Devonport Strikers will find out tonight if they will face an A-League opponent in the next round of the FFA Cup, as the draw for the Round of 32 takes place.
Devonport are in the South Zone of the draw, which includes A-League champions Melbourne City, New Zealand based Wellington Phoenix, either Western United or Newcastle Jets and four clubs from Victoria’s NPL.
Football Tasmania CEO Matt Bulkeley said this meant the Strikers were a three in seven chance of drawing A-League opposition.
“Devonport have been a wonderful representative for Tasmania in the FFA Cup over the past few years and we’re looking forward to seeing them do well again,” he said.
“Last time the Strikers had a home game in the FFA Cup they attracted a huge crowd and it would be great for the game for that to be repeated.
“This year, there’s a very real chance Devonport could draw A-League opposition, with Melbourne City, Wellington Phoenix and either Western United or Newcastle Jets all in the southern zone draw with the Strikers.
“One possibility is that their opponent will be Western United, which would present the closest thing we could have to a Tasmanian derby in the cup after the Victorian A-League club played two home games here last year.
“Whatever the outcome of the draw, the Tasmanian football community will be getting behind the Strikers and I’m sure they will do the state proud.”