For the first time since 1995 the Traditional derby re-emerges on a national stage where two of Melbourne’s most storied Greek clubs continue their longstanding rivalry.
A spot in the inaugural Final of the Australian Championship awaits either of the competition’s most intriguing Victorian clubs, who both have an excellent chance to go all the way in claiming the first-ever title in dispute.
Hitting the rewind button
Throughout the years, the rivalry has been played across Victoria - whether it was at Lakeside Stadium, Olympic Village, or even at Brunswick Street Oval… these clubs have an undeniable presence in the history of Victorian football.
It was in 1960 when Heidelberg United FC (formerly known at the time as Fitzroy Alexander FC) enabled South Melbourne to play in their first-ever match in what was a practice fixture.
Why not both?
Johnny Anastasiadis has graced the park as a player and manager for both clubs.
Anastasiadis began his playing career with Heidelberg before venturing off to Greece to represent his boyhood club PAOK on more than 200 occasions.
Upon returning to Melbourne, his final playing years were spent at South, where he earned more than 100 appearances and a place in the Hellas Hall of Fame.
Anastasiadis is one of many who have represented both clubs, and has been the architect of Heidelberg’s resurgence to their very best across all competitions since taking the managerial helm from George Katsakis in 2024.
League and knockout football one-upsmanship
Alexander’s form in the National Premier League Victoria has been dominant; undefeated against South in the competition since 2022 - winning five out of seven matches.
On the contrary, South has found more fortune against their rivals in knockout football.
Despite South experiencing a transition of playing and managerial personnel throughout the recent NPL Victoria season, newly appointed manager Sinisha Cohazdic guided Hellas to a Dockerty Cup victory against Heidelberg at the Home of the Matildas this year to ensure continued silverware success with the boys in blue.
Not to mention, South also notoriously knocked off Heidelberg out of the 2024 Dockerty Cup, beating them at Olympic Village on a frigid Wednesday night clash.
Who actually wins?
Narratives come into play when determining who progresses into the final in this all-Victorian clash - who simply wants it more?
Heidelberg have league dominance against South, South have knock-out competition superiority against Heidelberg.
Both sides have tantalised football fans across the nation throughout the competition, whether it South showcasing some exciting football with a star-studded lineup, or Heidelberg scoring at will.
Lakeside is a venue Heidelberg don’t seem to mind - especially for winger Max Bisetto, who claimed the NPL Victoria Grand Final Player of the Match award, and made full use of the track facilities in his goal celebrations mid-match.
It's simply too difficult to split these two rivals heading into Saturday.