The much-heralded Australian Championship gets under way this weekend with the opening round of Football Australia’s National Second Tier competition.
Bayswater City are representing Western Australia, with the NPLWA – Men’s champions kicking off their campaign in the 16-team tournament away to Sydney United 58 on Sunday.
The other sides in their group are North Eastern MetroStars from South Australia and Wests Apia FC in Sydney.
The top two from each of the four groups go through to the quarter-finals.
Bayswater City president Oriano Colli says this is a fantastic opportunity for the club to again break new ground.
“Since I’ve been involved (on the committee), we’ve found ourselves trying to meet milestone moments and this is another one,” Colli said.
“We were the first team to win the NPL in WA, the first NPL team to represent WA nationally, and now we’re the first team from the west to enter the Australian Championship.
“It is huge and it gives us a chance to test ourselves against the best in Australia.”
Bayswater’s dominance in the early years of the NPL under head coach Chris Coyne saw them win three of the first four league titles, including their second in 2015 when they went through the campaign undefeated. Colli sees similarities between Coyne and current head coach Matty Sparrow, who ended the club’s eight-year wait for a fourth crown this year.
“Matty is very much like Coyney, in that he brings a bit of steel and structure to the team,” he said.
“All the players know their roles and responsibilities, everyone knows their jobs.
“We also have great characters on the pitch who complement the players already here. They have a great camaraderie on and off the pitch.”
Since the end of the NPLWA season, which saw Bayswater add the Top Four Cup to the league, the club has strengthened its ranks specifically for the new challenge.
Japanese midfielder Takayuki Sone has joined on loan from Murdoch University Melville, striker Deegan Brook has signed for the competition from Queensland side Redlands United, along with Melbourne-based former Perth Glory youngsters Aidan Edwards (Dandeong Thunder) and Mason Tatafu (Hume City).
"I'd like to thank MUM FC for allowing us to sign Takayuki," Colli said.
“We're bringing in lads who have played at the level and will know what’s in front of them. Then you throw in (Bayswater keeper) Lewis Italiano, who has played higher again.
“Playing in this competition is something we spoke about early doors.
“We said these are the carrots if you win the league, and spoke about it again throughout the season. We were not taking anything for granted, but it was definitely there.
“I am very proud, not just for me but for the people who came before me and everyone at the club.”
All games in the Australian Championship will be shown on SBS On Demand.
Fixtures (all 1.30pm WST)
Sunday 12 October
Sydney United 58 v Bayswater City
Sunday 19 October
Bayswater City v NE Metrostars
TICKETS
Sunday 26 October
Bayswater City v Wests Apia FC
TICKETS
Sunday 2 November
Bayswater City v Sydney United 58
TICKETS
Sunday 9 November
Metrostars v Bayswater City