Results
| Date | R | Home vs Away | - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08/19 05:00 | 26 |
[9] Heidelberg Utd vs Melbourne Knights
[4] 
|
3-2 |
| 08/19 05:00 | 26 |
[3] Oakleigh Cannons vs Moreland City SC
[12] |
5-0 |
| 08/19 05:00 | 26 |
[14] North Geelong vs South Melbourne
[2] 
|
0-2 |
| 08/19 05:00 | 26 |
[11] St Albans Saints vs Green Gully
[7] 
|
0-2 |
| 08/19 05:00 | 26 |
[1] Avondale vs Bentleigh Greens
[13] 
|
2-1 |
| 08/19 05:00 | 26 |
[5] Port Melbourne SC vs Altona Magic
[6] 
|
4-0 |
| 08/19 05:00 | 26 |
[8] Dandenong Thunder vs Hume City
[10] 
|
3-4 |
| 08/16 08:15 | 18 |
[10] Heidelberg Utd vs South Melbourne
[2]
|
2-1 |
| 08/13 07:00 | 25 |
[7] Green Gully vs Heidelberg Utd
[10]
|
1-2 |
| 08/13 06:00 | 25 |
[4] Melbourne Knights vs Dandenong Thunder
[8]
|
2-1 |
| 08/12 05:00 | 25 |
[6] Altona Magic vs Bentleigh Greens
[13]
|
1-0 |
| 08/12 05:00 | 25 |
[1] Avondale vs South Melbourne
[2]
|
2-1 |
Teams
South Melbourne
Hume City
Avondale
Bentleigh Greens
Heidelberg Utd
Port Melbourne SC
Melbourne Knights
Green Gully
Oakleigh Cannons
Dandenong Thunder
St Albans Saints
Altona Magic
Kingston City
Pascoe Vale
Dandenong City
North Geelong
Bulleen Lions
Eastern Lions
Moreland City SC
Northcote City
Richmond SC
Wikipedia - National Premier Leagues Victoria
The National Premier Leagues Victoria, commonly known as NPL Victoria, is a semi-professional soccer league in Victoria, Australia. The league is a part of the National Premier Leagues, and is the highest level within the Victorian soccer league system, serving jointly as the second tier within the overall Australian pyramid.
Administered by Football Victoria, NPL Victoria is the latest iteration of first division competitions in the state. Historically known as the Victorian State League and later as the Victorian Premier League, the league was first founded in 1908 as the Victorian Amateur League and would soon become the Victorian First Division. It adopted its current branding in 2014, following Football Federation Australia's 2012 National Competition Review.
NPL Victoria is contested by 14 clubs. Running from February to September each year, the league sees teams play 26 regular season fixtures, once at home and once away against each other club. The first-placed team at the conclusion of the regular season is termed the "premier". The top six-placed clubs then play a knock-out finals series, with the winner becoming the "champion". As of the 2025 season, the three bottom-placed teams at the conclusion of the season are relegated to the division below, Victoria Premier League 1.
In the 2024 season, Football Victoria included a provision that relegation in the 2024 season would be suspended if a National Second Division commences in 2025; instead assigning two relegation spots in the 2025 season.
The league premier qualifies as Victoria's representative in the national finals series, whilst the champion plays against the Dockerty Cup winner in the FV Community Shield.
History
The league commenced as the Victorian Soccer League in 1909 with Carlton United being the first champions. It has run continuously except for a three season postponement from 1916 to 1918 owing to World War I. After 1945 the league, like fellow state competitions around the country, received a massive boost in numbers and quality with the post-war influx of European migrants, whose dominance was established so effectively that no club which had won the title before 1952, Juventus' first title, has won one since.
Juventus would go on to dominate the league in the 1950s, winning six titles, including five in a row from 1952 to 1956. In 1958, after the Victorian Amateur Soccer Federation was formed, the league became known as the Victorian State League. From 1962 until 1976 the league was largely dominated by South Melbourne Hellas and Footscray JUST, which won 11 titles between them.
With creation of the National Soccer League (NSL) in 1977, the league gradually lost most of its stronger clubs, a trend that reached its peak between 1984 and 1986, when the NSL used a split conference system. After 1987, however, the league slowly started regaining clubs, firstly those discarded when the conference system experiment was abandoned and later when clubs became permanently relegated by the NSL to their respective state leagues. The dominant side during the years from 1977 to 2004 was Green Gully, who won six titles during this period, despite also missing the years 1984–1986 from being in the NSL.
