The OFC Pro League resumes in Melbourne for Round 3 after a two week break this weekend, with many names having already made their mark on the competition.
The third round will see 15 matches played across 11 days at two venues, including three matches rescheduled from Round 1, after they were affected by heavy rain in Auckland.
We’ve picked one player from each club to watch out for as the OFC Pro League heads down under.
Andrew Mesourouni | South Melbourne FC
Age: 25
Position: Midfielder
Two stunning free kick goals have characterised Andrew Mesourouni’s start to the OFC Pro League, scoring the winner against Tahiti United in Auckland, and the fifth goal against Vanuatu United FC in Port Moresby.
Mesourouni has spent the past two years at South Melbourne FC and was part of the squad who won the Australia Championship in 2025. His playing career has also involved previous stints in the lower leagues of both Greece and Spain.
He’ll be looking to continue his fine start to the competition as South Melbourne FC attempt to maintain their unbeaten record at home.
Jez Lofthouse | Solomon Kings FC
Age: 27
Position: Forward
Australian forward Jez Lofthouse opened his account for the OFC Pro League with a goal during the Solomon Kings stunning 3-1 win over Auckland FC and won two player of the match awards during Round 2.
Lofthouse is one of a few with prior professional experience in the Kings line-up, having previously played for Brisbane Roar in the Australia Men’s A-League. If the Kings are to maintain their strong form, Lofthouse is likely to remain crucial.
James Bayliss | Auckland FC
Age: 21
Position: Midfielder
Having started five of Auckland FC’s OFC Pro League six matches so far, James Bayliss has been impressive in midfield for the league leaders.
Bayliss has already won two player of the match awards and scored a goal in the 4-0 win over Tahiti United in Port Moresby.
The Australian has also had a taste of A-League football with the Central Coast Mariners, and has experience playing in Melbourne, where Auckland FC face a testing set of fixtures to remain top of the pile.
Alex Saniel | Vanuatu United FC
Age: 30
Position: Forward
Alex Saniel already holds multiple records and is making a strong early push for the inaugural season’s golden boot after just two rounds.
The Vanuatu United striker scored the first goal in OFC Pro League history against Bula FC at Eden Park and followed it up with an early marker for the quickest goal in competition history, scoring after just 47 seconds in Port Moresby.
Already his goal tally for the season is four, one below South Melbourne FC’s Jordan Swibel – who leads the golden boot race.
Steven Van Dijk | South Island United
Age: 29
Position: Goalkeeper
South Island United may have conceded eight goals this season, but it could have been more if not for the gloves of Steven Van Dijk in goal.
The Dutchman saved a penalty against Solomon Kings FC in Port Moresby and has also made numerous highlight-reel stops in his other games.
Van Dijk has started in all five of South Island United’s games and will be key as the club arrive in Melbourne for a challenging set of fixtures, including the second North v South island derby of the campaign.
Joseph Athale | Tahiti United
Age: 31
Position: Defender
New Caledonian international Joseph Athale has been integral to Tahiti United’s defence, starting in all five of his side’s matches so far, including their first win of the season against Bula FC in Port Moresby at the end of Round 2.
Athale has previously played at the FIFA Club World Cup™ with New Caledonian club Hienghene Sport, and will be relied upon heavily to guide Tahiti United through a potentially season-defining four games in Melbourne.
Nabil Begg | Bula FC
Age: 22
Position: Midfielder
Having had a potential equaliser ruled out against Auckland FC in Round 1, Nabil Begg opened his goal-scoring account for Bula FC in their 1-0 win over Solomon Kings FC in Port Moresby – Bula’s first OFC Pro League victory.
The Fijian international will need to continue in that stead as his side look to gather some consistent results in Melbourne. Bula FC’s four fixtures in Australia are all against clubs around them in the table, so victories will be priceless as the first phase of the competition approaches the halfway point.
John Orobulu | Solomon Kings FC
Age: 28
Position: Forward
PNG Hekari FC are in desperate need of a spark after two rounds. That spark may come from Solomon Islands international forward John Orobulu – who scored his first goal of the competition in the 1-2 defeat to South Island United.
With Ati Kepo and Raymond Gunemba both yet to score in the PNG Hekari forward ranks, Orobulu has the chance to build some momentum in Melbourne, as his side look to finally kickstart their campaign.
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