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FC Melbourne claims VPL2 premiership amid final day drama

Despite a final round defeat, FC Melbourne was still celebrating a stunning VPL2 premiership and back-to-back titles after a drama-filled final day.

FC Melbourne celebrates its VPL2 premiership.
FC Melbourne celebrates its VPL2 premiership.

It doesn’t matter how it happened, FC Melbourne is VPL2 premier.

Srbija made it back-to-back titles, and three trophies in four seasons, in a dramatic season finale.

Despite a 3-0 defeat to Essendon Royals on Saturday, FC Melbourne were crowned champions after rival North Sunshine Eagles were held to a shock 4-4 draw by Goulburn Valley Suns.

It finishes two points clear on top of the ladder having already secured promotion to VPL1 with four games in hand.

The club’s dream season isn’t over either with an Australia Cup Round of 16 clash against Hume City to come next Tuesday, August 27.

FC Melbourne celebrates its VPL2 premiership.
FC Melbourne celebrates its VPL2 premiership.
Ryan Brown in action for FC Melbourne.
Ryan Brown in action for FC Melbourne.

Srbija coach Zeljko Popovic said it was a nervous few minutes before the triumph was confirmed.

“It was amazing, back-to-back championships,” Popovic said.

“It was a mix of emotions after the game because we lost and had to rely on results.

“Everyone was in the middle of the ground watching the last few minutes of the other game and then celebrating when the final whistle went off and we realised we were champions.

“In the last five minutes (North Sunshine) scored two goals and I thought if this is the way it has to be but it was all good.

“We didn’t know how to celebrate after losing but pretty quick we came back to our supporters and realised what we’d achieved this year.”

FC Melbourne won the most games of any club in VPL2 this season, finishing with a 14-3-5 record with a +18 goal difference.

It lost just once in its opening nine matches and beat the likes of Brunswick Juventus twice and split season series with North Sunshine, Pascoe Vale and Essendon Royals.

Marko Basic in action for FC Melbourne.
Marko Basic in action for FC Melbourne.
Maksim Ilic in action for FC Melbourne.
Maksim Ilic in action for FC Melbourne.

High-profile recruit Luka Ninkovic delivered with 13 goals, finishing fourth in the league, while Marko Basic and Maksim Ilic scored six and five respectively.

Srbija’s premiership was built on defence, conceding just 22 goals in 22 matches, the fewest in the competition, while its attack was ranked fourth.

Popovic was confident the club was built to compete at the next level too.

“Two years ago, when I came, you could tell the club was serious,” he said.

“Until those promotions happen you always have a bit of doubt, can we do that, and this quick getting to VPL1 it’s surreal.

“The club’s ultimate target is NPL but this is going to be a different ball game, there are a lot of tough teams in VPL1.

“The ball speed is much quicker and the players are more composed, there is a difference between VPL1 and VPL2.

“It will be similar to this year, we got promoted and didn’t know what to expect against tough teams like Brunswick Juventus, Pascoe Vale and North Sunshine and saw we can be competitive.”

Srbija will now look to keep its dream season going against Hume City at Broadmeadows Stadium.

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The club defeated NPL SA high-flyers Modbury Jets in the Round of 32 and pushed Victorian power Oakleigh Cannons in their Dockerty Cup semi-final.

“The last cup game against Modbury, shows we can push even the strongest team, we dominated and created a lot of chances,” Popovic said.

“Before that we played Oakleigh in the Dockerty Cup and they only won by one goal so we will try and surprise the next team, Hume City.

“We know they’re a strong team, two leagues above us, but we’re ready for the challenge and the atmosphere.”

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/sport/fc-melbourne-claims-vpl2-premiership-amid-final-day-drama/news-story/03083496b68883b082ece48a9b7d3d8c