Swinburne FC have been drawn against Watsonia Heights in Round 1 of the 2026 Australia Cup (Dockerty Cup), with the match to be played on Saturday, February 14 at 1:00pm at Greensborough College.

The Burners face a tough test, with Watsonia Heights playing five divisions above Swinburne FC’s Sunday League Metro 2 level, currently competing in Victoria’s newly established State League 4 South-East.

Watsonia Heights are coming off a strong 2025 season, finishing second in State League 4 North, just one point shy of top spot under senior coach Mick Cronin.

The club has also gained wider attention through the YouTube series The Watsy Way, produced by John Walker of Pitchside Productions.

Swinburne FC players responded with mixed reactions

“Furnace will be there in full voice,” one said.

“How much does the forfeit cost?” another said.

“I won’t be participating this year. Having a business trip for Swinburne FC” said Laurence Song.

For Swinburne FC, the fixture continues a familiar trend of early Australia Cup matchups against higher-ranked opposition.

To support preparation for the campaign, Matt Gleeson has stepped into an interim coaching role ahead of the clash.

The Burners will look to embrace the occasion as they take on State League opposition, hoping to produce another “cupset” like their 2023 win over Lyndale United, who were also competing in State League 4 at the time.

Match details can be found here.