The NPL Victoria Men’s competition is relentless, serving up endless thrills, quality football, and a burning desire for success with every round. Both the top and bottom of the table are heating up like never before. Avondale continue to set the pace with their class, but Heidelberg United are breathing down their necks, with Dandenong Thunder and Oakleigh Cannons lurking just behind. This season’s outcome remains anyone’s guess.
Alexandros, under the guidance of John Anastasiadis, are in top form. Fresh off a commanding win away at Preston Lions, they now face another top-six side. On Friday night, the yellow-and-blacks will host third-placed Dandenong Thunder at Lakeside Stadium. The Albanian Australian outfit are in scintillating form, having thumped Altona Magic 6-0 last week, a result that sent a clear message to the league. Heidelberg United have taken note.
On Friday, they’ll respect their opponents and tighten their defensive line, but their sole focus will be securing the three points to stay within striking distance of Avondale. They’ll look to exploit the gaps Dandenong Thunder often leave in their backline, while ensuring their own defence is watertight to limit the visitors’ scoring chances.
Two spots and seven points below United sit the reigning champions, Oakleigh Cannons.
The Cannons had no action last week after their match against Melbourne Knights was postponed due to an unplayable pitch. This Friday night, however, they’re back in business, hosting Melbourne Victory at Jack Edwards Reserve.
Victory don’t inspire fear. Far from it. They’re a youthful side with inconsistent performances and glaring weaknesses in their midfield and defence. The stats back this up: in 17 matches, Victory have scored 24 goals but conceded 38, matching the tally of bottom placed Melbourne Knights and only three fewer than second bottom Port Melbourne. A disciplined performance, a touch of luck and clinical finishing should see Oakleigh cruise to a comfortable win.
South Melbourne faces a daunting task on Sunday afternoon when they welcome one of the division’s strongest sides, Preston Lions, to Lakeside Stadium. The Lions arrive with their confidence shaken after last week’s home loss to South Melbourne. For Preston, this clash feels like a chance for redemption. Their motivation isn’t just about the opposition—it’s about the cultural rivalry, the Greek Australian heritage of their opponents. They’ll throw everything at this match to avoid leaving empty handed.
For South Melbourne, however, the focus is clear: find a way to secure a vital win. A victory here could, under the right circumstances, lift them clear of the relegation zone. Coach Sinisa Cohadzic has no major injury concerns and is likely to field a similar starting XI to the one that faced St Albans Saints, with Mikkola, Bonada, and George Mells leading the charge.
A massive relegation six pointer awaits Port Melbourne on Friday night.
Sitting second bottom, the Greek Australian side host rock bottom Melbourne Knights. This is a true battle for survival, a do or die clash that transcends sport. The loser could be all but relegated, it’s that simple. Port Melbourne’s new gaffer has injected fresh belief into the Sharks’ camp, grinding out crucial points and restoring hope that they can stay in the NPL next season. Last week against Green Gully, they showcased a solid defensive setup, but that alone won’t cut it here. They need goals, and they need the three points. It remains to be seen if they can deliver.
VPL1
Bentleigh Greens’ quest to hold onto top spot takes them to Western United this round. The Greens have been brilliant all season, racking up key wins and proving they’re built to dominate. Western United, sitting fifth, are no pushovers, boasting the division’s second-best attack with 42 goals in 17 matches. That’s the threat Bentleigh’s George Katsakis and his players must neutralise. If they can keep Western’s forwards quiet, they’re halfway to victory. From there, even a single goal could secure the precious three points.
Northcote City will host Melbourne Srbija this week, aiming for a second straight home win to cement their place in the top four. The visitors are a well drilled side, relying on a stubborn defence and the grit of their rugged players. At Northcote’s home ground, Srbija will look to keep a clean sheet and pounce on any attacking chances. It’s up to the Greek Australian hosts to stay compact, play fluid football, and shut down their opponents’ hopes of nicking a point.
Brunswick City face a stern test this week, travelling to one of the toughest venues in the league: Caroline Springs George Cross. The visitors will give it everything to stay within touching distance of the top six. George Cross are a quality outfit, and Brunswick will need to produce a top-drawer performance to avoid returning home empty handed.
Kingston City are teetering on the brink. The historic Clarinda based club can’t catch a break, with successive defeats leaving them second bottom, just above Moreland City. Their hopes against Bulleen Lions this week look slim. The Lions are a serious side with structure and quality, attributes Kingston have struggled to find this season. It’ll take a miracle to avoid another loss. The club announced this week that coach Tsolakis has parted ways, leaving Con Tagkalakis to fight the relegation battle alone. Does Kingston have the strength and quality to stay up? With time running out, only the coming weeks will tell.
VPL2
Box Hill United will look to climb higher up the table and further distance themselves from the drop zone this week. Their task won’t be easy, as they face Springvale White Eagle away. The Eagles are a disciplined side with the quality to trouble any team in the division. It remains to be seen if Pythagoras can pull off a positive result.
NPL – Fixtures
Friday 13 June
Heidelberg United – Dandenong Thunder 7.30pm
Dandenong City – Green Gully 7.45pm
Port Melbourne – Melbourne Knights 8.15pm
Oakleigh Cannons – Melbourne Victory 8.15pm
Saturday 14 June
Avondale – St Albans Saints 3pm
Altona Magic – Hume City 3.15 pm
Sunday 15 June
South Melbourne – Preston Lions 5pm
NPL – Standings
Team Matches Points
1. Avondale | 17 | 42
2. Heidelberg | 17 | 41
3. Dandenong Thunder | 17 | 36
4. Oakleigh Cannons | 16 | 34
5. Hume City | 17 | 30
6. Preston Lions | 17 | 28
7. Dandenong City | 17 | 23
8. Green Gully | 17 | 22
9. Altona Magic | 17 | 17
10. South Melbourne | 17 | 16
11. St Albans Saints | 17 | 13
12. Melbourne Victory | 17 | 12
13. Port Melbourne Sharks | 17 | 11
14. Melbourne Knights | 16 | 9
VPL1 – Fixtures
Friday 13 June
Northcote City – FC Melbourne Srbija 8.30pm
Saturday 14 June
North Sunshine Eagles – Melbourne City 3pm
Langwarrin – Manningham United Blues 3pm
Caroline Springs George Cross – Brunswick City 6pm
Eastern Lions – Moreland City 6pm
Sunday 15 June
Western United – Bentleigh Greens 4pm
VPL1 – Standings
Team Matches Points
1. Bentleigh | 17 | 38
2. George Cross | 17 | 36
3. Melbourne City | 16 | 35
4. Northcote | 16 | 28
5. Western United | 16 | 26
6. Bulleen Lions | 16 | 26
7. Brunswick | 17 | 25
8. North Sunshine | 17 | 24
9. Manningham | 17 | 22
10. Melbourne Srbija | 17 | 17
11. Langwarrin | 17 | 16
12. Eastern Lions | 17 | 14
13. Kingston City | 17 | 11
14. Moreland City | 17 | 11
