HAHN AUSTRALIA CUP
ROUND OF 32
LIVE NOW
Match in progress
HAHN AUSTRALIA CUP
From the Den
Cup Edition
Official Digital Matchday Programme
Kingborough Lions United FC
Melbourne Victory FC
Kingborough Lions United FC vs Melbourne Victory FC — From the Den, Cup Edition
Upcoming
Jump straight to today's squads
02/President's Welcome
President's Welcome
Dear Members, Friends and Supporters,
Welcome to Kitchen Centre Park for one of the most significant occasions in the history of Kingborough Lions United Football Club.
Our NPL Men's team created history by defeating Devonport City Strikers to claim the Lakoseljac Statewide Cup for the first time, earning Tasmania's place in the 2026 Hahn Australia Cup Round of 32.
Whether you are a lifelong Lion, a Melbourne Victory supporter or visiting Kitchen Centre Park for the first time, thank you for being part of this special event.
That remarkable achievement has provided the opportunity to host one of Australia's biggest football clubs, Melbourne Victory FC, at our home ground. For a community club like ours, occasions such as this are incredibly rare and reflect the hard work, commitment and belief of our players, coaches, volunteers, members and supporters.
This match represents far more than the result on the scoreboard. It is an opportunity to showcase our club, our volunteers, our facilities and our community on the national stage. Every person who has contributed—whether on the pitch, behind the scenes or in the stands—has helped make this historic occasion possible.
Whether you are a lifelong Lion, a Melbourne Victory supporter or visiting Kitchen Centre Park for the first time, thank you for being part of this special event.
On behalf of the Board of Kingborough Lions United Football Club, thank you for your continued support. Your contribution helps strengthen our club and ensures occasions like this continue to inspire future generations of Lions.
Go Lions!
Brian Downes
President•Kingborough Lions United FC
03/Manager's Preview
Head Coach
Jon Fenech
Welcome to the Den
Today represents a significant moment in the history of Kingborough Lions United Football Club. To welcome an A-League club to the Den and showcase our players, our volunteers, our facilities and our football community on a national stage is something we are incredibly proud of.
While we understand the size of the challenge ahead, these are the moments football is all about. Our players have earned this opportunity through their commitment, sacrifice and dedication throughout the season. Many of them balance football with work, study and family commitments, yet they continue to give everything for this club. That commitment is something we value enormously.
We know Melbourne Victory are a quality professional side with talented players and staff, and we have great respect for the challenge they present. For us, the focus is on embracing the occasion, competing with courage, staying true to who we are and representing Kingborough Lions and Tasmanian football with pride.
To everyone joining us today, enjoy the occasion, support the players and help create an atmosphere that makes the Den a special place to play football.
A huge thank you must go to our volunteers, committee members, sponsors, staff, players and supporters who have worked tirelessly to make today possible. Events like this do not happen without the dedication of so many people behind the scenes.
I would also like to acknowledge the incredible support we have received from the wider Tasmanian football community. The messages of encouragement, advice and support from fellow clubs, coaches and people involved in our game have been greatly appreciated and show the strength of football in our state.
To everyone joining us today, enjoy the occasion, support the players and help create an atmosphere that makes the Den a special place to play football.
We hope today inspires the next generation of Tasmanian footballers to dream big and believe that opportunities like this are possible.
Thank you for being part of this memorable day.
Jon Fenech
Head Coach•Kingborough Lions United FC
04/Cup Journey
The Journey
The Road to the Round of 32
Every football journey has defining moments.
Cup Matches
4
Goals Scored
15
Australia Cup
2026
Photo by Ed Hefford
Moments where belief is tested. Moments where teams discover who they really are. Moments that become part of a club’s story forever.
For Kingborough Lions United FC, the journey to the 2026 Hahn Australia Cup Round of 32 has been exactly that.
What began as another cup campaign quickly became something much bigger.
