New signings for historic debut

Above: Moreton City Excelsior celebrate winning the NPL Qld Premiership. Picture Ella Dingwall (@ellaa_media)

Moreton City Excelsior has made a series of big signings ahead of this weekend’s historic launch of Australia’s new national second tier.

Formed just two years ago by the merger of Moreton Bay United and Albany Creek Excelsior, MCE is one of 16 teams in the first Australian Championship.

As 2025 NPL Qld Premiers, MCE travel to nine-times Northern NSW champions Broadmeadow Magic for their opening Group A match on Sunday (kick-off noon).

MCE’s ranks have been boosted by five newcomers, including striker Andy Pengelly who won this season’s NPL Qld Golden Boot.

The 28-year-old has starred for Western Pride, Strikers, Peninsula Power and Lions, winning Premierships and scoring vital goals in cup competitions.

He is joined by forward Jackson Courtney-Perkins, who has returned after spells with Port Melbourne and Avondale, who he helped with the 2025 NPL Victoria Premiership.

Defender Trent Millard has also signed for MCE bringing experience from Brisbane Roar, Central Coast Mariners and Lions.

Eddie Ince, who came up through the junior ranks at Moreton Bay United, bolsters central midfield having played at Roar and for the Australia Under 17s.

NPL Qld’s Young Player of the Year Luka Jankovic, an attacking midfielder, has also made the move from St George Willawong to Brendale.

All are important additions to an MCE squad joining many of the most illustrious and successful clubs in Australia.

After Magic, MCE travel to South Melbourne – the four times National Soccer League (NSL) winners and 10 times NPL VIC/Victorian Premier League champions.

Then host Sydney Olympic – twice NSL winners, four times runners up and NSL Minor Premiers and three times runners-up.

The top two from each group enter the knockout stages which may include Marconi Stallions, which produced Aussie legends Harry Kewell, Frank Farina and Mark Schwarzer.

Or APIA Leichardt, the ex-NSL champions and former Oceania Club Champions or former NSL Premiers Sydney United.

As Football Australia’s Interim CEO Heather Garriock says the new Australian Championship “celebrates the very best of domestic football in Australia”.

And that includes Moreton City Excelsior – the youngest club in the competition.

All home fixtures are tickets and will be played at Perry Park, in Brisbane. Tickets are available by clicking here.

The Australian Championship matches are also being broadcast by SBS on its main channel and SBS Viceland.

MCE fixtures:

October 12 – Broadmeadow Magic (a) kick-off noon

October 19 - South Melbourne (a) 3.30pm

October 25 - Sydney Olympic (Perry Park) 2pm

November 2 - Broadmeadow Magic (Perry Park) noon

November 8 - Sydney Olympic (a) noon

November 14 – South Melbourne (Perry Park) 6pm