AI summary - article behind paywall

**Canberra United's new owners lay out their plans**

Australian Sports Group (CEO Theo Fotopoulos, chairman Morris McAlister) took over Canberra United from Capital Football three months ago, ending three years of uncertainty about whether the club would survive. They're now outlining their vision:

- **Men's team:** The A-League Men side is approved for 2028-29. Players would be announced in the second half of 2028. Coaches are already interested, and the owners would pay up for a marquee signing if it lifts the club's profile.

- **Academy returns:** They aim to relaunch the academy, axed in 2023, by 2028 so local talent has a pathway that keeps them in Canberra. Consultation with Capital Football and local clubs is coming.

- **Venues:** The women stay at McKellar Park (about 4,000 capacity), which could be expanded with planning approval. Canberra Stadium or a new city stadium are options for the men's team.

- **Fans and brand:** They plan an active supporters group, input like a fan-designed kit, more community engagement, and possible international friendlies.

- **Grassroots:** They want to help with Canberra's sportsground and facility shortages.

The women's 2026-27 season starts Saturday against Central Coast Mariners in Gosford at 3pm.

*Source: The Canberra Times, Melanie Dinjaski, 21 Oct 2026*

Very fortuitous penalty IMO but we take it

Just a question, now that Western United aren't returning, who are fans supporting now? Are you still supporting Western United's youth teams in the NPL? Or have you returned to City or Victory?

Have any stopped supporting the A-League?

Fans of some teams haven't seen it yet so posting it here

Hi all, after 10 years of going to AAMI Park this new AXS platform is totally confusing me - has anyone got ticket pricing tiers to hand for this weekend? With ticketek we were given different sections with different ticket pricing - I’m honestly just looking for GA tickets but I’m trying not to plonk myself in the middle of the north end if possible haha

Also I assume there will be no issue if a Victory supporting friend joins me in GA despite having a reserved seat?

Via Dos & D’s podcast. Makes some good points, but I think even on Stan I wonder if both would face similar challenges around accessibility in places like pubs? Has the Premier League been better in Australia for its move to streaming? I’m genuinely not sure.

November 29 and December 4 at Porirua Park

The first rounds of the Australian Championship and A-League Men's are finished. We saw one big shock with South Hobart edging 2-1 against Lions away, who have fallen to 16.

Full ladder: australian-football-rankings.com

Total opening round attendance for 2026 - 16,727.

Total opening round attendance for 2025 - 19,523.

--------

Highest attendance for this round - 3,928 (Preston Lions v Wollongong Wolves).

Lowest attendance for this round - 653 (Broadmeadow Magic v APIA Leichhardt).

Average - 2,091.

Sydney v Western Sydney - 30,103
Auckland v Melb City - 20,635
Macarthur v Perth - 3,441
Central Coast v Newcastle - 8,165
Wellington v Melb Victory - 8,254

Total: 70,598
Average: 14,120

Solid turnouts last weekend. Thoughts?

All this talk over the Sydney Derby in round 1. We were having this discussion 10 years ago when they kept putting derbies in the first round and the games always sucked. Back then crowd would come to round 1 regardless so the argument against them were stronger.

I think now we are in the position where we do actually benefit from a derby or two in the opening round… we just need those games to not completely suck.

One idea I’ve been thinking about is an approach similar to the AFL, where every single season opens with Richmond Vs. Carlton.. which has become an event in its self which draws crowds.

Our version of that could be say a Sydney Vs. Auckland match up to start the season every year, alternating hosting rights. Instead of wasting one of our prime Sydney derbies, we can MANUFACTURE (SMFC Mike heart attack) a rivalry which feeds into the whole NZ AUS rivalry.

I feel like this is a good medium.

Thoughts??

Your weekly discussion thread for all things Aussies across the globe.

Whether they're taking on the English footballing pyramid or battling out against the AFC powerhouses, we want to know who you've been watching and why Popovic won't cap them.

The thread for all questions and comments that don't need to be its own thread.

Wellington Phoenix 2 vs 1 Melbourne Victory

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