The 2026 Senol NPLM Grand Final Preview
Oakleigh Cannons v Avondale
Venue: Lakeside Stadium
Date/Time: Saturday, September 19, 3:30pm
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The stage is set for a thrilling Senol NPLM Grand Final at Lakeside Stadium this Saturday, September 19, as Premiers Oakleigh Cannons and Avondale go head-to-head for the Championship.
After months of competition, it all comes down to one last match, the league's two highest goal scoring teams will meet in what is expected to be a clash of terrific attacking flair with both sides 90 minutes away from winning Victorian football's most coveted prize.
Oakleigh have been the team to beat this year, demonstrating sensational form across the campaign and finishing the season five points clear at the top of the table to secure the Premiers Plate. Only once have they not scored in a League match all season, and the Cannons will be looking to add to their recent Grand Final success, previously claiming the Championship in 2022 and 2024.
Avondale are no easy opponent though, led by Bruno Fornaroli they were the competitions’ highest goal scoring team this season with 63 goals to their credit. They’ll be looking to add to their own recent history in winning the NPL Championship for the first time in 2023.
As Premier, the Cannons qualified directly for the Preliminary and faced South Melbourne at home for a place in the Grand Final. Oakleigh would get the job done with a 2-1 win in a tense matchup against South, club captain Joe Guest proving the difference with the decisive goal.
Avondale took the harder route to the decider after finishing third, overcoming Preston Lions 2-0 in the Elimination Final before facing off against Hume City in the Preliminary Final. Blake Carpenter continued his standout Finals Series, scoring twice in the first half before Kristian Trajceski sealed a 3-2 win late on to send the Avengers into the Grand Final.
Two captains will be key to watch in Joe Guest and Bruno Fornaroli. Guest has been the heartbeat of Oakleigh’s midfield, scoring nine goals, while Fornaroli continues to turn back the clock, claiming the NPLM Golden Boot with 22 goals at 39 years of age. Their standout seasons were recognised with both earning selection in the NPLM Team of the Season.
Lebib Lebib and Adem Duratovic have also played important roles for Oakleigh, with Lebib winning the NPLM Rising Star award and Duratovic finishing as the club’s top scorer with 12 goals.
For Avondale, Blake Carpenter has been one of the stars of the Finals Series, scoring three goals in his last two matches and proving he is a player for the grand occasion.
The head-to-head record in season 2026 favours Oakleigh, with the Cannons drawing 1-1 at Avenger Park in Round 7 before claiming a 2-0 win at home in Round 20, courtesy of goals from Matthew Millar and an own goal from Jacob Muir.
The 2026 NPLM Grand Final will go right down to the wire with both teams packed with attacking threat, creativity, and quality all across the pitch and regardless of the result, Victorian football will be the ultimate winner!
Head-to-Head Record
Played: 27
Oakleigh Cannons: 11
Avondale: 10
Draws: 6
Last Time They Met
Friday July 10 2026, 8:15pm
Jack Edwards Reserve, Oakleigh
Oakleigh Cannons: 2 (Millar 42, Muir 66og)
Avondale: 0
Referee: Yanni Mallidis
Oakleigh Cannons: Thomas Manos, Brodie Boyce, Connor Hampson, Jacob Tratt, Matthew Millar, Joseph Guest, Adem Duratovic (Liston Diaz 63), Kingsley Sinclair, Campbell Strong (James Georgiou 82), Lebib Lebib (Brandon Giaccherini 85), Joseph Forde
Avondale: Jack Gibson, Jacob Muir, Patrick Flottmann, George Ott, Bruno Fornaroli, Maxx Green (Adam Zimarino 67), Yitayew Towns (Saad Moukachar 77), Blake Carpenter (Patrick Wall 79), Brandon Lundy (Emlyn Wellsmore 67), Adama Traore, Kristian Trajceski
Match commentators: Mark Ivkovic, Josh Parish & Nick D'Urbano
The 2026 Senol NPLM Grand Final will be broadcast LIVE and FREE on the NPL Victoria YouTube Channel.