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 2 Match of the Round promises to be a thrilling encounter as two of the league's most storied sides go head-to-head. South Melbourne FC host Melbourne Knights FC at Lakeside Stadium, with both teams eager to secure crucial points early in the season.
Preview
Monday, February 17, 7:30 PM
Lakeside Stadium
The NPLM Round 2 Match of the Round couldn't be set up any better after round 1 with both sides claiming victories.
ChatGPT saidThe stage is set for another thrilling chapter in Victorian football history as South Melbourne faces Melbourne Knights in their 65th-anniversary rivalry at Lakeside. The Knights kicked off their season with a 3-2 win over Heidelberg United, with Ciaran Bramwell scoring a brace, while South Melbourne claimed a 1-0 victory over Port Melbourne, with Max Mikkola proving the differencThe stage is set for another thrilling chapter in Victorian football history as South Melbourne faces Melbourne Knights in their 65th-anniversary rivalry at Lakeside. The Knights kicked off their season with a 3-2 win over Heidelberg United, with Ciaran Bramwell scoring a brace, while South Melbourne claimed a 1-0 victory over Port Melbourne, with Max Mikkola proving the difference.
The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in Victorian football history as South Melbourne faces Melbourne Knights in their 65th-anniversary rivalry at Lakeside. The Knights kicked off their season with a 3-2 win over Heidelberg United, with Ciaran Bramwell scoring a brace, while South Melbourne claimed a 1-0 victory over Port Melbourne, with Max Mikkola proving the difference.
This iconic rivalry dates back to 1960, when South Melbourne defeated Croatia 6-0, and has since been defined by unforgettable moments in the Victorian State League, Dockerty and AMPOL Cups, and the National Soccer League. Their NSL encounters, particularly the famous Grand Final penalty shootout win for South, are legendary.
While South Melbourne has been more successful in recent years with multiple championships, the Knights are aiming to make a statement and return to the top.
Head-to-Head Record
- Total Matches Played: 144
- South Melbourne Wins: 72
- Melbourne Knights Wins: 40
- Draws: 32
2024 Season Meetings
- Played: 3
- South Melbourne Wins: 3
- Melbourne Knights Wins: 0
- Draws: 0
Last Time They Met
Round 14, May 17 2024
Knights Stadium
South Melbourne 1-0 Melbourne Knights
Goals: Inglese 71'
Referee: Michael Mammis
Melbourne Knights Lineup:
Chris Oldfield, Benjamin Carrigan, Corey Sewell, Ivan Franjic (Tomas Karlovic 88), Anthony Duzel (John Mabok 88), Mitch Hore (Tommy Semmy 65), Ciaran Bramwell, Gian Albano, Thomas Woerndl, Joseph Franjic (Jack Morton 76), Saif-Eddine Sakhi; Coach: Ivan Franjic; Cautions: Nil.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: Ivan Franjic
Cautions: Nil
South Melbourne Lineup:
Javier Lopez, Jordon Lampard, Jake Marshall, Mario Barcia, Emile Peios (Andy Brennan 59), Cooper Halfpenny (Harrison Sawyer 46), Ross Archibald, Morgan Evans, Nahuel Bonada (Maximilian Mikkola 59), Jack Painter-Andrews (Lucas Inglese 65), George Tsitsinaris (Mihailo Marinkovic 81); Coach: Esteban Quintas; Cautions: Nil.
Coach: Esteban Quintas
Cautions: Nil
Watch their 2024 Round 14 Match
Key Matchup: Clean Sheet Kings
This weekend’s key matchup features a thrilling battle between two of the NPL’s most experienced and talented goalkeepers: South Melbourne’s Javier Lopez and Melbourne Knights’ Chris Oldfield. Both are poised to play a pivotal role in the outcome of this highly anticipated clash.
Oldfield, a seasoned veteran of the NPL, has amassed 282 appearances and kept 84 clean sheets over his illustrious career. His consistent excellence earned him a spot in the Round 1 Team of the Week, further solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s top shot-stoppers.
Lopez, the reigning two-time NPL Goalkeeper of the Year, has made 102 appearances and recorded 46 clean sheets during his time at South Melbourne. His remarkable reflexes and leadership at the back will be key to his side’s chances in this highly competitive matchup
Where to Watch
The 2025 NPLM Round 2 Match of the Round will be broadcast live and free on the NPL Victoria YouTube Channel.
Commentators: Lachie Flannigan and Steve Curtain