Top of the table clash headlines round three of OFC Pro League

Oceania football roars back to life this weekend, with Pacific clubs heading to Melbourne for a packed OFC Pro League round that could reshape the table.

After a two-week break, 15 matches will be played across Olympic Village and The Home of the Matildas.

For six of the eight teams, it will be a heavy workload, with postponed Round 1 fixtures added to an already busy schedule.

At the centre of it all is a top-of-the-table showdown between leaders Auckland FC and hosts South Melbourne FC on Saturday.

Big test at the top

South Melbourne are the only unbeaten side after two rounds and sit just behind Auckland on the ladder.

With four home fixtures in Melbourne, they have a real chance to take control of the competition.

Coach Sinisa Cohadzic says his side is ready. “We respect Auckland and they’re well organised. We’ll come out with good intent to win.”

Auckland FC arrive hurting after their first defeat of the season, losing to Solomon Kings FC in Papua New Guinea. Defender Michael Den Heijer says the squad is determined to respond.

“We want to make things right. That fire in the belly will be there.” The clash could set the tone not just for this round, but for the title race.

The North v South Island derby returns in Melbourne, with South Island United looking to challenge league leaders Auckland FC in a key midweek clash. Photo/OFC Media/Phototek

Melanesian rivalries heat up

Sunday brings two all-Melanesian battles. Bula FC from Fiji face Vanuatu United FC in a repeat of the league’s opening match, while Solomon Kings FC meet PNG Hekari FC in another fierce regional contest.

Solomon Kings come into Melbourne full of confidence after beating Auckland. Coach Ben Cahn says his players have moved on quickly from that result.

“We were happy with the win, but our focus is recovery and making sure everyone is fit. We’re still early in this journey.”

PNG Hekari, meanwhile, are looking for a reset. Former Solomon Islands international Jerry Allen steps in as coach after Marcos Gusmão’s resignation.

Hekari sit bottom with one point from five matches and need a lift.

“Melbourne is a new challenge. I believe in the players,” Allen says.

Solomon Kings FC coach Ben Cahn with his players as they look to build on their win over Auckland FC. Photo/OFC Media/Phototek

North v South derby returns

The action then shifts to The Home of the Matildas, where the second North v South Island derby between South Island United and Auckland FC will light up the midweek fixtures.

South Island United sit just inside the top four and have impressed so far.

Coach Rob Sherman says his squad are refreshed after a short break. “They’ve come back enthused and trained very well.”

They also face South Melbourne later in the round, meaning their top-four place could be tested.

Bula FC coach Stephane Auvray watches on during training as his side look to find consistency in Round 3 of the OFC Pro League in Melbourne. Photo/OFC Media/Phototek

Pressure and opportunity

For Bula FC, inconsistency has been the early story.

Coach Stephane Auvray says the focus has been on sharper finishing after creating plenty of chances.

Tahiti United, who picked up four points in Port Moresby, now face a tougher run against several top-four sides.

Vanuatu United will be without coach Lars Hopp and three players for their opener after red cards in the last round.

Hopp says it is a chance for others to step up.

Photo/OFC Media/Phototek

With so many matches squeezed into one trip, momentum can shift quickly. For Pacific clubs chasing pride and points, Melbourne offers both risk and opportunity.

By the end of Round 3, the title race could look very different. For more details on the 2026 OFC Pro League, click here.