Melbourne Knights FC Official Website There are few fixtures in Australian football that carry as much weight and respect as Melbourne Knights vs South Melbourne.
To many, this is more than just a match – it’s a clash of built upon decades of history, pride and good football. Dating back to 1960, the grassroot outfits of Melbourne Knights, then Melbourne Croatia, and South Melbourne Hellas first faced off. Said battle has since become a cornerstone for Australian football, from their encounters in the NSL, to now the NPL, the rivalry has earned its title as the ‘OG Melbourne Derby’.
With both teams arriving in momentum after securing opening round victories, the stage is set for a fiery contest at Lakeside Stadium, finishing off Round 2 of NPLM Victoria. Looking promising, the Knights kicked off their 2025 campaign with a 3-2 victory over Heidelberg, ignited by a brace from Ciaran Bramwell and sealed by new signing Karantz. South Melbourne, meanwhile, managed to edge out Port Melbourne 1-0, as Max Mikkola delivered a strike.
One of the defining contests of the night will be between two of the NPL’s elite goalkeepers—Knights’ Chris Oldfield and South Melbourne’s Javier Lopez.
Oldfield, a seasoned leader, has made 282 appearances and recorded 84 clean sheets, proving time again, why he is one of the best in the business. His inclusion in the Round 1 NPL Team of the Week is a testament to his shot-stopping ability and leadership at the back. Lopez, a two-time NPL Goalkeeper of the Year, has been a rock for South Melbourne since his official signing in 2022 and a force to be reckoned with within the NPL. Whilst both keepers will no doubt be tested by each clubs attacking line, their presences will prove difficulty for both sides.
In 2024, South Melbourne had the Knights’ number, winning all three meetings, including a narrow 1-0 victory in Round 14 at Knights Stadium, where Inglese netted the only goal of the match in the 71st minute. Despite South Melbourne’s past success in the fixture, it is the determination of the Knights that sees the playing field levelled.
This time however, the Knights have a chance to rewrite the narrative. With a strengthened squad and an attacking mindset under the guidance of Ivan Franjic, they will be out to prove they can match and surpass their long-time rivals.
South Melbourne has had their time. Now, it’s time for the Knights to take center stage.