In 1991 the league rebranded again to become the Victorian Premier League and the first finals to determine the champions were staged in 1992, won by the newly promoted North Geelong. Following the demise of the NSL in 2004, the remaining two Victorian NSL teams Melbourne Knights and South Melbourne were granted permission to play in the VPL season of 2005. The league received a major boost at the start of the 2005 season when Vodafone became major naming rights sponsors, with the competition being renamed the Vodafone Cup. The 2005 season initially saw crowds attending in record numbers to witness the return of old derbies such as that between South Melbourne and Heidelberg United, but with the formation of the A-League filling the void of a national domestic league, 2006 saw a sharp decline in attendances.
The end of the 2006 season also witnessed a controversial finish to the relegation battle. With three teams finishing on 30 points, Sunshine George Cross were relegated on goal difference. However, a post-season appeal to the tribunal on the grounds that Essendon Royals had fielded a suspended player (Ilcho Mladenovski in round 24) saw the Royals deducted a point and relegated. Ultimately, both clubs reprised their position in the following season's competition with the inclusion of the Australian Institute of Sport evening out the numbers to 16, and as the first part of reforms to the competition set to be brought about in 2008.
The Australian Institute of Sport experiment was largely derided by the local clubs, and after their removal from the competition in 2008, the league reverted to 12 teams and a Top 5 Finals-Series in 2009. However, the concept of a youth development squad was reintroduced in 2010 with the National Training Centre team playing in midweek fixtures throughout the season but not for competition points. In 2011 the team, mostly comprising players from the Melbourne Victory youth squad, was renamed Victorian Training Centre Football and was eligible to score competition points for its matches but ineligible to qualify for the finals series or be relegated.
On 15 September 2013, Victoria Police arrested up to ten people, including Southern Stars FC players David Obaze, Nick McKoy and Joe Woolley as well as the coach, Zaya Younan, for allegations of match fixing. They are expected to be charged with corrupting the outcome of betting.
In early 2013, it was announced that Victoria would join the National Premier Leagues, with the Victorian Premier League expected to be rebranded for the 2014 season. Although Football Federation Victoria's initial proposal was halted with the announcement of a deferral in November 2013 after several clubs objected to the process for selecting team. However, by December 2013, a resolution was reached whereby Victorian teams would participate in the 2014 season.
The Australia Victoria Premier League (VPL) is a premier soccer competition that showcases the best talent in the state of Victoria. Established to promote and develop the sport at a high level, the VPL features a dynamic mix of clubs, ranging from historic teams with rich legacies to emerging clubs eager to make their mark on the soccer landscape.
**Format and Structure**
The VPL operates on a league format, where teams compete in a round-robin schedule, facing each other both home and away. The season typically runs from late summer to early winter, culminating in a thrilling finals series that determines the league champion. The competition not only emphasizes skill and teamwork but also fosters a strong sense of community and local pride among fans and players alike.
**Clubs and Rivalries**
With a diverse array of clubs representing various regions of Victoria, the VPL is known for its passionate rivalries and intense matches. Each club brings its unique culture and history, contributing to a vibrant soccer scene that attracts fans from all walks of life. The atmosphere at matches is electric, with supporters rallying behind their teams, creating an unforgettable experience for players and spectators.
**Player Development and Pathways**
The VPL serves as a crucial stepping stone for aspiring soccer players in Victoria. Many clubs have strong youth development programs, providing young talent with the opportunity to train and compete at a high level. The league is recognized for its role in nurturing future stars, with several players progressing to professional leagues both domestically and internationally.
**Community Engagement**
Beyond the pitch, the VPL is committed to community engagement and social responsibility. Clubs often participate in local initiatives, promoting inclusivity and encouraging participation in soccer at all levels. The league aims to inspire the next generation of players and fans, fostering a love for the game that transcends generations.
**Conclusion**
The Australia Victoria Premier League is more than just a soccer competition; it is a celebration of sport, community, and culture. With its competitive spirit, rich history, and commitment to player development, the VPL continues to be a cornerstone of soccer in Victoria, captivating fans and players alike with every match. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a newcomer to the sport, the VPL promises excitement, passion, and unforgettable moments on the field.