The magic of the Hahn Australia Cup has once again delivered something truly extraordinary. In the Round 3 South Australia Preliminary Draw, it revealed a fixture that quite literally stretches across the state, Whyalla Lions vs Naracoorte United.
Two proud rural clubs. Two passionate football communities. One historic showdown.
What makes this clash so remarkable isn’t simply that it features two regional sides, it’s that they are located on opposite ends of South Australia. Whyalla Lions, based in the industrial heart of Whyalla, were drawn first and will enjoy home advantage. Standing in their way are Naracoorte United from the Limestone Coast.
This fixture is believed to be the longest intrastate Australia Cup Preliminary Round match in Australian history, with an estimated travel time of 7 hours and 40 minutes by car between the two clubs.
Naracoorte United Soccer Club have once again chosen to begin their season early by nominating for the Australia Cup, a competition open to all Australian clubs, from grassroots community sides through to A-League teams who enter in later rounds.
Having previously nominated on three occasions, Naracoorte have faced teams from significantly higher competitions, resulting in classic “David vs Goliath” battles. While those campaigns ended in defeat, belief remains strong within the club that anything can happen in Cup football.
In 2026, Naracoorte’s draw against Whyalla Lions promises a much more evenly matched contest, with both clubs competing at community level. The squad is excited by the opportunity and strengthened by key additions.
Naracoorte will hit the road on Saturday 21 February, with kick-off set for 5:00pm at Worsnop Park, Whyalla.
Whyalla Lions’ story is rich in tradition. Formed in 1960 after breaking away from Wanderers Soccer Club, the Lions have long been a cornerstone of football on the Eyre Peninsula.
From 1960 until 2022, the club called Jenkins Park home before officially renaming it Worsnop Park in honour of a family that has contributed immensely to the club’s legacy.
Senior Player and Chairman Louis Colaruotolo shared his thoughts ahead of the historic clash:
“We’re incredibly excited to host Naracoorte United in the Australia Cup. It’s a historic moment for our club and something everyone is proud to be part of. This match is not only huge for us, but for the whole town — it’s a great opportunity to bring the community together and showcase regional football at its best.
We’d also like to welcome Naracoorte after what is a long trip for them. We appreciate the effort it takes to travel and compete, and we’re looking forward to a fantastic game.”
This isn’t just a fixture, it’s a celebration of regional football. It’s two communities rallying behind their clubs.
From the Eyre Peninsula to the Limestone Coast, South Australian football history is set to be written across 7 hours and 40 minutes of road.
On Saturday 21 February at 5:00pm, Worsnop Park will host more than just a football match, it will host a moment that reminds us why the Australia Cup is so special.
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