So, what should the additional teams be? In an ideal scenario at this point, the NST would have 12 teams. The eight already revealed are:
– APIA Leichhardt FC
– Avondale FC
– Marconi Stallions FC
– Preston Lions FC
– South Melbourne Hellas FC
– Sydney Olympic FC
– Sydney United 58 FC
– Wollongong Wolves FC<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are the other four teams that should be added to the NST by 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"Patrick](\"https:\/\/www.theroar.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Sydney-United-Australia-Cup-755x515.jpg\")
Patrick Antelmi of Sydney United 58 FC celebrates scoring a goal. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n
Brisbane United FC<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
One of the two merger bids, Brisbane United is a merger of Brisbane Strikers, Wynnum Wolves, and Virginia United. Whilst it does not have the storied history and community reputation that an NST would benefit from, Brisbane – and Queensland as a whole – could benefit strongly from a more community-oriented football team on a national stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a merger, it would have more sound financial backing than a Brisbane City NST team, and with the agreement of Football Queensland, could slot right into the NPL system if relegation was on the cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brisbane is a city that needs a new kid on the block to rejuvenate football in the city, and Brisbane United could be the perfect candidate for doing so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adelaide City FC<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A former NSL powerhouse, Adelaide City would check another state off for the NST to be truly “national”. Some of Aussie football’s legends have donned the Zebras shirt – Ross Aloisi, Carl Veart, and Tony Vidmar, to name but three. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The antithesis to Brisbane United in some ways, the Black and Whites have a history to be proud of, with three national titles under their belt. With an expansive supporter base, Juve are well placed to compete on a national stage again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adelaide United drew an average of 12,000 to their home games in 2022\/23, and the potential for a derby is exhilarating for South Australian football.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"Generic](\"https:\/\/www.theroar.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Generic-football-755x515.jpg\")
(Photo by Visionhaus\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n
Football SA Merger<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The second merger, Football South Australia, is a merger of Campbelltown City, North Eastern MetroStars, and West Torrens Birkalla. Quite successful in the state NPL, all three clubs have a history to be proud of. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A third professional club in the state would allow football to begin to build a challenge to AFL’s dominance. Obviously, this is the only NST club that still requires a name. Since City and United are already taken, conventions could be taken from teams such as Wigan, Charlton, and Madrid – Adelaide Athletic AFC has a ring to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Canberra Croatia FC<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Whilst Canberra will now be getting a team in the A-League men before the start date of the NST, I still think that the nation’s capital shouldn’t be missing out – and Canberra Croatia is a very successful team, with a reputation throughout the world of football in Canberra, so much so, that many a football score app give them the moniker of “Canberra FC” when it comes to cup time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They dominate the NPL in the ACT, and are well placed to go toe-to-toe against the rest of the NST.<\/p>\n\n\n