The National Premier League season will kick off in February with history to be made as the men’s and women’s will kick-off simultaneously.
Both seasons will start on 13 February.
In the women’s competition, Box Hill beginning its championship defence against the Essendon Royals and 2025 men’s champions Heidelberg United opening its 2026 season up at home against Green Gully.
Hume City will host the other season opening match when it takes on Altona at Nasiol Stadium from 7,30pm.
In other first round matches, Bentleigh Greens and Caroline Springs George Cross begin their returns to the top-flight against each other at City Vista Recreation Reserve.
St Albans will be at home in round one as it faces Dandenong City.
One of the biggest matches of the men’s opening round has Avondale hosting a new-look South Melbourne buoyed by some big offseason signings and its huge win in the Australian Championship.
Dandenong Thunder will face Melbourne City while the Oakleigh Cannons will face Preston Lions.
In NPLW, Heidelberg United which fell agonisingly short of an NPLW double last season and will open its 2026 campaign up with a home clash against rivals Preston Lions.
Among the highlights, Keilor Park will get its first chance at the top flight against Spring Hills which is hoping to build on its first season in the top grade on 13 February.
FV head of competitions, Frank Karatzas believes the 2026 NPLM and NPLW seasons promise to be the biggest and most exciting yet.
“After an unforgettable end to the 2025 season, where over 13,000 fans watched Box Hill United crowned the NPLW Champions and Heidelberg United take home the NPLM grand final trophy, 2026 has a lot to live up to,” he said.
“With simultaneous season start times, both A-League clubs joining an expanded NPLW competition and two storied clubs returning to the NPLM, I strongly believe we are about to watch the biggest NPL season yet.
