As we approach the final round of the NPLM home-and-away season, instead of focusing on a single match we’ll examine every fixture and explore the potential implications of each win and loss.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of tomorrow's NPLM Super Saturday.
Avondale v Green Gully
Saturday April 23, 3:00pm, Avenger Park
The Avengers host Green Gully in what looms as a massive clash for the club, with victory enough to secure a second Premiers Plate in three seasons following their dominant 2023 campaign. A draw could also prove sufficient if Heidelberg United fail to claim all three points, with Zoran Markovski’s side holding a two-point buffer and an eight-goal advantage in goal difference over the Bergers.
Green Gully’s hopes of a finals berth ended with last week’s defeat to Preston, leaving them locked in eighth place at best, though they could still slip to ninth if they suffer a heavy defeat and South Melbourne leapfrog them on goal difference.
St Albans Saints v Hume City
Saturday April 23, 3:00pm, Churchill Reserve
The Saints have shown late-season fight, climbing the table, but the top six remains out of reach – even a win would leave them seven points shy of the finals.
For Hume City, this clash is crucial; a victory keeps them within striking distance of the top six and could put them in the driver’s seat for back-to-back finals appearances, should Dandenong City falter against Melbourne Victory. With just two points separating the sides, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Preston Lions v Dandenong Thunder
Saturday April 23, 3:00pm, Genis Steel Stadium
Preston will be hoping to harness the power of their 12th man this Saturday in a crucial top six clash that could see them leapfrog Oakleigh Cannons into fourth place and secure a vital home semi-final. With just two points separating the Cannons and the Lions, a victory for Preston, combined with a strong finish from South Melbourne in their season finale against Oakleigh, could see the Lions Move above the Cannons on the ladder.
Meanwhile, the Thunder could climb into second place with an away victory, provided Heidelberg fall to Port Melbourne, securing a crucial week off in the first week of finals. If not, they will be locked into third place and host the sixth-place team in the opening week of finals.
Melbourne Victory v Dandenong City
Saturday April 23, 3:00pm, The Home of The Matildas
This clash could define the run to the finals, with Dandenong City needing a win to secure their spot and set up a first-round showdown against third-placed Dandenong Thunder in a mouth-watering Dandy Derby.
Already relegated, Melbourne Victory will still be eager to play spoiler and knock Dandenong City out of the finals race.
Port Melbourne v Heidelberg United
Saturday April 23, 3:00pm, JL Murphy Reserve
This is one of the matches to watch, as on paper it may seem straightforward, but football is rarely that simple.
Second-placed Heidelberg travel to JL Murphy Reserve to take on 13th-placed Port Melbourne with the 2025 Premiers Plate on the line. A victory for Heidelberg, combined with a slip from Avondale against Green Gully, would see them reclaim top spot on the final day of the season. If the Bergers fall to the Sharks then they could fall to third with a Thunder victory against Preston.
Port Melbourne, meanwhile, have already been relegated, but will be eager to prevent their opponents from lifting silverware on their home turf.
Oakleigh Cannons v South Melbourne
Saturday April 23, 3:00pm, Jack Edwards Reserve
This matchup has delivered countless battles for silverware over the years, and while it will be the final meeting of the year between these sides, it promises to be a must-watch grudge match.
South Melbourne can move level on points (31) with Green Gully in eighth place, though overtaking the Cavaliers would be unlikely given the -12 goal swing in goal difference. In their last competitive clash before the much-anticipated Australian Championship, South will be keen to avoid ending their NPLM season on a sour note and have the opportunity to push their old rivals onto the road in the first week of finals.
If Oakleigh Cannons fall to South Melbourne, the door could open for Preston Lions to claim fourth spot, provided they can overcome Dandenong Thunder.
Melbourne Knights v Altona Magic
Saturday April 23, 3:00pm, Tompsett Stadium
Despite sitting in 14th on the NPLM ladder heading into the final round, the Knights have a chance to climb off the bottom and into 13th if they can claim a point against Altona and Port Melbourne lose to Heidelberg. Even at the bottom of the table, there’s plenty on the line.
Altona will be eager to finish their campaign strong against a Knights side that has managed just four wins all season.