The Traditional RAA NPL Grand Final Dinner took place pre game at Servicefm Stadium with just over 150 in attendance. Club Presidents, corporate partners, directors of the Football SA Board and guests joined proceedings as we previewed the RAA NPL Grand Final between MetroStars and Croydon.
The 2025 RAA NPL Grand Final between MetroStars and Croydon FC, was a classic revisited.
Friday, 12th September saw the RAA NPL Grand Final as Premiers MetroStars take on Croydon FC in a contest steeped in history.
In an almost identical reply of the 2014 Grand Final, the same two clubs went head-to-head once again in another tightly contested battle.
Despite the cold conditions, an impressive crowd of 1,783 turned out on Friday night to witness the showdown. Croydon came into the game as underdogs, having lost both regular-season encounters against MetroStars (4–0 and 1–0).
In a tight and intense match, MetroStars weren’t able to capitalise on their early chances. This opened the door for Croydon, who took the lead in the 47th minute. Hisamoto’s pressure on McNamara forced a turnover inside the box, as he smashed the ball past Oestreich at his near post.
As the match wore on, tensions began to flare, and frustration mounted for MetroStars. However, their persistence eventually paid off in stoppage time. A low-driven cross from D’Angelo found its way to Woodfin, who beat Margush at his near post to level the score.
But the celebrations didn’t last long.
Less than two minutes later, straight from the kickoff, Croydon broke down the left wing. Pasia John beat two defenders and whipped in a cross that found super-sub Andre Carle, who looped a header into the net, leaving Oestreich with no chance.
Two goals in stoppage time led to absolute scenes erupting around the ground. Croydon had done enough, claiming their first championship since 2017.
Club captain Luke Klimek, who also featured in the 2014 final, reflected post-game:
“It’s been a long process since 2019… we had Ang and Morris who taught us a few things, and then we went to Trav, and now with George who has done an amazing job. And then it’s just finally clicked for us, which is pretty good.”
Full-time score: MetroStars 1–2 Croydon FC
Team Stats:
- Shots: MetroStars (9), Croydon (10)
- Corners: MetroStars (12), Croydon (7)
- Offsides: MetroStars (6), Croydon (1)
- Fouls: MetroStars (22), Croydon (17)
- Yellow Cards: MetroStars (3), Croydon (4)
Relive all the action with our Official Match Hightlights!
During half time the RAA NPL Gatorade Team of The Year was announced, featuring the following players:
- Goalkeeper: Danie Margush (Croydon FC)
- Defenders: Noah McNamara (MetroStars), Jackson Walls (MetroStars), Bol Mapor (Croydon FC), Lewis Killoh (Adelaide City)
- Midfielders: Hamish Gow (MetroStars), Adam Martinello (Croydon), Diego Santos De Oliveira (Para Hills)
- Forwards: Owen Windsor (MetroStars), Jayden Lobasso (Adelaide Comets), Luis Lawrie-Lattanzio (Adelaide City)
A special presentation was also made to the Life Members, with Robert Di Troia and Nick Pantsaras being inducted in the Coaches category.
Also inducted were individuals recognised by the FSA Board for a combination of service and exceptional contributions. The Life Members for 2025 in this category are the late Con Economos, Joe Larecki, Jim Tsouvalas, and George Fotopoulos.
Estelle Bowman and Tony Taormina were inducted in recognition of their service as Board Members, having served on the Football South Australia Board of Directors/Commission for a full eight years.
Players who have represented Australia on the national stage also receive Life Membership, provided they have played at least 20 recognised games for the national team. This year’s inductees are John Aloisi, Ryan McGowan, James Troisi, and Sonia Gegenhuber.
Life Membership is also awarded to players who have played over 300 matches for a South Australian team (for males) or over 225 matches (for females). The 2025 inductees in this category are, Elisa Garlick, Shaun Harvey, Stella Pittaway-Rigon, Christos Pounendis, Jared Daly, Victoria Mansueto, Lauren Steer, Christian Annicchiarico, Jack Shoen, Luke Smith and Peter West.
