Western United to play Australia Day fixture at Whitten Oval

Image via Fox Sports

On Friday, newly formed A-League club Western United announced that they would host their match against Adelaide United at the Whitten Oval.

The match, set to take place on Australia Day (January 26) will mark the third AFL ground that Mark Rudan’s side has used this season as a home venue.

Previously to this, Mars Stadium in Ballarat and GMBHA Stadium in Geelong have been used.

On paper, this is a perfect move for the expansion club. Their match against the Reds will mark their first official match to take place in western Melbourne, opposed to greater western Victoria.

Their stadium in Tarneit is on course for a 2021 completion, so obviously until then, they need to make do with what’s available.

But now, they finally have a chance to play in front of the people who were their targeted demographic from day one.

The Whitten Oval is a great location in itself, having played host to large scale AFLW games and consistent seasons of the VFL. So the ground will be up to scratch for 90 minutes of A-League football.

Currently, the AFL, AFLW and VFL are in their off-seasons, so there is no risk of any clash between AFL side the Western Bulldogs and Western United.

There was only a minor risk of clash between the match and any pre-season training for the Bulldogs. But thankfully, the 2016 AFL premiers are on a training camp up north on the Sunshine Coast at the time of Australia Day.

In an article from The Age, United CEO Chris Pehlivanis and Western Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains echoed each other’s thoughts on the prospect of A-League football at Whitten.

“We will continue to be a club for all who call the west home as we take this journey together,” Pehlivanis said.

“Relocating our round 16 fixture to Whitten Oval gives the club’s growing fanbase an opportunity to taste the A-League at another family friendly, community venue in the west.”

“Hosting A-League football at Whitten Oval is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the broad capability of our venue and to connect with a new audience,” said Bains.

“We have been able to create a unique, family-friendly atmosphere for sporting events we have hosted at Whitten Oval, particularly in the summer months at our AFLW matches.”

United’s start to the season has been a mixed bag, both on and off the field.

Many A-League fans would agree in us saying that it’s a nice breath of fresh air to have a new side, boasting new names as well as some familiar faces in the competition.

Their on field performance has been decent. They currently sit in fifth on the A-League table and despite some disappointing results as of late, they remain firmly in contention for a finals berth in their inaugural season.

That in itself is a remarkable achievement, should Alessandro Diamanti and co. get it done.

But off the field, there has been a struggle for numbers, particularly at home games.

They currently hold the second-lowest attendance record in the competition this season, averaging a measly 6,225 per game. They also hold the record for lowest attendance at a single game this season.

In their round nine encounter against Sydney FC, a mere 4,187 fans clicked through the turnstiles in Geelong as the reigning champions of the A-League ran out 2-0 winners.

Understandably, as a new side it’s tough to acquire fans from the get-go and to establish genuine connections with fans will take time. Poor on-field results would go a long way to diminishing any hopes of that.

But with time and the opening of their new stadium in the near future, it’s a simple case of staying the course for Pehlivanis and co.

This match on Australia Day in the heart of Melbourne’s inner-western suburbs could do a world of good for Western. With tickets reportedly going for as little as $6, it could be the beginning of a wonderful new relationship between them and the Western Bulldogs.

Fingers crossed for them that regardless of the on-field result, they have a good showing from their fans and any neutrals who watch them as well.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Coach Education Exchange unites Football NSW and Japan FA

Avatar
Football NSW

The education program was a roaring success for the 14 coaches who made the trip, demonstrating Japan’s high-quality infrastructure and development systems from which football bodies across Australia can take inspiration. 

 

A valuable partner

The 2026 FNSW Japan Coach Education Exchange comes as the latest display of the strong connection between footballing worlds in Australia and Japan. 

14 Football NSW coaches travelled to Japan for unique insights into what makes the J-League and WE League tick. With both of these leagues being renowned for their distinct footballing identities, elite development pathways, and technical excellence, the program serves as a valuable opportunity for Football NSW to gain new ideas and know-how moving forward. 

During the visit to Japan, the coaching cohort visited several different clubs, including: 

  • Cerezo Osaka
  • Tokyo Verdy
  • JEF United Chiba
  • Urawa Red Diamonds
  • Gamba Osaka

Learning from international expertise

The trip was not, however, merely about uncovering the secrets to club or commercial success. 

Visits to the JFA Academy Sakai emphasised Japan’s commitment to creating elite pathways for talented young players across the country. They believe in nurturing players not only to be talented footballers, but to be confident leaders through their education and lodging system. 

“He or she being gifted does not always have his or her talent blossom. By providing those who have a talent with a good environment and encouraging them to make efforts, we nurture players who can shine in the world,” they explain via the JFA official website. 

