The Australian Championship is just over 24 hours away from its second Finals matchday, with the Semi Finals kicking off around the country.
While the tournament has left football fans across the nation with many moments to savour from a plethora of talented players shining upon the national stage, the four which feature in this list could potentially win the competition for their respective side off the back of their own individual efforts.
Heidelberg United FC: Yaren Sozer
Starting with the NPL Victoria 2025 Goalkeeper of the Season, Yaren Sozer has essentially been Alexander’s quarterback.
The shot-stopper boasts sharp reflexes, accurate ball distribution and leadership qualities which have been crucial to Heidelberg's sustained success throughout their massive campaign, across each state and national competition.
Comfortable with the ball at his feet, Sozer’s passing ability has further enabled Johnny Anastasiadis’s side to play the ball with tempo, endeavour and pace.
It was in Round Five of the NPL Victoria season where Sozer recorded an assist - not to mention he was only beaten on 25 occasions in 26 matches played.
Sozer also kept clean sheets against A-League competitors Western Sydney Wanderers FC, Wellington Phoenix FC and Auckland FC in the Hahn Australia Cup.
Strong performances from the shot-stopper when he hasn’t been rested in the Australian Championship have proven pivotal to Heidelberg’s fierce back four.
The keeper’s heroics could be the sheer difference which enables the NPL Victoria Champions to knock off their longest Melbournian foe back on a national scale.
South Melbourne FC: Jordan Lampard
Lampard hasn’t missed a minute of football for South Melbourne yet in the Australian Championship.
From the competition's opening round, the full-back has shown an unrelenting tenacity to his style of play, which has been emphasised in his ability to rise in critical moments.
His offensive quality matches his fluent ball-winning ability, netting three goals in seven matches, with the most notable being the winner against Sydney Olympic FC in the maiden game of the inaugural competition.
Lampard will be at the centre point of a crucial individual battle against Heidelberg - tasked with nullifying NPL Victoria Golden Boot winner Bul Juach.
If Lampard is to contain the “Raging Bull” and ventures down his flank in typical fashion, he may be the unassuming difference-maker Hellas can turn to again to stamp their tickets to the inaugural Australian Championship Final.
Moreton City Excelsior FC: Keitatsu Kojima
The NPL Queensland Premiers have emerged as genuine competition contenders following their flag-stamping 3-1 victory against Avondale last week.
Cameron Millar’s side have played fearless football, which has been spearheaded by their attacking contingent.
Keitatsu Kojima was instrumental in illustrating the statement City made at Avenger Park in their Quarter Final victory last week against the NPL Victoria Premiers.
Despite desperation from Avondale goalkeeper Thomas Manos, Kojima finished with composure to break the deadlock and was involved in multiple attacking scenarios for his side as they controlled the match with an extra man.
His importance in City’s attack is evident - technically gifted to glide around opponents and release the ball in key moments has given the likes of Luca Jankovic and fellow countryman Seita Murai more to relish with possession on the flanks.
Three goals in seven Australian Championship appearances provide an indication of what the playmaker can do when given a licence to break the lines and run in behind the striker.
Marconi Stallions FC: James Hilton
The Manchesterian has built a magnetic force field around the posts he guards.
In 39 competitive matches this year, Hilton has conceded just 40 goals and amassed 15 clean sheets.
Touted by Australian Championship commentator Lachie Flannigan as one of the best goalkeepers outside of the A-Leagues (alongside Heidelberg’s Yaren Sozer), his performances in testing moments have been second to none.
At 23 years of age, Hilton oozes an aura of assertiveness, stubbornness to not concede and sheer competitiveness found in much more seasoned goalkeeping veterans - exemplified in the execution of the winning penalty he scored to notch Marconi into the final four at the expense of Derby d’Italia rivals Wests APIA.
The NPL NSW 2025 Goalkeeper of the Year arguably could win the tie off the back of his goalkeeping heroics yet again for the Stallions, or potentially from his boot like the recent Quarter Final.