Some victories deliver more than just three points. Some victories send resounding messages and shift the balance of an entire season. Such was the monumental “double” achieved by Heidelberg United at the home of reigning champions Oakleigh Cannons.
The blockbuster clash of round 12 wasn’t the most thrilling match of the 2025 season. To be precise, it might have been one of the least entertaining. Few goal-scoring chances, minimal spectacle, and endless midfield battles painted the picture of the 90-minute encounter between two of the league’s top sides.This, however, didn’t dampen the spirits of John Anastasiadis and his players.
The great Alexander of Victorian football left the blue-and-white fortress of Oakleigh with three points, proving they can hold their own against the division’s elite and sending a clear message to friend and foe alike.
The message? Simple and unmistakable: anyone looking to defeat Alexander this season will have to bleed for it.
The first half offered little to write about.
All the drama unfolded in the second half.
In the 68th minute, the talented Kasumovic delivered a pinpoint cross from the right, and Oakleigh’s captain, Joe Guest, slid in at the heart of the defense to open the scoring.
The 1-0 scoreline, with the clock ticking toward the 70th minute, felt like a dagger to Heidelberg’s heart. But the “yellow-and-blacks” had other plans.In the 74th minute, Jay McGowan leveled the score, but a draw wasn’t enough for the visitors.
Six minutes later, they won a controversial penalty that left Oakleigh fans breathless, watching a game they thought was theirs slip away.
So it was. Heidelberg’s top scorer, Bul Juach, stepped up, showing no signs of nerves, and rifled the ball into the top corner past Feely, completing a stunning comeback.
It was a victory of seismic proportions. A testament to Heidelberg’s incredible form. A loud declaration of dominance that title contenders must take seriously.
South Melbourne, on the other hand, is spiraling. The club simply can’t find its footing. On Saturday, they hosted Avondale in a match that quickly turned into a nightmare for the Greek Australian side. The visitors dominated from the outset, flooring the accelerator and scoring four goals, leaving South Melbourne’s players chasing shadows.The season is shaping up to be disastrous for South Melbourne, who must shelve grandiose plans for international competitions and the new national league. They need to focus on the present and the NPL if they hope to avoid relegation to VPL1 next season. Time is running out.
Port Melbourne Sharks delivered yet another disappointing night for their loyal fans. While they avoided defeat, a draw at home against the second-bottom Altona Magic—when they themselves languish at the foot of the table—can only be described as a failure. The final, admittedly thrilling, 3-3 scoreline offered no solace for the hosts. One point, when the team desperately needs wins, feels like a loss. A loss that, in the context of the season, could spell catastrophe.Port Melbourne held a precious three points until the 95th minute, only for Stojcevski to emerge from nowhere and equalize, sending Sharks fans home with visible frustration. This result plunged the “blue-and-reds” deeper into the relegation mire, fueling the negative energy surrounding the club since the season’s start. One thing is certain: Port Melbourne must change course immediately to avoid VPL1 next season.
VPL1
Pancyprios secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory over North Sunshine Eagles.
Despite falling behind in the 11th minute, the “greens” battled back, overturned the deficit, and claimed three golden points, keeping them within touching distance of league leaders Melbourne City.
Leonidas also celebrated a massive 3-2 win against Moreland City. The Brunswick side twice trailed but found the resilience to fight back and secure a significant victory, especially considering the challenges they faced during the match.
Iraklis left Manningham United with a point after a thrilling 2-2 draw. The game had it all: four goals, captivating football, and fierce duels across the pitch. The result left a bittersweet taste for Northcote, who, with a bit more luck and a sharper attack, could have returned home with all three points.
NPL Results
Port Melbourne Sharks – Altona Magic 3 – 3 (35′ J. Markovski, 48′, 50′ L. Diaz – 23′ A. Frangie, 29′ M. El Hawli, 90+5′ J. Stojcevski)
Oakleigh Cannons – Heidelberg United 1 – 2 (70′ J. Guest – 74′ J. McGowan, 81′ B. Juach [p])
Preston Lions – Green Gully 3 -2 (10′ J. Romero, 20′ G. Albano, 47′ L. Brooks – 43′ A. Bayew, 90′ A. Abdallah)
Avondale – South Melbourne 4 – 0 (20′ Y. Ahmed, 56′ E. Wellsmore, 59′ K. Trajeski, 60′ M. Aguek)
Dandenong Thunder – St Albans Saints 2 – 2 (24′ W. Dekker, 70′ Y. Uchida – 61′ L. Byrn, 75′ J. Gulevski)
Melbourne Knights – Dandenong City 0 – 2 (55′ J. Latham, 76′ J. Webster)
Melbourne Victory – Hume City (to be played Monday evening, May 5)
NPL Standings
Avondale 12 30
Heidelberg United 12 28
Dandenong Thunder 12 26
Oakleigh Cannons 12 25
Preston Lions 12 21
Hume City 11 17
Dandenong 12 16
Green Gully 12 15
Melbourne Victory 11 12
St Albans Saints 12 11
Melbourne Knights 12 9
South Melbourne 12 9
Altona Magic 12 8
Port Melbourne Sharks 12 7
VPL1 Results
Brunswick City 3–2 Moreland City
Bentleigh Greens 3–1 North Sunshine Eagles
Manningham United Blues 2–2 Northcote City
Langwarrin 3–2 Western United
Caroline Springs George Cross 1–0 Melbourne Srbija
Kingston City vs. Melbourne City (to be played Monday, May 5)
Bulleen Lions vs. Eastern Lions (to be played Monday, May 5)
VPL1 Standings
Melbourne City 11 27
Bentleigh Greens 12 25
Northcote City 12 22
Brunswick City 12 22
Western United 12 21
Caroline Springs George Cross 12 21
Bulleen Lions 11 20
Manningham United 12 14
North Sunshine Eagles 12 12
Kingston City 11 10
Langwarrin 12 10
Melbourne Srbija 12 8
Moreland City 12 8
Eastern Lions 11 8
