The 2025 NPLM Match of the Round Preview
Round 22: Oakleigh Cannons v Hume City
Venue: Jack Edwards Reserve
Date/Time: Friday 18 July 2025, 8:15pm
A potential finals preview headlines Round 22 as Oakleigh Cannons host Hume City at Jack Edwards Reserve in a clash with major ladder implications.
Currently sitting fourth, Oakleigh will be aiming to break into the top three with a win, while Hume—just outside the six—can leapfrog Preston Lions into fifth if they take all three points.
The Cannons are coming off back-to-back 3-3 draws, most recently against Melbourne Knights and previously Dandenong Thunder. They'll be eager to tighten things up at the back and remind the competition why they’ve been one of the most consistent sides in recent years.
Hume City, meanwhile, narrowly fell 2-1 to Avondale in Round 21, with Mason Tatafu finding the net. They’ll be looking to rediscover their best form heading into the business end of the season—just like they did last year—with attacking threats like Lloyd Isgrove andRob Harker ready to make an impact.
Oakleigh fans will be buoyed by the return of Golden Boot leader Alex Salmon in last week’s rescheduled Round 17 clash. Joe Guest continues to be a creative engine in midfield, while Kingsley Sinclair and Asad Kasumovic have provided consistent goal-scoring options throughout the year.
With finals approaching, this clash promises plenty of intrigue with spots still up for grabs!
Head-to-Head Record
Played: 42
Hume City: 13
Oakleigh Cannons: 21
Draws: 8
Last Time They Met
Dockerty Cup Round 6, Tuesday May 20 2025, 7:30pm
Nasiol Stadium, Westmeadows
Hume City 3 (Isgrove 30, Okane 67, Debele 83);
Oakleigh Cannons 2 (Guest 18, 36)
Referee: Ugur Arslan
Hume City: Damon Camilleri, Joseph Forde (Erdeniz Yildiz 63), Aaron Reardon (Joshua Okane 63), Lloyd Isgrove, Godfrey Debele (Oliver Kelaart 90+1), Birkan Kirdar, Josh Bingham (Mehmet Uysal 63), Mark Ochieng, Harry Ascroft, Michael Domfeh, Aisen Ishak; Coach: Riccardo Marchioli; Cautions: Bingham 61, Ascroft 90+2
Oakleigh Cannons: Nicholas Feely, Connor Hampson, Jordan Hall, Jacob Tratt, Cameron McGilp, Alex Salmon, Joe Guest, Kingsley Sinclair, Campbell Strong, Matthew Dench (Adem Duratovic 87), Asad Kasumovic (Pierce Waring 76); Coach: Chris Taylor; Cautions: Hampson 66
The Key Matchup: Lloyd Isgrove v Joe Guest
This week’s key matchup centres on which midfield maestro can pull the strings and tilt the contest in their team’s favour.
Oakleigh skipper Joe Guest has been in sensational form this season, already bagging 14 goals from midfield, while Hume’s Lloyd Isgrove remains a constant threat in the attacking third.
The Welshman made a splash in his debut NPL season last year, known for delivering in big moments—and this is exactly the kind of clash where Hume will be looking to him to step up once again.
Commentator: Jordan Kounelis & Nick D'Urbano
The 2025 NPLM Round 22 Match of the Round will be broadcast live and free on the NPL Victoria YouTube Channel.
NPLM Round 22 Matches
- Friday 18 July, 7:30pm: Green Gully vs Heidelberg United @ Green Gully Reserve
- Friday 18 July, 8:15pm: Oakleigh Cannons vs Hume City @ Jack Edwards Reserve
- Friday 18 July, 8:15pm: Port Melbourne Sharks vs Dandenong Thunder @ JL Murphy Reserve
- Friday 18 July, 8:30pm: Preston Lions vs Melbourne Knights @ Genis Steel Stadium
- Saturday 19 July, 3:00pm: Avondale vs Dandenong City @ Avenger Park
- Saturday 19 July, 5:00pm: South Melbourne vs Altona Magic @ Lakeside Stadium
- Sunday 20 July, 3:00pm: St Albans Saints vs Melbourne Victory @ Churchill Reserve