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 7 Match of the Round is a semi-final rematch with Hume City FC hosting South Melbourne FC.
Preview
Round 7: Hume City v South Melbourne
Nasiol Stadium, Westmeadows
Friday 21 March 2025, 8:30pm
A clash of 2024 semi-finalists headlines Round 7, as Hume City hosts South Melbourne in a highly anticipated showdown.
South Melbourne had Hume’s number last season, winning all four encounters—each ending in a 1-0 defeat for Hume.
These weren’t just any matches either; South edged past them in the Dockerty Cup and NPL Finals, proving to be a constant roadblock.
Hume enters 2025 with changes, having lost their coach and key players, but they remain a serious threat. South, on the other hand, continues to be a force.
Will this be the week Hume finally breaks the duck and gets their long-awaited revenge? Or will South Melbourne continue their dominance?
Head-to-Head Record
Played: 37
Hume City: 9
South Melbourne: 25
Draws: 5
Last Time They Met
Australia Cup Quarter-final, Wednesday September 11 2024, 7:30pm @ Nasiol Stadium, Westmeadows.
Hume City 2 (Bingham 12, L Weier 75);
South Melbourne 3 (Sawyer 49pk, Mikkola 73, Lampard 115).
Referee: Tim Danaskos.
Hume City: Michael Weier, Harry Ascroft, Lachlan Weier, Mark Ochieng, Aamir Abdallah, Fletcher McFarlane (Umut Bozdugan 107), Karl Imanzi, Joshua Okane, Joshua Bingham (Obiora Eze 96), Mikel Platt, Mehmet Uysal; Coach: David Chick; Caution: M.Weier 51.
South Melbourne: Javier Lopez, Marco Jankovic, Jordan Lampard, Jack Painter-Andrews, Zak Spiteri (Maximilien Mikkola 46), Lucas Inglese, Mario Barcia, Coper Halfpenny (Mac Hilson 90), Andy Brennan (Emile Peios 76), Harrison Sawyer, Nahuel Bonada; Coach: Estaban Quintas; Cautions: Sawyer 37, Bonada 51, Inglese 65, Jankovic 90+4.
Watch 2024 Australia Cup Quarter Final Highlights
Key Matchup: Midfield Battle
Two of last season’s top four sides go head-to-head in what promises to be an early-season blockbuster. Both teams are still searching for top form, with Hume sitting sixth and South Melbourne in ninth, making this a crucial clash.
After multiple tight encounters last year, this match could once again be decided in the midfield. South’s new recruit George Mells has been instrumental in their 2025 campaign, controlling play and linking up with his teammates. On the other side, Hume’s Birkan Kirdar has been a standout since rejoining from Dandenong Thunder, and his combination with Lloyd Isgrove could prove deadly. With both sides looking to build momentum, expect a high-intensity battle with no love lost.
Watch the stream
The 2025 NPLM Round 7 Match of the Round will be broadcast live and free on the NPL Victoria YouTube Channel.
Commentator: Oliver Walker-Peel & Mark Ivkovic
NPLM Round 7 Matches
Friday Mar 21, 7:30pm: Melbourne Knights vs Melbourne Victory @ Knights Stadium, Sunshine
Friday Mar 21, 7:45pm: Dandenong City vs Heidelberg United @ Frank Holohan Soccer Complex, Endeavour Hills
Friday Mar 21, 8:30pm: Preston Lions vs Oakleigh Cannons @ BT Connor Reserve, Reservoir
Friday Mar 21, 8:30pm: Hume City vs South Melbourne @ Hume City Stadium, Westmeadows
Saturday Mar 22, 6:15pm: Altona Magic vs Green Gully @ Paisley Park, Altona North
Saturday Mar 22, 7:00pm: Dandenong Thunder vs Avondale @ George Andrews Reserve, Dandenong
Sunday Mar 23, 4:00pm: St Albans Saints vs Port Melbourne Sharks @ Churchill Reserve, St Albans