After 240 regular season matches, the first round of the NPL NSW Finals Series will commence tonight to name the champion of New South Wales (NSW). Six teams are in contention to claim the championship as the Finals Series returns after its absence last season and in seasons prior due to COVID, having only occurred once across the previous four campaigns. Front Page Football has categorised each contender that can claim New South Wales' final prize for the 2024 season.
Marconi Stallions forward James Temelkovski (left) and Sydney United defender Adrian Vlastelica (right) tussle for possession during their Round 26 encounter. (Image: Harley Appezzato)
The Favourites - Rockdale Ilinden
The 2024 premiers, Rockdale Ilinden, will go into this Finals Series as the favourites to claim the championship after a season that saw them claim their first top-tier premiership in NSW in their history.
It was also a milestone season for club captain Alec Urosevski, who claimed his second Golden Boot with 31 goals, becoming the first player in the state's first division to score over 30 goals in a season since Dez Marton in 1981.
Looking towards the Finals Series, Rockdale is two matches away from a double. They came close to claiming the championship in 2020 when they lost to Sydney United in a penalty shootout. After losing out on the Waratah Cup to APIA Leichhardt, it is an opportunity for redemption for Rockdale, who hope to carry their five-game unbeaten league run into the post-season. Rivals will undoubtedly respect this side, filled with star-studded players of experience and youth under Paul Dee and Nick Stavroulakis.
Rockdale can redeem itself from previous Finals Series failures. This Sunday, they will face the lowest-ranked winner from the Elimination Finals in a home Semi-Final.
Alec Urosevski celebrates one of his two goals against the Central Coast Mariners Academy in Round 30. (Image: Harley Appezzato)
The Challengers - Marconi Stallions and APIA Leichhardt
In an unexpected turn of events compared to the start of the season, the Marconi Stallions found their stride in the later rounds, challenging Rockdale for the premiership and snatching second place from their Italian rivals APIA to claim the second Semi-Final spot. The form proves that Marconi can bring any match to their opposition when needed, which will be pivotal in the coming weeks. This campaign has brought much excitement for the Stallions, who, above all expectations, beat the premiers 9–0 in their last meeting and will be looking to cause further despair should the two meet in the Grand Final.
Statistically, Marconi has the best defence in the league, conceding only 35 goals during the season and only nine in their last ten league matches. Nathan Millgate and Anton Milinaric have been this side's key defenders, with Cameron Windust in a squad role to rotate between the defensive duo. Head coach Peter Tsekenis has consistently picked between the three, and they will be ready for their Semi-Final on Sunday.
Derby d'Italia rivals APIA Leichhardt will be Marconi's opponent should the Tigers progress in their Elimination Final against Sydney United.
Ironically, in contrast to Marconi, APIA has scored the most goals in the league, with 78, 18 of which came from their last ten league games. This rich form in front of goal helped APIA become a contender for silverware throughout the season. It led them to claim the Waratah Cup in a convincing 3–1 victory over Rockdale two weeks ago.
APIA remains a formidable team despite an inconsistent end to the season. A possible Semi-Final clash between APIA and Marconi, an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object, might be on the cards, with the double incentive of derby bragging rights and a Grand Final spot on the line.
Marconi Stadium will host the second Semi-Final on Sunday afternoon. (Image: Harley Appezzato)
The Dark Horse - Blacktown City
Overshadowed by the accomplishments of the top three teams, Blacktown City should be recognised as a threat going into the Finals Series. The Demons have won the most NSW first division championships amongst the top six, with nine, three of which were won under the stewardship of current head coach Mark Crittenden (2014, 2016, and 2022), the most won by a head coach in the last decade.
While known as one of the biggest clubs in NSW, the side has been overlooked for its inconsistent results this season, which is why they are the dark horses entering the Finals Series.
Crittenden has a knack for preparing his side well for one-off matches. It was shown in the club's recent Australia Cup match, losing out in extra time to Adelaide United 3-2 after a hard-fought Round of 32 fixture, and reaching the Waratah Cup semi-finals (an accomplishment itself as it was the first time since 2017 Blacktown had progressed to the last four of this competition). More can be said about this side, but the squad's experience is a significant factor in helping them qualify for the Finals Series.
They will face St George City in a home Elimination Final tonight at Landen Stadium.
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NPL SA FINALS SERIES: The winners and losers from Week Two
The Underdogs - St George City FA and Sydney United 58
From falling to seventh mid-season to comfortably qualifying for the Finals Series, St George City equalled its highest finish in the NPL NSW for a second consecutive time this year.
The team underwent a rapid surge in form in the season's latter stages, winning five straight games before its Round 30 loss to Sydney United. Mirko Jurilj's side finished fifth to qualify for the Finals Series for the first time since earning promotion in 2022.
City's youthfulness may have influenced their slow start this season. But they have shown their quality recently, performing impressively in wins like their 5–0 demolition over the Western Sydney Wanderers and a 2–1 triumph over Blacktown. The squad is certainly not the strongest on paper. But Jurilj's team has shown great determination and resilience to be where they are, and Blacktown will face a challenge in breaking them down in tonight's Elimination Final.
Like St George City, Sydney United is a much younger team than seen in previous seasons and different to the side that finished runners-up in that infamous 2022 Australia Cup campaign. United suffered from inconsistent results and performances throughout the season but solidified the final top-six spot over the Wollongong Wolves after defeating St George City in Round 30. Zeljko Kalac led his side to a respectable sixth-place finish on his return to the club and has seemingly found a settled starting line-up.
With the key players in their arsenals, both St George City and Sydney United can overcome their higher-ranked opposition. They will be prepared to test themselves in the quest for silverware. Sydney United faces APIA Leichhardt in an Elimination Final at Lambert Park, with 2024 marking the first season in which they have reached the Finals Series since winning it in 2020.
St George City FA and Sydney United 58 will both play away from home in tonight's Elimination Finals. (Image: Adrianne Armida)
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