South Melbourne Hellas headlines FFA Cup return

South Melbourne Hellas are set for a long-awaited return to the national spotlight when the second edition of the FFA Cup kicks off on Wednesday.

The four-time Australian champions take on the Gold Coast's Palm Beach Sharks at cBus Super Stadium in one of four intriguing round of 32 games set down for Wednesday night - all involving former National Soccer League teams.

The FFA Cup was a surprise hit in its inaugural run in 2014 as thousands of supporters flocked to suburban grounds across the country to take in the competition's unique blend of old and new, grassroots and elite.

South Melbourne did not qualify last year but will be out to prove their privately-held A-League aspirations are not misguided by staging a strong FFA Cup run.

The Greek-backed club has former top-tier talent on its books in the shape of ex-Adelaide United midfielder Jake Barker-Daish and one-time Melbourne Heart goalkeeper Nikola Roganovic, while young winger Nick Epifano has taken Victoria's National Premier Leagues competition by storm and is being tracked by several A-League clubs.

Souths will go in as strong favourites to beat Palm Beach but the Sharks went deep into last year's tournament, reaching the quarter-finals, and are regarded as one of Queensland's strongest entrants.

Former A-League player Kristian Rees, 35, has been lured out of retirement to steer Palm Beach's defence after playing a central role in their march to the NPL Queensland title last year.

Elsewhere on Wednesday night, reigning NPL champions Metrostars take on Blacktown City in Sydney, current NPL Queensland leaders Brisbane Strikers battle Hume City in Melbourne, and Heidelberg United travel north to face local Newcastle outfit Broadmeadow Magic.

The last time Heidelberg were in a national competition, they were part of a controversial joint-venture with AFL club Collingwood that lasted just one season in the NSL.

FFA Cup round of 32 - matchday one

Palm Beach Sharks (QLD) v South Melbourne (VIC) at cBus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Broadmeadow Magic (NSW) v Heidelberg United (VIC) at Magic Park, Broadmeadow, Newcastle

Blacktown City (NSW) v MetroStars (SA) at Lilys Football Centre, Seven Hills

Hume City (VIC) v Brisbane Strikers (QLD) at ABD Stadium, Meadow Heights