As the final whistle blows on the last matchday of the 2024 regular season, we bid adieu to a season full of football magic, stunning goals, and rollercoaster emotions. The bottom of the table may be set, but the real drama lies in the battle for second through fifth place. Will the standings shuffle or will the top teams maintain their cool? Only time will tell.
Oakleigh Cannons – Hume City
The match we have all been eagerly waiting for this weekend is the clash between Cannons and Hume City.
Oakleigh’s finest are gearing up to host one of the top contenders of the season, armed with a fierce attack and the third best defense in the league.
The anticipation for Sunday’s match is palpable.
It’s bound to be a captivating game for both sides.
As for the coaches, they face a weighty decision.
Do they unleash their full arsenal in hopes of conquering Avondale on their home turf, or do they take a more laid-back approach to ensure their players are in top form for the highly competitive finals?
All will be revealed on Sunday.
Heidelberg United – Dandenong City
This Sunday, get ready to witness a showdown between two red-hot team.
In one corner, we have the fierce underdogs of Dandenong City, who have surprisingly made it to the top six in their first season back in the NPL. And we can’t help but give props to their coach, Nick Tolios, for pulling off this impressive feat.
In the other corner, we have Heidelberg United, the creation of John Anastasiadis, who have been causing a stir with their electrifying performances.
Thanks to the relentless efforts of their coach and the players’ performance on the field, they have risen to challenge the usual powerhouses of the NPL.
Could Heidelberg be the dark horse to snatch the 2024 champion’s trophy? With their solid gameplay and unwavering confidence, it’s not a far-fetched possibility.
South Melbourne – St Albans Saints
Get ready for some top-notch training action this Sunday as South Melbourne Hellas takes on St Albans Saints.
With no pressure to score, their young players finally get a chance to shine after riding the bench this whole season.
And while the Hellas coach may try out some new moves for the finals, let’s be real, they’re probably just giving their struggling players a chance to catch their breath.
Port Melbourne Sharks – Avondale
The mood in Port Melbourne’s camp is bleak and pensive. With the potential to secure a spot in the finals, the team ultimately shot itself in the foot, leaving its loyal Greek-Australian fans feeling blue.
And with rumors swirling about changes in management, it seems like the storm clouds aren’t clearing anytime soon. But fear not, the sun will be shining in Port Melbourne next Sunday.
Come show your support for the valiant New Hellas players who have battled through turmoil all season.
VPL1
While all eyes are on the Langwarrin vs. Preston Lions game, Northcote City will be busy taking on Bulleen Lions. If the Lions slip up and Northcote snags the win, it could catapult them to the top of the standings and gain access to the luxurious “NPL .Looks like some hearts will be shattered this weekend.
The 2024 VPL1 season finale features a clash between two Greek fan favorites: Brunswick City and the Bentleigh Greens.
As the curtain falls on the season, Kingston City will battle their way north. On the league’s epic last day, Caroline Springs George Cross will host Clarinda in an epic away duel.
VPL2
As Pythagoras of Box Hill prepares to wrap up their season, they’ll be facing off against the lowly Beaumaris at home. Just one point will secure their spot in VPL2 for season 2025. But let’s hope they don’t get tripped up by the weakest team in VPL1. After all, nobody likes a surprise disappointment.
NPL – SCHEDULE
Sunday, 18/8
Dandenong Thunder – Moreland City 3pm
Green Gully – Melbourne Knights 3pm
Port Melbourne – Avondale 3pm
Oakleigh Cannons – Hume City 3pm
South Melbourne – St Albans Saints 3pm
Heidelberg United – Dandenong City 3pm
Altona Magic – Manningham United 3pm
NPL – TABLE
1. South Melbourne 25 57
2. Avondale 25 51
3. Oakleigh Cannons 25 50
4. Hume City 25 50
5. Heidelberg Utd 25 38
6. Dand City 25 37
7. Port Melb Sharks 25 33
8. Melb Knights 24 32
9. Altona Magic 25 30
10. Dand Thunder 24 25
11. St. Albans 25 25
12. Green Gully 25 24
13. Manningham 25 18
14. Moreland 25 11
VPL1 – SCHEDULE
Saturday, 17/8
Melbourne City – North Geelong Warriors 3pm
Caroline Springs – Kingston City 3pm
Werribee City – Eastern Lions 3pm
Brunswick City – Bentleigh Greens 3pm
Melbourne Victory – Western United 3pm
Northcote City – Bulleen Lions 3pm
Langwarrin – Preston Lions 3pm
VPL1 – TABLE
1. Melb Victory 25 52
2. Preston Lions 25 47
3. Northcote 25 45
4. Western Utd 24 43
5. Melb City 25 40
6. Bulleen Lions 24 36
7. Langwarrin 25 34
8. Carol Springs 25 33
9. Bentl Greens 25 32
10. Brunswick City 25 29
11. Kingston 25 28
12. Eastern Lions 25 27
13. Werribee City 25 18
14. North Geelong 25 15
VPL2 – SCHEDULE
Saturday, 17/8
Pascoe Vale v Doveton 3pm
Goulburn Valley Suns – North Sunshine Eagles 3pm
Melbourne Serbia – Essendon Royals 3pm
Altona City – Nunawading City 3pm
Box Hill United – Beaumaris 3pm
Boroondara Carey Eagles – Brunswick Juventus 3pm
VPL2 – TABLE
1. FC Melb. Serbia 21 45
2. Nth Sunsh. Eagles 21 42
3. Altona City 21 37
4. Essendon Royals 21 35
5. Pascoe Vale 21 32
6. Brun Juventus 21 31
7. Boroondara Eagles 21 28
8. Nunawading City 21 24
9. Box Hill 21 24
10. Goulburn Valley 21 22
11. Doveton 21 21
12. Beaumaris 21 9