Further meetings with Director of Coach Education at the JFA, Kimura Yasuhiko, as well as Head Coach of Japan’s Men’s National Team, Hajime Moriyasu, highlighted the wealth of knowledge which Australia can access during collaborations with the JFA. 

“The opportunity to meet and hear from a national team head coach operating at the highest level of international football proved both humbling and motivating, underscoring the value of global connection and shared learning in coach development,” Football NSW said via press release. 

Following the success of the 2026 FNSW Japan Coach Education Exchange, the objective should now be to transform insights into action. For Football NSW, or any other football association in Australia seeking to develop the game for current and future generations in the region, the lessons learned from international partners must be applied with real conviction and commitment.

 

Weekly Round-up – Confirmed Sponsors Across the NPL for 2026

Avatar
GaudiLab / Shutterstock

As NPL clubs across the country continue their pre-season preparations on the pitch, so too have they been forging alliances and partnerships off it. Read here for the round-up of all the confirmed partnerships announced this week across NPL competitions.

 

NPL VIC

Heidelberg United FC: 

Destination Unknown RVs (recommitted partner) – Caravan and RV dealer and manufacturer based in Epping. They specialise in designing high-quality and durable vehicles made to elevate the adventure experience for their customers. 

Windsor Management Insurance Brokers (recommitted partner) – A team of experienced insurance professionals based in Carlton, providing exceptional service and building trusted relationships with clients. 

Melbourne City Toyota (recommitted partner) – one of Melbourne’s most iconic Toyota dealerships, boasting locations in Camberwell, Heidelberg, South Melbourne and the CBD. The partnership renewal marks over a decade of collaboration with Heidelberg United FC.

 

Oakleigh Cannons: 

EGA Corporate Advisers – A Melbourne-based team of exceptional financial and corporate advisers, dedicated to offering tailored solutions in accounting, tax, banking, succession planning, property and more. 

 

Bentleigh Greens: 

GIOCA – An apparel and kit supplier created in New South Wales, priding itself on its team of former and current professionals helping to provide high-quality and tailored apparel solutions. GIOCA also announced a partnership with the SD Raiders FC earlier this month. 

Transcorp Removals & Storage – A leading moving and storage company in Melbourne, with roots going back to 1987. They offer same-day services and help with interstate relocations, gaining over 20,000 clients across 35 years of service. 

 

George Cross FC:

Elvin Lawyers (recommitted partner) – A law firm with locations in Brunswick and Preston, priding itself on a no-nonsense approach and commitment to offering high-quality and transparent services to their clients. 

Gilmores (recommitted partner) – Specialising in distributing quality, industrial packaging and office suppliers across Australia. Based in Port Melbourne and with 30 years of history, they are reknowned for exceptional and affordable service. 

Bostik (recommitted partner) – A global leader in adhesive technologies, Bostik boast operations in over 45 countries with 125 manufacturing sites. At Bostik Australia, they specialise in DIY, construction and industrial adhesives. 

Cemimax (recommitted partner) – Flooring installation experts offering services for industry, health, education, commercial and residential. By balancing cost-effective and environmentally friendly products, Cemimax remain committed to quality services.

RAW Global – International ocean and freight forwarding specialists with offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. They offer services in sea freight, air freight, customs clearance and third party logistics. 

28 Mason Cafe & Eatery (recommitted partner) – Based in Newport, 28 Mason Cafe & Eatery are a popular and cosy cafe. They blend strong coffee with delicious food items across both breakfast and lunch. 

 

NPL NSW

Rockdale Ilinden FC:

PCFS Logistics – An Australian-owned company created in 2002. They offer services in international and domestic freight, customs clearance, transport, warehousing and logistics.

MiLoan – A company led by industry experts specialising in commercial property, residential property, construction & development and equipment finance. With over $1 billion in loans settled and over 1000 clients assisted, they represent a reliable team who remain committed to supporting local communities. 

Project Cars – A premium car dealership in Western Sydney, combining services in buying, selling, consignment and finance. 

 

NPL Northern NSW:

Belmont Swansea Utd:

Make Windows + Doors (recommitted partner) – A reliable partner for a multitude of projects and developments. Make Windows + Doors is committed to delivering quality services across residential, commercial and project management projects.

 

Kahibah FC: 

Josie Coffee – The newest club partner of Kahibah FC and their official coffee supplier, Josie Coffee is famous for delicious roasts in Gateshead and Mayfield (NSW).  

Jewells Tavern (recommitted partner) – Returning as a sponsor for the 2026 season, Jewells Tavern is another popular spot for the local community, and was a valuable partner during Kahibah FC’s promotion endeavours last year. 

 

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend