23 years later, an Aussie football giant is heading back to the national stage

Adelaide City will return to the national stage for the first time in 23 years after winning the NPL SA Premiership and securing qualification for the Australian Championship.

The three-time NSL champions sealed top spot with a 3-0 victory over FK Beograd on the final day, finishing one point clear of WT Birkalla following a tight title race.

City - spearheaded by top goalscorer Asad Kasumovic - ended the regular season with 48 points, the competition's best defensive record and an impressive 14-game unbeaten run as they claimed their first premiership since 2022.

The triumph also carries greater significance for one of Australian football's historic clubs.

Adelaide City were a powerhouse of the old National Soccer League, winning three championships before their time in the national competition ended following the 2002-03 season.

They have remained a major force in South Australian football since, but haven't competed on the national stage for more than two decades.

That changes with the Australian Championship.

Winning the NPL SA Premiership has secured City qualification for the national competition, where they will face fellow state league clubs from around Australia.

It caps an impressive 2026 campaign for the Black and Whites and puts one of the country's most successful former NSL clubs back on a national platform.