The NPLM 2025 season is set to witness a host of players etching their names into the history books as they approach major career milestones.
From the elite 300-game club to the 200 and 150 mark, several stars are on track to hit significant milestones. Let’s take a look at the players to watch as they chase their next career-defining achievements this season!
Note: The maximum number of games a player can play is 29 games (26 games plus finals) and the below figures are correct as of the start of the season.
300 Matches
Melbourne Knights goalkeeper Chris Oldfield (282 matches) is on track to become the next player to join the prestigious 300-club, likely in Round 18 during a clash against Port Melbourne at JL Murphy Reserve.
200 Matches
South Melbourne’s Andy Brennan (180) is poised to reach 200 matches in Round 20 against Hume City at Lakeside. Also in the 200-club race, journeyman Daniel Clark (currently on 180) is set to hit the milestone in Round 20, representing Dandenong in 2025 after stints at Hume City, Oakleigh Cannons, Port Melbourne, and South Melbourne. Melbourne Knights’ Joe Franjic, who is 20 games shy, will likely reach the 200 mark against Melbourne Victory. South Melbourne’s Ross Archibald, starting 2025 just 15 games away, is also closing in on the milestone.
150 Matches
Avondale's Ayden Brice (141) and Stefan Zinni (141) lead the charge to hit 150 matches in 2025, with Joey Katebian (137) also in line to reach the mark in Round 13 against Green Gully. Other players with a chance to reach the 150 milestone this season include Michael Grgig (St Albans, 141), Corey Sewell (Dandenong City, 138), and Mersim Memeti (Dandenong Thunder, 187). South Melbourne's Jake Marshall (135) is also a solid contender, 15 games away from the milestone.
100 Matches
Several players are closing in on the coveted 100-match mark. Hume City captain Josh Bingham (98) is only two matches off and Avondale’s Thomas Manos (97) is on track to reach the milestone in Round 3. Green Gully's Jacob Eliopoulos (96) and Heidelberg United’s Anthony Theodoropoulos (96) are just four games away. Dandenong Thunder's Ben Djiba (92) is also in the hunt, needing just eight more appearances.
Players within reach of the 100 game milestone!
- Jacob Alexander (Dandenong City – 91), Emlyn Wellsmore (Avondale – 91), Harry Ascroft (Hume City – 90), George Mells (South Melbourne - 88), Jackson Courtney-Perkins (Avondale - 86) and Dandenong City's Danny Kim (82) are also within striking distance of hitting 100 matches this season.