The 2025 NPLW Round 8 Match of the Round is a massive top six clash with Preston Lions hosting South Melbourne.
Preview
Round 8: Preston Lions v South Melbourne
Venue: Genis Steel Stadium
Date/Time: Friday 9 May 2025, 8:30pm
We’re only a third of the way through the 2024 #NPLWVIC season, but stakes don’t get much higher than this. As Round 8 rolls in, the spotlight falls on a massive Match of the Round clash between Preston Lions and South Melbourne.
It’s a pivotal moment for the 2024 Nike FC Cup Finalists and reigning NPLW Grand Finalists Preston, who are currently chasing a top-four spot. A win here against the competition’s frontrunner could prove a game-changer — potentially lifting them into the top-four and injecting serious momentum into their campaign.
But it won’t come easy.
South Melbourne arrive in formidable form, determined to rewrite the script after a disappointing end to 2024, where they missed finals just one year after lifting the 2023 Championship trophy. Now, they’re back on top of the table with 5 wins from 7 matches, playing with purpose, balance, and a chip on their shoulder.
Beyond the team stakes, this fixture is also a showcase of individual brilliance — especially in the race for the Golden Boot. South’s sharp-shooting forward Nikki Furukawa and Preston’s goal machine Valentine Pursey are level at the top with 6 goals each, while South midfielder Meisha Westland is close behind on 5, proving just as dangerous from deeper positions.
Head-to-Head Record
Played: 21
Preston Lions: 6
South Melbourne: 14
Draws: 1
Last Time They Met
Saturday June 15 2024 Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park
South Melbourne 4 (Micallef 34, Roach 42 pk 90, Taranto 90+3)
Preston Lions 1 (Nishumura 56)
Referee: Daphne Gounaris Assistant Referees: Denise Horner and Solomon Gardiner Fourth Official: Robert Farquharson
South Melbourne: Cristina Esposito, Danielle Micallef, Sophie Papatsanis, Francesca Iermano, Isabella Sewards (Georgia Kandilas 83), Tayla Christensen (Jessica Sheehan 90+2), Meisha Westland, Emily Roach, Leticia Mckenna, Grace Rapp, Grace Taranto
Coach: George Georgiadis
Preston Lions: Charlotte Hrehoresin, Jade Feakes, Elle Talevski (Rachel Gillies 85), Miri Nishimura, Molly-May Ramsay (Ellie Vlaeminck 76), Mebae Tanaka, Emma Checker, Ellie Lamonte (Larni Giudice 82), Haley Johnson, Rasamee Phonsongkham, Georgia Henderson (Dakota Thyssen 85)
Coach: Daniel Foden
Watch the last time they met!
Key Matchup:
A major battle to watch in this weekend’s Match of the Round is between South Melbourne’s Nikki Furukawa and Preston Lions defender Emma Checker.
Furukawa is in top form, leading the Golden Boot race with six goals and earning April’s NPLW Player of the Month, as voted by the commentary network. Her ability to find space and finish under pressure has made her a consistent threat in the final third.
But Preston have experience on their side. Emma Checker, a former Matilda, brings leadership and composure to the backline. At 29, she’s still reading the game brilliantly and will be key in keeping Furukawa quiet.
This match-up could play a big role in deciding the outcome of a crucial Round 8 fixture.
The 2025 NPLW Round 8 Match of the Round will be broadcast live and free on the NPL Victoria YouTube Channel.
Commentator: Brent Sternberg
NPLW Round 8 Matches
Friday May 9, 7:30pm: Box Hill United v Brunwick Juventus @ Wembley Park
Friday May 9, 8:30pm: Preston Lions v South Melbourne @ Genis Steel Stadium
Friday May 9, 8:30pm: Spring Hills v Heidelberg United @ Springside Recreation Reserve
Saturday May 10, 3:00pm: Essendon Royals v Bentleigh Greens @ Cross Keys Reserve
Sunday May 10, 4:00pm: Bulleen Lions v FV Acadedmy @ Veneto Club
Sunday May 10, 8:30pm: Boroondara Eagles v Alamein @ Veneto Club