The 2025 NPL Victoria season delivered another action-packed weekend, with big crowds, thrilling finishes, and emerging narratives shaping the early part of the season. Front Page Football's Ross Papadakis brings you five key takeaways from Round 5.
"The Big Show" between Preston Lions and South Melbourne drew an incredible crowd of just over 9,000. (Image: Brock Pearson Photography)
NPL Victoria takes the Australian football landscape by storm
B.T. Connor Reserve was rocking as 9,036 fans packed into the stands on Friday night. But while Preston Lions thrived on the energy, South Melbourne collapsed under the pressure in a 2-0 defeat that has raised serious concerns about their title credentials and style of play.
This clash was billed as a heavyweight one, but in the end, it was men against boys. Preston was aggressive, disciplined, and clinical. Meanwhile, South Melbourne was sluggish, one-dimensional, and lifeless—a true indictment of a tactical approach that isn't working.
It's rare to say a game was decided in the stands, but this felt like one of those nights. The Preston faithful didn't just support their team; they became a force on the pitch. Every tackle was celebrated like a goal, every decision against South Melbourne was met with boos, jeers, and relentless noise.
From the first whistle, South looked hesitant, as if they weren't ready for what was coming. Preston, however, was sharp, aggressive, and in control. The home side didn't just win the battle on the field; they dominated the psychological battle, too.
While South Melbourne controlled possession, what good is it if you cannot break a team down? Once again, "Quintas-ball" was slow, predictable, uninspiring, and ultimately ineffective against a well-drilled Preston side with no interest in playing Hellas' game.
Johnathan Vithoulas' reckless red card in the second half didn't just tip the game further in the Lions' favour—it sent the home crowd into a frenzy to which South Melbourne crumbled. The atmosphere, already electric, exploded into something entirely different. Every Preston tackle, counterattack, and attacking moment felt like it was being played with 12 against 10. South Melbourne lost control of the match completely.
From that moment on, Hellas looked defeated. There was no resilience or fightback. Preston sensed blood, and they struck with precision and ruthlessness.
If there's one thing to take from this game, it's that Lleyton Brooks is a top talent who is way too good for the NPL system. The ex-A-Leagues prospect played like a man possessed, tormenting South Melbourne's defence with his speed, intelligence, and ability to drive forward with purpose.
While South Melbourne looked lost in Esteban Quintas' system, Brooks looked like a player who relished the moment. He didn't just win his duels; he humiliated South's backline and was involved in everything positive Preston did.
South Melbourne were bullied, outworked, and outplayed. Their title defence is already in serious jeopardy. Unless Quintas finds answers quickly, they'll be left behind by the top sides in the competition.
As for Preston, this wasn't just three points. It was a statement victory in front of a record crowd. They didn't just beat the reigning premiers—they tore them apart mentally, tactically, and physically. One thing is certain: Preston Lions are here to stay.
Chick in trouble?
Green Gully's season hit rock bottom with a 5-0 demolition at the hands of previously winless Dandenong City. This result leaves serious questions over David Chick's future at the club.
It was a disaster in every sense. Outplayed, outworked, and outfought, Gully looked unrecognisable from the side that has consistently been a Finals Series contender in recent years. Conceding five against a team that hadn't won a game before this round is bad enough—doing so without a fight is even worse.
Chick has been under pressure after an uninspiring start to the campaign, but this result might edge him closer to the brink. When a team collapses like that, the first place fingers get pointed is the manager. And right now, it's hard to see how he turns things around.
Dandenong City, on the other hand, finally came to life. They had shown glimpses of promise earlier in the season but failed to capitalise. That changed emphatically here. Their intensity, movement, and clinical finishing exposed Gully's soft underbelly, and they never let up.
But for Green Gully, the question isn't just about this result. It's about where they go from here. Friday night's visit of Melbourne Knights could be season-defining—not just for the club, but for their manager.
Avondale's ruthless comeback
For 65 minutes, St Albans Saints dared to dream. They took a shock 1-0 lead, 25 minutes in, against the league's best side, Avondale, and for a moment, an upset seemed possible. Then reality hit.
Four goals in 25 minutes flipped the game on its head as the league leaders once again proved why they are the team to beat in 2025. And while the players delivered on the pitch, a considerable amount of credit must go to head coach Zoran Markovski, whose second-half substitutions completely changed the game.
With his side struggling to break down a stubborn Saints defence, Markovski wasted no time adjusting, bringing on fresh legs and injecting pace into Avondale's attack. His changes paid off almost instantly, as the home side went from trailing 1-0 to comfortably leading in the blink of an eye.
Yusuf Ahmed, George Ott, and Luca Tevere found the net in a dominant end to the game. But Markovski's tactical nous set the stage for the comeback. His ability to read the game, make proactive substitutions, and get the best out of his squad was displayed.
St Albans will take some positives from their early resilience, but they were outclassed once Avondale kicked into gear. At this point, it's hard to see who stops them. However, in Round 6, they do face an in-form Preston Lions side at home.
With their attacking firepower, depth, and in-game intelligence, Avondale, at this stage, looks destined to lift the NPL Victoria title in 2025.
Cannons keep rolling
Oakleigh Cannons continued their strong start to the season with a commanding 3-0 win over Melbourne Victory's NPL side at the Home of the Matildas, reinforcing their status as genuine championship contenders in 2025.
Victory's young squad has shown promise against good opposition this season. But against an experienced Oakleigh outfit, they couldn't keep up.
The Cannons controlled the game from start to finish, with Joe Guest again proving why he's one of the best midfielders in the league. His two goals showcased his quality, while Joe Knowles also found the net to round off an impressive night for the visitors.
Oakleigh are quietly building momentum. They are keeping pace at the top with three wins from five, and their only defeat was against leaders Avondale. If Guest continues to pull the strings and Knowles keeps delivering, the Cannons will be right in the title conversation.
Victory, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly. They have shown flashes of brilliance this season, but results like this are a reminder of how tough life in the NPL Victoria can be.
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Sulemani stars in Thunder's thrilling win
Dandenong Thunder secured a dramatic 3-2 win over Heidelberg United, with in-form forward Alban Sulemani bagging a brace to continue his hot streak in front of goal.
Thunder looked in control for large parts of a match filled with attacking intent and defensive chaos, but Heidelberg pushed them hard. Once again, Sulemani was the difference-maker, taking his season tally to three goals. Hassan Jalloh scored late as he continues to establish himself as one of the league's most dangerous strikers, scoring his fourth for the season.
To their credit, Heidelberg fought until the end but couldn't find a way back, as their defensive frailties cost them again. They have now conceded eight goals across their last three matches, and unless they tighten up at the back, their Finals Series hopes will take a serious hit.
As for Thunder, this type of gritty win could prove crucial later in the season. If Sulemani and Jalloh keep firing, they could cause problems for the league's top sides, especially when they face an out-of-form South Melbourne at home next.
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