Hellenic AC and Mindil FC set to face off in longstanding rivalry

Hellenic AC and Mindil Aces FC will put it all on the line at this weekend’s soccer grand finals for the second year running. Read all the ins-and-outs ahead of the big games.

This Sunday will see Darwin’s best footballing talent on the big stage in the Men’s and Women's Premier League grand finals.

Both rematches and grudge matches, Hellenic AC and Mindil Aces FC will go head-to-head for the second year on the trot.

Out at Darwin Football Stadium this Sunday, October 8, Hellenic will be vying for the double for the second year in a row, while Mindil will be gunning for redemption.

Ahead of the two blockbuster grand finals, the NT News sports team spoke to all four coaches, getting their insight on the games ahead.

MEN’S GF PREVIEW

Mindil and Hellenic will face-off for the second year running as they battle it out for the 2023 MPL title.

A rematch of last season’s grand final that saw Hellenic come out 1-0 victors, the boys in yellow and black are looking for vengeance.

“We are definitely determined to get the win and make up for the loss last year,” Aces coach Daniel McCormick said.

“If Hellenic do get the win over us, they’ll have completed the triple which is a rarity and great achievement.”

The Aces coach is aware that Hellenic have had another very solid season, in part to their attacking prowess and crafty midfield.

“They have two of the top scorers (Matthew McNab, Simon Bell) in the league on their side, so that is obviously going to be their biggest threat,” McCormick said.

“They also have a few crafty midfielders that are great at drawing fouls and facilitating the guys upfront.

“So we need to do our best to mitigate that.”

The coach is confident that his squad has what it takes to get the best of Hellenic, as long as the defence and the team are switched on.

“I’ve been proud of the boy’s defensive resolve through the season,” he said.

“Our entire backline line is different to how we started the year.

“The whole starting line-up got wiped out by injuries or unavailability, and we’ve gone through about eight different combinations.

“Our midfield has been very disciplined this season and that has helped us concede not many as they’ve been compact.”

Mindil Aces' Matthew Wallace. Picture: Ben Cameron.

On the other side of the fence and bidding to defend their crown as champions, Hellenic are confident that their regular season form will be enough to get the job done.

“The 2023 journey has been amazing and the commitment and hard work the boys put in this season has been sensational,” Hellenic coach Dimi Galanopoulos said.

“Winning all the cups so far (Premiership, Australia Cup and the Greek Cup) are huge achievements but for me personally the biggest achievement that I am proud of is the togetherness as a club.”

Galanopoulos stressed that Mindil will put up a fight and gave credit to their coach (McCormick), but was not willing to give too much away.

“They (Aces) deserve to be at the grand final, they are really good team but sorry mate I can’t say my secrets or who is the biggest threat.”

Hellenic's Matthew McNab top scored this season with 22 goals. Picture: Daniel Abrantes Photography

*Game info: Men’s Premier League (Sunday, October 8 – @ Darwin Football Stadium 1 – kick-off 8pm)

WOMEN’S GF PREVIEW

Following another stellar WPL season that had upsets, breakout performances and boilovers, the big dance is finally here.

In what promises to be a game for the ages, perennial powerhouse Hellenic AC are out to defend their title against a hungry and determined Mindil Aces FC outfit.

A rematch of last year’s grand final, the players from Mindil are eager to atone after a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Hellenic with an emphatic victory.

“The girls are all excited and looking forward to having another crack at the title,” Mindil’s coach Dave McWilliam said.

“They’re all very keen to get redemption after last year’s result, but they know that the job’s not done yet.”

The coach said that while his side were excited for a chance at the title, they knew it was easier said than done.

“Hellenic are a great side,” McWilliam said.

“They’ve got a strong winning culture and have been at the top (of the league) for a while, so you have to respect that.

“For us, their biggest threat is definitely their striker Sophia (Makrylos), who was the leading goal scorer this season.

Hellenic star Sophia Makrylos has proven herself yet again in the 2023 NT Football Women's Premier League. Picture: Daniel Abrantes

“She’s (Makrylos) going to be one we need to keep an eye on and limit her (scoring) chances.

“We’re a very young side with a lot of talent and I believe that on our day we have the skill to win.”

On the other side of the coin and not underselling the difficulty of the task ahead, Hellenic’s coach Matic Hajdic knows his side need to be at their best this Sunday.

“Mindil has had a really strong season, and have been up there (on the table) in the past few seasons, so they have some experience too in big games,” he said.

“They were top of the table all season until the final game when we managed to go to the top, so it’s been really close between us all year.”

Hajdic explained that Mindil have found success out wide this season, something his side needs to be cautious of.

“Their wingers are their biggest strength and threat to us,” he said.

“Both Emma (Ryan) and Cassie (McWilliam) have a lot of pace and can score from anywhere.

“So we need to do our best to keep them out of the game.”

The coach is confident in his team’s ability to stay composed and defend their title.

“I feel that as a side the girls have really shown great growth this season, we believe in ourselves to get the job done,” Hajdic said.

“The girls are understandably nervous but are also confident in their abilities after the win last year.”

*Game info: Women’s Premier League (Sunday, October 8 – @ Darwin Football Stadium 1 – kick-off 6pm)