"The gap gets smaller every year" - Ben Collins and Heidelberg United eye Australia Cup Final

Heidelberg United have become the unofficial kings of the Cupset, slaying A-League giants at will.

Heidelberg United captain Ben Collins. (Image: Adrian Geremia)

When former manager George Katsakis laid down the foundations for Heidelberg United's regular Australia Cupsets back in 2017 against Perth Glory, King Kenny's coronation wasn't the only thing declared on that faithful night in August eight years ago. Their presence in the Australia Cup has become undeniable, earning four quarter-final appearances across 11 qualifications for the competition.

Current manager Johnny Anastasiadis set the tone early last October, starting pre-season in mid-November.

The building blocks have been put in place since then for Alexandros to climb that one step further in all competitions.

Heidelberg captain Ben Collins says going that one step further by qualifying for this edition's semi-final is a remarkable achievement.

"In a competition where there's probably 500-odd teams competing for it, and to be down to the last four is really incredible and a testament to the group," Collins told Front Page Football.

The captain's confidence stems from Heidelberg's proven track record against higher-division opponents throughout their cup run.

"We're excited; we know, and we've proven that we can beat A-League teams," he added.

"We're not just beating them in penalties or with a lucky goal—we're putting three or four past teams and not conceding."

The prospect of participation in continental football competition for Heidelberg is a possibility, as it's part of the tournament's prize.

Although it remains a distant consideration, Collins acknowledges its significance.

"It's pretty incredible for an NPL team to consider playing in an Asian competition," he said.

"We haven't given it too much real thought except for the odd joke, but it's definitely attainable."

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As speculation in the standard gap between National Premier Leagues and A-Leagues clubs has intensified, Collins believes it continues to draw closer.

However, he had credited the professional experience that many NPL players gain through A-League academies, which have helped elevate the standards of Victoria's secondary tier of football.

Alexandros face a determined Auckland FC side in a historic Australia Cup semi-final at Olympic Village tonight, a venue the hosts haven't lost at since August last year.

Click here to read more of Front Page Football's coverage of the Australia Cup!