Inglewood United and Floreat Athena react to Australia Cup Round of 32 Draw

Football West’s two national representatives in the Australia Cup landed contrasting ties when the draw was made for the Round of 32 on Wednesday night.

Inglewood United will fly to Adelaide to take on Football South Australia NPL side MetroStars, while Floreat Athena will face A-League outfit Western Sydney Wanderers in Perth.

Michael Domfeh will lead Inglewood United's attack against MetroStars in the Australia Cup. Photo by Football West/FotoEnzo. 

Both will bid to become only the second WA team other than Perth Glory to advance to the last 16.

When the draw was made, it was clear which side was more enthusiastic about their respective ties, with the Inglewood boys anticipating a trip over east - and the likelihood of a decent feed.

United club president Cesare Colli said: “We’re looking forward to it. It’s fantastic and it’s a great opportunity for us. It’s also a couple of days away and we’re playing some quality opposition. I believe they’re a club with Sicilian history as well, so the food should be good over there too!”

As well as progressing in the Australia Cup, Inglewood and Floreat will meet in the final of the WA State Cup despite currently occupying the bottom two places in the NPLWA - Men’s competition.

Colli added: “It’s a great achievement for the club to reach this stage. It’s been a while since we’ve played in a final as well, and in this competition, only six or seven local WA clubs have qualified previously. It’s pretty special and it’s good kudos for the club.

“It’s going to provide an extra buzz and incentive around the club. Clearly, we will have to be careful it’s not too much of a distraction on the league side of things because that’s important and we don’t want to be relegated. But we’ve got a good squad and I have faith in the players and the coaches to turn that around and come the end of the season we’ll be in a different position, I’m sure.”

Ludovic Boi in action for Floreat against Adelaide United in the Australia Cup in 2021. Photo by Getty Images.

As for Floreat, this will be the third time they have gone up against full-time opposition at this stage of the competition.

And despite the audible groans at missing out on a possible trip to Melbourne or Sydney, Athena club president Con Poulios said the players will be raring to go come game time.

He said: “It’s always good to test yourself against A-League opposition and I’m pretty sure the boys will lift for the occasion, as they have done before in taking Adelaide United to extra-time (in 2021) and also a close encounter with Melbourne City (in 2016).

“It will give the younger players something to aspire to, and those who aspire of playing at that higher level a chance to prove themselves. So it’s a good draw.

“It’s a free hit. We’ve obviously got to focus on our league form until that game happens, but when that comes around it’s a good one-off opportunity that the boys will lift for.

“Regardless of whether we win or lose, if we can give a good account of ourselves and put on a bit of a show, then it can give us a boost to see out the remaining league games and the cup final at the end of the season.”

Meanwhile, A-League Glory will travel to Adelaide to face Campbelltown City should they beat Macarthur FC in their play-off in Darwin on 18 July.

The Round of 32 games will be played over two weeks in August with match details to be confirmed.

Australia Cup 2023 Round of 32 Fixtures (listed as they were officially drawn):

Peninsula Power FC (Football QLD) v Wellington Phoenix FC

Edgeworth Eagles FC (Northern NSW Football) v Western United FC

Broadmeadow Magic FC (Northern NSW Football) v Sydney United 58 FC (Football NSW)

Melbourne Victory FC/Newcastle Jets FC v Brisbane Roar FC

Oakleigh Cannons FC (Football Victoria) v Melbourne City FC

Sydney FC v Central Coast Mariners FC

Melbourne Knights FC (Football Victoria) v Lions FC (Football Queensland)

Hellenic Athletic Club (Football Northern Territory) v Inter Lions FC (Football NSW)

Goulburn Valley Suns FC (Football Victoria) v APIA Leichhardt FC (Football NSW)

Moreton Bay United FC (Football Queensland) v Heidelberg United FC (Football Victoria)

MetroStars (Football SA) v Inglewood United FC (Football West)

Northcote City SC (Football Victoria) v Adelaide United FC

Campbelltown City FC (Football SA) v Perth Glory FC/Macarthur FC

Mt Druitt Rangers SC (Football NSW) v Canberra Croatia FC (Capital Football)

Floreat Athena FC (Football West) v Western Sydney Wanderers FC

Gold Coast Knights FC (Football QLD) v Devonport City Strikers FC (Football TAS)

Australia Cup 2023 Final Rounds Match Schedule Summary

*Dates are subject to change based upon NPL fixtures and ground availability

**Exact Quarter Finals and Semi-Final match days to be confirmed

As it was in 2022, the Australia Cup 2023 Playoffs will feature the four clubs that finished 9th to 12th in the Isuzu UTE A-League Men 2022/23 regular season.

Played out of Darwin Football Stadium, the winner of the Newcastle Jets FC and Melbourne Victory FC clash will take on the Brisbane Roar FC at home, while Perth Glory FC or Macarthur FC will face off with Campbeltown City FC away in Adelaide.

Australia Cup 2023 Playoffs

Monday, 17 July 2023
Newcastle Jets FC vs Melbourne Victory FC
Kick-off: 7.00pm local / 7.30pm AEST
Venue: Darwin Football Stadium at Larrakia Park
Tickets: Buy Tickets Now! 

Tuesday, 18 July 2023
Perth Glory FC vs Macarthur FC
Kick-off: 7.00pm local / 7.30pm AEST
Venue: Darwin Football Stadium at Larrakia Park
Tickets: Buy Tickets Now! 

Tickets for each match of the Australia Cup 2023 Final Rounds Playoffs are $15 Adults, $10 Concession* and $40 Family

*Concession Card Holders, Senior Card Holders, Students

**Children 3 years and under free unless occupying a seat

All Australia Cup 2023 Final Rounds matches will be streamed LIVE and FREE on 10 Play, with thanks to the Football Australia’s Broadcast Partner, Paramount ANZ.