With just three rounds left in the NPL regular season, the race for survival at the bottom of the table is heating up, while the battle for the top remains tantalisingly open.
At the foot of the ladder, Melbourne Victory sit 12th, Port Melbourne Sharks 13th, and Melbourne Knights 14th, all with their sights set on catching 11th-placed Altona Magic. Victory and the Sharks trail Magic by just six points, while Knights are seven points adrift. Can the picture change in the final three rounds? And do the Sharks still have a shot at staying up? The answer is a resounding yes.
This week, Altona Magic face a stern test away at Oakleigh Cannons, while Port Melbourne Sharks host Dandenong City. Next round, a massive clash looms as the Greek Australian Sharks travel to face Magic in a match that could define their season. In the final round, the Sharks welcome ladder-leaders Heidelberg United, while Altona head to Tompsett Stadium to take on bottom-placed Knights. A quick glance shows the points are there for the taking—it’s now about whether Port Melbourne have the grit to seize them.
The Sharks’ task this week is no walk in the park. Dandenong City, managed by Nick Tolios, sit seventh, just one point behind Hume City. They’ll be gunning for a win against the Sharks to keep their hopes of a top-six finish alive. City’s hunger for a finals berth will clash head-on with the Sharks’ desperate fight for survival. It’s a battle of wills—let’s see who comes out on top.
At the top, things are clearer but far from settled. Heidelberg United, also known as Alexandros, can lock in the top spot this week with a massive away win against second-placed Avondale. A victory at Avengers Park would open a six-point gap with only two rounds to go. Manager John Anastasiadis is rallying his troops for a fierce performance, knowing an early goal could rattle the Italian Australians and give the yellow-and-blacks a psychological edge. They’re hell-bent on avoiding any slip-ups in their quest for the top spot. This blockbuster clash promises to keep us on the edge of our seats, don’t miss it.
On Friday night at 8:15pm, Oakleigh Cannons host Altona Magic. The Greek Australian side, already guaranteed a top-four finish, are treating these final rounds as a tune-up for the finals. Manager Chris Taylor will use the match to test formations and players he’s eyeing for the playoffs. He’s demanding intensity and passion—qualities that have been lacking in recent performances. But Altona Magic won’t roll over. As we’ve noted, every point is gold for the western suburbs outfit as they scrap to avoid the drop. Expect them to come out swinging.
On Sunday at 5pm, South Melbourne Hellas take on Green Gully. Hellas are chasing a miracle to sneak into the finals, sitting seven points off sixth place. It’s a tall order, but a win against eighth-placed Green Gully could reignite their hopes and boost morale for the final two rounds. Manager Sinisa Cohadzic was chuffed with his side’s effort against Heidelberg last week and might stick with the same starting eleven to face the Greens.
VPL1
The Greek Australian derbies keep coming thick and fast in VPL1. This week, all eyes are on Dunstan Reserve, where Brunswick City’s Leonidas host Northcote City’s Iraklis on Friday at 7:30pm. Both sides are gunning for a finals spot and will leave it all on the pitch. Brunswick sit comfortably in the top six with 35 points, while Iraklis lurk just outside in eighth with 31. It’s all to play for, and the result will come down to who wants it more on the night.
At the top, Bentleigh Greens’ Pancyprios are determined to hold onto first place and secure promotion to the NPL. This week, they face a tricky trip to Manningham United, who are 11th and flirting dangerously with the VPL2 relegation spots. The hosts will throw everything at the league leaders, so George Katsakis’ men will need to stay sharp to keep their view from the summit.
Kingston City’s Clarinda, battered this season, play their final roll of the dice against bottom-placed Moreland City on Monday at 7:30pm. A win could breathe new life into Con Tagkalakis’ side and keep their faint hopes of VPL1 survival alive.
VPL2
Box Hill United’s Pythagoras host Whittlesea United this week. The Greek Australian side sit eighth with 27 points, just one point ahead of their ninth-placed opponents. This Friday night clash at 7:30pm is laced with intrigue, with both teams desperate to climb the table.
NPL – Fixtures
Friday, 1 August
Melbourne Knights – Hume City 7:30pm
Port Melbourne – Dandenong City 8:15pm
Oakleigh Cannons – Altona Magic 8:15pm
Saturday, 2 August
Avondale – Heidelberg United 3pm
Dandenong Thunder – Melbourne Victory 7pm
Sunday, 3 August
St Albans Saints – Preston Lions 5pm
South Melbourne – Green Gully 5pm
NPL – Standings
Team Matches Points
1. Heidelberg 23 55
2. Avondale 23 52
3. Dandenong Thunder 23 47
4. Oakleigh Cannons 23 42
5. Preston Lions 23 38
6. Hume City 23 34
7. Dandenong City 23 33
8. Green Gully 23 30
9. St Albans Saints 23 27
10. South Melbourne 23 27
11. Altona Magic 23 21
12. Melbourne Victory 23 15
13. Port Melbourne 23 15
14. Melbourne Knights 23 14
VPL1 – Fixtures
Friday, 1 August
Brunswick City – Northcote City – 7:30pm
Saturday, 2 August
Langwarrin – Melbourne Srbija 3pm
Manningham United Blues – Bentleigh Greens 3:15pm
Caroline Springs George Cross – Eastern Lions 6pm
Sunday, 3 August
Western United – North Sunshine 4pm
Monday, 4 August
Kingston City – Moreland City 7:30pm
Bulleen Lions – Melbourne City 8:30pm
VPL1 – Standings
Team Matches Points
1. Bentleigh 23 49
2. Melbourne City 23 48
3. George Cross 23 48
4. Western United 23 40
5. North Sunshine 23 36
6. Brunswick 23 35
7. Bulleen Lions 23 33
8. Northcote 23 31
9. Melbourne Srbija 23 31
10. Langwarrin 23 29
11. Manningham 23 22
12. Eastern Lions 23 18
13. Kingston City 23 17
14. Moreland City 23 17
