Round 6 of the inaugural Australian Championship means it's the final round of the group stage.
Victorian sports broadcaster, writer, and presenter Adam Palombi looks at the five big things to look out for on the eve of the final series.
La Famiglia's hidden gem.
Avondale FC remain at the top of the group of death's summit after a well-earned 1-0 victory against NSW Premiers North West Sydney Spirit.
The hosts scored with the final touch of the first half, after a run from Amar Abdallah was squared to an unmarked Bruno Fournaroli, who played the ball into the vacant net.
Although the NPL Victoria Premiers goalkeeper Thomas Manoa was tested throughout the second half, Avondale found a lot of the play in their attacking third - courtesy of a player who has somewhat gone under the radar so far in the competition.
Yitay Towns showcased his effectiveness as a number six - recycling possession on many occasions, allowing his side to carry the ball forward with some danger.
Following the club's win, Towns said his team has improved week by week.
“We defended like absolute animals, I’m really proud of the boys,” Towns said.
“It’s been all coming together, and we are really excited for the next round.”
Towns demonstrated the importance possessed in a central defensive midfielders position, preventing his backline from being overworked while effortlessly transitioning the ball forward.
He may just be the linchpin to the Avondale FC ignition come the final eight.
Avondale FC enter their final group stage match of the competition having already qualified for the quarters, and have the chance to prevent a Preston Lions Fc outfit who must win to qualify, from doing so.
Sydney Olmypic’s tricky campaign
Olympic have scored in every game they’ve played demonstrating their competitiveness in patches throughout the competition.
Despite not translating moments into points fluently, Olympic in matches have been the side asking questions, playing attacking football and showing desire to win - yet elimination from the competition is a real possibility.
Olympic travel to Magic Park to face an already mathematically extinguished Broadmeadow Magic FC in need of three points, a clean sheet and two or more goals scored.
Furthermore, they must rely on South Melbourne to win on the road against Moreton City Excelsior FC.
The previous encounter between Olympic and Magic, earned Broadmeadow their first competition points in another Australian Championship classic, with the match ending 3-2 at Jubilee Stadium.
Can Olympic find the means necessary and land in the quarter final pool?
Could South go unbeaten?
South Melbourne FC are brimming with confidence.
Their football has spoken for itself - Sinisha Cohazdic’s side are humming, five wins in five possible matches. Lakeside despite Melbourne's harsh winter like weather in November, was vibrant last Saturday in front of a healthy crowd when the Group A leaders dispatched Broadmeadow Magic FC 2-0.
South's confidence has their players claiming a potential invincible run could be achievable.
“The vibes are high in the change room,” said attacker Andrew Mesourouni.
“Just feels like we're a bit invincible now at this stage.
“And yeah, hopefully we go all the way and keep our winning streak going all the way to the grand final.”
Moreton City Excelsior FC are in need of stopping the SMFC winning party this upcoming weekend if they are any chance of ensuring qualification into the quarter finals.
MetroStars make it a three horse race in Group D.
Wests APIA and Bayswater City enjoyed the luxury of both being six and three points respectively clear of MetroStars only two weeks ago… how things can quickly change in football.
The side from Klemzig haven’t dropped points since a 1-0 loss away to Bayswater City Fc back in Round 2, and returned the favour upon their second group stage encounter winning 2-0 at home.
Points split a week prior against Wests APIA, leaves an intriguing final weekend of football ahead in Group D.
MetroStars head coach Danny Graystone said to SBS that his side will have to be at their very best against Sydney United regardless of their eliminated status.
“Despite going into today’s game without a win they have grown in confidence with every game,” Graystone said.
“We know today’s match will demand us to perform at our very best and gives us the best opportunity to advance to the finals series.”
Granted MetroStars defeat Sydney United, the 4pm kick off between Wests APIA and Bayswater City could essentially become an elimination final.
Are free-kick routines overrated?
Focusing back on Avenger Park last Sunday - while in front on the scoreboard, Avondale FC attempted a free-kick routine roughly 35 yards out from the North West Sydney Spirit goal.
One player ran diagonally over the ball from right to left, the other left to right, however unfortunately for Amar Abdullah, at the pivotal moment he had stumbled.
While players in the Spirit wall found the funny side of it, the routine although not successful was certainly charming for its comedic nature at the expense of a player who made life really difficult for his opponents during the match.
The clip posted on the Australian Championship Instagram page went viral, amassing a total of 3.4 million views.
Freekick routines are notorious for generating traffic on social media pages, for both the right or wrong reasons.
Perhaps if given the opportunity to do so again, the Avengers can show the world what they wish to accomplish from another freekick next weekend against Preston Lions.