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 8 Match of the Round is a big top-four clash with Oakleigh Cannons FC hosting Dandenong Thunder FC.
Preview
Round 8: Oakleigh Cannons v Dandenong Thunder
Venue: Jack Edwards Reserve, Oakleigh
Date/Time: Friday 28 March 2025, 8:15pm
It's a blockbuster 2v3 clash in Round 8 as two of the league’s most in-form sides go head-to-head.
Reigning NPLM Champions Oakleigh Cannons are showing no signs of slowing down, backing up their title defence by riding the early tide with a strong away win over Preston Lions last week. Meanwhile, Dandenong Thunder have been the surprise package of 2025, surging into second place with a red-hot start to the season. Adam Piddick’s side made their intentions clear with a statement victory over Avondale in Round 7, proving they belong among the competition’s elite.
Cannons skipper Joe Guest is leading the Golden Boot race with six goals, proving deadly from the penalty spot, set pieces, and open play. On the other side, Thunder’s new recruit Hassan Jalloh has been just as dangerous, finding the net four times in the opening seven rounds.
Something has to give—who takes the points in this heavyweight showdown?
Head-to-Head Record
Played: 34
Oakleigh Cannons: 13
Dandenong Thunder: 11
Draws: 10
Last Time They Met
Round 18, Saturday 15 June 2024, 7:00pm @ George Andrews Reserve, Dandenong.
Dandenong Thunder 3 (Dekker 20, Romanovski 22, Karantz 68);
Oakleigh Cannons 1 (Guest 90+4).
Referee: Andrew Meimarakis.
Dandenong Thunder: Pierce Clark, Daniel Alessi, Sevdim Ismaili, Mersim Memeti (Muamet Selimovski 82), Aidan Edwards, Wade Dekker (Joshua Karantz 62), Ali Sulemani, Birkan Kirdar, Ben Djiba, Daniel Dixon (Jordan Smylie 82), Jay Romanovski; Coach: Adam Piddick; Cautions: Kirdar 80, Djiba 85.
Oakleigh Cannons: Nicholas Feely, Connor Hampson, Cameron McGilp, Alex Salmon, Joe Guest, Kingsley Sinclair, Noah Holmes, Oliver Kubilay, Stefan Valentini (Moonib Adus 82), Emlyn Wellsmore, Asad Kasumovic (Pierce Waring 65); Coach: Chris Taylor; Cautions: Wellsmore 36, Salmon 73, McGilp 83.
Watch the last time they met: Round 18, 2024
Key Matchup: Leadership Battle
Dandenong Thunder captain Ali Sulemani has been a standout this season, leading by example from right-back. Not only has he been rock-solid defensively, but his attacking runs have made him a serious threat—netting three goals in seven games, second only to Hassan Jalloh in Thunder’s scoring charts.
For Oakleigh, Joe Guest continues to be the engine of their midfield, dictating play and leading the Golden Boot race with six goals. His ability to influence the game in all areas makes him a constant danger.
With two of the league’s most in-form teams going head-to-head, this match could come down to the finest of margins. Will Sulemani’s relentless drive push Thunder to another upset, or will Guest’s class in midfield steer the Cannons to victory?
Watch the stream
The 2025 NPLM Round 8 Match of the Round will be broadcast live and free on the NPL Victoria YouTube Channel.
Commentator: Nick D'Urbano
NPLM Round 8 Matches
Friday Mar 28, 7:30pm: Heidelberg United vs Altona Magic @ Olympic Village, Heidelberg West
Friday Mar 28, 8:15pm: Oakleigh Cannons vs Dandenong Thunder @ Jack Edwards Reserve, Oakleigh
Friday Mar 28, 8:15pm: Port Melbourne Sharks vs Preston Lions @ JL Murphy Reserve, Port Melbourne
Saturday Mar 29, 3:00pm: Avondale vs Hume City @ Avenger Park, Parkville
Saturday Mar 29, 4:00pm: Melbourne Victory vs Green Gully @ John McEwen Reserve, Shepparton
Sunday Mar 30, 3:00pm: Melbourne Knights vs St Albans Saints @ Knights Stadium, Sunshine
Monday Mar 31, 7:30pm: South Melbourne vs Dandenong City @ Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park