Oakleigh are kings of Victoria again and this winning era keeps growing

Oakleigh Cannons claimed the NPL VIC premiership after a ruthless 5-0 win over Dandenong Thunder capped another trophy-winning season under legendary coach Chris Taylor, and there is still plenty to play for.

With the title within reach, the Cannons made absolutely certain of it on the weekend: Adem Duratovic opened the scoring before Brodie Boyce, Joseph Knowles, Alex Salmon and Brandon Giaccherini joined him on the scoresheet in a five-star performance.

It is another major honour in a special era at Jack Edwards Reserve. Taylor has now overseen two premierships at Oakleigh to go with two Championships and that memorable run to the Australia Cup semi-finals, further underlining the winning culture the legendary Victorian football figure and his staff have created.

Oakleigh, though, are still eyeing the championship and upcoming Australian Championship.

While Oakleigh celebrated silverware, Ross Matthews announced himself in spectacular fashion for Bentleigh Greens.

The Scottish recruit scored his first goals for the club with a hat-trick in a stunning 6-2 rout of Melbourne City, completing his treble with a superb second-half strike into the top corner.

Matthews arrived in Victoria after more than a decade with Raith Rovers, where he made 376 appearances, regularly wore the captain’s armband and departed sitting 12th on the Scottish club’s all-time appearance list.

There was another huge moment at Lakeside Stadium as Heidelberg United produced a remarkable late turnaround against traditional rivals South Melbourne 2-1.

Trailing in the derby, the reigning champions fought their way back before former A-League champion Christian Theoharous produced the defining moment in stoppage time - an incredible strike to snatch victory, end Heidelberg’s nine-game winless league run and push them back into the top six at the expense of Caroline Springs George Cross heading into the final round.

Hume City also delivered when it mattered, scoring late to edge George Cross 3-2 and secure second spot on the ladder.

Elsewhere, Avondale FC defeated Altona Magic 2-0, while St Albans Dinamo continued Green Gully’s difficult end to life in the top flight with a 2-1 victory over the relegated Cavaliers.

Dandenong City and Preston Lions played out the round’s only goalless draw.