Port Melbourne and Oakleigh set for huge clash as they and “Hellas” fight for Championship Final spots

Oakleigh Cannons lay siege to the Sydney FC goal. The breached Sydney twice in the first half which was enough to see them march onto a Australia Cup semi-final home encounter with Macarthur on 10 September at the Jack Edwards Reserve. Photo: Con Deves

Dimitri Kallos
2 September 2022 11:52am

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Port Melbourne and Oakleigh are set for a massive meeting to decide who advances to the final of the play-offs, while “Hellas” is continuing its mission for the double when they come up against Green Gully.

All three Greek origin sides will have to put their best foot forward in two blockbuster semi-finals, with South Melbourne looking to ensure all all-Greek clash to decide the Championship.

The Sharks host the Cannons in the first semi-final on Saturday night and they will be hoping to pounce on their opponent’s fatigue, having heroically beaten Sydney FC midweek in the Australia Cup and gone the distance in their win on penalties against Heidelberg last weekend.

Oakleigh will be holding out hope they can catch Port Melbourne off guard, given they would have not played for two weeks come game day.

South Melbourne competes with Green Gully at home on Sunday afternoon as they look to keep firm in their charge for the double.

“Hellas” comes into the match in great spirits after securing the premiership in the regular season, as well as having an extra week’s rest to their opponents.

South Melbourne manager Estaban Quintas said they have used this to their advantage, though he is still wary of their opposition which has already knocked out one side of Greek/Greek-Cypriot origin.

“We had a weekend without competition which we used to train and work on different tactical aspects. Our next rival has a great squad and they are sure to be motivated after beating Bentleigh. It will be a closely contested game for both teams,” Mr Quintas told Neos Kosmos.

Northern NSW

Newcastle Olympic plays Weston Workers at home on Sunday afternoon in the final round of the regular season and there is no room for error, with the Hamilton-based team currently in fifth via goal difference, as they strive to finish in the top five and advance to the finals.

QLD

Olympic FC battles Queensland Lions away on Saturday night in a blockbuster semi-final and they are hoping to cause a major upset against the premiers.

WA

Floreat Athena takes on Perth RedStar at home on Saturday evening in a huge semi-final clash which guarantees straight qualification to the final for the victor.

ACT

Canberra Olympic travels to face third-placed Monaro Panthers in the 20th round on Saturday night as the visitors aim to keep firm in their late surge for a play-offs spot.

TAS

Olympia Warriors are preparing for a home clash with Glenorchy Knights in the 20th round on Friday evening and the Warriors will be desperate to add some points to their season tally, having only two games left to end their poor campaign on a high note.

Victoria-Semi-Finals

Port Melbourne-Oakleigh Cannons: 18.00, Sat 03 Sep

South Melbourne-Green Gully: 16.00, Sun 04 Sep

Northern NSW- Rescheduled Rd 1

Newcastle Olympic-Weston Workers: 14.30, Sun 04 Sep

QLD-Semi-Finals

Queensland Lions-Olympic FC: 19.30, Sat 03 Sep

WA-Semi-Finals

Floreat Athena-Perth RedStar: 17.00, Sat 03 Sep

ACT-Rd 20

Monaro Panthers-Canberra Olympic: 17.30, Sat 03 Sep

TAS-Rd 20