Vidmar wants four new A-League teams. These 10 NPL clubs have something to offer

Aurelio Vidmar wants four new A-League clubs and he believes Australian football already has the teams capable of competing.

The Melbourne City head coach recently called for an immediate expansion to 16 teams, naming South Melbourne, Adelaide City, Marconi Stallions and Sutherland Sharks as potential additions.

“I think the narrative with South Melbourne, it's been really positive and in my view, in my view, you need four teams in the league ASAP,” Vidmar said before last week’s Melbourne Derby.

“I think we don't have enough games and pre-seasons, we spoke about that and most of the coaches have spoken about that over the last couple of weeks and pre-season is way too long.

“If we could have 16 teams would be absolutely perfect.

“So if it's South Melbourne, Adelaide City, Marconi, Sutherland, I don't know who it is, bring them in, bring them in because it'll make the competition much better.”

Interestingly, last week’s Melbourne Derby drew a smaller crowd than the historic Australia Cup final between South Melbourne and Melbourne Victory. In fact, there were 10,000 less supporters in the crowd at AAMI Park.

Vidmar's comments raise an intriguing question: what could Australia's established clubs bring to an expanded A-League?

Beyond the professional competition sit former national champions, clubs with generations of supporters and emerging forces investing in their futures.

Some have openly declared their ambition to compete at the highest level. Others have the history, infrastructure or identity to offer something different, even if professional football remains a distant prospect.

From former NSL heavyweights to modern NPL powerhouses, HIGHPRESS takes a closer look at 10 clubs that highlight the depth of Australian football beyond the A-League.

Perhaps the strongest publicly declared candidate. Four-time NSL champions, inaugural Australian Championship winners and 2026 Australia Cup holders, South Melbourne have already signalled their intention to pursue A-League licences.

With Lakeside Stadium, an established supporter base and growing commercial backing, the Victorian powerhouse can point to more than history in making their case.

South’s ambition is completely clear.

Three-time NSL champions, 2026 NPL SA double winners and one of Australian football's great talent factories.

Adelaide City's ambitions extend well beyond the Australian Championship, with president Angelo Carrozza declaring the club ready for a potential return to the top flight - provided the financial model is sustainable.

“In our heart of hearts, we're ready. In my opinion, we could be asked tomorrow. Providing it's affordable,” Carrozza told Building Blocks.

The Black and Whites have the history, ambition and football pedigree. Whether a viable professional pathway emerges remains the biggest question.

Four-time NSL champions with established facilities and a significant place in Australian football history.

Marconi have continued to compete for honours in NSW and on the national stage. Their infrastructure and football pedigree make them a credible name in the discussion, although their current A-League ambitions and financial capacity would need to be established.

Few NPL clubs can match Preston's supporter culture.

The Victorian club have embraced their return to the national stage through the Australian Championship, while their leadership has previously expressed confidence in their ability to compete professionally.

Their passionate following is a major asset. Stadium requirements and long-term funding remain important considerations.

Two consecutive NSL championships, an established stadium and a proud history in Australian football, having produced the legendary Mark Viduka and plenty more.

Melbourne Knights have the identity and national pedigree to warrant consideration, even if their recent achievements have not matched those of some rivals.

The Croatian-backed club, though, have returned to NPL VIC following a year away in the second tier.

However, the challenge would be demonstrating a viable professional model to complement that history.

Few NPL clubs have undergone a transformation quite like Sutherland.

After narrowly avoiding relegation in 2025, the Sharks finished in the NPL NSW top four in 2026 and welcomed a capacity crowd of approximately 3,000 for their Australian Championship home debut.

Behind the scenes, former A-Leagues commissioner Greg O'Rourke and ex-A-Leagues executive Trent McClenahan are overseeing an ambitious project backed by private investment.

Significant upgrades to Seymour Shaw Stadium, including a new pitch, change rooms, gym and hospitality facilities, have accompanied the club's determination to become a leading force in NSW football.

Unlike several former NSL heavyweights, Sutherland's case is built less on history and more on what is happening right now.

But while the investment and ambition are evident, an A-League bid has not been publicly confirmed.

One of Sydney's most established football institutions, with an NSL championship and a record of sustained success in NPL NSW.

APIA's history and football operations give them a strong foundation, although stadium infrastructure and commercial capacity would be central to any professional ambitions.

Two-time NSL grand finalists with a proud history, a strong community identity and an established home at Sydney United Sports Centre.

Their national pedigree is clear. The challenge would be demonstrating the investment and broader commercial strategy necessary for A-League participation.

Former NSL champions with deep roots in Sydney football and a history of developing high-profile players.

Olympic - who were relegated from NPL NSW in 2026 - remain a recognisable name nationally, but translating that legacy into a sustainable professional operation would require significant backing.

A modern NPL powerhouse. The Queensland club completed a remarkable quadruple in 2026, reinforcing their standing among Australia's most successful state-league teams.

Their football credentials are difficult to dispute. Whether Lions have the appetite and financial resources to operate professionally remains unconfirmed.

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There are also the likes of Wollongong Wolves and Heidelberg United. But not every club on this list is pursuing an A-League licence. Nor would success at NPL level guarantee a smooth transition to professional football.

But each represents something Australian football already has: history, community, ambition or a proven ability to compete.

Vidmar's call for expansion has reopened a familiar conversation about the future of the A-League.

And perhaps some of the answers are already playing in the leagues below it.