Throughout the 2025 NPLM season, we will be shining a spotlight on one Match of the Round each week, bringing you key matchups, in-depth previews, and all the action as it unfolds on matchday.
The 2025 NPLM Round 1 Match of the Round couldn't get any bigger with the last two Champions facing off with to kick off their campaigns. Oakleigh Cannons FC host Avondale FC at Jack Edwards with both sides looking to gain a valuable early three points.
Preview
Friday, February 7, 8:15 PM
Jack Edwards Reserve
The Cannons head into the 2025 season as the team to beat after lifting the trophy in 2024. With key players like Joe Guest and Alex Salmon, joined by the returning Joe Knowles, Oakleigh will be eager to defend their title and send a message early in their quest for back-to-back championships. The Cannons' dominant 2024 campaign has set high expectations, and they’re ready to pick up where they left off.
Avondale, however, will be looking for redemption after falling to Oakleigh in the 2024 NPLM Preliminary Final. Despite that setback, Avondale remains a formidable force under coach Zoran Markovski. Over the off-season, the Avengers only got stronger with the return of Manny Aguek and the addition of Luca Tevere and Emlyn Wellsmore, who will add fresh energy to an already talented squad.
Adding extra spice to this highly anticipated clash is the fact that Oakleigh Championship players Stefan Valentini and Emlyn Wellsmore are set to play their first matches for Avondale against their old side.
Head-to-Head Record
- Total Matches Played: 23
- Avondale Wins: 8
- Oakleigh Wins: 10
- Draws: 5
2024 Season Meetings
- Played: 4
- Avondale Wins: 1
- Oakleigh Wins: 2
- Draws: 1
Last Time They Met
Preliminary Final – Saturday, August 31, 2024 – 2:15 PM
Avenger Park, Parkville
Avondale 0-3 Oakleigh Cannons
Goals: Guest 41’, Sinclair 47’, Salmon 75’
Referee: Lachlan Keevers
Avondale Lineup:
Thomas Manos, Daniel Edwards, Ayden Brice, Matthew Reid (Kalilou Kamara 75’), George Ott (Stefan Zinni 58’), Kur Kur (George Mells 78’), Yitayew Towns, Adam El Hayek (Liston Diaz 75’), Kristian Trajceski, Jackson Courtney-Perkins, Cian Cuba (Joseph Katebian 58’)
Coach: Zoran Markovski
Cautions: Cuba 54’, Reid 70’, Diaz 90+2, 90+7
Sent off: Diaz 90+7
Oakleigh Cannons Lineup:
Nicholas Feely, Jordan Hall, Connor Hampson (Kingsley Sinclair 46’), Brodie Boyce, Jacob Tratt, Cameron McGilp (Noah Holmes 87’), Alex Salmon, Joe Guest, Oliver Kubilay (Jacob Eliopoulos 87’), Stefan Valentini (Moonib Adus 84’), Emlyn Wellsmore (Max Bisetto 90+5’)
Coach: Chris Taylor
Cautions: Valentini 72’
Oakleigh proved too strong in the 2024 Preliminary Final, securing a dominant 3-0 victory. Avondale will be keen to get their 2025 campaign off to a strong start, and a little bit of redemption will just be the cherry on top.
Watch their 2024 semi-final match-up now.
Key Matchup: Midfield Battle
Kristian Trajceski (Avondale) vs. Joe Guest (Oakleigh)
This contest between two of the best mids in the business will be one to watch.
Trajceski’s control and passing range make him a key playmaker for Avondale, while Guest’s experience and attacking threat provide Oakleigh with a major advantage. Whoever controls the midfield could dictate the match.
Where to Watch
The 2025 NPLM Round 1 Match of the Round will be broadcast live and free on the NPL Victoria YouTube Channel.
Commentators: Nick D'Urbano, Ed Gooden