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 match day.
The 2025 NPLM Round 5 Match of the Round promises to be an epic matchup as Preston Lions FC hosts South Melbourne FC.
Preview
Friday, March 7, 7:30PM
Genis Steel Stadium
Friday night’s clash at BT Connor Reserve is shaping up as one of the biggest fixtures of the season, as second-placed Preston Lions face reigning premiers South Melbourne in their first league meeting since 2009.
Preston have been outstanding in their return to the top flight, making their home ground a fortress and pushing for top spot, while South sit seventh and will be desperate to reignite their title defence.
The rivalry dates back to a famous Dockerty Cup battle in 1966, and with a massive crowd expected, the stage is set for another chapter in this historic matchup. Preston have shown they belong at this level and will be hungry to prove they can take down a Victorian giant under the Friday night lights.
Head-to-Head Record
Played: 55
Preston Lions: 12
South Melbourne: 31
Draws: 12
Last Time They Met
Dockerty Cup Round 6. Tuesday May 21 2024. 8:00pm @ Genis Steel Stadium
Preston Lions 2 (Jobello 1, Jeggo 83)
South Melbourne 5 (Archibald 45+4, Brennan 61, Marshall 75, Lampard 88, Sawyer 90+6)
Referee: Jack Morgan
Preston Lions: Bon Scott, Alec Mills, Aaron Anderson, Benjamin Lyvidikos (Delarno Pharoe 61), Luc Jeggo, Matthew Whelan, Connor Bell, Wesley Jobello (Chok Dau 72), Marcus Schroen (Andrija Roksandic 46), William Baynham (Brandon Lauton 61), Adrian Valenti; Coach: Lou Acevski; Cautions: Lyvidikos 12. Sent off: Anderson 87.
South Melbourne: Javier Lopez, Jordon Lampard, Marco Jankovic, Jake Marshall, Andy Brennan, Mario Barcia, Harrison Sawyer, Ross Archibald (Cooper Halfpenny 85), Maximilian Mikkola, Morgan Evans (Jack Painter-Andrews 44), Nahuel Bonada (George Tsitsinaris 89); Coach: Esteban Quintas; Cautions: Bonada 89.
Watch Preston Lions v South Melbourne Dockerty Cup Round 6
Key Matchup: NPLM Gold Medalist v New Recruit
Jason Romero v Jake Marshall
Preston recruit Jason Romero has made an explosive start to the season, and the question now is: can he be the difference up front when Preston takes on South Melbourne?
With a 2-2 start to the season after being promoted, Preston has been firing on all cylinders, while South Melbourne has conceded 7 goals, placing them 8th for goals against. Esteban Quintas will be keen to bounce back after last week's surprising loss to St Albans, but it's their trademark rock-solid defence that keeps them a perennial threat for both premiers and championships.
When these sides faced off in the Dockerty Cup last season, Romero wasn’t at Preston, but now, with him leading the charge, could he be the missing piece to help the newly promoted side take down the reigning champions?
South Melbourne's defence, led by the formidable Javier Lopez, back-to-back Goalkeeper of the Year, and Jake Marshall, the 2023 NPLM Gold Medalist, is tough to break down. Will they be able to contain the attacking power of Preston’s front line?
Watch the stream
The 2025 NPLM Round 5 Match of the Round will be broadcast live and free on the NPL Victoria YouTube Channel.
Commentators: Josh Parish & Mark Ivkovic
NPLM Round 6 Matches
Friday Mar 7, 7:30pm: Green Gully vs Dandenong City @ Green Gully Reserve
Friday Mar 7, 8:00pm: Preston Lions vs South Melbourne @ Genis Steel Stadium
Friday Mar 7, 8:30pm: Hume City vs Altona Magic @ Nasiol Stadium
Saturday Mar 8, 4:00pm: St Albans Saints vs Avondale @ Churchill Reserve
Saturday Mar 8, 7:00pm: Dandenong Thunder vs Heidelberg United @ George Andrews Reserve
Sunday Mar 9, 7:00pm: Melbourne Victory vs Oakleigh Cannons @ Kingston Heath Soccer Complex
Sunday Mar 9, 7:00pm: Melbourne Knights vs Port Melbourne Sharks @ Tompsett Stadium