AAP is reporting that the list breaks down to four bids from Victoria, four from New South Wales, three from Queensland and one each from Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.

There's surprise exclusions in the form of Geelong's Victoria Patriots, which makes way for a bid from West Melbourne, while among the surprise faces are bids from Campbelltown, Ipswich and 'Belgravia Leisure' - a Melbourne bid backed by former Melbourne Victory Chairman, Geoff Lord.  

FFA CEO, David Gallop, said the response bode well for the A-League's future.

“We started this process looking forward to seeing how many groups would emerge that are genuinely interested in investing in the new clubs and growing the Hyundai A-League.  As of last night we have evidence that the interest is genuine, thoughtful and committed.

“We look forward to continuing to work with these groups, the existing clubs, Member Federations and other stakeholders to make expansion a success for the whole of football.”

So without any more further-a-do, feast your eyes on the candidates for the next two A-League clubs.

VICTORIA

TEAM 11 - Dandenong-based bid represented by local councillors and former Herald Sun journalist Matt Windley. Provisional plans for a boutique stadium next to Dandenong Station. 

SOUTH MELBOURNE - Former NSL heavyweights and four-time national champions, the Oceania Club of the Century is based at the 12,000 capacity Lakeside Stadium.

WEST MELBOURNE - Reportedly the relocation of a Geelong-based bid to represent Melbourne's western suburbs, sparked interest by announcing it could fund its own A-League stadium. 

BELGRAVIA LEISURE - Geoff Lord's late-bid for an A-League club based in inner Melbourne, stadium plans yet to be announced.

 

 

NEW SOUTH WALES

CAMPBELLTOWN - 50 kilometres south-west of Sydney's CBD, a NSW bid based at the 20,000 capacity Campbelltown Sports Stadium. Backed by billionaire property developer Lang Walker with Brett Emerton as Bid Ambassador. 

SOUTH-WEST SYDNEY - Based in Liverpool, west of Sydney. A new A-League bid aiming to take advantage of South-West Sydney's growing population, infrastructure projects and city planning.

SOUTHERN EXPANSION - Aiming to represent the Sutherland, St George and Illawarra regions, will play its home games at three separate venues. Backed by a Chinese / Hong Kong-based investor.

WOLLONGONG WOLVES - Another former NSL heavyweight led by CEO Chris Papakosmas, based at 18,000 capacity WIN Stadium. Adam Federici is Bid Ambassador. 

TASMANIA

TASMANIA UNITED - Backed by former Victory shareholders Robert Belteky and Harry Stamoulis, currently based at 18,000-capacity North Hobart Oval with tentative government plans for rectangular stadium. 

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

ADELAIDE 11 - Backed by former NSL club Adelaide City despite their previous uncertainty over viability and based out of West Adelaide, reportedly aiming to play at Cooper's Stadium.

 

 

QUEENSLAND

BRISBANE CITY - The only Brisbane-based bid due to Brisbane Strikers' withdrawal. Led by former politician and CEO Robert Cavalucci, based at 19,000 capacity Ballymore Stadium.

GOLD COAST UNITED - Former A-League club that had its licence revoked in 2012 under the former ownership of Clive Palmer, based at 27,000 capacity Robina Stadium. 

WESTERN PRIDE - Provisional Ipswich bid launched by Queensland NPL club Western Pride, currently based at 5,000 capacity North Ipswich Reserve. 

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

CANBERRA - Another late bid, unrevealed whether it has direct links with W-League side Canberra United. Canberra based backers, based at 25,000 capacity Canberra Stadium.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

FREMANTLE CITY - Reportedly sharing Perth Glory's 20,000 capacity nib Stadium and launched separately to existing W.A NPL club Fremantle City.