NPL NSW Power Rankings – Matchday 11

James Stuart

1. Marconi Stallions (-)

Record: 8-3-0

Another week, another Marconi win. A 3-0 cruise past Central Coast Mariners Academy was textbook stuff from the reigning champs. George Daniel opened the scoring, Marko Jesic added a brace, and the Stallions made it five straight. They haven’t lost in 11 matches, have the league’s tightest defence, and don’t look like slowing down.

2. Rockdale Ilinden (↑)

Record: 6-3-2

There’s no ignoring an 8-1 demolition. Rockdale’s obliteration of the Wanderers was a show of ruthless attacking intent. Alec Urosevski is now running away in the Golden Boot race, and with 30 goals scored this season, Ilinden are the league’s entertainers. If they tighten up defensively, they could be genuine title threats.

3. Blacktown City (↑)

Record: 6-3-2

Blacktown are quietly building momentum. They had to work for it, but managed to edge past Mt Druitt 3-2 with Mallia in inspired form. He’s now on 8 goals for the season, and Blacktown are quietly racking up results. Three wins on the trot make them one of the form teams right now, and they’re learning how to win ugly .

4. APIA Leichhardt (↑)

Record: 6-2-3

APIA might not sit inside the top four on the table, but based on form and firepower, they absolutely belong. They’ve now won four of their last five, and lead the league in goals scored . Their 2-1 win at Cromer Park showed they can also grind out results on the road. Defensively, they remain vulnerable, with more goals conceded than all but the bottom three. But so far, that doesn't seem to matter for the side that scores for fun.

5. NWS Spirit (↓)

Record: 6-3-2

Spirit have now gone three matches without a win, and their 3-0 loss to Sydney Olympic is the latest sign something isn’t right. They’ve still got one of the best defences in the league, but the spark seems to have gone missing. A critical stretch awaits.

6. Sydney Olympic (↑)

Record: 4-4-2

Hard to know what to make of Olympic. They're 4 points adrift of APIA in fifth, but have a game in hand against bottom-placed Central Coast. While their 3-0 win over Spirit was comprehensive, they’ve dropped points in three of their last five. Defensively, though, they’re second only to Marconi, and that counts for something.

7. Sydney United 58 (↑)

Record: 4-3-4

Inconsistency has defined United’s campaign, but Saturday’s 4-2 win over St George FC was a reminder of their class. Down to ten men, Patrick Antelmi turned hero with a hat-trick. They’re still conceding goals, but they’re not far off cracking into the top six.

8. Manly United (↓)

Record: 4-3-4

Manly's recent form has been rough, with just one win in five, and they’re struggling to get out of second gear. They’ve been solid defensively overall, but risk losing touch with the top six.

9. Wollongong Wolves (-)

Record: 3-5-3

The Wolves showed grit to come back from 2-0 down and snatch a point against Sydney FC, but three straight losses in their last five that have done some damage. Nicholas Olsen remains a bright spot, but unless they start turning draws into wins, then mid-table is where they’ll stay.

10. St George FC (-)

Record: 4-2-5

It’s been a tale of two halves for St George. They surged with three straight wins, but back-to-back losses have brought them back to earth. Their defensive frailties were exposed by Sydney United, and they’ll need to rediscover their form quickly to stay in touch with the finals pack.

11. Sydney FC (1)

Record: 3-3-5

A bright first half and a Harbas masterclass were undone by a shaky second period against Wollongong. Their youth and flair make them dangerous on the day, but they lack the consistency or defensive discipline to mount a serious challenge. The draw against the Wolves showcased both their promise and their naivety.

12. St George City (↑)

Record: 3-2-6

They were polished in their 3-0 win away at the Sharks. McNulty’s brace and a late sealer from Photi could be the turning point they needed. This team has talent. Now they need to find consistency. Seven points from their last 5 is a start.

13. Sutherland Sharks (↓)

Record: 3-2-6

Things are unravelling fast. The Sharks were humbled at home by St George City. In their last four games - including an Australia Cup match against League One's Inter Lions - they've been outscored 10-0. Worrying signs.

14. Mt Druitt Town Rangers (-)

Record: 2-2-7

It was spirited, but another loss. Mt Druitt scored twice against Blacktown before eventually falling short. They showed signs of life, but the league table doesn’t care for close calls. If results don’t follow, and unless they can fix what is the league's leakiest defence, they’ll struggle to avoid falling back to League One.

15. Western Sydney Wanderers (-)

Record: 2-2-7

That 8-1 loss will haunt them. The Wanderers’ youthful side lacks resilience, and the red card early in the second half only worsened the Ilinden onslaught. With only 8 goals scored, they have the worst attack in the league. Pair that with the second-worst defence, and the Wanderers currently have the worst goal difference, with -18. Based on current form, they may struggle to escape the relegation playoff spot.

16. Central Coast Mariners (-)

Record: 1-2-7

Rooted to the bottom and outclassed by the league leaders, the Mariners haven’t won since a surprise 3-0 victory over Sydney United. Their attack has dried up and their defence leaks like a sieve. Without a major turnaround, automatic relegation is looking inevitable.