This season’s a right rollercoaster. Every round feels like a sudden twist or a crazy downhill plunge. The pace is bonkers. Teams are fighting tooth and nail for every point. It’s a proper jungle out there, and only the toughest will lift the trophy.
The match of the round? Has to be the massive derby between Preston Lions and South Melbourne Hellas. And where’s it at?
The hottest cauldron in the league – Lions’ home ground in Preston.
The Lions are coming off a draw against Heidelberg United last week, which has given them a real boost and filled them with optimism for the rest of the season.
Hellas, on the other hand, copped a massive “slap” at home.
Last Monday, the Greek Aussie boys got smashed 3-0 by St Albans Saints. The Saints, or Dynamo as they’re also known, had a field day at Lakeside, bagging three goals and grabbing a golden win that’s sent shockwaves through Esteban Quintas’ team.
This clash against the Lions could be a blessing or a curse for Hellas.
A win would help them put that St Albans thrashing behind them, but another loss could send the club spiralling into a pit of negativity.
The match, kicking off at 8pm on Friday night, is set to be a 90-minute belter full of passion and proper footy action.
The Saturday showdown between Dandenong Thunder and Heidelberg United is another ripper.
These two teams are on parallel paths this season, neck and neck.
They’ve got the same points and similar stats.
They play good football, they’re hungry for success, and they’re ready to make a run for it.
Thunder’s home ground is one of the toughest in the league, and Heidelberg will have to be at their absolute best to nick the three points.
This match will likely be decided by the effectiveness of the two teams’ attacking lines. They’re guaranteed to have chances. It’ll be interesting to see if they can take them. We’re tipping a high-scoring game with a cracking pace and endless battles in the midfield.
The reigning champs, Oakleigh Cannons, are set to face bottom-dwellers Victory this week. The Oakleigh boys seem to have finally found their groove after a sluggish start against Avondale and Green Gully. Now, they’re looking like they’re ready to climb back to the top of the ladder and fight for the championship.
Melbourne Victory just don’t look like they’ve got the firepower to stop Chris Taylor’s lads. They’re a young side, lacking clear roles on the park and struggling to create chances. The match will be played at the Bentleigh Greens ground, giving Oakleigh even more of an edge, as it’s practically a home game for them.
Meanwhile, Port Melbourne Sharks are hunting their second win of the season against the Knights at their own patch. Nea Hellas (Port Melbourne) finally tasted victory last week and they’re keen for another bite.
Melbourne Knights are a massive club, loaded with trophies and history. But right now, they’re not striking fear into anyone. With just one win and three losses in the early rounds, they’re far from intimidating.
It won’t be a walk in the park for Nea Hellas, though. Far from it.
But it’s a golden opportunity for Port Melbourne to show they’re not just here to make up the numbers in the bottom half of the table. They need to prove they’ve got the goods to take on the big guns of the division.
VPL1
The VPL1’s 5th round promises some cracking matches. The action kicks off Friday night with two big clashes.
Brunswick City host Caroline Springs at 8pm, while half an hour later, Pankyprios take on Western United. Both home sides are on a roll and will be pushing for another win to cement their spot at the top and keep their promotion dreams alive.
Saturday at 6.30pm, Melbourne Srbija face off against Iraklis. It won’t be a picnic for Northcote, as the home side is desperate for their first win of the season and will be coming out firing.
Our Greek Australian teams wrap up the round on Monday night, with Clarinda hosting the powerful Bulleen Lions at 7.30pm.
VPL2
Pythagoras is aiming to keep their promotion push rolling this week.
The Box Hill boys are set to host the White Eagles in what promises to be one of the most intriguing clashes in the division. The newly-promoted Eagles from Springvale, despite being fresh to the league, boast a formidable squad with quality players and a seasoned coaching staff.
NPL – Schedule
Friday March 7
Green Gully – Dandenong City 7.30pm
Preston Lions – South Melbourne 8.00pm
Hume City – Altona Magic 8.30pm
Saturday March 8
St Albans Saints – Avondale 4.00pm
Dandenong Thunder – Heidelberg United 7.00pm
Sunday March 9
Melbourne Victory NPL – Oakleigh Cannons 7.00pm
Melbourne Knights – Port Melbourne Sharks 7.00pm
NPL – Standings
1. Avondale 4 12
2. Preston Lions 4 8
3. Oakleigh Cannons 4 7
4. Hume City 4 7
5. Heidelberg Utd 4 7
6. Dand Thunder 4 7
7. South Melbourne 4 7
8. St. Albans 4 4
9. Altona Magic 4 4
10. Dand City 4 3
11. Port Melb Sharks 4 3
12. Melb Knights 4 3
13. Green Gully 4 2
14. Mel Victory NPL 4 2
VPL1 – Schedule
Friday March 7
Brunswick City – Caroline Springs 8.00pm
Bentleigh Greens – Western United 8.30pm
Saturday March 8
Moreland City – Eastern Lions 3.00pm
Manningham United – Langwarrin 3.15pm
Melbourne Srbija – Northcote City 6.30pm
Sunday March 9
Melbourne City NPL – North Sunshine Eagles 3.00pm
Monday, March 10th
Kingston City – Bulleen Lions 7.30pm
VPL1 – Standings
1. Western Utd 4 10
2. Bulleen Lions 4 9
3. Bentl Greens 4 9
4. Melb City 4 8
5. Brunswick City 4 8
6. Northcote 4 8
7. North Sunshine 4 6
8. Carol Springs 4 6
9. Manningham 4 5
10. Kingston 4 4
11. Melbourne SRBIJA 4 2
12. Langwarrin 4 1
13. Eastern Lions 4 1
14. Moreland 4 0
