What a cracking season for the two Greek Australian sides in the southeast division of Victoria’s State League 1! Malvern City and Bayside Argonauts have absolutely smashed it, finishing one-two in the league table and capping off the year with massive wins in their final matches. It’s been a ripper of a campaign, and both clubs are now gearing up for a tilt at VPL2 next season.
On Saturday (20/9), Malvern City took on Keilor Park in the State League 1 Grand Final with the title on the line. The Greek Australian lads were in top form, dominating from the first whistle and cruising to a belter of a 4-0 victory. The score line says it all—the boys were untouchable in the biggest match of the season.
Club president John Hatzis could hardly contain his excitement.
“Well done lads! You are the state league 1 champions, you deserve the title wholeheartedly. Enjoy – Up the Malvern UP! You’ve made us prouder than you can ever imagine. 2026 is our 50-year anniversary – what a great celebration that will be!!!”
Earlier that same day, Bayside Argonauts faced off against Banyule City in a match that was do-or-die for promotion to VPL2. The Greek Australian side came out swinging, clinching a hard-fought 2-1 win. The victory sparked wild celebrations among the club’s faithful in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs. This marks the Argonauts’ third straight promotion—a proper feat! Next season, they’ll be strutting their stuff in VPL2 alongside Malvern City, Box Hill United, and Kingston City.
It’s been an absolute pearler of a year for these two historic Greek community clubs. Both have added a golden chapter to the storied history of Greek Australian football in Victoria. The fans are buzzing with anticipation, counting down the days until next season when these sides take on the VPL2 challenge.
