Maitland FC defender Tahlia Gossner is not underestimating Capital Football ahead of Saturday’s inaugural Northern NSW Football All-Stars Challenge at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility.
NNSWF has selected senior men’s and women’s representative teams to compete as the Cardiff Motor Group Northern NSW Women’s All-Stars and Umbro Northern NSW Men’s All-Stars against Capital Football’s men’s and women’s All-Stars.
The concept builds on the successful return of representative football to the region last season, when Northern NSW All-Stars teams faced the Newcastle Jets in front of strong community support.
Gossner, a two-time premiership winner, will represent the Cardiff Motor Group Northern NSW Women’s All-Stars and said the unfamiliarity of Capital Football would make Saturday’s contest an intriguing challenge.
“It’s kind of unknown. We don’t really know how they play but we’re looking forward to a hard game,” Gossner said.
“We can’t expect anything less than that. We will be going with our best foot forward.”
The 18-player women’s squad features players from five clubs in the Cardiff Motor Group NPL Women’s NNSW competition, including 10 from premiers Maitland.
Gossner said the squad had quickly developed strong combinations despite coming together from different clubs.
“It helps out most of us are from Maitland but we’ve gelled with the other girls well and it’s good to play with other really good soccer players,” Gossner said.
“We’re kind of feeling it out, seeing what works. Obviously, playing next to someone different, it takes time but I think we’ve gelled as good as we can.
“We’ve got a lethal attacking line but it’s all over the park as well.
“We’ve got composure, speed, skills on the ball and I think it will be really fun.”
Umbro Northern NSW Men’s All-Stars coach Jim Cresnar has led NPL Men’s NNSW side Broadmeadow Magic to three consecutive premierships and returns to lead the All-Stars alongside Peter McGuinness for the second year.
Cresnar and McGuinness coached the NNSW All-Stars side that faced the Newcastle Jets in 2025 and are determined to take the lessons from that experience into Saturday’s match.
“It’s just the ability to manage that high expectation [of playing] and what it means to represent NNSWF,” Cresnar said.
“I think that’s probably the key learning from last year. Peter [McGuinness] and I are working hard to make sure that they’re focused and determined to get the outcome we want. Which is to win a game of football.”
Cresnar is not underestimating Capital Football but remains confident in the strength of his squad.
“To my understanding, they’re similar in terms of the quality of football they produce in Canberra as well,” Cresnar said.
“I think it will be a very difficult game for us but in saying that, I think we’ve got a very strong squad, a mix of youth and experienced players.
“It’s an exciting time for Northern NSW Football.”
NNSWF CEO Peter Haynes said the fixture was a valuable opportunity to showcase the region’s talented players.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for our players and I’m really looking forward to seeing how they go,” Haynes said.
“It’s going to be a wonderful occasion at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility on Saturday and we’re delighted to be hosting Capital Football and welcoming them to the Hunter region.
“We’re looking forward to putting on a great match day and hopefully seeing a wonderful crowd come out to support football in our region.”
A HIT106.9 Northern League One All-Stars team will also go head-to-head with the Zone Football League All-Stars in a highly anticipated curtain-raiser.
2026 Northern NSW Football All-Stars Challenge Match Day Information
WHEN: Saturday 10 October
WHERE: Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility
KICK-OFF TIMES:
- HIT106.9 Northern League One All-Stars v Zone Football League All-Stars 12pm
- Cardiff Motor Group NNSW Women’s All-Stars v Capital Football 2pm
- Umbro NNSW Men’s All-Stars v Capital Football 4pm
GATES OPEN: 11am
ENTRY: $15 adults, $5 concession, FREE 16-years and under. Tickets will be available at the gate only with contactless payment preferred.
PARKING: Supporters are advised to arrive early and leave plenty of time to enter the venue due to limited parking and with a large crowd expected.
BROADCAST: Matches will be broadcast live on the NNSWF YouTube channel.