Swinburne FC will face off against long-time rivals Old St Kevins SC in the opening round of the Dockerty / Hahn Australia Cup.

The fixture is set for Sunday, February 16, 2025, with kick-off at 3:00 PM at Darebin International Sports Centre – Pitch 2.

This highly anticipated clash continues a historic rivalry between the two clubs, that share Howard Dawson Reserve (HDR) as its home ground.

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The two clubs compete in the HDR Cup with Old St Kevins currently holding it.

The Burners group chat was buzzing with excitement at the chance to play against Old Skevs.

Players reacted with enthusiasm in the group chat, sharing messages such as:

“Huuuuuuugeeeee” – One player said.
“LETS F**KING GOOOOOO” Another said.

Statistically, there was only a 0.76% chance of Swinburne FC drawing against Old St Kevins, making the matchup even more remarkable.

Unfortunately, the game cannot be played at HDR as there will be cricket on, necessitating the shift to Darebin International Sports Centre.

Rumours are circulating that St Kevins are reluctant to participate in this fixture and are only entering as a mandatory requirement, given their status as a State League club. In contrast, the Burners are entering through free will, as the only Sunday League-exclusive club in the competition.

The Burners will be looking to replicate their heroics in 2023, when we defeated Lyndale United, a club five tiers above us, in a dramatic penalty shootout. This victory marked the first time Swinburne FC progressed past the first round of the competition.

Stay tuned for further updates as the match approaches.

Swinburne FC Australia Cup Stats

Total Matches Played: 12
Wins: 2 (16.7%)
Losses: 10 (83.3%)
Goals Scored: 22
Goals Conceded: 56
Biggest Win: 6-1 vs. Ballarat North United (2016)
Heaviest Loss: 0-17 vs. Wangaratta City (2018)
Top Goalscorer: Will Fitzgerald (3 goals)