From the opening rounds, the squad showed a determination that made it clear this group was chasing more than just results. Match after match, the Lions continued to rise to every challenge placed in front of them, carrying the hopes of an entire club with them.
Then came one of the biggest tests of all.
A semi-final showdown against South Hobart — one of Tasmania’s most established football clubs and a side known for its dominance in State football. Yet the Lions delivered when it mattered most, producing a performance full of discipline, intensity and belief to keep the dream alive.
With a place in the national competition on the line, the State Final against Devonport Strikers became the final hurdle.
It was a battle that demanded everything.
The game pushed both sides to their absolute limits before eventually heading to a dramatic penalty shootout, where the Lions once again showed incredible composure under pressure.
The final whistle marked more than just victory.
It marked history.
For the first time, Kingborough Lions United FC had earned the right to represent Tasmania on the national stage and take their place in the Australia Cup Round of 32 alongside some of the biggest football clubs in the country.
And now, the journey continues.
After Monday night’s draw, Kingborough Lions will host A-League giants Melbourne Victory at Lightwood Park in what will become the biggest match ever played in our club’s history.
From local football to the national spotlight.
From belief to history.
This team has earned its place.
And the entire Lions community will be behind them as the journey continues.
The road to the Round of 32 was never easy.
But history never comes easy.
Forward Together. One Roar. One Club.
After Monday night’s draw, Kingborough Lions will host A-League giants Melbourne Victory at Lightwood Park in what will become the biggest match ever played in our club’s history.
Match Results
The fixtures that carried the Lions to the national stage.
Round 2
Statewide Cup | Lakaseljac Cup
Kingborough Lions United FC
4–0
Riverside Olympic FC
- Date
- Fri, Apr 3, 2026
- Kick-off
- 4:45 PM
- Venue
- Kitchen Centre Park
Round 3
Statewide Cup | Lakaseljac Cup
Kingborough Lions United FC
8–0
Barnstoneworth United FC
- Date
- Sat, Apr 25, 2026
- Kick-off
- 5:30 PM
- Venue
- Kitchen Centre Park
Round 4
Statewide Cup | Lakaselajc Cup
Kingborough Lions United FC
2–2
KLUFC Won 4-3
South Hobart FC
- Date
- Sun, May 17, 2026
- Kick-off
- 3:00 PM
- Venue
- Kitchen Centre Park
Round 5
Statewide Cup | Lakaseljac Cup
Kingborough Lions United FC
1–1
KLUFC won 5-3
Devonport City Strikers
- Date
- Mon, Jun 8, 2026
- Kick-off
- 3:00 PM
- Venue
- KGV
05/Team Sheets
Home · Team Sheet
Kingborough Lions United FC
- Formation
- 4-3-2
- Head Coach
- Jon Fenech
- Captain
- CEli Luttmer
Starting XI
- 01
Nick O'Connell
GK
- 02
Eli Wright
DEF
- 04
Bagat Beyong
MID
- 06
Hugo Schwarz
DEF
- 07
Joel Badger
MID
- 09
Noah Mies
FWD
- 10
Eli LuttmerC
DEF
- 11
Solomon Tebeje
MID
- 17
Owen Verdouw
DEF
- 20
Bradley Lakoseljac
MID
- 24
Greg Downes
MID
Substitutes
- 03
Ryan CookDEF - 05
Peter RavaiDEF - 14
Rowan PittFWD - 15Joey McShaneDEF
- 22
Esteban MirandaMID - 21
Lachlan SchofieldGK - 19
Tristan GaltFWD
Away · Team Sheet
Melbourne Victory FC
- Formation
- 4-2-3-1
- Head Coach
- Giovanni Savaese
- Captain
- CJason Davidson
Starting XI
- 03
Jason DavidsonC
DEF
- 04
Philipp Ziereis
DEF
- 06
Louis D'Arrigo
MID
- 08
Jordi Valadon
MID
- 11
Clerismario Santos Rodrigues
FWD
- 14
Matthew Grimaldi
FWD
- 16
Joshua Inserra
DEF
- 18
Franco Lino
DEF
- 23
Keegan Jalacic
FWD
- 25
Jack Duncan
GK
Substitutes
- 01Jack WarshawskyGK
- 09Harrison SawyerFWD
- 15Tom LockyerDEF
- 22Xavier StellaMID
- 26Jack MihailidisMID
- 29Michael GhossainiFWD
- 36Harry ShillingtonDEF
05 · The Moment
Wear It With Pride
Every name on the back represents countless hours of training, sacrifice and commitment. Tonight, those names carry our badge into one of Australian football's great competitions.
