This week, the 2025 NPL Victoria season delivered more drama, standout performances, and emerging storylines. Front Page Football's Ross Papadakis brings you five key takeaways from Round 2, from individual brilliance to concerning trends.
George Mells had a dream home debut for South Melbourne in Round 2 of the 2025 NPL Victoria season. (Image: Luke Radziminski)
Isgrove delivers a match-winning performance
Hume City's Lloyd Isgrove is no stranger to the NPL Victoria, but his Round 2 display was a reminder of just how crucial he is to the club.
The winger bagged a late brace in a dominant attacking display, showcasing his sharp movement, composure in front of goal, and ability to create problems for opposition defenders. His well-taken goals were a testament to his finishing ability and intelligent positioning.
Isgrove, who played for Bolton Wanderers as recently as May 2023, has quickly become one of Hume's most influential players since arriving last season. With experience across the English Football League and an impressive technical skillset, he adds a level of class and attacking intent that few in the league can match.
Should Isgrove continue this form, he could be a game-changer for Hume in 2025, potentially propelling them towards a place in the Finals Series. His brace helped Hume City produce a late comeback to beat Dandenong Thunder 2-1.
Mells makes his mark at Lakeside
George Mells' home debut for South Melbourne couldn't have gone much better, as the midfielder found the back of the net in the Original Melbourne Derby.
Mells, whose grandfather was a lifelong Hellas fan, used to take him to National Soccer League games at Lakeside as a child. Years later, he has fulfilled a childhood dream by playing for the club and scoring in front of the Hellas faithful.
The Melbourne-born midfielder, who previously played in the A-League with Adelaide United and Brisbane Roar, showcased his technical quality and composure on the ball, controlling the tempo in midfield.
His well-taken goal capped off a perfect home debut, further endearing him to the South Melbourne supporters. It symbolised a lifelong connection to the club, blending personal history with professional achievement in one unforgettable moment.
Gustav Møller also managed to find the back of the net on his home debut after coming off the bench in the second half. South Melbourne ended up beating Melbourne Knights 3-1.
Habib in red-hot form to start the NPL Victoria season
Bilal Habib has been one of the standout performers in the opening rounds of the 2025 NPL Victoria season. Signing from Westvale Olympic in State League 2, the versatile midfielder has been a driving force for the Altona Magic, contributing at both ends of the pitch.
In Round 2, Habib was instrumental again, playing a pivotal role in Altona's performance and providing the spark needed to break through the St Albans Saints defence.
Habib's intelligent positioning, sharp passing, and high work rate have made him a key figure in the season's early stages.
With two goals already this season, he could be one of the most valuable players in the league this year and a potential standout for his side as they aim for a strong season.
Thanks to a goal from Habib and Anthony Frangie, Magic ended as 2-1 victors over St Albans, who received a late red card.
Heidelberg's underwhelming start
Heidelberg United's 2025 NPL Victoria campaign has had a rocky start, with their performances in the opening rounds leaving plenty of room for improvement.
While their performance against Melbourne Victory was far from perfect, Heidelberg showed resilience and grit, especially in the defensive third. The Bergers' backline held strong under pressure, with goalkeeper Yaren Sozer playing a key role in denying Victory.
Despite lacking their usual attacking fluency, Heidelberg managed to grind out a 1-0 win, showing they can secure results even when not firing on all cylinders.
The match-winning moment came through Max Bisetto's well-taken goal, showcasing Heidelberg's potential to capitalize on opportunities.
This win will likely provide a sense of stability, but the Bergers will need to improve their overall performance in the coming rounds if they are to mount a serious challenge this season.
READ MORE ON FPF
MELBOURNE CITY: Young gun Lawrence Wong runs the show in City's narrow win
Avondale cruise past Port Melbourne
Avondale put in a dominant performance to secure a commanding 4-1 victory over Port Melbourne in Round 2, sending a strong message to the rest of the competition.
The game started with an early twist as Port Melbourne's Jonathan Vakirtis scored an own goal, giving Avondale the lead in the 4th minute. Stefan Zinni doubled the advantage with a clinical strike to put Avondale 2-0 up.
Port Melbourne pulled one back through Liston Diaz, who scored a penalty to reduce the deficit. But Avondale's attacking strength was overwhelming.
George Ott restored the two-goal lead with a composed finish in the 59th minute. Manny Aguek sealed the victory with a well-placed shot in the 87th minute, ensuring all three points stayed with the home side.
The result highlighted Avondale's attacking potency and depth, with Zinni, Ott, and Aguek all playing key roles in a ruthless offensive display.
Port Melbourne now sits winless in their two opening games and will need to regroup after this heavy defeat, but for Avondale, it was a perfect performance that positions them firmly as early-season contenders.
Enjoy coverage of local football in Australia? Click here and read more of Front Page Football's NPL coverage across the country!
Comments