Despite attempts by some to write off the NPL, the competition keeps dishing up matchdays packed with heart, blockbuster clashes, and non-stop excitement. The ladder is a whirlwind of drama at the top and bottom.

Heidelberg United are a force to be reckoned with. John Anastasiadis’ outfit are steamrolling through opponents, dominating at Olympic Park and leaving rivals in their wake. The “yellow and blacks” are on a jaw-dropping run of 13 straight wins – a staggering feat that’s got the rest of the title hopefuls on edge. This week, they welcome St Albans Saints, a side languishing in 12th. The “Saints” are staring down the barrel, and it’ll take something miraculous to escape Heidelberg’s clutches on Friday night.

Later that evening, two Greek Australian heavyweights go head-to-head. Reigning champions Oakleigh Cannons take on Port Melbourne Sharks, the pride of Melbourne’s port. The contrast couldn’t be starker. Oakleigh are riding high near the top, while Port Melbourne are fighting tooth and nail to avoid the drop. For the Sharks, every point is a lifeline, even in a cauldron like Oakleigh’s ground, where a loss with a decent effort is often as good as it gets. But who’s going to judge you for falling short at the champions’ home? Still, Port Melbourne’s dire position means they can’t just turn up and hope. Their storied history demands they scrap for every ball, no matter the odds. Oakleigh, on the other hand, will be gunning for a swift, stress-free win to keep the pressure on the ladder leaders. Expect both teams to leave it all on the field in a proper battle.

South Melbourne are dreaming of making it two wins on the trot, desperate for three points to ease their relegation fears. Their gritty win over Melbourne Knights last week lifted spirits in a camp that was starting to buckle under the weight of expectation, the threat of the drop, and a sense of being deserted by their fans. That victory, paired with a climb to 11th, brought a glimmer of hope to the club. But staying up means more wins, more points, and their showdown with Melbourne Victory couldn’t be better timed. Both sides are level on points, making this a massive six-pointer. A win for South Melbourne could nudge them up another spot, creating some breathing room from the bottom and letting them plan their next moves with a touch more calmness.

VPL1

Bentleigh Greens face a tough away day this week. George Katsakis’ side are itching for a win to keep them hot on the heels of ladder-leaders Melbourne City. The “Greens” are having a belter of a season and are determined to keep it going. Against Eastern Lions, they’ll be out to seal the deal early and dodge the stress of a tight finish. Three points in the bag, and they’ll be praying for a Melbourne City stumble to fire them to the top.

Brunswick City are in for a stern test away at Western United in what’s shaping up as a derby, with the two sides neck and neck in the table. Brunswick sit sixth with 25 points, just ahead of Western United in seventh with 22. Meanwhile, Kingston City head to Langwarrin for a heated clash. The Greek-Australian side are stuck in 12th with 11 points, while Langwarrin are just below in 13th with 10, making this a fiery encounter.

The Melbourne City-Northcote City clash has been pushed back due to the A-League final and is likely set for July 12.

VPL2

A huge match awaits Box Hill United’s Pythagoras. The Greek-Australian side head to Nunawading for a game that could make or break their season. A win could see them soar as many as six places up the ladder, but a defeat might plunge them to 12th, deep in the relegation mire.

NPL – Fixtures

Friday 30 May

Heidelberg United-St Albans Saints 7.30pm

Dandenong City-Dandenong Thunder 7.45pm

Oakleigh Cannons-Port Melbourne Sharks 8.15pm

Hume City-Green Gully 8.30pm

Saturday 31 May

Avondale-Melbourne Knights 3pm

Altona Magic-Preston Lions – 3.15pm

Sunday 1 June

South Melbourne-Melbourne Victory 5pm

NPL – Standings

Team Matches Points

1. Heidelberg 15 37

2. Avondale 15 36

3. Oakleigh Cannons 15 31

4. Dandenong Thunder 15 30

5. Preston Lions 15 25

6. Hume City 15 24

7. Dandenong City 15 23

8. Green Gully 15 21

9. Altona Magic 15 17

10. Melbourne Victory 15 12

11. South Melbourne 15 12

12. St Albans Saints 15 11

13. Port Melbourne 15 10

14. Melbourne Knights 15 9

VPL1 – Fixtures

Friday 30 May

Eastern Lions-Bentleigh Greens 7.30pm

Saturday 31 May

Langwarrin-Kingston City 3pm

Caroline Springs George Cross-Bulleen Lions 5.30pm

Melbourne Srbija-Manningham United Blues 6.30pm

Sunday 1 June

Moreland City-North Sunshine Eagles 3pm

Western United-Brunswick City 4pm

Saturday 12 July

Melbourne City-Northcote City 3pm

VPL1 – Standings

Team Matches Points

1. Melbourne City 15 35

2. Bentleigh 15 32

3. George Cross 15 30

4. Northcote 15 25

5. Brunswick 15 25

6. Bulleen Lions 13 23

7. Western United 13 21

8. Manningham 15 21

9. North Sunshine 15 18

10. Melbourne Srbija 15 14

11. Eastern Lions 15 14

12. Kingston City 14 10

13. Langwarrin 14 10

14. Moreland City 15 8