As we near the conclusion of the 2024 regular season, we’ve witnessed more drama than a ancient Greek drama play.
Teams have been fighting tooth and nail, driven by passion and a thirst for victory. The race for the championship is tighter than a pair of skinny jeans, with South Melbourne leading the pack and daring anyone to catch up.
And the battle for second place? Let’s just say it’s a warzone with Avondale, Hume City, Heidelberg United, and Oakleigh duking it out.
Meanwhile, at the bottom of the table, Manningham United and Moreland City are praying for a Hail Mary to save them from relegation. It’s safe to say, the VPL has been anything but boring this season.
Heidelberg United – Hume City
The most hyped-up showdown of this matchday is coming to Heidelberg United’s home turf this Friday night.
With both teams basking in recent wins, this match is set to be a nail-biter.
The coaches have a smooth sailing ride ahead, fully aware of their squad’s strengths and weaknesses.
You know they’ll be cooking up some killer strategies leading up to game day. History speaks for itself: Heidelberg has been dominating this rivalry.
Hume City’s last victory on Heidelberg’s turf was in 2019 with a measly 1-2 score. So grab your popcorn and buckle up for an intense, can’t-miss spectacle!
South Melbourne – Port Melbourne
We’ve got a Greek showdown this week as South Melbourne Hellas takes on Port Melbourne.
Both teams have their eyes on the prize – the top spot for Hellas and a spot in the top six for Port Melbourne.
Hellas may have suffered a surprise loss at home recently, but the “sharks” are swimming into Lakeside Stadium with a big win under their fins.
And let’s not forget about the intense determination of Nikos Marinos’ squad to make it to the finals.
With both sides hungry for victory, this match is bound to bring some fiery football that even Zeus himself would be proud of.
Let’s get ready to rumble.
Oakleigh Cannons – Melbourne Knights
The Oakleigh Cannons are determined to bounce back and turn their fortunes around this weekend.
It’s time for the Greek-Australian team to kick negativity to the curb before it becomes an unstoppable crisis. But they have a tough challenge ahead as they face off against the Melbourne Knights, a team on a mission to secure a spot in the championship finals. The visitors are raring to go and claim their place in the top six, having recently triumphed over Altona Magic.
Meanwhile, the Oakleigh squad is feeling the pressure, having suffered a narrow defeat last week and slipping down the standings. In a genius move, coach Chris Taylor plans to bring back the dynamic duo of Guest and Salmon for this crucial match that could make or break their season.
VPL1
Get ready for a Greek showdown in the VPL1.
Brunswick City vs Northcote City in a battle of the ages. One team fighting for survival, the other for glory. Mark your calendars for Friday night at 8:30 pm because this rivalry is not to be missed
Get your popcorn ready as Bentleigh Greens take on Melbourne City in an exciting away game. After a tough defeat at home to George Cross, the Greens are ready to show the City Youths who’s boss. With both teams tied at 31 points and vying for seventh place, this derby is sure to be a nail-biter.
Struggling at the bottom, North Geelong Warriors are set to face off against Kingston City this week. The valiant Clarinda is determined to secure a point and dodge the possibility of relegation at all costs, making for a fierce battle on the field.
VPL2
Watch out, because Box Hill United is about to hit the road and take on Doveton. The legendary Box Hill United is determined to reclaim their winning ways and rise from the bottom of the heap with swagger and assurance. The showdown will go down at Doveton home, the Waratah Reserve, so mark your calendars for 3pm on Saturday (27/7). It’s game time.
NPL – SCHEDULE
Friday, 26/7
South Melbourne – Port Melbourne 7.30pm
Dandenong City – Manningham United 7.45pm
Heidelberg United – Hume City 7.45pm
Saturday, 27/7
Green Gully v Avondale 1pm
Oakleigh Cannons – Melbourne Knights 3pm
Altona Magic – Moreland City 6.15pm
Sunday, 28/7
St Albans Saints – Dandenong Thunder 3
NPL – TABLE
1. South Melbourne 23 53
2. Avondale 23 47
3. Hume City 23 46
4. Heidelberg Utd 23 44
5. Oakleigh Cannons 23 44
6. Dand City 23 34
7. Port Melb Sharks 23 33
8. Melb Knights 23 32
9. Altona Magic 23 27
10. Dand Thunder 23 25
11. Green Gully 23 24
12. St. Albans 23 19
13. Manningham 23 15
14. Moreland 23 11
VPL1 – SCHEDULE
Friday, 26/7
Werribee City – Preston Lions 8.30pm
Brunswick City – Northcote City 8.30pm
Saturday, 27/7
Melbourne City – Bentleigh Greens 3pm
Langwarrin – Western United 3pm
Caroline Springs – Eastern Lions 5.30pm
Sunday, 28/7
Kingston City – North Geelong Warriors 5.30pm
Monday, 29/7
Bulleen Lions – Melbourne Victory 8.30pm
VPL1 – TABLE
1. Melb Victory 23 48
2. Northcote 23 42
3. Preston Lions 22 41
4. Western Utd 23 40
5. Bulleen Lions 23 35
6. Langwarrin 23 34
7. Melb City 22 31
8. Bentl Greens 23 31
9. Carol Springs 23 29
10. Eastern Lions 23 27
11. Brunswick City 23 26
12. Kingston 23 25
13. Werribee City 23 17
14. North Geelong 23 14
VPL2 – SCHEDULE
Friday, 26/7
Brunswick Juventus – Nunawading City 8.30pm
Saturday, 27/7
Doveton – Box Hill United 3pm
Boroondara Carey Eagles – North Sunshine Eagles 3pm
Goulburn Valley Suns – Beaumaris 5pm
Altona City – Essendon Royals 6pm
Melbourne Serbia – Pascoe Vale 6.15pm
VPL2 – TABLE
1. FC Melb. Serbia 1942
2. Nth Sunsh. Eagles 19 39
3. Altona City 19 34
4. Brun Juventus 19 31
5. Essendon Royals 19 29
6. Pascoe Vale 18 28
7. Boroondara Eagles 19 28
8. Nunawading City 19 21
9. Box Hill 19 20
10. Goulburn Valley 19 16
11. Doveton 18 16
12. Beaumaris 19 9
