Jack Gibson stood tall, Bruno Fornaroli bowed out a champion: Avondale conquer NPL VIC

Avondale FC have been crowned NPL VIC champions for the second time after defeating Oakleigh Cannons in a dramatic penalty shootout at Lakeside Stadium on Saturday.

After 120 minutes failed to produce a goal, Avondale prevailed 4-3 from the spot, with Kristian Trajceski converting the decisive penalty to secure the club’s first Championship since their 2023 Premiership-Championship double.

Goalkeeper Jack Gibson emerged as the hero of the Grand Final, keeping Oakleigh at bay during a contest in which the premiers created several of the better opportunities before making a crucial intervention in the shootout.

Oakleigh started strongly and twice threatened to open the scoring inside the opening 10 minutes, but Avondale weathered the early pressure and gradually worked their way into the contest.

Chances remained difficult to come by as the game developed into a tight battle between two of the competition’s leading sides.

Avondale came closest late in regulation when Bruno Fornaroli connected sweetly with a volley in the 81st minute, only for Oakleigh goalkeeper and former Avondale man Thomas Manos to produce an outstanding save.

Neither side could find a breakthrough in extra time, sending the NPL Victoria Grand Final to penalties for the first time since 2019.

Gibson immediately gave Avondale the advantage by saving Oakleigh captain Joe Guest’s opening attempt, before Connor Hampson also failed to convert for the Cannons.

Oakleigh were handed a way back into the shootout when Avondale missed from the spot, but Trajceski eventually had the opportunity to finish it and made no mistake.

Gibson's performance earned him the Jimmy Rooney Medal as best on ground, capping a memorable night for Avondale.

The Championship also provided a fitting end to Fornaroli's time at the club.

The former Socceroo had announced before the Grand Final that it would be his final appearance for Avondale, having joined the club ahead of the inaugural Australian Championship last year.

He remained for the 2026 NPL Victoria campaign and finished it as the competition's Golden Boot winner with 22 goals.

Now he leaves with another piece of silverware to go with it, as Avondale return to the top of Victorian football three years after their breakthrough Championship.