07/Players to Watch
Today's Hosts
Kingborough Lions United FC
Recent Form
WWLWD
Kingborough Lions United Football Club has built a proud history of growth, ambition and success since its formation in 1998 through the merger of Kingborough United SC and West Hobart Lions SC, bringing together two clubs united by the lion as their emblem.
The club's crest, featuring two lions, symbolises this shared heritage and is complemented by the motto Sic Corda Lionum – "Compete with the heart of a Lion".
The foundations for today's club were laid in 1996 when Kingborough United secured long-term tenancy at what is now Lightwood Park. Following the merger, the club consolidated its position before expanding its presence in Tasmania's top competitions.
In 2010, the club adopted the name Kingborough Lions United Football Club, aligning with the national transition from "soccer" to "football". The years that followed saw the club continue to break new ground, becoming a foundation National Premier League licence holder in 2013, launching Tasmania's first year-round Skill Acquisition Phase (SAP) program in partnership with Devonport Strikers, and introducing a statewide women's program in 2017.
In 2021, the club secured a new Women's Super League licence, reinforcing its commitment to the women's game. More recently, the Lions celebrated the return of the Men's NPL Summer Cup to The Den with a memorable 3–0 Grand Final victory over South Hobart, adding another proud chapter to a history built on community, opportunity and success.
Our Lions
Players to watch.
- 1
GK
Nick O'Connell
- 2
DEF
Eli Wright
- 3
DEF
Ryan Cook
- 4
MID
Bagat Beyong
- 5
DEF
Peter Ravai
- 6
DEF
Hugo Schwarz
- 7
MID
Joel Badger
- 9
FWD
Noah Mies
- 10
DEF
Eli Luttmer
- 11
MID
Solomon Tebeje
12MID
Callum Ellis
- 13
FWD
Josh Zeeman
- 14
FWD
Rowan Pitt
- 15
DEF
Joey McShane
- 16
MID
Esteban Miranda
- 17
DEF
Owen Verdouw
18DEF
Huon Carius
- 19
FWD
Tristan Galt
23DEF
Jay Dolliver
- 24
MID
Greg Downes
- 20
MID
Bradley Lakoseljac
- 31
GK
Lachlan Schofield
08/Opposition Focus
Today's Visitors
Melbourne Victory FC
Recent Form
WWLDW
Founded: 2004 | Home Ground: AAMI Park, Melbourne | Nickname: Victory | Colours: Navy Blue & White
One of Australia's biggest football clubs, Melbourne Victory has been a powerhouse of the A-League since its inception. Known for its passionate supporters, winning tradition and attacking style of football, Victory has built a reputation as a club that expects success every season.
With multiple A-League Championships and Premierships to their name, along with Australia Cup success, Melbourne Victory consistently attracts talented players from Australia and abroad. Their famous navy blue colours and strong supporter culture make them one of the competition's most recognised clubs.
Every meeting with Melbourne Victory presents a significant challenge, and tonight's Hahn Australia Cup clash promises to be another memorable chapter.
Club Honours
🏆 4 × A-League Champions | 🏆 3 × A-League Premiers | 🏆 Australia Cup Winners (2021)
Did you know?
