National hockey league newcomers make Bendigo their ‘regional home’

NEW Hockey One League franchise Melbourne Cobras will establish Bendigo as its regional home, committing to playing one game in the city in each of its first two seasons in 2026 and 2027.

Launched earlier this month, the Cobras became the national competition’s eighth team, aligning with the league’s vision to expand participation, audiences and elite opportunities nationally.

The Cobras will have a strong link with India and the Indian diaspora in Australia while strengthening Victoria’s elite hockey pathway.

They will field both men’s and women’s teams.

The expansion marks a shift in the competition, making Victoria the only state to field two franchises.

While the club’s main base will be in the Mitchell Shire town of Beveridge, it has committed to making Bendigo its regional home in a move that will bring international standard hockey to the local community, ensuring that fans can witness both men’s and women’s elite competition without leaving the region.

“Naming Bendigo as the regional home of the Cobras is a natural fit,” Hockey Victoria CEO Andrew Skillern said.

“We aren’t just playing games in Central Victoria, we are building a pathway for talent and bringing the best of Australian hockey to one of the most passionate sporting communities in the state.”

The partnership promises more than just local match days.

By hosting the Cobras, Bendigo will gain significant domestic and international visibility, including:

• National broadcasts with matches aired on 7Plus, bringing the Greater Bendigo City Council into living rooms across Australia.

• Global reach, including international streaming via the Hockey One OTT platform, showcasing the region to a global hockey audience.

• Brand presence, with the city benefiting from extensive digital exposure and physical branding across the Cobras’ platforms and match-day fence signage.

The Cobras aim to establish Bendigo as a major regional development hub.

Starting next year, the Cobras will work with the city to host the annual Emerging Academy Challenge, featuring under-17 teams from the Melbourne Cobras, HC Melbourne and a visiting Australian franchise.

For the 2026 season, the Hockey Victoria academy program will test the waters with an exciting weekend of competition featuring HC Melbourne Futures, Hockey One Academy and an additional Victorian or interstate academy.

From 2027, Bendigo will look to lay the foundations to serve as the Cobras’ regional academy hub, specifically designed to nurture emerging South Asian and regional talent from across Central Victoria.

Beyond the playing pitch, the franchise is committed to grassroots growth.

The Cobras have pledged an annual school visitation program, aiming to engage over 500 local students each year to inspire the next generation of regional athletes.

City of Greater Bendigo mayor Thomas Prince welcomed the Cobras’ commitment to Bendigo.

“Securing Bendigo as the regional home for the Melbourne Cobras is a tremendous win for our community,” Cr Prince said.

“With national broadcasts and global streaming showcasing our city, this partnership brings elite sport to our doorstep, new cultural connections, and exciting opportunities as a hockey regional development hub for young talent.”

Hockey One board chair Steven Stewart previously hailed the addition of the Melbourne Cobras as ‘an important step forward’ for the league.

“This is the outcome of a thorough expansion project and reflects our confidence in the Cobras organisation, through Hockey Victoria, to add strength to our competition—on and off the field—when they join from season 2026,” he said.