Hume City love an FFA Cup run and if the cards fall their way in 2019, the NPL Victoria club could find themselves deep in the competition yet again.
Managed by ex-player, former Grimsby Town and St. Mirren midfielder Nick Hegarty, Hume are entering the Round of 32 stage for the fourth time in this year’s edition.
The club famously made the 2015 semi-finals in their debut year, before losing 3-0 to Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park. Hume were edged by the Hyundai A-League powerhouse 1-0 in the Round of 16 the year after.
While their 2017 and 2018 tournaments fell short of their maiden year benchmark, Hume have gone from strength to strength in the NPL Victoria and possess a roster deep with former Hyundai A-League and local talent.
Although a trip to Canberra to face ACT pacesetters Tigers FC won’t be easy, Hume will fancy their chances at demonstrating their FFA Cup pedigree.
Profile
Founded: 1979
Competition: NPL Victoria
Home ground: ABD Stadium
History
Hume City was established as Holland Park Football Club and registered with the Victorian Soccer Federation in 1979.
They were re-named North Coburg United in 1993, before winning three promotions in the space of six years from 1996-2002.
In 2006, the club became Coburg United Soccer Club and achieved entry into the Victorian top tier for the first time in their history in 2007 – meaning Hume had gone from State League 4 to the state’s top division in little over a decade.
2009 saw the club renamed Hume City and a move to the new facilities at Broadmeadows Valley Park. And in 2014, the club officially opened up $12m worth of facilities including three grass pitches, a 3G pitch, impressive grandstand, modern club room and change rooms.
Former player and current boss Nick Hegarty in action against Melbourne Victory in 2016
Key Players
Hume – who are also known as Anadoluspor - are currently fourth on the 2019 NPL Victoria ladder. The goals of James Brown have helped contribute to this lofty position.
An attacker formerly of Gold Coast United and Newcastle Jets colours, Brown is enjoying a prolific campaign with 13 goals in 20 matches: an excellent return considering the 29-year-old is not an out-and-out goal scorer.
Theo Markelis can conjure moments of brilliance. The attacker spent some of his youth career with La Liga outfit Valencia and played five games for Melbourne Victory in 2012/13, and is a man for the big occasion.
And in the likes of Mark Ochieng (Adelaide United), George Howard (Melbourne Victory) and Mitch Cooper (Gold Coast United and Newcastle Jets), Hume have plenty of top-level experience which could prove vital in leaving the ACT with their cup dream intact.
James Brown broke out in the Hyundai A-League for Gold Coast United
Round of 32 Match Details
Tigers FC v Hume City
Date: Wednesday, 31 July 2019
Venue: Deakin Stadium
Kick-off: 7.30pm AEST