VPL Club Focus: Oakleigh Cannons

With the Alanic Victorian Premier League approaching the half way mark of their season we have put together a mid-season review of the league so far! In this series we will review the teams top to bottom, one team at a time - offering a summary of their exploits so far as well as highlighting some of their best performers. We hope you will enjoy this little wrap, and that you look forward to the second half of the Alanic Victorian Premier League with as much anticipation as all of us here at The Football Sack!


Oakleigh Cannons

Currently: 1st
Last Year: 7th
Record: WWDWWLLWWW

At the start of the season the talk coming out of the Oakleigh camp was strictly of consolidation; don’t get relegated and if possible improve on their 7th place last season. After the first ten matches of the season it appears that they were throwing the competition a red herring as they have been nothing but competitive. Although the Cannons can be confident in their ability as a top five side, the worry is their loss to South Melbourne and the fact they have both Dandenong (5th*) and Hume City (3rd) to come up against.

Under the guidance of former AIS coach Arthur Papas, Oakleigh have undergone a player overhaul and a major change in playing style now having the critical balance of mainly youth with some experienced heads. For a club who has never been a consistent force in the top grade they are happy at where they are currently, but as Papas explains - they will not be resting on their laurels;

“Yes, we are satisfied with how we have gone so far but we are definitely not content. The club is known for making strong starts so we’re aiming to go against club tradition to make sure we continue our form in the second half of the season.

“Our objective is to finish in the top five and as this year it is such an even competition we have to ensure we don’t take a backward step and must keep improving".

Star Players:

Anthony Bran. More commonly known as Bryan Bran, the youngster’s brilliant form at centre back this season has been rewarded with his recent call-up to the Young Socceroos squad. Drafted in from the Melbourne Knights during the off-season, the 20 year old has been a rock in Oakleigh’s strong defence and will be hoping to continue his strong form.

Ramazan Tavşancıoğlu. Bran’s partner in crime at centre back, it becomes obvious why the Cannon’s defence is one of the most impenetrable when these two line-up together. Showing experience beyond his years the former Victory and Fury man has been in solid form since his late signing.


*Dandenong 4th due to points deduction. Previously 1st