Oakleigh Cannons — Avondale, Victoria NPL

Oakeley Cannons and Avondale met in the NPL Victoria final on September 19th, 2026, playing out a tense 0-0 draw before Avondale won the penalty shootout 5-2. The match, which concluded at the end of extra time, saw both sides create chances but fail to find the net during regulation play. By then the tension was palpable as the game stretched into penalties. The shootout began with Oakeley's J. Guest missing the first attempt, while Avondale's B. Fornaroli and C. McGlip both converted their early spots. E. Wellsmore added another for Avondale before C. Hampson's miss gave Oakeley cause for concern. M. Bennett and A. Salmon responded with goals for the hosts, but S. Moukachar's miss proved costly. Avondale held their nerve in the final round, with J. Knowles and K. Trajceski both scoring to seal the victory. Oakeley had picked up two bookings in five minutes during the shootout, and the miss from Moukachar effectively put the game to bed early. The Cannons had reached for their pocket after the break but couldn't find the breakthrough. Oakeley finished the league campaign in first place with 54 points from 26 games, recording 16 wins and 6 draws along the way. Avondale secured fourth position with 47 points, their record showing 15 victories and 9 defeats. The hosts had come into the final with recent form including a 2-1 win over South Melbourne, while Avondale brought momentum from consecutive victories. The result means Avondale complete their season with the league title, while Oakeley's campaign ends on a disappointing note despite their superior league position. The goal difference remains unchanged for both sides, but the trophy goes to the visitors who kept their heads under pressure. It was a final decided by three or four moments rather than sustained dominance.