Melbourne Cobras Joins Hockey Australia’s Newest Franchise Team

Hockey Australia has officially confirmed the Melbourne Cobras as the newest franchise to join the Hockey One League, with the team set to debut in Season 2026.

The expansion marks a shift in the national competition, making Victoria the only state to field two franchises (alongside HC Melbourne) and signaling a major investment in the state’s diverse sporting future.

The Cobras were unveiled at a high-profile launch on March 11, 2026, attended by local leaders and the Consul General of India, Anish Rajan.

The franchise is explicitly designed as a “cultural and sporting bridge” between Australia and India, specifically targeting the rapid growth of hockey within Victoria’s South Asian communities.

Emphasising that the Cobras have two clear objectives, Hockey Victoria CEO, Andrew Skillern, said: “Significantly increase the growth of the game in the Victorian South-Asian community.”

“and extend our commercial relationships beyond traditional models.”

This growth is supported by recent state-wide infrastructure wins, including the newly opened Banyul-Warri Fields pitch in Torquay, which features the same “dry” turf technology to be used at the 2026 Hockey World Cup.

A New Home in Mitchell Shire

In a significant boost for regional infrastructure, the Cobras will be based in Mitchell Shire, with a new high-performance and community hub planned for Beveridge (north of Melbourne).

• High-Performance Base: The Beveridge facility will serve as the team’s training home, supporting elite pathways for both men’s and women’s squads.
• Funding Boost: Federal Member for McEwen, Rob Mitchell has already committed $500,000 to support the program through Hockey Victoria.
• Economic Link: Consul General, Anish Rajan, noted that the Cobras would deepen economic and commercial partnerships between the two nations, creating avenues for growth in sports-related industries.

Squad Strategy: Connecting the Diaspora

The Melbourne Cobras will implement a unique selection strategy aimed at fostering talent from the Indian diaspora.

The 25-player squad will feature:

• Reserved Spots: Dedicated positions for players of Indian origin.
• International Talent: A mix of world-class marquee players and local Victorian stars.
• Elite Derby: The entry of the Cobras introduces a “Melbourne Derby” against HC Melbourne (the reigning 2025 Men’s Champions), a move expected to ignite local rivalries and drive record ticket sales.

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