Melbourne Victory was one of the eight foundation clubs of the A-League.
Their home ground, AAMI Park, is regarded as one of Australia's premier football venues.
The Melbourne Derby against Melbourne City is one of the country's fiercest football rivalries.
Victory has regularly represented Australia in the AFC Champions League.
Their Danger Men
Opposition players to watch.
17FWD
Nishan Velupillay
One of the most exciting attacking talents in Australian football, Nishan Velupillay has become a regular threat with his explosive pace, direct running and eye for goal. Comfortable taking on defenders one-on-one, he's capable of changing the course of a match with a single run or finish.
- 8
MID
Jordi Valadon
A product of Melbourne Victory's emerging midfield, Jordi Valadon enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 season and was recognised as the club's Victory Medallist, awarded to the club's best player. Calm in possession and relentless without the ball, Valadon is the player who helps set Victory's tempo and links defence to attack.
5DEF
Brendan Hamill
An experienced leader in Melbourne Victory's defence, Brendan Hamill brings composure, physicality and leadership to the back line. Recently re-signed for the 2026/27 season, he'll be crucial in organising the defence and dealing with aerial threats throughout the Australia Cup campaign.
64MID
Juan Mata
One of the most decorated players ever to compete in Australian football, Juan Mata brings a wealth of experience from the very highest level of the game. A FIFA World Cup winner with Spain in 2010 and a UEFA European Championship winner in 2012, Mata also enjoyed a distinguished club career with Valencia, Chelsea, Manchester United and Galatasaray before joining Melbourne Victory.
- 14
FWD
Matthew Grimaldi
One of the A-League's brightest emerging talents, Matthew Grimaldi joined Melbourne Victory after impressing with Western United, where he quickly established himself as an exciting young attacker. Blessed with pace, close control and the confidence to take on defenders, Grimaldi thrives in one-on-one situations and is capable of creating chances from seemingly nothing.
10MID
Denis Genreau
Australian international Denis Genreau returned to Melbourne ahead of the 2025/26 season after successful spells in France with Toulouse FC and in Spain. A technically gifted midfielder, Genreau combines excellent passing range with tireless work rate, making him the link between defence and attack.
09/Fan Zone
Supporter Interaction
Fan Zone
Have your say before, during and after the match. Pick your starting XI, vote for your Player of the Match and see how your choices compare with fellow Lions supporters.
09/Fan Zone
Interactive · Fans XI
Pick Your Kingborough Lions United FC Starting XI
Choose your starting line-up and captain. Selections stay anonymous — you can update your XI any time until voting closes.
Voting Status
Voting is currently unavailable.
09/Fan Zone
Interactive · Vote
Player of the Match
Choose your KLUFC player of the match from the published starting XI.
Voting Status
Voting is currently unavailable.
10/Community
The Lions Pride
Kingborough Lions United is built on far more than football. Every player, volunteer, supporter, family member and sponsor contributes to the culture that makes our club special. Together, we create an environment where people belong, friendships are formed and memories are made every matchday.
- 750+Players
- 55+Teams
- 1Community
Our People
Future Lions
The Next Generation
The future of our club is already filling the stands. Whether cheering on the senior teams, dreaming of wearing the black and blue, or taking their first steps in the game, our junior Lions are at the heart of everything we do. Today's supporters are tomorrow's players, coaches and volunteers.
One Club. One Community
More Than 90 Minutes
Every matchday is about more than what happens on the pitch. Families, volunteers, players and supporters all come together to create the atmosphere that makes The Den one of Tasmania's great football venues. It's this sense of belonging that makes Kingborough Lions United more than just a football club.
One Club. One Community. One Pride.
Meet and Greet with the Premier
Kingborough Lions meets the Tasmanian Premier
Kingborough Lions United was proud to welcome Tasmania's Premier to Sherburd Park, recognising the important role community sport plays in bringing people together. From grassroots participation to premier competitions, moments like these highlight the positive impact football continues to have across Southern Tasmania.
