The curtain has finally lifted on all the state league divisions across Victoria. Let’s dive into how our Greek community clubs fared.
State League 1 – North-West Group
Western Suburbs emerged as the big victors in the derby clash against Westvale Olympic, pinching a 2-1 win. The away side proved more clinical in front of goal, showcasing a well-oiled machine. The lengthy off-season break seems to have done little to blunt Suburbs’ edge, as they look like they’re still running on last season’s fumes.
Next up, Panellinios will host Banyule City, while Olympic will be put to the test away at Upfield.
Clifton Hill pulled off a stunning away heist in their opener. The “men from the hill” nicked a 1-0 win at Upfield’s home, kicking off their season in style. In the second round, Clifton Hill will welcome the tough nuts of Keilor Park.
Yarraville had a shocker to start their campaign. The historic Doxa couldn’t match Corio’s firepower, copping a 2-1 loss on their home turf. Next up, the Greek Australian side will be on the road against Westgate.
State League 1 – South-East Group
Aris Springvale, the big guns, kicked off their campaign with a bang! The “Yellow and Blacks” hosted Beaumaris and made short work of them, bagging two cracking goals from Varsamis and Dunbar. They’ve shown from the get-go that they’ll be in the mix for the title again this season. Next up, the God of War will host Mornington, a tough nut side that traditionally gives Aris a headache.
New boys Bayside Argonauts snatched a draw in their season opener. Not a bad result considering they were on the road against seasoned campaigners Doveton. The 2-2 thriller served up goals and entertainment for the fans at Waratah Reserve.
Malvern City’s match was postponed due to pitch unavailability.
State League 2 – North-West Group
It was a cracking start for both Greek Australian clubs in the North-West group of State League 2.
Mill Park put Geelong Rangers to the sword with a 3-1 victory, while Altona East Phoenix pulled off a 3-0 smash and grab at Western Eagles’ place. Next up, the “Black and Whites” host Strathmore, and the “Doves” face the always dangerous Craigieburn City.
State League 2 – South-East Group
Chisholm United had a blinder of a start. The Oakleigh-based side hosted Noble Park on Friday night, aiming for nothing less than a win. They sweated it out but got the job done. Talented Asahi was the hero for his team, playing some fantastic football. Next up, United will be on the road at Knox City.
Bentleigh United Cobras already faced Knox City last weekend, ending in a 1-1 stalemate. Not a terrible start for the “Cobras,” who now head to Casey Comets’ patch next up.
State League 3 – South-East Group
Waverley Wanderers’ clash against Greater Dandenong was canned due to pitch issues. For their second outing, the “Yellow and Blacks” will hit the road to Dandenong and face White Star.
State League 4 – East Group
Olympiakos East Kew kicked off their campaign with a cracking away result. The “Red and Whites” pulled off a 2-1 win at Monbulk Rangers’ home and are now gearing up for another away day against Monash City Villareal.
State League 4 – North Group
Darebin United emerged as the big victors in the “Hellenic” derby against West Preston, bagging a 1-0 win. Apollo were on top for most of the match and could have stuffed more goals if their strikers had been a bit more clinical in front of goal. Next up, the “Greens”, who just announced Arthur Hatzipanagiotidis as their new assistant coach, are on the road against Fawkner, while United host Glenroy Lions.
AEK Keon Park also started their season with a bang. The “Yellow and Blacks” had no trouble whatsoever against Moonee Ponds, slotting three beauties and showing early on that despite being new to the division, they’re ready to mix it up and be serious contenders. Next up, the “Double-Headed Eagle” hosts Melbourne University.
THE GREEK AUSTRALIAN CLUBS SCHEDULE
State League 1 – North-West Group
Round 1 – Results
Upfield – Clifton Hill 0-1
Corio – Yarraville 2-1
Westvale Olympic – Western Suburbs 1-2
Round 2 – Schedule
Friday March 28
Westgate – Yarraville 8.30pm
Upfield – Westvale Olympic 8.30pm
Saturday March 29
Clifton Hill – Keilor Park 3pm
Western Suburbs – Banyule City 3pm
Table
1. Sydenham 1 3
2. Keilor Park 1 3
3. Western Suburbs 1 3
4. Corio 1 3
5. Clifton Hill 1 3
6. Westgate 1 1
7. Brimbank 1 1
8. Westvale Olympic 1 0
9. Ballarat 1 0
10. Yarraville 1 0
11. Upfield 1 0
12. Banyule 1 0
State League 1 – South-East Group
Results
Doveton – Bayside Argonauts 2-2
South Springvale – Beaumaris 2-0
Schedule
Saturday March 29
Old Scotch – Malvern City 3pm
South Springvale – Mornington 6pm
Table
1. South Springvale 1 3
2. Collingwood 1 3
3. Bayside Argonauts 1 1
4. Doveton 1 1
5. Malvern 0 0
6. Hampton East 0 0
7. Gippsland 0 0
8. Mornington 0 0
9. Brandon Park 0 0
10. Mazenod 1 0
11. Old Scotch 0 0
12. Beaumaris 1 0
State League 3 – South-East Group
Results
Greater Dandenong – Waverley Wanderers: Postponed
Schedule
Friday March 28
White Star Dandenong – Waverley Wanderers 8.30pm
Table
1. Heatherton United 1 3
2. Dandenong South 1 3
3. Hampton Park United 1 3
4. Elwod 1 3
5. Croydon 1 1
6. Sandringham 1 1
7. Waverley Wanderers 0 0
8. Greater Dandenong 0 0
9. White Star 1 0
10. Ashburton 1 0
11. Rowville Eagles 1 0
12. Middle Park 1 0
State League 4 – East Group
Results
Monbulk – East Kew 1-2
Schedule
Saturday March 29
Monash City Villareal – East Kew 3 pm
Table
1. Mount Waverley 1 3
2. Riversdale 1 3
3. Manningham Juventus 1 3
4. Ringwood 1 3
5. East Kew 1 3
6. Yarra Jets 1 1
7. Docklands 1 1
8. Kings Domain 1 0
9. Monbulk 1 0
10. Monash City Villareal 1 0
11. Albert Park 1 0
12. Knox 1 0
State League 4 – North Group
Results
Keon Park – Moonee Ponds United 3-1
Darebin United – West Preston 1-0
Schedule
Friday March 28
Keon Park – Melbourne University 8.30pm
Saturday March 29
Darebin United – Glenroy Lions 3pm
Monday March 31
Fawkner – West Preston 8.30pm
Table
1. Watsonia Heights 1 3
2. Keon Park 1 3
3. Moonee Valley 1 3
4. Darebin United 1 3
5. Thornbury 1 3
6. Fawkner 0 0
7. Melbourne UNI 0 0
8. Moreland 1 0
9. West Preston 1 0
10. Glenroy Lions 1 0
11. Moonee Ponds 1 0
12. Greenvale United 20 11
