The 2025 Senol NPLM Grand Final Preview
Heidelberg United v Dandenong City
Venue: Lakeside Stadium
Date/Time: Sunday, September 14, 6:30pm
Heidelberg United have been the benchmark of consistency all season, and this Sunday presents their chance to cement their place at the pinnacle of Victorian football. After narrowly missing out on the 2025 Premiership and Dockerty Cup, a win this weekend would finally put silverware in their cabinet. The Bergers punched their ticket to the Grand Final with a gritty 2-1 victory over Preston Lions in front of a packed Olympic Village, showcasing their resilience and Championship credentials.
Dandenong City, meanwhile, have taken the long road to the decider. The sixth-place side upset local rivals Dandenong Thunder 1-0 in the Elimination Final before pulling off a stunning victory over Avondale at Avenger Park. Despite entering the match as underdogs, Nick Tolios’ side have shown they can rise to the occasion. The last time these teams met, Dandenong City claimed a hard-fought 2-2 draw, proving they won’t be intimidated on the big stage.
With defenders Ben Collins for Heidelberg and Jack Webster for Dandenong marshalling the backlines, expect a tight, tactical battle that could go down to the wire.
Up front, "King" Kenny Athiu will lead the charge for Dandenong City, facing his former side in what promises to be an emotional matchup, while "Raging" Bul Juach has been phenomenal as the spearhead of Heidelberg’s attack, claiming the league’s Golden Boot this season and scoring a pivotal goal from the penalty spot in last week's blockbuster. Which striker will rise to the occasion and decide the fate of the 2025 NPLM Grand Final?
Head-to-Head Record
Played: 11
Heidelberg United: 9
Dandenong City: 1
Draws: 1
Last Time They Met
Friday June 27 2025, 7:30pm
Olympic Village, Heidelberg West
Heidelberg United 2 (Juach 33, 60)
Dandenong City 2 (Athiu 52, Mustafa 79)
Referee: Yanni Mallidis
Heidelberg United: Yaren Sozer, Benjamin Collins, Jamal Ali, Anthony Lesiotis, Fletcher Fulton, Cherif Mohamed Aidara (Anthony Theodoropoulos 87), Bul Juach (Peter Klaassen 87), Asahi Yokokawa (Francis Ross 67), Sebit James Ngor (Akiel Raffie 79), Ryan Lethlean, Jay McGowan (Chok Dau 67); Coach: John Anastasiadis; Cautions: Collins 89.
Dandenong City: Pierce Clark, Thomas Giannakopoulos, Brad Plant (Nicholas Theonas 87), Kenjok Athiu, Valli Cesnik, Danny Kim (Jamie Latham 64), Diego Cuba (Oscar Colgate-Jones 79), Timothy Atherinos (Yagoub Mustafa 64), Will Bower, Nathan Hancock (Corey Sewell 64), Jackson Lino; Coach: Nick Tolios; Cautions: Sewell 72, Cesnik 80.
Watch the Last Time They Met!
The Key Matchup: Anthony Lesiotis v Jamie Latham
The midfield battle is shaping as one of the most decisive aspects of this year’s Senol NPLM Grand Final and two names stand out above the rest.
For Heidelberg United, Anthony Lesiotis has been nothing short of outstanding throughout the 2025 campaign. A player who thrives on dictating tempo and linking defence with attack, Lesiotis has been the heartbeat of the Bergers’ midfield. On top of his playmaking duties, Lesiotis has chipped in with four goals, proving he can make a difference in the final third as well.
On the other side, Dandenong City will look to Jamie Latham, who has been pivotal to their incredible run to the Senol Grand Final. The attacking midfielder has consistently risen to the occasion this season, scoring seven goals, including the winning strike in the Elimination Final. Latham’s blend of energy, creativity, and goal threat makes him a constant danger for opposition defences.
Both players come into the decider in excellent form the battle between them promises to be a fascinating subplot to the biggest match of the year.
If Lesiotis can impose himself and dictate the tempo, Heidelberg will have every chance of adding another trophy to their proud history. But if Latham can find the space to influence proceedings in the final third, Dandenong City’s fairytale run could yet end with the ultimate prize.
Match commentators: Josh Parish, Mark Ivkovic & Steve Curtain.
The 2025 Senol NPLM Grand Final will be broadcast live and free on the NPL Victoria YouTube Channel.
For a full and comprehensive season overview and preview of the NPL Finals participants you can download the 2025 NPLM Official Finals Guide.