The 2025 NPLM Round 9 Match of the Round sees Dandenong City face a massive test as they welcome league leaders Avondale FC to Frank Holohan Soccer Complex.
With Avondale setting the pace at the top and Dandenong City gaining momentum after a statement win over South Melbourne, this match is set to be a great contest.
Preview
Round 9: Dandenong City SC v Avondale FC
Venue: Frank Holohan Soccer Complex
Date/Time: Friday 4 April 2025, 7:45pm
Friday night football delivers a top-eight showdown as Dandenong City welcomes league leaders Avondale in a match that could offer a glimpse of the NPLM Finals Series.
Avondale has been the team to beat this season, sitting first on the ladder with an almost flawless record. Their only slip-up came in Round 7, when they fell to fourth-placed Dandenong Thunder. However, the Avengers quickly responded, securing a 2-0 win over Hume City last week to reaffirm their dominance.
Dandenong City has been in strong form as well, suffering just two defeats so far this season. They enter this clash riding high on confidence after a statement 3-1 victory over South Melbourne at Lakeside Stadium. With home-ground advantage and an in-form squad, they’ll be eager to take down another title contender.
Head-to-Head Record
Played: 12
Dandenong City: 1
Avondale: 9
Draws: 2
Last Time They Met
Round 14, Friday May 17 2024, 7:45pm @ Frank Holohan Reserve
Dandenong City: 0
Avondale: 1 (Mells 90+6)
Referee: Pouya Ghadirian
Dandenong City:
John Hall, Stefan Brecevic, Jack Webster, Kenjok Athiu, Valli Cesnik (Nicholas Hamakiotis 90+5), Danny Kim, James Xydias, Timothy Atherinos (Brady Quinn 64), Will Bower (Kurt Kouakou 85), George Lambadaridis, Jackson Lino
Coach: Nick Tolios
Cautions: Webster 61, Brecevic 75, Lino 87
Avondale: Thomas Manos, Ayden Brice, George Ott (Stefan Zinni 55), Kur Kur, Yitayew Towns (Yusuf Ahmed {born 2003} 80), Blake Carpenter, Adam El Hayek, Liston Diaz (George Mells 80), Joseph Katebian, Kalilou Kamara, Cian Cuba
Coach: Zoran Markovski
Cautions: Towns 35, Kamara 69, Katebian 76, Zinni 90+7
Key Matchup: Aguek v Webster
The key battle of the night will be whether Dandenong City's defence can contain the firepower in Zoran Markovski’s attacking arsenal.
Leading the charge for Avondale is Manny Aguek, who sits third in the Golden Boot race with five goals this season. He is well-supported by a host of attacking threats, including George Ott (3 goals), Stefan Zinni, Kur Kur, Jackson Courtney-Perkins, and Kristian Trajceski—all of whom have the ability to punish defences.
To counter Avondale’s attacking depth, Dandenong City will look to the experience and leadership of goalkeeper Pierce Clark and veteran central defender Jack Webster. Webster’s composure and defensive awareness will be crucial in keeping the Avengers’ dangerous attack at bay as Dandenong aims to cause an upset on home soil.
Watch the stream
The 2025 NPLM Round 9 Match of the Round will be broadcast live and free on the NPL Victoria YouTube Channel.
Commentator: Joshua Bryne
NPLM Round 9 Matches
Friday April 4, 7:30pm: Heidelberg United v Green Gully @ Olympic Village
Friday April 4, 7:30pm: Melbourne Knights vs Preston Lions @ Tompsett Stadium
Friday April 4, 7:45pm: Dandenong City v Avondale @ Frank Holohan Soccer Complex
Friday April 4, 8:30pm: Hume City vs Oakleigh Cannons @ Nasiol Stadium
Saturday April 5, 6:15pm: Altona Magic v South Melbourne @ Paisley Park
Saturday April 5, 7:00pm: Dandenong Thunder v Port Melbourne @ George Andrews Reserve
Monday April 7, 8:00pm: Melbourne Victory v St Albans @ The Home of The Matildas