The NPL Victoria Men’s competition is hurtling towards its climax, delivering thrills, shocks, and plenty of drama. With just seven rounds left before the play-offs, the race for the top and the fight for survival are as fierce as ever. The quality of this season shines through, with both the ladder’s summit and its basement still wide open.
At the top, Heidelberg United and Avondale are locked in a gripping battle for the premiership, while at the bottom, six sides are scrapping to avoid the drop to VPL1. Every point is critical, and every match feels like a final.
At the foot of the table, Melbourne Knights and Port Melbourne Sharks are in dire straits, languishing with 10 and 12 points respectively. Just above them sit St Albans Saints with 14 points, Melbourne Victory with 15, Altona Magic with 18, and South Melbourne Hellas with 19. The relegation battle is a tangled mess, and no side can afford to slip up.
Heidelberg United, under John Anastasiadis, are in scintillating form and determined to hold onto top spot. On Friday night, they face a stern challenge away at Hume City, one of the toughest venues in the league. Last week’s 2-0 win over Dandenong Thunder was a stroll in the park, but Heidelberg can’t afford to take their foot off the gas against the Turkish Australian outfit. Hume are desperate for a win to solidify their top six hopes, and they’ll throw everything at the league leaders.
Anastasiadis is expected to stick with a similar starting eleven, banking on the momentum that’s carried his side to the top. A disciplined performance will be key to securing the three points and keeping the pressure on Avondale, who face a tricky trip to Preston Lions.
Reigning champions Oakleigh Cannons are back in action this round after a disappointing loss to Melbourne Victory last week. On Friday they travel to St Albans to face the struggling Saints. Sitting in 12th, St Albans are fighting for their lives, and they’ll scrap for every ball to avoid the drop. The Cannons, however, have the quality to dominate if they can shake off their recent wobble. A clinical display could see them cement their place in the top four.
South Melbourne Hellas are showing signs of life under coach Sinisa Cohadzic. Fresh off a morale-boosting win over Preston Lions, they host Dandenong Thunder on Sunday. Hellas have found their rhythm, with a tight defensive setup, quick transitions, and minimal risks proving effective. Another win here could lift them further from the relegation zone, easing the pressure that’s hung over the club all season. Cohadzic is likely to stick with the same approach, with Mikkola, Bonada, and George Mells leading the charge.
Port Melbourne Sharks face another must-win clash on Monday night against Melbourne Victory at Bundoora. Sitting second bottom, the Sharks squandered a golden opportunity last week, drawing 2-2 with Melbourne Knights. That result wasn’t catastrophic, but it did little to help their survival bid. With just eight rounds left, every match is a final for the Greek Australian side. The players, staff, and board know what’s at stake—they need to dig deep and grind out results to secure their NPL status for next season.
VPL1
In VPL1, Bentleigh Greens are desperate to bounce back after a 3-0 thrashing by Western United. Coach George Katsakis was left scratching his head after a dismal second half collapse, and his side will need a sharper performance against Langwarrin this week. A cautious approach and clinical finishing could see the Greens maintain their grip on top spot.
Northcote City’s Heracles have a golden chance to leapfrog Bentleigh when they face Western United. After a lacklustre showing against Melbourne Srbija, they’ll need to rediscover their early-season form to secure a vital win and cement their place in the top six.
Brunswick City’s Leonidas are hitting their stride at the perfect time. Hosting seventh placed Bulleen Lions this weekend, they’ll look to keep their top six hopes alive. A strong performance at home could shift the trajectory of their season.
Kingston City, however, are staring down the barrel. Sitting second bottom, seven points adrift of safety, their clash with North Sunshine Eagles feels like their last roll of the dice. Coach Con Tagkalakis and his players must give everything to keep their faint hopes of survival alive.
VPL2
Box Hill United’s Pythagoras are desperate to pull further clear of the relegation zone. On Friday night, they host third placed Brunswick Juventus, a side with promotion ambitions. The visitors are a well drilled outfit, and Pythagoras will need a top-notch performance to nick even a point. It’s a massive challenge, but a positive result could be a turning point.
NPL – Fixtures
Friday 20 June
Dandenong City – Altona Magic 7.45 pm
Melbourne Knights – Green Gully 7.45 pm
St Albans Saints – Oakleigh Cannons 8.30 pm
Hume City – Heidelberg United 8.30 pm
Sunday 22 June
Preston Lions – Avondale 3pm
South Melbourne – Dandenong Thunder 5pm
Monday, 23 June
Melbourne Victory – Port Melbourne Sharks 8.15pm
NPL – Standings
Team Matches Points
1. Heidelberg 18 44
2. Avondale 18 43
3. Dandenong Thunder 18 36
4. Oakleigh Cannons 17 34
5. Hume City 18 31
6. Preston Lions 18 28
7. Dandenong City 18 24
8. Green Gully 18 23
9. South Melbourne 18 19
10. Altona Magic 18 18
11. Melbourne Victory 18 15
12. St Albans Saints 18 14
13. Port Melbourne 18 12
14. Melbourne Knights 17 10
VPL1 – Fixtures
Friday 20 June
Brunswick City – Bulleen Lions 8pm
Northcote City – Western United 8.30 pm
Saturday 21 June
Moreland City – Melbourne Srbija 3pm
Eastern Lions – Melbourne City 3pm
North Sunshine Eagles – Kingston City 3pm
Langwarrin – Bentleigh Greens 3pm
Caroline Springs George Cross – Manningham United Blues 6pm
VPL1 – Standings
Team Matches Points
1. Melbourne City 17 38
2. Bentleigh 18 38
3. George Cross 18 36
4. Western United 17 29
5. Northcote 17 28
6. Brunswick 18 28
7. Bulleen Lions 17 27
8. North Sunshine 18 24
9. Manningham 18 22
10. Melbourne Srbija 18 20
11. Langwarrin 18 19
12. Eastern Lions 18 17
13. Kingston City 18 12
14. Moreland City 18 11
