New Balance NPL WA Men's Night Series: Fearnall inspires Stirling to final glory

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Stirling Macedonia will head into the new league campaign on a high after they secured victory in the 2026 New Balance NPL WA Men’s Night Series final on Saturday.

Ago Mujic’s side claimed the season’s first silverware after defeating rivals Olympic Kingsway 1-0 in front of a massive crowd at Macedonia Park.

Robert Harker heads into his own net for the only goal

Around 2,500 fans piled into the venue for a repeat of last year’s State Cup final, and again it was Stirling who came out on top.

The only goal came on 18 minutes when Euan Cameron’s inswinging corner was inadvertently headed into his own net by Olympic striker Robert Harker.

That was one of the few goalmouth incidents of the opening term, but things livened up after the break.

Olympic Stirling Dejan Spaseski Kade Fearnall — Stirling skipper Dejan Spaseski holds the Night Series trophy with Player of the Match Kade Fearnall. Photo by Football West/Kia Bako-Kirkpatrick

Harker almost made amends just before the hour as his shot from just inside the box was deflected onto the post. Then at the other end, Stirling substitute Calvin Whitney fired just over from distance with keeper Adrian Sinagra beaten. Alex Tanevski then looked set to make it 2-0, only to be thwarted by Samuel Kamper’s last-ditch challenge.

For most of the game Stirling were on the front foot, while Olympic adopted a more measured approach. However, as the clock ticked down, the Green Machine chanced their arm, and they almost got their reward. Harker had a shot bravely blocked by Hristijan Jankuloski, Aryn Williams headed a Mitch Oxborrow corner onto the crossbar, then right at the death another Oxborrow set-piece was glanced inches past his own post by a relieved Jankuloski.

Stirling's Alex Tanevski was key in his side's success. Photo by Football West/Kia Bako-Kirkpatrick

In the end, Stirling’s energy and determination saw them over the line with the outstanding Kade Fearnell named Player of the Match.

“It was a great game and a terrific way to go into the new season, but we remain humble,” Stirling head coach Mujic said.

“We’ve won the last two finals and it’s a great feeling. We will celebrate tonight and enjoy this, then we will look towards the weekend and the start of the season.”

Stirling kick off their New Balance NPL WA Men’s season with a Round One visit to Fremantle City next Saturday. Olympic are in action on Friday, away at Perth Azzurri.

Olympic Stirling Tyler Garner — Olympic Kingsway's Tyler Garner looks to get his side moving forward. Photo by Football West/Kia Bako-Kirkpatrick

This is the first season that New Balance has sponsored Football West’s top competitions and Belgravia Apparel Business Development Manager Glen Metherell presented Stirling with their winners’ medals.

“Congratulations to both teams on a fantastic match and well done to Stirling on their victory,” he said.

“It was a terrific occasion with a brilliant atmosphere in front of a big crowd.

“New Balance is thrilled to be the naming rights partner for the NPL, and we couldn't have wished for a better start. If tonight’s game is an indication, we are in for a great season.”