The 2025 NPLM Match of the Round Preview
Round 24: Heidelberg United v South Melbourne
Venue: Avenger Park
Date/Time: Saturday, August 2, 3PM
Round 24 of the NPLM delivers a blockbuster clash as league leaders Heidelberg United host second-placed Avondale in a match that could decide the Premiers Plate.
With just two rounds remaining after this weekend, Avondale can take a huge step towards the title if they manage to overcome the Bergers at home. A win would see them leapfrog Heidelberg and claim top spot — raising the stakes for both sides.
For Heidelberg, the match is more than just about the season table. With a Dockerty Cup Final against South Melbourne just a week away, this is a crucial opportunity to build momentum heading into their shot at silverware. A victory would also restore a six-point buffer at the top, keeping their premiership hopes firmly in their own hands.
This clash also pits the two best defences in the league against each other, so expect a tightly contested affair at Avenger Park.
Adding to the drama is the battle in front of goal — Heidelberg’s star striker Bul Juach currently leads the Golden Boot race, with Avondale’s Manny Aguek hot on his heels in third. Both forwards will be eager to make a statement in this high-stakes encounter.
Heidelberg got the better of Avondale in their previous meeting earlier this season — but with the title race reaching its crescendo and home support behind them, can Avondale flip the script and take control of the premiership race?
Head-to-Head Record
Played: 21
Avondale: 4
Heidelberg United: 10
Draws: 7
Last Time They Met
Friday April 25 2025, 7:30pm
Olympic Village, Heidelberg West
Heidelberg United 3 (Juach 20, Ali 36, James Ngor 45)
Avondale FC 1 (Collins 90og)
Referee: Jonathan Barreiro
Heidelberg United: Yaren Sozer, Benjamin Collins, Jamal Ali, Anthony Lesiotis, Fletcher Fulton, Cherif Mohamed Aidara, Bul Juach (Peter Klaassen 65), Sebit James Ngor, Ryan Lethlean, Asahi Yokokawa (Chok Dau 88), Max Bisetto (Jay McGowan 71) Coach: John Anastasiadis
Avondale: Thomas Manos, Daniel Edwards, Manyluak Aguek, Kur Kur, Yitayew Towns, Stefan Valentini (Yusuf Ahmed 46), Kristian Trajceski (Joseph Katebian 60), Emlyn Wellsmore (Stefan Zinni 60), Jackson Courtney-Perkins, Luca Tevere (Cian Cuba 46), Kalilou Kamara Coach: Zoran Markovski
Watch the Last Time They Met!
The Key Matchup: Luca Tevere v Anthony Lesiotis
This clash isn't just about goals and clean sheets — it's about who controls the middle of the park.
Avondale’s Luca Tevere has lit up the league in his debut season, pulling strings with his sharp vision, pinpoint passing, and calmness under pressure. If he can find space, he has the ability to unlock any defence.
Heidelberg’s Anthony Lesiotis, meanwhile, is one of the most technically sound players in the competition. He thrives in the big moments and will be tasked with shutting down Tevere while sparking his own side’s attacks.
With two elite midfields to battle it out and massive finals implications, this battle could define the match.
The 2025 NPLM Round 24 Match of the Round will be broadcast live and free on the NPL Victoria YouTube Channel.
Commentator: Josh Parish and Mark Ivkovic
NPLM Round 24 Matches
- Friday 1 August, 7:30pm: Melbourne Knights v Hume City @ Tompsett Stadium
- Friday 1 August, 8:15pm: Port Melbourne v Dandenong City @ JL Murphy Reserve
- Friday 1 August, 8:15pm: Oakleigh Cannons v Altona Magic @ Jack Edwards Reserve
- Saturday 2 August, 3:00pm: Avondale v Heidelberg United @ Avenger Park
- Saturday 2 August, 4:00pm: Dandenong Thunder v Melbourne Victory @ George Andrews Reserve
- Sunday 3 August, 5:00pm: St Albans Saints v Preston Lions @ Churchull Reserve
- Sunday 3 August, 5:00pm: South Melbourne v Green Gully @ Lakeside Stadium