Victoria has fallen into line and Football Federation Australia is hoping that its establishment of a national second-tier competition will eventually lead to an A-League second division.

The National Premier League kicked off last season, but it was national in name rather than reality. Political rows and squabbling between some of Victoria's best-known clubs and Football Federation Victoria prevented the state from being part of the national picture.

Mark Rudan, coach of the inaugural winner of the NPL finals series, Sydney United, admits that taking the title without having to face strong Victorian opposition did leave a hollow feeling. Credit:Brendan Esposito

But Mark Rudan, coach of the inaugural winner of the NPL finals series, Sydney United, admitted on Tuesday that taking the title without having to face strong Victorian opposition did leave a hollow feeling.

FFV and its clubs have buried the hatchet: last Friday, FFV issued a list of 30 clubs that met the criteria for entry and will form two divisions in the state's section of the NPL.