Less than a month remains until the start of what many expect to be one of the most exciting seasons in recent years. The NPL championship is currently in its off season, with managers formulating their plans, trainers pushing the footballers to their limits, and administrations investing in transfers.
Next season, the Greek community will be represented by four blue and white clubs in the NPL Victoria – South Melbourne, Oakleigh Cannons, Port Melbourne Sharks, and Heidelberg United.
South Melbourne and Port Melbourne have entered the market with a strong presence, already bolstering their rosters with skillful footballers who can make a significant impact. This has stirred up the excitement of supporters from both teams in anticipation of the new season.
However, neither Cannons nor Heidelberg fans are backing down. They appear to have faith in the highly experienced managers who will be on the teams’ benches for the 2024 season.
The division’s top coaches are widely recognised as Chris Taylor and John Anastasiadis.
To get a better understanding of the sentiments of football fans, we took to the bustling streets of the city to listen and relay the predictions of those who hold a special place in their hearts for the sport, the clubs’ history, and their significance in the Greek community.
We strolled through the heart of the vibrant Greek community in Oakleigh. George, a thirty-year-old Cannons fan, was both anxious and confident about his team’s worth.
“I am a Cannons fan because I played there as a kid. I continue to show support for the club. Although I cannot predict our outcome for this year, I have confidence in the coach and his colleagues. I feel concerned about the lack of news on transfers, but I have faith that the management will fulfill their duties and equip the coach with the necessary resources to lead the team to another championship. I truly believe that we can achieve it.”
Angeliki, a 55-year-old South Melbourne Hellas fan, seemed slightly more pessimistic.
“In the 90s, my son played for South and we celebrated every weekend. We watched the children play first and then the adults. We experienced wonderful years with many great moments, but we were treated poorly. At this time, we refuse to accept the state of our team and the entire league. However, I anticipate that the start of the second national division will bring about positive change. Unfortunately, I do not believe this year will be successful. Despite the need for drastic changes, they were not implemented. I think that Alexandros and John Anastasiadis, an incredible coach, will dominate this year.”
Next stop: Northcote, where we chatted with Mr Alekos, a sixty-year-old United fan who appears to agree with Mrs Angeliki, a fan of South Melbourne.
“This is our year! I believe that. We love Mr Katsakis; he is a legend for the team and Australian football in general, but I think the time was right for such a significant change. Anastasiadis is a great coach. With his aura and knowledge, he will lead the team to the top. I’m sure!”
The prediction of Alex, Heidelberg’s fifteen-year-old fan, is interesting.
“Avondale will win it again. They are the best team. I hate to say it, but I believe it. They have had the best team since the 2022 season and I don’t think anyone will be able to compete with them. I hope my team gets it wrong, I will be very happy.”
Further south of the city, and more specifically at a well-known Greek hangout in Port Melbourne, we spoke with Mr. Dimitris, a seventy-year-old fan of the Port Melbourne Sharks.
“Last year’s coach shouldn’t have been fired. He knew his job well, but the team set the bar too high, and as a result, he appeared to be a failure at the end of the season. I have heard that there are new players, but it is uncertain how good they will be. I believe Oakleigh will dominate this year. I am eagerly anticipating the start of the season as it adds color to our weekends. I have formed a habit of going to the field after so many years, and I will not break it until I die.”
After we talked to many more football fans, we once again understood that the love for football is alive and stronger than ever before. What the sport is missing is a spark that will ignite people’s interest, bring them to the stadiums, and restore the king of sports to its rightful place – at the top.
