Round 1 Preview – League One Men’s
Fresh faces, new coaches and a reshaped competition — the Football NSW League One Men’s season launches this weekend with plenty of intrigue and early-season edge.
Four clubs arrive via promotion or relegation, while several others begin new eras from the dugout. With action spread across three days, Round One offers the first glimpse of who’s ready to contend in 2026.
Match of the Round
Bankstown City FC vs Rydalmere Lions
Saturday 7 February | 6pm | Jensen Park
There was only ever one place to start.
Bankstown City open their campaign at what should be a packed Jensen Park armed with ambition and marquee firepower as they push hard for promotion. After finishing below expectations in 2025, the club has made bold moves both on and off the pitch, with Fabian Micelli tasked with leading a reset.
Up front, few squads in the league can match the pedigree on display. Multiple-time NPL Men’s NSW Golden Boot winner Alec Urosevski headlines a star-studded group that includes Blake Ricciuto, Peter Kekeris, Mario Shabow, Robbie Speranza and more. The challenge now is cohesion — but the quality is undeniable.
Standing opposite is a Rydalmere Lions side entering a new phase. The departures of Ahmad Taleb, Robert Eremugo and long-time coach Abbas Saad introduce an element of unpredictability, but there’s optimism under new head coach Jeff Suzor, formerly of Blacktown City.
With former Bankstown City players Mabior Garang and Dimitri Kostopoulos returning to familiar territory and Jackson Bandiera adding quality, the Lions won’t lack motivation in this opening test.
All matches this season can be watched live on the Football NSW YouTube channel.
Prospect United FC vs Central Coast Mariners
Friday 6 February | 8pm | Blacktown Exercise Sports & Technology Hub
Prospect United make their long-awaited League One debut after a dramatic playoff victory over Bonnyrigg White Eagles last September — a milestone moment for long-serving head coach Darren Camilleri.
A significant squad refresh means up to 10 players could make their competitive club debut, adding intrigue to their first test at this level.
Central Coast Mariners arrive with renewed direction under returning academy coach Philippe Bernabod-Madrid, whose résumé includes a Western United U23 championship. Expect key roles for Michael Paragalli, Jesse Mantell and Laurence Taylor as the Mariners look to start sharply.
Hurstville Zagreb FC vs Newcastle Jets
Friday 6 February | 8pm | Penshurst Park
Another new name enters the League One landscape as Hurstville Zagreb step up after a dominant League Two title run, finishing 15 points clear last season.
With momentum firmly on their side and recruits such as Michael Vakis strengthening the squad, the big question is whether their winning mentality can translate immediately.
They face a Newcastle Jets outfit that finished fifth in 2025 and lit up the competition with 72 goals. Several players have since progressed to the A-League setup, and head coach Chris Zoricich has flagged a younger, rebuilding group — but one still capable of excitement.
Blacktown Spartans FC vs Hills United FC
Friday 6 February | 8:15pm | Blacktown Football Park
Blacktown Spartans enter 2026 as genuine contenders after finishing third last season, though home form will be a focus after six losses at the venue in 2025.
Exciting overseas recruits Austen Booth and Daniel Scally add spark, while Hills United arrive with continuity front of mind. After a slow start last year, Hills were one of the form sides in the second half of the season.
Patrick Zwaanswijk takes over as head coach, with Kaito Satori, Max Hately, Marin Matek and Luka Sterjovski among the names to watch.
Northern Tigers FC vs Canterbury Bankstown FC
Saturday 7 February | 7pm | North Turramurra Recreation Area
A new era begins for Northern Tigers, who enter a season without Adam Hett at the helm for the first time in many years. Milad Popalsky steps into the role with a clear focus on local talent.
Alen Aganovic headlines the arrivals, while familiar faces Lachie Lloyd, Ally Brown and the Denton brothers provide continuity.
Canterbury Bankstown remain something of a mystery after finishing 12th last season. Wally Savor returns for his seventh season as coach, overseeing a heavily refreshed squad shaped by new youth and homegrown regulations.
Bulls FC Academy vs Inter Lions
Saturday 7 February | 7pm | Sydney United Sports Centre
Bulls FC Academy will quickly come into focus in 2026, with Nicolai Muller entering his second season and seven external signings strengthening the squad.
Inter Lions also begin year two under Shane Cevini, with positivity surrounding the group despite mixed pre-season results. Gianni Di Pizio looms as a key attacking threat, while Daniel Bakrdanikoski and Rainer Smahel reinforce the back line.
Dulwich Hill FC vs Hakoah FC
Saturday 7 February | 7:15pm | Arlington Oval
Dulwich Hill approach the season with measured change. Berhan Brandon Ackalmaz steps into the head coach role, while Marcus Lal and Jesper Webber add attacking promise.
Defensive improvement will be the early focus after conceding 67 goals last season.
Hakoah FC lean on stability, re-signing the bulk of their squad under Craig Sharpley, who returns motivated after an 11th-place finish in 2025.
Macarthur Rams FC vs Western City Rangers
Sunday 8 February | 6pm | Lynwood Park
Macarthur Rams look refreshed after narrowly avoiding relegation last season. Daniel Mijovic takes charge, with goals a clear priority following the recruitment of Chan Yelchan, Olivier Beltran-Woodward and Christian Torrelli.
Western City Rangers begin life back in League One under Warren Greive, bringing in 11 new players as they target an immediate response. With Craig Foster joining the backroom staff, expectations are quietly building.
By Justin Smith
