They waited 34 years for this and their history-making season rolls on

Preston Lions' remarkable 2026 campaign has delivered another piece of history after the NPL VIC giants reached their first Dockerty Cup final in 34 years.

Gian Albano scored the decisive goal in the 80th minute as Preston overcame VPL1 side North Sunshine Eagles 1-0 in Tuesday night's semi-final.

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The victory not only sets up a showdown with Heidelberg United but sends Preston back to the decider for the first time since 1992, when they lifted the trophy at Olympic Park.

That triumph remains Preston's only Dockerty Cup success, having previously finished runners-up in consecutive finals in 1985 and 1986.

Now, more than three decades later, Preston have another opportunity to add their name to one of the oldest trophies in Australian football.

Preston have also produced one of the most dramatic victories of the NPL Victoria season, scoring twice deep into stoppage time to stun Avondale FC 3-2 over the weekend.

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Four days later, Albano delivered another defining moment.

Preston will face reigning NPL Victoria champions Heidelberg United in the final after the Bergers defeated VPL1 side Brunswick Juventus 2-0 in the other semi-final.