New rule, ‘world’s biggest penalty spot’ and Popovic-style gamble: Australian Championship opens with a twist

The Australian Championship’s new penalty shootout rule took just one game to make its mark, with Wollongong Wolves pulling off a Tony Popovic-style goalkeeper substitution to claim a bonus point against Preston Lions in the opening match of the 2026 tournament. NPL NSW’s Wollongong prevailed 6-5 on penalties against NPL VIC’s Preston at Genis Steel […]

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