South Melbourne have qualified for the Dockerty Cup Final after defeating Avondale at Lakeside. The result continues South’s remarkable recent form and has further elevated the mood around the club. Just a couple of months ago the fanbase was resigned to relegation, and now they’re dreaming of silverware.

Coming into the fixture South fans had some reason to be hopeful. Recent wins against finals calibre opposition signalled that South could put in a comparative performance against Avondale, but realists in the fanbase recognised that Avondale have been playing at a far higher level this season compared to the likes of Hume City and Dandenong City who South recently defeated.

Avondale currently sit near the top of the League alongside Heidelberg, however, their recent league form had been less than stellar, with the club only managing nine points from their last five matches. Although at their peak Avondale would almost be certain to win this game, it seemed that they could be vulnerable to an upset in this fixture

South however faced an additional challenge heading into the game, as their new striker Ren Nagamatsu would be forced to sit out due to being cup tied. This meant South’s forward depth would be challenged, and brought into question the importance of South’s recent form, as Nagamatsu had played a big role in recent games. South however had no interest in leaving any questions unanswered and from kick-off took the game by the scruff of the neck.

The team employing a high press against their better fancied opposition and ultimately caught Avondale off guard. Unlike earlier in the season, when midfield turnovers contributed to a 4-0 loss against Avondale, South’s midfield in this game was a source of strength. Pope and Leech pressed well and cut off Avondale build up plays before they could get started, while the new Japanese signing Iwakami provided defensive cover and helped control the game’s tempo.

At the 32nd minute Pope was rewarded for his efforts, scoring a goal to give South a well-deserved lead. The goal however seemed to shake Avondale back into action and the away team equalised through Ahmed just six minutes later. This saw the first half end one-all with the momentum swinging in favour of Avondale.

South however came out from the break and again caught Avondale off guard with their high press, scoring not one, but two goals soon after half time. Brennan scored at the 49th to give South the lead and Bonada scored at the 57th after a brilliant end to end play from South. South would have been forgiven for parking the bus at this point but after having conceded a 3-1 lead just last week against Dandenong City by doing just that it seemed Hellas had learnt their lesson and closed out the game with a different approach.

South rotated their style for the remainder of the match, sitting back for some periods and pressing high for other. The mixed approach seemed to manage player fatigue better than the Dandenong City game, and made it difficult for Avondale to settle into a tactical response. As time ticked on though the intensity increased. Avondale fired up in response to a potential cup exit and as South’s players grew tired the high press devolved became less polished. Jankovic and Bonada both received yellow cards late in the game but it was Mikkola who provided the most disappointed moment of the game. Mikkola received a second yellow late for what appeared to be time wasting, personally I was shocked at the referee response but regardless, it means Mikkola will now miss a game, although there is some confusion as to if this will be the Cup Final or our next League game.

Unlike last week, South managed to hold on and secure the 3-1 win. Sending Avondale out of the cup and locking in a Greek Derby Cup Final against Heidelberg, to be played in August. Some commentary online suggests this may be the first time these two face faced off in a Final since 1993 which would enhance what is already set to be a huge occasion. Confusion also surrounds where the game will be played with the prospect of a return to the Home of the Matildas unlikely to please fans. I for one would rather play the game at the Olympic Village to be honest, but it highlights the ludicrous recent decisions of FV to avoid Lakeside as a venue for Finals, despite its optimum location and spectator amenity.

Having defeated Avondale now, one might think we have a chance against Heidelberg. The prospect of back to back Dockerty Cups could even redefine this year of State Football as a success if you could believe it or not! For now though the focus returns to the League. We face Altona next at Lakeside in a game that could all but confirm our safety from relegation. Remarkably though a loss could leave us just five points from the drop zone… there is still plenty to play for… and we are probably a couple of weeks away from getting carried away with thoughts of a Dockerty Cup!