Dredon Kelly Crowned Inaugural Australian Championship MVP After Standout Season
APIA Leichhardt FC’s towering 28-year-old Canadian central defender Dredon Kelly has capped off a phenomenal year by being crowned the inaugural Australian Championship MVP, following an outstanding campaign that saw him dominate defensively and consistently rise in big moments.
Kelly, who also starred throughout the 2025 National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW season for the newly crowned NPL Men’s NSW champions, proved indispensable for APIA. The Windsor, Ontario–born centre-back delivered a string of commanding performances and chipped in with several crucial goals, further cementing his status as one of the league’s premier defenders.
His rapid rise has been remarkable. Plucked from NPL Queensland outfit Rochedale Rovers, Kelly quickly adapted to the intensity of NPL NSW, evolving into one of the most formidable defenders the competition has seen in recent years. His composure, aerial dominance, and leadership at the back made him a cornerstone of APIA’s championship-winning campaign.
In addition to his national MVP honour, Kelly was also named APIA Leichhardt FC’s Players’ Player of the Year, a testament to the respect and admiration he has earned within the squad.
The recognition came during last Saturday’s Australian Championship Final, where Football NSW also paid tribute to the Marconi Stallions, who finished runners-up after a 2–0 defeat to NPL Victoria powerhouse South Melbourne FC.
Congratulations to Dredon Kelly on a richly deserved honour following a superb season that has firmly established him as one of Australian football’s standout defenders.
