A-League coach names four NPL clubs as he demands immediate expansion: 'Bring them in!'

Melbourne City head coach Aurelio Vidmar has called for the immediate expansion of the A-League Men to 16 teams, naming four National Premier Leagues clubs he believes could help strengthen Australia's top flight.

The former Socceroos captain wants four additional teams introduced to address lengthy pre-seasons and a shortage of competitive matches, declaring a 16-team competition would be the ideal solution.

Vidmar specifically mentioned Australia Cup holders South Melbourne, NPL SA champions Adelaide City, NPL NSW giants Marconi Stallions and ambitious NPL NSW outfit Sutherland Sharks as potential additions, although he stressed the identity of the clubs was less important than expanding the competition.

His comments come amid renewed discussion about the future of Australia's national football landscape, particularly following South Melbourne's historic Australia Cup triumph over Melbourne Victory and the club's public ambition to return to the highest level.

Adelaide City have also outlined their desire to compete nationally on a permanent basis, with president Angelo Carrozza recently declaring the three-time national champions ready to take the next step, provided a financially sustainable pathway exists.

“I think the narrative with South Melbourne, it's been really positive and in my view, you need four teams in the league ASAP,” Vidmar told reporters on the eve of the Melbourne Derby between City and Victory in the A-League.

“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, 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.”

South Melbourne are among the most successful clubs in Australian football history, having won four NSL championships and the 1999 Oceania Club Championship. Their legacy includes legendary figures such as Ange Postecoglou, Paul Trimboli, Ferenc Puskas and Michael Petersen.

The Victorian powerhouse have enjoyed a remarkable resurgence, winning the inaugural Australian Championship in 2025 before lifting the Australia Cup in 2026, defeating A-League opposition on their way to the trophy.

Adelaide City boast an equally significant place in the national game's history. Founded in 1946, the Black and Whites were foundation members of the NSL in 1977 and won three national championships in 1986, 1992 and 1994, along with the 1987 Oceania Club Championship.

Their history is closely intertwined with Vidmar, who helped Adelaide City claim their maiden NSL title in 1986. The club also produced generations of Australian internationals, including Alex Tobin, Damian Mori, Carl Veart and the Aloisi brothers.

Marconi Stallions are another former national powerhouse, having claimed four NSL championships in 1979, 1988, 1989 and 1993. Established by Italian migrants in Sydney's west, the club have played a significant role in Australian football, with Socceroos greats Mark Schwarzer and Harry Kewell among the players to have worn its colours.

Sutherland Sharks, meanwhile, represent a different part of the Australian football landscape. Founded in 1930, the Sydney club have a long history in NSW football and a strong reputation for developing players.

Unlike South Melbourne, Adelaide City and Marconi, Sutherland were not an NSL club, but their qualification for the 2026 Australian Championship has provided another national platform for the Sharks.

On Adelaide City’s Australian Championship campaign and return to the national stage, Vidmar added: “Yeah, I do love it.

“They did a really good job last week against Avondale. Probably unlucky to lose [the bonus point] on penalties. But it’s fantastic that they’re on the national stage again.

“I heard [Carrozza] talk about the number of Socceroos that came through Adelaide City through that [NSL]; that period was incredible.

“They’d probably be a team that, if they had aspirations to come into the A-League… the more the merrier for me. It doesn’t matter.

“If you talk to every single player, they’d want less pre-season and more games, absolutely. And if you had 16 teams, 30 games home and away plus finals, I think that’s more than enough. And I think all those teams that I’ve just mentioned would be absolutely competitive in this competition.”