Football Victoria (FV) wishes to provide the following update on the VETO SPORTS State League Men’s 2026 season following the recent withdrawals from Mazenod FC (SLM1 South-East) and Albert Park SC (SLM4 South-East) competitions.
Following both club’s withdrawals, FV made the decision, in accordance with the Rules of Competition, that the vacancy in both divisions will not be filled in 2026, therefore creating a Bye in both the SLM1 South-East and SLM4 South-East competitions.
With two vacancies now created throughout the pyramid and the flow-on effect to lower divisions, for the 2026 season, FV will be implementing a new series of Play-Off fixtures across each SLM 2 – 4 divisions along with additional promotion positions being granted throughout SLM 5 – 7.
State League Men’s 2 – 4 Play-Offs
- The Club finishing in 3rd position of SLM2 North-West may playoff against the Club finishing in 3rd position of SLM2 South-East, where the winner may be eligible for promotion to SLM1.
- The Club finishing in 3rd position of SLM3 North-West may playoff against the Club finishing in 3rd position of SLM3 South-East, where the winner may be eligible for promotion to SLM2.
- The Club finishing in 3rd position of SLM4 North-West may playoff against the Club finishing in 3rd position of SLM4 South-East, where the winner may be eligible for promotion to SLM3.
*All playoff fixtures will be played at the conclusion of the regular season at a mutual venue determined by FV.
State League Men’s 5 – 7 Additional Promotion Positions
- The Clubs finishing in 3rd position of SLM5 North-West and SLM5 South-East, may be eligible for promotion to SLM4.
- The Clubs finishing in 3rd position of SLM6 North-West and SLM6 South-East, may be eligible for promotion to SLM5.
- The Clubs finishing in 3rd position of SLM7 North-West and SLM7 South-East, may be eligible for promotion to SLM6.
This exciting new model for 2026 means the season remains alive longer for more teams, while also ensuring stability by having no substantial impact on the current structure and fixtures on the eve of the season.
Football Victoria Competitions Manager Dylan McKenzie said:
“While losing teams this close to the season is never what we want to see, we’re excited about what this new model means for Clubs. The 2026 season now remains alive longer for more teams, with more positions now up for grabs.
"It was important for us to also ensure stability by having no substantial impact on the current structure and fixtures on the eve of the season.
"State League Football is now around the corner, and we can’t wait for it to kick-off once again.”
With the above changes, it is important to note the following:
- There is no change to the number of team being relegated from SLM 1 – 6.
- There is no change to the SLM1 2nd vs 2nd Playoff fixture for VPLM2 promotion.
- Two teams will still be relegated from SLM1 SE & SLM4 SE
To view the updated 2026 Promotion/Relegation & Playoff Graphic, please click here.
The SLM 2026 season is set to kick-off on March 21, with all fixtures and updated league structures available on the DRIBL app.