Green Gully Kicks Off 2025 NPL Victoria Season with Away Clash Against Dandenong Thunder
The 2025 NPL Victoria season is officially underway, and Green Gully is set to begin its campaign with an exciting Round 1 encounter against Dandenong Thunder this Saturday night at George Andrews Reserve.
A fresh chapter begins for the Cavaliers under new head coach David Chick, who arrives at the club with a clear vision and a strong support team, including assistant coach Craig Filer. With a squad boasting a mix of seasoned professionals, promising youth, and high-profile signings, anticipation is high as Gully looks to make an early statement in the new season.
Kick-off is at 7pm
A Reinforced Squad Ready for Action
Green Gully’s squad has undergone a significant transformation in the offseason, with several key signings bringing both domestic and international experience to the team.
Among the headline arrivals is Aamir Abdallah, the reigning NPL Victoria Gold Medallist, who lit up the league with 14 goals and five assists last season at Hume City. The addition of Joe McGlynn, a Scottish forward with a strong pedigree from Burnley’s academy and experience across British football, further strengthens the attacking ranks.
English attacker Paul Hodges adds a creative spark after an impressive career in non-league football, where he won the Non-League Paper’s Goal of the Season. Meanwhile, Scott Lochhead, who reunites with Chick after a standout season at Bentleigh Greens, is expected to be a key playmaker in Gully’s midfield.
Defensively, Gully has bolstered its backline with the acquisitions of Jacob Eliopoulos—a two-time NPL Victoria Championship winner with Oakleigh Cannons—and Maurice Nugent, a versatile defender who arrives from League of Ireland Premier Division side Galway United.
The squad’s depth is further reinforced by the signing of New Zealand international Deklan Wynne, whose experience across MLS, the USL Championship, and English football will be invaluable. In goal, Lawrence Caruso joins the club, returning to Victoria after stints at Melbourne City, Central Coast Mariners, and Western Sydney Wanderers.
Investing in the Future
Alongside its high-profile signings, Green Gully continues its proud tradition of developing elite young talent. The club has promoted four players from its championship-winning U23 squad to the senior side:
- Jake Jurica – Green Gully player since U15s
- Phillip Pannunzio – Developed through the club since U13s
- Brayden Portelli – Standout performer since U14s
- Vasilios Souvlis – A rising star in the system since U14s
The promotions highlight the club’s ongoing commitment to fostering local talent and ensuring a strong pipeline of future first-team players.
The Opposition: Dandenong Thunder
Dandenong Thunder heads into the new season with a squad that has seen significant reinforcements of its own. Among their key signings is Hassan Jalloh, a prolific centre-forward with experience across multiple NPL clubs and Icelandic football. They have also secured the services of Kyle Taylor, a former AFC Bournemouth player, bringing top-tier experience from English football.
Further strengthening their attack, Wade Dekker has re-signed with Thunder, adding international pedigree from his time with Sri Lanka’s national team. In midfield, Anthony Ianchello joins from Port Melbourne Sharks, while Dutch defender Thijs Van-Amerongen brings European experience to the backline. Their goalkeeping ranks have also been boosted with the arrivals of Andrew Withers, Benjamin McCauley, and Joaquin Fernandez.
Dandenong Thunder finished 10th last season, narrowly above Gully, with a record of 8 wins, 4 draws, and 14 losses. They struggled for consistency but showed glimpses of promise, and with their new signings, they will be eager to climb the table in 2025.
The Challenge Ahead
George Andrews Reserve has long been a challenging venue for visiting sides, and with both teams eager to start the campaign on the front foot, an intense contest is expected.
The venue will be a familiar one to Chick, who coached the Thunder for two seasons, including taking them to their highest points total in the NPL Victoria era.
For Green Gully, the match presents an opportunity to showcase its revamped squad and demonstrate the tactical direction under Chick.
With a balanced mix of experienced leaders and emerging talents, the Cavaliers will be aiming to leave Dandenong with all three points and set the tone for a successful 2025 season.
