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 6 Match of the Round has lot at stake as Port Melbourne FC hosts Melbourne Victory FC.
Preview
Friday, March 14, 7:30PM
JL Murphy Reserve
A battle of emerging talent is set for Friday night at JL Murphy Reserve, as Port Melbourne hosts Melbourne Victory in a clash between two youthful and exciting squads.
Port Melbourne currently sits 12th on the table, with one win from their opening five matches. With a young squad still finding its rhythm in 2025, the Sharks will be eager to claim a crucial three points on home turf.
Victory’s academy side is also filled with promising young stars but finds itself in 13th place, still searching for a first win after a tough early-season draw featuring matchups against Oakleigh, South Melbourne, and Avondale.
With both teams looking to build momentum and showcase their next generation of talent, expect an intense battle under the Friday night lights. Who will rise to the occasion?
Head-to-Head Record
Played: 2
Port Melbourne Sharks: 2
Melbourne Victory: 0
Draws: 0
Last Time They Met
Round 15, Sunday June 5 2016, 3:00pm @ Epping Soccer Stadium, Eppin
Melbourne Victory 1 (Brown 23)
Port Melbourne Sharks 2 (Zahra 18, De Abreu 78)
Referee: Shaun Evans
Melbourne Victory: Wyatt Chant, Jonathan Vakirtzis, Callum Goulding, Matt Hennessey, Michael Holden (Christian Theoharous 77), Seb Pasquali, John Maclean (Andre McNamara 82), Oliver Paterno, Josh Hope, Jordan Brown (Anthony Duzel 65), Joey Katebian; Coach: Vaughan Coveny; Cautions: Katebian 86.
Port Melbourne Sharks: Luke Gavalas, Andrew Viola, James Riccobene, Jamie De Abreu, Bonel Obradovic, Adrian Zahra (James Karvelis 67), David Stirton (Alec Goodwin 46), Erhan Yalaz (Ryan Oppermann 60), Shaun Kelly, Tyler James, Jacob Eliopoulos; Coach: Eric Vassiliadis; Cautions: Viola 82.
Key Matchup:
Arguably the greatest impact had by a Melbourne Victory player this season has been from one with just a single start to his name. Tommaso Minutoli has appeared as a substitute in four of Victory's five matches thus far this season, and his clinical finishing was ultimately the catalyst for a point secured against South Melbourne in Round 2. Whether he begins or finishes the game, he could provide the x-factor needed to secure all three points away from home.
Marc Latsis, a former Academy player with Victory in 2023, made the leap from VPL2 to the NPL last season with Port Melbourne featuring in 20 matches in a breakthrough season. He hasn't missed a minute in 2025 and will be critical to the Sharks' defense as it strives to keep the Victory young guns at bay.
Watch the stream
The 2025 NPLM Round 6 Match of the Round will be broadcast live and free on the NPL Victoria YouTube Channel.
Commentators: Jordan Kounelis & Josh Byrne
NPLM Round of 6 Matches
Friday Mar 14, 7:30pm: Green Gully vs Melbourne Knights @ Green Gully Reserve, Keilor Downs
Friday Mar 14, 7:30pm: Heidelberg United vs Hume City @ Home of the Matildas, Bundoora
Friday Mar 14, 8:15pm: Oakleigh Cannons vs St Albans Saints @ Jack Edwards Reserve, Oakleigh
Friday Mar 14, 8:15pm: Port Melbourne Sharks vs Melbourne Victory @ JL Murphy Reserve, Port Melbourne
Saturday Mar 15, 3:00pm: Avondale vs Preston Lions @ Avenger Park, Parkville
Saturday Mar 15, 7:45pm: Altona Magic vs Dandenong City @ Paisley Park, Altona North
Saturday Mar 15, 8:15pm: Dandenong Thunder vs South Melbourne @ George Andrews Reserve, Dandenong