He took Heidelberg to the brink of Australian football history. John Anastasiadis wants more

Heidelberg United have backed John Anastasiadis to lead another push for silverware in 2027, confirming the NPL Victoria Championship-winning coach will remain at Olympic Village for a fourth consecutive season.

The announcement provides continuity for one of Victoria's most proud and ambitious clubs as the Bergers look to build on a remarkable period that has seen them conquer the state competition and make headlines across Australian football.

Anastasiadis, who has been linked with a move to the A-League, masterminded an unforgettable 2025 campaign, guiding Heidelberg to the NPL Victoria Championship and within one victory of an historic Australia Cup triumph.

Their run to the national final captured the imagination of Australian football, with Western Sydney Wanderers, Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC all eliminated without scoring a goal against the Bergers.

Although Newcastle Jets eventually ended their fairytale in the final, Heidelberg's achievements under Anastasiadis demonstrated their ability to compete with some of the country's biggest clubs.

The former South Melbourne and Perth Glory striker was subsequently recognised as NPL Victoria Coach of the Year.

While Heidelberg were unable to replicate those heights in 2026, they remained in the finals picture and reached the Dockerty Cup final, providing another platform for Anastasiadis to build upon.

Now the focus turns to 2027 and the opportunity to return to the summit of Victorian football.

With the likes of Avondale FC, Oakleigh Cannons and South Melbourne continuing to raise the standard in NPL Victoria, the challenge for Heidelberg will be to rediscover the consistency that delivered championship success while maintaining their ability to perform on the biggest occasions.

Ex-Western United assistant Anastasiadis has already shown he can assemble a side capable of challenging for major honours. His fourth season presents an opportunity to build on that foundation and establish Heidelberg as a sustained force in an increasingly competitive landscape.

“John shares the club's ambition to compete at the highest level, challenge for silverware and build a team that our members, partners and supporters can be proud of,” Heidelberg said in confirming his recommitment.

The decision to retain Anastasiadis also reflects Heidelberg's belief in the direction of their senior program, with the club prioritising stability as preparations for the new campaign gather momentum.

For a coach who has already delivered one of the most memorable seasons in Heidelberg's modern history, there is still plenty left to achieve.