn City had a decent cup run of their own, starting with a 3-2 win in extra-time over Monash University away from home. They then went on to defeat Bendigo City FC 4-2 at home before sharing the same score line in their away win against Fawkner SC. The standout for Craigieburn during the Nike FC Cup was undoubtedly Nilda Romana, scoring five goals across the three games while scoring in every single match.
Their journey through the Nike FC Cup came to an end courtesy of NPLW side Alamein FC who dispatched of Craigieburn 4-1 away from home. Craigieburn then entered the Steph Catley Plate Semi Final against women’s State League 1 South-East league leaders Beaumaris SC.
The game would go into extra-time with scores locked at 1-1 and Linda Sawa would seize the moment, scoring twice in extra-time to send Craigieburn City to the final of the Steph Catley Plate and a chance to not only win silverware but also get a win over last seasons winners who beat them earlier in the league season.
Club President Paul Dugo spoke with Football Victoria ahead of the Final, stating his side are “excited for the opportunity” and are focusing “on staying true to the way [they’ve] played all season”.
“We’re really looking forward to the challenge, at the end of the day it’s a Cup Final and moments, discipline, and composure will be key. We are hoping for a great game of football that showcases the quality of women’s football”.
It is going to be a close one when Craigieburn City and Caroline Springs George Cross meet in the Steph Catley Plate Final; history suggests it will be a high-scoring contest. A match about not only the trophy but also possible history making back-to-back wins and a personal score to settle.
Plan your day with the 2026 Nike FC Cup Match Day Guide
Date: Saturday, August 1
Venue: The Home of The Matildas
Kick-off: 2:30pm (Steph Catley Plate) / 6:00pm (Nike FC Cup)
Broadcast: Football Victoria YouTube Channel