South Melbourne FC made history on Saturday, August 9, clinching the Dockerty Cup for the 10th time, defeating Heidelberg United 2–1 in a dramatic final at the “Home of the Matildas,” buoyed by a passionate crowd.
Despite being the defending champions with nine prior titles, South Melbourne entered the match as underdogs, since Heidelberg United were top of the NPL Victoria. Yet, experience and composure in knockout football saw the Blues and Whites pull off a stunning victory.
Heidelberg struck first in the 5th minute with a powerful strike from Japan’s Asahi Yokokawa. Undeterred, Hellas fought back, and in the second half Campbell Dovison scored a close-range equaliser from Jordan Lampard’s pinpoint cross in the 47th minute, despite Heidelberg’s appeals.
The decisive moment came in the 95th minute, when Dovison completed the comeback with a thrilling finish as Heidelburg’s keeper Sözer failed to hold the ball.
Dovison’s brace earned him the Jimmy McKay Medal as the match’s MVP.
