The stage was set at the Matildas’ home in Bundoora, and the 2025 Dockerty Cup final delivered a footy spectacle for the ages. Passion, controversy, fierce duels, and top-class football defined this clash between two of Victoria’s proudest Greek-Australian clubs. The match was a rollercoaster, showcasing the quality and heart of both sides.
Heidelberg United, Alexandros to their loyal base, came out swinging under coach John Anastasiadis. They seized control from the first whistle, pressing high and rattling South Melbourne’s defence. Their early dominance paid off when Asahi Yokokawa rifled home a cracking goal in the fifth minute, giving the yellow-and-black a dream start.
The first half was a wild ride, with the ball zipping from end to end like lightning. South Melbourne pushed for an equaliser, leaving gaps at the back that Heidelberg’s gaffer Anastasiadis looked to exploit with rapid counter-attacks—a hallmark of his side’s style. Both teams carved out golden chances, but neither could find the net again before the break.
South Melbourne’s boss made bold changes at half-time, shuffling the deck to shift the momentum. Enter Campbell Dovison, the 19-year-old substitute who would steal the show. Barely a minute after the restart, Dovison rose to nod home a brilliant header in the 47th minute, levelling the score. The goal sparked chaos in the stands, with Heidelberg’s camp fuming, claiming the ball hadn’t fully crossed the line. The ref, however, pointed to the centre circle, and the match was back on a knife-edge.
The second half mirrored the first—end-to-end action, missed chances, and a burning desire for glory from both sides. Tensions boiled over when Heidelberg thought they’d scored, only for the goal to be chalked off for a controversial offside call. The game turned into a proper ding-dong battle, more like a Wild West shootout than a football match.
As the clock ticked towards extra time, up stepped Dovison again. In the 93rd minute, with the final whistle looming, South Melbourne launched a lightning counter. Bonada charged at Heidelberg’s keeper Sozer, but his shot was blocked. The ball bounced around the box before landing at Dovison’s feet. The young gun didn’t hesitate, smashing a rocket of a shot that ripped into the net, leaving Sozer helpless. The South Melbourne faithful erupted, as their hero sealed a dramatic 2-1 win and the club’s tenth Dockerty Cup.
The game turned into a proper ding-dong battle, more like a Wild West shootout than a football match.
A beaming Campbell Dovison spoke after the match, barely able to contain his joy. “This is a day I’ll never forget—it’s like living my wildest dream,” he said. “Winning the tenth Cup with this incredible club is unreal. I wanted to come on and make a difference, but to score twice after coming off the bench? It’s straight out of my craziest dreams. I’m struggling to breathe, to be honest. I’ve missed a few chances in recent games, but tonight, lady luck was on my side.”
The 2025 Dockerty Cup final was a footballing epic, brimming with passion and drama. For 90 minutes, these two sides served up a masterclass in Victorian football, reminding everyone of the talent and heart in the local game. South Melbourne’s victory cements their legacy as one of the competition’s greatest sides, while Heidelberg’s valiant effort showed why they’re a force to be reckoned with.
