The 2025 NPLM Round 11 Match of the Round is set to be one of the biggest clashes of the year with Green Gully hosting South Melbourne.
Preview
Round 4: Green Gully v South Melbourne
Venue: Green Gully Reserve
Date/Time: Friday 25 April 2025, 7:30pm
The NPLM Round 11 Match of the Round is set to deliver plenty of intrigue as eighth-placed Green Gully host 11th-placed South Melbourne in a clash loaded with narrative.
This marks a new chapter for South Melbourne, who will take to the pitch for the first time under fresh leadership following the departure of Head Coach Esteban Quintas on April 14. Quintas, who joined the club in 2018 as an assistant before stepping into the head coach role in 2019, oversaw a highly successful period. His tenure included the 2024 Dockerty Cup, Australia Cup Semi-Final appearance in 2024, the 2025 Charity Shield, and two NPL Victoria Premierships in 2022 and 2024.
However, an eight-match winless streak saw the club slip to 11th on the table, prompting the decision to part ways. Now, all eyes will be on how one of the biggest clubs in the country responds in this high-stakes fixture.
Green Gully, meanwhile, are coming off a strong bounce-back win over St Albans in Round 10 after a heavy loss to Heidelberg, despite playing a man short in the final half hour. A second straight victory could propel them into the top six, adding even more weight to this pivotal encounter.
Head-to-Head Record
Played: 57
Green Gully: 15
South Melbourne: 28
Draws: 14
Last Time They Met
Saturday July 13 2024 (Round 22)
Green Gully 0
South Melbourne 1 (Peios 63)
Referee: Noah Langerak
Green Gully:
Liam Driscoll, Jae Ciarma, Taylor Schrijvers, Jalil Regague, Mohamed Adam (Elioan Kifle 80), Luca Tevere, Gianluca Iannucci, Adolph Koudakpo, Joshua Hope, Justin Spiteri, Thierry Iradukunda
Coach: Ramon Falzon
South Melbourne:
Javier Lopez, Jordon Lampard, Marco Jankovic, Jake Marshall, Lucas Inglese, Jack Pope, Robert Harding (Ross Archibald 42, Jack Painter-Andrews 58), Zak Spiteri, Maximilian Mikkola (Andy Brennan 66), Nahuel Bonada (Harrison Sawyer 46), Mihailo Marinkovic (Emile Peios 46)
Coach: NA
Key Matchup: 2023 Gold Medalist v 2024 Gold Medalist
2024 NPL Gold Medalist Aamir Abdallah has made an immediate impact at his new club, already finding the net three times in his opening eight matches. Dynamic, creative, and always dangerous in the final third, he's proving why he was last season’s standout.
But South Melbourne may just have the perfect answer in 2023 Gold Medalist Jake Marshall. The commanding centre-back is known for his composure and strength in one-on-one duels, and will be relishing the challenge of shutting down one of the league’s most exciting attackers.
A showdown between two Gold Medalists — one leading the line, the other anchoring the defence. This is one matchup you won’t want to miss.
The 2025 NPLM Round 11 Match of the Round will be broadcast live and free on the NPL Victoria YouTube Channel.
Commentator: Steve Curtain & Mark Ivkovic
NPLM Round 11 Matches
Friday April 25, 5:30pm: Altona Magic v Oakleigh Cannons @ Paisley Park
Friday April 25, 7:30pm: Green Gully v South Melbourne @ Green Gully Reserve
Friday April 25, 7:30pm: Heidelberg United v Avondale @ Olympic Village
Friday April 25, 7:45pm: Dandenong City v Port Melbourne @ Frank Holohan Soccer Complex
Friday April 25, 8:30pm: Preston Lions v St Albans @ Genis Steel Stadiun
Friday April 25, 8:30pm: Hume City v Melbourne Knights @ Nasiol Stadium
Monday April 28, 8:00pm: Melbourne Victory v Dandenong Thunder @ The Home of The Matildas