Here at Blue and White Views we have written extensively about the matchday experience at Lakeside, and last year we saw significant change – for the better! Now with the 2026 season truly upon us, we once again pause to take stock of the Lakeside matchday experience.

Changes seen last year

At the worst point last year, South were playing terrible losing football in front of small crowds. These crowds were left with little to console themselves except for long wait times at the social club canteen. By the end of the year though, the club was experiencing a mini-revival in the Australian Championship.

In that new competition, fans got to experience fundamental shifts that greatly improved the matchday experience. The team was playing more attractive football, the club was participating in a more meaningful national competition, and the games were being played in the Spring.

This didn’t just attract larger crowds, but the crowds themselves contributed to an enhanced atmosphere. Lakeside was filled with noise during matches, and Clarendon Street pubs were filled with fans afterwards. The club also made a concerted effort to provide improved food options, an in-stadium DJ, and even pre & post-match entertainment which delighted fans.

Lessons for NPL games

Of course, many of these factors can’t be replicated in the NPL (i.e. we can’t shift the competition to the Spring), however we have been pleased to see some lessons have been learnt. At the recent home game against Dandenong City, fans were delighted with real souvlakia, shorter food wait times, and even an in-stadium DJ which helped lift the atmosphere. I also reckon the crowd was actually bigger than expected for a Tuesday night – hopefully signalling further crowd growth this season!

Next Steps These green shoots through need to be nurtured. Fundamental factors must be maintained (i.e. the team playing attractive football), but new opportunities must continue to be explored. Our two cents? We would like to see the social club refreshed with a focus on hosting fans for longer. Simple improvements could include better use of music and screens as well as the introduction of matchday competiti