South Melbourne looking to wrap up premiership against tough Port Melbourne outfit

From the Bentleigh vs Oakleigh match. Photo: Con Deves

Dimitri Kallos
29 July 2022 10:59am

All eyes are on “Hellas” this weekend as they prepare for their first opportunity to seal the premiership in a challenging away outing against fellow top-performing side, Port Melbourne.

South Melbourne battles the Sharks in a huge 24th round matchup with huge title implications for the league leaders, who only need one more win from their last three games to guarantee first.

Oakleigh, “Hellas'” closest opposition, is facing huge pressure themselves as they prepare for Melbourne Knights in the round opener on Friday night, with any dropped points instantly handing the title to their rivals.

Port Melbourne hosts the league leaders on Saturday evening and the Sharks will have to dig deep to topple their opponents and delay their premiership celebrations, especially with them in good spirits after earning four straight wins.

Bentleigh travels away against Altona Magic in a vital match for the Greens as they look to secure their spot in the finals series.

Heidelberg takes on Green Gully on Sunday afternoon in a huge clash between sixth and fifth, with both teams eager to solidify their top six place while also giving a blow to the others’ chances.

NSW

Sydney Olympic is set for a blockbuster final round (21st) home meeting against current leaders Blacktown City on Sunday afternoon, with the Blues in a great, yet also precarious position, able to both win the title and finish outside the top four.

In Northern NSW, Newcastle Olympic challenges top side Charlestown Azzuri away in a round 14 catchup on Saturday afternoon as the visitors aim to go three wins on the bounce.

SA

Adelaide Olympic travels in the 20th round to play Croydon Kings on Saturday afternoon, with the travellers still looking to distance themselves from the bottom two.

QLD

Olympic FC meets Peninsula on Saturday evening in a 19th round away match as they look to guarantee a place in the finals while also keeping their slim premiership dreams alive.

WA

Floreat Athena plays Bayswater at home on Saturday evening in the 18th round and a victory would go a long way to give Athena (1st) a healthy distance from their fourth-placed opponents and improve their chances of guaranteed finals football.

ACT

Canberra Olympic competes with competition leaders Canberra Croatia on Saturday afternoon in the 15th round with hopes of overturning their woeful recent form (ten matches winless).

TAS

Olympia Warriors come up against Clarence Zebras in a round 16 match on Saturday afternoon and the Warriors will be hoping for a better result after recording three consecutive losses by a 2-1 scoreline.

Victoria-Rd 22

Oakleigh Cannons-Melbourne Knights: 20.30, Fri 29 Jul

Port Melbourne Sharks-South Melbourne: 17.30, Sat 30 Jul

Altona Magic-Bentleigh Greens: 18.00, Sat 30 July

Heidelberg United-Green Gully: 15.00, Sun 31 Jul

NSW-Rd 21

Sydney Olympic-Blacktown City: 16.00, Sun 31 Jul

Northern NSW-Rd 14

Charlestown Azzuri-Newcastle Olympic: 14.00, Sat 30 Jul

SA-Rd 20

Croydon Kings-Adelaide Olympic: 15.00, Sat 30 July

QLD-Rd 19