The regular season is done and dusted, the qualifiers and semis have flashed by, and now it’s time for the main course: the grand final of NPL Victoria Men’s. On 14 September, at Lakeside Stadium in Albert Park, Heidelberg United Alexandros will take on Dandenong City in a match that promises intensity, passion, and top-shelf footy.
The two sides, who earned their spots with impressive showings in the semis, will battle it out for the title in a season packed with surprises. Alexandros, second on the ladder with 56 points, and Dandenong City, sixth with 37 points—who pulled off the big shock by knocking out ladder-leaders Avondale—are gearing up for a historic showdown.
Let’s start with Alexandros, the club with a rich history in the Greek Australian community. Founded in 1958, they’ve penned golden chapters in Australian footy ever since. From humble beginnings in the Metropolitan Leagues of the ’50s, the club climbed the ranks, claiming the NSL in 1980—the forerunner to today’s leagues—while also lifting the NPL title and the Dockerty Cup.
The yellow-and-blacks showed real character this year, finishing second behind Avondale and locking in a spot in the new national league kicking off in October.
In the semi-final on 6 September, they edged Preston Lions 2-1 in a match that started strongly for the visitors, but the hosts found their rhythm and grabbed the win.
James Ngor opened the scoring in the 40th minute with a lovely individual effort and a cracking strike, while Bul Juach slotted home a penalty in first-half stoppage time to make it 2-0.
In the second half, the Lions pulled one back in the 83rd, but Alexandros held firm with a tight defence. The players, coaching staff, and supporters celebrated wildly, with special mention for the Heidelberg faithful who backed them with real gusto—in contrast to the away fans who caused trouble with flares and racist chants.
Alexandros are now chasing the double, with the Australia Cup also on their minds.
On the other side, Dandenong City SC—known as Hajduk due to their Croatian roots. This year, led by coach Nick Tolios, they pulled off the upset in the semi-final on 6 September, beating Avondale 0-1.
The match was full of drama: Avondale bossed possession (60 per cent – 40 per cent), had 12 shots and eight corners, but City, with rock-solid defending, struck on the counter. The goal came in the 72nd minute after a corner and a header from skipper Jack Webster, stunning the hosts.
The final promises to be epic. Alexandros, with their experience and attacking firepower from players like Bul Juach (the season’s top scorer), will look to dominate, while Dandenong City will rely on their defence and counters. Statistically, Heidelberg have a 56 per cent chance of victory according to analysis, but surprises are part and parcel of footy. The two teams have met twice this year, with Alexander winning the first-round clash away at City 0-2, while the second-round match ended in a 2-2 draw.
Who will be crowned champions? The mighty Alexandros of coach Anastasiadis or the plucky Dandenong City of the enthusiastic Nick Tolios?
VPL1
Brunswick City are one step away from promotion to the NPL. The Greek Australian side are looking to cap off an incredible season in the best possible way—with a ticket to Victoria’s top tier.
Their task is anything but easy, though. Brunswick’s opponents in the big match, scheduled for Sunday 14 September at 3pm, will be Melbourne City.
The Brunswick-based side finished fifth in the regular season, while their opponents came third.
The last time the two teams met, Brunswick came out on top with a 2-0 win.
The match will take place at Lakeside Stadium, home of Hellas. Don’t miss the big game!
Schedule
Sunday 14 September
Lakeside Stadium
Melbourne City – Brunswick City 3pm
Heidelberg United – Dandenong City 6pm
