The Australia Cup has its dream final, with South Melbourne setting up a date with Melbourne Victory after coming from 1-0 down to beat Queensland’s Lions FC 3-1 in the semi final. 

A hat-trick from substitute Bul Juach was the game changer at Lakeside, as South made it past the semis at their third attempt, having been eliminated at this stage twice before. 

Hellas become the third non-A-League side to make it to the decider, following Heidelberg last year and Sydney United in 2022, where they succumb to Newcastle and Macarthur respectively. 

Jackson Hart-Phillips helped the Queensland NPL outfit take a lead into the break but an inspired substitution helped trigger a stunning turnaround, teed up by David Woo, and then Hassan ramalzani’s inch perfect cross, which was begging to be headed home. 

Lions FC lead at Lakeside! 🦁

Jackson Hart-Phillips finds the back of the net after a devastating counter attack, set up brilliantly by Luke Broderick ⚡️

Watch the @australiacup Semi-Finals live and exclusive on Paramount+ 📺 pic.twitter.com/W4Plw3tNZ6

— Paramount+ Australia (@ParamountPlusAU) September 15, 2026

After Max Mikkola caused chaos in the box, Juach pounced to bundle home a third, his hat-trick, and to seal the win in front of over 5,000 fans.

The final is slated for October 10 although Football Australia will confirm the details this week. 

Bul Juach levels it for @smfc! 🔵⚪️

It takes the @australiacup icon just seven minutes to find the back of the net after coming off the bench at the break, and it’s game on at Lakeside! 🔥

Watch the #AustraliaCup Semi-Finals live and exclusive on Paramount+ 📺 pic.twitter.com/VHnR5CORFz

— Paramount+ Australia (@ParamountPlusAU) September 15, 2026

IT’S THE BUL JUACH SHOW AT LAKESIDE! 🔥

The @smfc forward delivers YET AGAIN in the @australiacup, getting his second of the night to give the hosts the lead! 🔵⚪️

Watch the #AustraliaCup Semi-Finals live and exclusive on Paramount+ 📺 pic.twitter.com/EqaIwj7brc

— Paramount+ Australia (@ParamountPlusAU) September 15, 2026

SOUTH MELBOURNE ARE GOING TO THE @australiacup FINAL! 🏆✨

Bul Juach seals it for @smfc, booking their place in a DREAM decider against Melbourne Victory! 🔥

Watch the #AustraliaCup Final live on Paramount+ 📺 pic.twitter.com/HkrWKTdnHf

— Paramount+ Australia (@ParamountPlusAU) September 15, 2026