South Melbourne v Oakleigh Cannons Semi-Final Preview
SUMMARY
South Melbourne and Oakleigh Cannons will square off for a spot in the 2023 NPLM Final this Friday night in the first Semi Final.
Coming into the finals series, Oakleigh had only won two out of their past five matches, but they abolished all concern with a convincing 5-0 victory against Altona Magic in the first week of finals.
South Melbourne came into this clash winning four out of their last five NPLM matches, with their only defeat coming against top-of-the-table Avondale in Round 25; and should be feeling refreshed after having the week off.
South Melbourne have been incredibly strong at home this season, winning 10 out of their 11 matches at Lakeside Stadium, while the Cannons have won eight of their 13 matches away from home this campaign.
WHAT HAPPENED THIS YEAR?
Round 7: Oakleigh Cannons 0-1 South Melbourne
Goals: Josh Wallen (SM) 54
Round 20: South Melbourne 0-2 Oakleigh Cannons
Goals: Oliver Kubilay (OC) 31, Alex Fiechtner (OC) 56
South Melbourne
South Melbourne will look to exact revenge for their defeat in the 2022 NPM Grand Final this weekend when they do battle with the Cannons.
Esteban Quintas' men finished second on the NPLM ladder with 26 wins and 67 points to their name.
In 2023, South boasted the best defence in the league, only conceding 21 goals for the season.
Javier Lopez had another stand-out season between the sticks, while Marco Jankovic and Brad Norton were admirable on the last line of defence along with Jake Marshall; who made 136 clearances - the most of any player in the competition and 15 more than the Cannons' best.
Marcus Schroen, Morgan Evans and Pat Langlois will spearhead the South midfield with Josh Wallen and Jack Painter-Andrews providing defensive cover.
Ajak Riak will likely play up front alongside Max Mikkola who both netted 10 goals for the season whilePat Langlois (8 goals) and Alan Webb (4 goals) have shown they can be dangerous when given the chance.
Mid-season signing Yagoub Mustafa (5 goals) is another option Quintas could turn to as the game wears on.
Oakleigh Cannons
Oakleigh is one step away from defending its title and will look to prove last year's NPLM Final demolition job of South Melbourne was no fluke.
Chris Taylor's men finished third at the conclusion of the home and away season with 18 wins from 26 matches.
The Cannons head into this weekend on the back of a convincing 5-0 victory against Altona Magic in the Elimination Final.
Alex Salmon was the hero last week, with four goals; scoring three inside the first 25 minutes of play.
The Cannons have the second-best attacking record in the league with Alex Salmon leading all-comers after the weekend with 13 goals for the season and Stefan Valentini is second with nine goals for the year.
Alex Fiechtner and Wade Dekker have found the back of the net eight times, while Chris Lucas has also scored on seven occasions - highlighting the goal-scoring options Chris Taylor has in his arsenal.
Oakleigh may have the second-best attack in the league, but their midfield is the envy of the competition with Joe Guest controlling central midfield and Oliver Kubilay providing defensive cover alongside Cameron McGilp.
The Cannons' defence led by Brodie Boyce and Anton Mlinaric has also been rock solid this season, conceding the third least number of goals in the competition and are well supported by attacking full-backs Connor Hampson and Emlyn Wellsmore
NPLM Semi-Final
South Melbourne v Oakleigh Cannons
Date: Friday, September 1
Venue: Lakeside Stadium
Kick-off Time: 8:00 pm (AEST)
Broadcast: NPL.TV