Round one provided some high-scoring matches and unexpected results as teams across the NPLM competition suited up for the first time in 2023.
We look ahead to another exciting round of National Premier Leagues Victoria football where we will find out if Clubs can back up their performance from last week or if another can rebound after losing in round one.
Hume City FC v Heidelberg United FC
7:30 pm, Friday 24 February, Hume City Stadium
Heidelberg will be desperate to claim the points against Hume this week to avoid back-to-back losses.
After only just surviving relegation last year, Hume started the season with a draw against Altona Magic. After conceding the first goal in the 79th minute, in his first game for the club, Yagoub Mustafa was able to level the game only a minute later to secure Hume an important point in the opening round.
With only four points separating Heidelberg and Dandenong last season, a close match was on the cards and the two teams didn't disappoint. A wonder strike from new recruit Leo Mazis from the edge of the box in the 13th minute separated the two sides, and with 10 shots on target to four, Heidelberg will need to sure up their defence if they are to take the points this week.
In the pre-season, the Heidelberg attack looked ominous and after failing to strike in round one, will we see the return of 'King' Kenny Athiu to partner with reigning NPLM Gold Medal winner Kaine Sheppard up forward?
In 2022, Heidelberg won both matches against Hume City, in round nine they won 3-1 and 13 rounds later they came away with a 3-2 victory.
Melbourne Knights FC v Oakleigh Cannons FC
7:30 pm, Friday 24 February, Knights Stadium
In Melbourne Knights' first home game in their 70th anniversary season, can they pull off an upset and defeat the reigning Champions?
The Oakleigh Cannons continued their winning ways in round one, defeating Green Gully 3-1 at Jack Edwards Reserve.
Connor Hampson, Alex Salmon and Daniel Clark all registered their first goals of the season for the Cannons, with Joe Guest playing a role in every goal from set pieces.
The Knights were able to salvage a draw in their round one clash against Altona Magic, after giving up the first goal of the game in the 30th minute. Newly appointed Knights captain Ivan Franjic showed his worth as the defender scored a crucial tap-in goal in the 86th minute.
When the sides first met in round 11 last season, the Cannons defeated the Knights 2-1 with first-half goals to Tyson Holmes and Joe Guest proving the difference. In round 24, Oakleigh claimed their second win over Melbourne for the year in a dominant 3-1 performance.
FREE KICK: Gevaro Nepomuceno looking on kicking the ball to goal. Picture: Melbourne Knights Facebook
Green Gully SC v South Melbourne FC
8:00 pm, Friday 24 February, Green Gully Reserve
Following a loss to Oakleigh, Green Gully's tough start to the season continues as they face South Melbourne at home.
Green Gully was unable to contain Oakleigh in round one, with the Cannons scoring three goals from 10 shots on target. After conceding two first-half goals, Luc Jeggo kept his side within striking distance after finishing off an impressive delivery from Adolph Koudakpo, however, a late goal to the Cannons would ultimately seal the game.
Following an early scare, South Melbourne registered their first win over newly promoted Moreland City last Friday night.
Alun Webb equalised in the 50th minute after being able to knock the ball forward and create a one-on-one chance with the keeper. Pat Langlois delivered a brilliant header goal to seal the come-from-behind victory to start the season for South.
South Melbourne most recently overcame Green Gully in the 2022 Preliminary Final, with Alun Webb's 57th-minute goal sending his side into the Grand Final. In round six, South was victorious 2-0 with Marco Jankovic and Harrison Sawyer getting on the scoresheet, while in round 19 both teams couldn't be split as the match ended in a 0-0 draw.
Moreland City FC v Bentleigh Greens SC
3:00 pm, Saturday 25 February, CB Smith Reserve
Bentleigh will look to bounce back this week after losing to newly promoted side North Geelong in round one.
Moreland City almost pulled off a miraculous upset in the first match of the season last week, ultimately losing to South Melbourne 2-1. James Hooper opened the scoring just before half-time, providing the possibility of an upset, proving the newly promoted side will be hard to beat this season.
Bentleigh will be disappointed with their performance against North Geelong, as they gave up three cheap goals to the newly promoted side. The Greens didn't capitalise on their time dominance in their front third as they had nine shots on goal to five yet, Mario Barcia's stunning strike from outside the box was the only attempt that reached the back of the net.
Avondale FC v Altona Magic SC
3:15 pm, Saturday 25 February, Avenger Park
Avondale and Altona go head-to-head at Avenger Park on Saturday afternoon with both sides coming off a draw in round one.
The Magic will be disappointed they were unable to walk away with the three points against Hume in round one after Jonas Markovski scored an impressive free kick from the edge of the box in the 79th minute.
Altona was forced to play with 10 men only four minutes before they would score the opener due to a late challenge from John Stojcevski, the ill-disciplined turned out costing the Magic as Hume waltzed through their defence in the 80th minute to square the game.
After Blake Carpenter gave up an own goal in the fifth minute, Avondale was able to wrestle back momentum last week against Port Melbourne. The Avengers leveled the game just on the stroke of half-time before both teams would add to their tally late in the game, ending in a 2-2 draw.
In round nine last season, Avondale took care of Altona 3-0 with Blake Carpenter, Manyluak Aguek and Liam Boland getting on the score sheet. When the Clubs met again in round 22 it was Joseph Katebian's goal in the 2nd minute which handed the Avengers the three points once again.
CELEBRATION: Avondale's Manyluak Aguek showing his passion after scoring in the 72nd minute against Port Melbourne. Picture: Avondale Facebook page.
North Geelong Warriors FC v Port Melbourne Sharks SC
5:00 pm, Saturday 25 February, Elcho Park
Can North Geelong continue its impressive start to the NPLM and claim its biggest scalp yet?
North Geelong was ultra-impressive in their return to the NPLM against Bentleigh in round one. The newly promoted side took advantage of Bentleigh errors in the back half and was able to run away with a 3-1 win.
The Sharks will be confident of claiming their first victory of the season against the Warriors, although won't be able to take them lightly. In round one, Port Melbourne was able to salvage a draw against Avondale after going a goal down in the 72nd minute, showing their resolve.
Dandenong Thunder FC v St Albans Saints FC
7:00 pm, Saturday 25 February, George Andrews Reserve
Dandenong will have their sights set on back-to-back wins to start the season when they face St Albans on Saturday night.
The Thunder made the trip to Heidelberg last week and walked away with the three points thanks to a stunning strike from Leo Mazis in the 13th minute. '
St Albans is fresh off a draw against Melbourne Knights last week, however, would be disappointed not to come away with the win. New signing George Ott opened the scoring in the 33rd minute with a desperate lunging effort on the goal line and victory looked all but certain until Knights captain Ivan Franjic was able to get on the end of a tap-in goal in the 86th minute.
The Thunder had the wood over St Albans last season, as they were able to claim victory in both meetings. In round 11, Dandenong won 1-2 with Ali Sulemani and Tomas Maricic (neither at the club anymore) scoring the goals. Later in the season, Harry Ascroft's goal in the 3rd minute was enough to secure a 1-0 victory at home.