The 2025 NPL Victoria season delivered another action-packed weekend, with big crowds, thrilling finishes, and emerging narratives shaping the early part of the season. Front Page Football's Ross Papadakis brings you five key takeaways from Round 3.
Preston Lions celebrate with their fans at BT Connor Reserve after a 1-0 win over Altona Magic in Round 3. (Image: Preston Lions)
Preston's unrivalled fanbase
If there's one thing Preston Lions have proved since their top-flight return, it's that they belong—not just on the pitch but in the stands, where their passionate fanbase continues to set the benchmark for all clubs in the NPL Victoria.
A packed crowd of 5,400 (and counting) watched on at BT Connor Reserve as Preston secured a 1-0 win over Altona Magic in Round 3.
The atmosphere has been electric in both of the club's home games, with fans showing up in numbers that rival (and even surpass) some A-League Men sides.
The star against Altona was once again former Melbourne Victory man Lleyton Brooks, who scored yet another goal, showing his class and experience for this level.
With the Australian Championship on the horizon and Preston's momentum building, it's clear they aren't just here to make up the numbers; they're here to stay.
Sharks in trouble
Port Melbourne have endured a nightmare start to the season, with their struggles deepening after a 2-0 loss to Oakleigh Cannons. Three rounds in, they remain winless, conceding goals too easily while looking toothless in attack.
One of the most telling moments of Round 3 came when Port Melbourne, already struggling with form, were forced to dig deep into their squad depth - subbing on players from as low as Victoria's State League 2.
Although only three games into their NPL Victoria campaign, serious questions should be asked of the Sharks' recruitment in the off-season, and the decision to turn to untested lower-division players highlights a recruitment strategy that may need reassessment.
A 24-year-old captain, Liston Diaz, has their only goal of the year, scoring a penalty in Round 2 against Avondale, but in Round 3, they were lacklustre and uninspiring.
As the season wears on, teams with more substantial depth will likely separate themselves from those scrambling to put together a competitive squad week in and week out, and I fear how bad the results could worsen for the Port Melbourne Sharks.
Victory and Hellas play out chaotic NPL Victoria classic
Melbourne Victory's NPL side and South Melbourne Hellas produced an instant classic in Round 3, playing out a chaotic 3-3 draw at The Home of the Matildas on Monday night.
Both sides traded blows throughout a match with everything - momentum swings, stunning goals, and late drama.
Victory looked set to steal all three points after Tommaso Minutoli scored a 93rd-minute goal before Hellas' new acquisition Gustav Møller struck home in the 95th to rescue a point, ensuring a share of the spoils in this high-octane battle.
While both teams have positives to take, defensive frailties were exposed, which was particularly concerning for South Melbourne.
While Møller has found his shooting boots, or rather head, scoring two from two in the NPL Victoria, in Round 1, I raised questions about his ability to replace Harry Sawyer, but it is moments like these that will solidify his place as a Hellas stalwart.
On the other hand, Victory now has two draws and one loss in their first three games and stealing points off teams like South Melbourne and Altona Magic and narrowly losing to Heidelberg will support them in their push for survival.
An enthralling Dandy Derby
Whenever Dandenong Thunder take on local rivals Dandenong City, fireworks are expected - and the Round 3 edition of the Dandy Derby did not disappoint.
A pulsating contest ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, with both sides refusing to back down.
Thunder looked to be in control after taking a 2-1 lead, but City fought back to snatch a point with a dramatic 98th-minute equaliser by George Lambadaridis.
The result ensured both teams maintained a solid, yet unspectacular, start to the new season, but more importantly, it again showed why the Dandenong Derby remains one of the most exciting fixtures in the NPL Victoria.
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A Hume City reunion
Green Gully and Hume City played a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Round 3, with David Chick and Aamir Abdullah facing their former club.
Chick, who previously coached Hume, and Abdullah, a former Hume player, are now leading Green Gully as coach and star winger.
Their side put in a determined display, with Abdullah playing a key role in midfield and Chick's tactical approach keeping Hume at bay.
The away side took the lead through Harry Ascroft in the 12th minute, but 2024 Gold Medal winner Abdullah scored a penalty to snatch a point off his former side.
With Chick at the helm and Abdullah running rampant, Green Gully will look to keep building momentum in the coming weeks.
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