11/Club Shop
Official Merchandise
Take the Lions with you.
Every purchase supports Kingborough Lions United and helps our club continue to grow both on and off the pitch. Wear the black and blue with pride and show your support wherever you go.
$5.00
Hahn Australia Cup R32 – Shirt Raffle
Enter Raffle Now
Limited Stock$70.00
2026 Hahn Australia Cup Replica Jersey – Limited Edition
Buy Now
$29.95
Kingborough Lions United FC Scarf
Buy Now
$29.95
Kingborough Lions United FC Beanie
Buy Now
$59.00
Beanie and Scarf Package
Buy Now
$1500.00
Kingborough Lions United FC Player Partner – Hahn Australia Cup
Buy Now
Purchases are completed securely in the KLUFC online store.
12/Win a Piece of Lions History
Australia Cup · Shirt Raffle
Win a Piece of History – Raffle Now Open!
Kingborough Lions United FC has reached the Hahn Australia Cup Round of 32 for the first time in club history.
Celebrate this unforgettable milestone by entering our official Australia Cup Shirt Raffle. Every ticket purchased helps support the club while giving you the chance to own a unique piece of Lions history.
Whether you're a lifelong Lion or simply want to support our historic cup run, this is your chance to be part of the journey.
- Support Kingborough Lions United FC
- Win a signed Melbourne Victory shirt
- Win a signed Kingborough Lions United FC shirt
- Celebrate our historic Round of 32 appearance
13/Visit The Den
Plan Your Matchday
Kitchen Centre Park.
Whether you're visiting The Den for the first time or returning for another memorable matchday, we've made it easy to find us, park, travel and enjoy everything Kingborough Lions United has to offer.
Find Us
Getting to the ground.
Address
Kitchen Centre Park
Lightwood Park, Kingston, Tasmania
Lightwood Park, Kingston, Tasmania
Shuttle Service
FREE matchday shuttle from Kingston Park & Ride.
Getting Here
Free matchday shuttle.
Park at the Kingston Park & Ride and take the FREE Metro shuttle straight to Kitchen Centre Park. 📍Skippers Lane Carpark and Metro stop at Kingston Park and take the FREE Metro shuttle straight to Kitchen Centre Park. 🚌 FREE Metro Shuttle • Every 20 minutes • Return services available after the final whistle
FREE Shuttle
Return service
Park & Ride
Kingston pickup
Every 20 min
High frequency
Before & After
Match day service
Route
Departs Kingston Park & Ride
Timetable
- 3:15 PMDeparts Skippers Lane Carpark and Metro stop
- 3:35 PMDeparts Skippers Lane Carpark and Metro stop
- 3:55 PMDeparts Skippers Lane Carpark and Metro stop
- 4:15 PMDeparts Skippers Lane Carpark and Metro stop
- 4:35 PMDeparts Skippers Lane Carpark and Metro stop
At the Ground
Matchday essentials.
Canteen
Fresh hot food available throughout the day.
Hot Chocolate
Lovely hot chocolates served from opening until full time.
Licensed Bar
Available to patrons of legal drinking age.
Club Merchandise
Official KLUFC merchandise available on matchday.
Amenities
Toilets and baby changing facilities on site.
Accessibility
Accessible viewing areas and facilities available.
Good to Know
Know before you go.
Gates Open
Approximately 90 minutes before kick-off.
EFTPOS
Card payments available throughout the venue.
Merchandise
Official Kingborough Lions gear available inside the clubhouse.
Family Friendly
Children and juniors warmly welcomed at every fixture.
Matchday Officials
Please follow instructions from volunteers and stewards.
14/Partners
Proudly Supported By
The Lions family is built on the businesses, families and organisations who stand alongside the club. Their support powers everything we do.
Principal Partner
Kitchen Centre
Major Partners
15/Gallery
Photography
A season, seen up close.
