The 2025 NPLW Round 6 Match of the Round is set to be an early finals sneak peak with two of the best teams in the competition set to do battle.
Preview
Round 6: Essendon v Alamein
Venue: Cross Keys Reserve
Date/Time: Saturday 26 April 2025, 3:00pm
The Round 6 NPLW Match of the Round promises to be a thrilling contest as second-placed Alamein travel to Cross Keys Reserve to face last season's semi-finalists, Essendon Royals, who currently sit in seventh and have plenty of work ahead of them. The Royals come into this clash with momentum, following a big win over last year’s premiers at home, giving Vince Battiato’s side a huge confidence boost.
Alamein, on the other hand, secured a hard-fought point in their recent encounter with the 2024 Champions, Heidelberg United, at Dorothy Laver West Reserve.
Leading the charge for both sides is Neve Duston, with three goals in the first five rounds, while Emma Runnalls (two goals) and Zoe Houghton (one goal) have also been pivotal in creating chances for John Kyrgios’ squad. Essendon, however, boasts a more balanced attack, with six different goal scorers so far this season, showcasing their versatility in front of goal.
Head-to-Head Record
Played: 2
Essendon: 1
Alamein: 1
Draws: 0
Last Time They Met
Saturday August 24 2024 (Round 22)
Essendon Royals: 2 (Deralas 10, Vlanjic 29)
Alamein 2: Saber (16,87)
Referee: Joshua Drakeford
Essendon Royals
Bethany Mason-Jones, Marie Rampal, Mikaela Jurcic, Danielle Marshall, Raquel Deralas (Katherine Goff 85), Ava Groba (Filomena Delic 78), Reona Omiya, Mia Lantieri-Bartley (Olivia Ristevski 78), Kendrah Smith, Emma Robers, Tyla Vlajnic
Coach: Vince Battiato
Alamein
Tayla Murphy, Sidney Allen, Catherine Renehan, Savanna Anastasopoulos (Molly Burke 46), Estelle Bougias (Emily Harbis 46), Emma Runnalls, Kristen Molloy, Annabel Haffenden, Rebecca Saber, Daniella Di Petta (Harriet Lohrey 50), Matilda Lohrey
Coach: Liam Kafka-Sweeney
Key Matchup: Royals containing Alamein attack
Alamein has been the more potent attacking force this season, with Zoe Houghton leading the line and supported by the dynamic duo of Emma Runnalls and Neve Duston—each capable of finding the net. Essendon’s backline will face a serious test, with seasoned defender Mikeala Juricic, international import Rebekah Van Dort, and the ever-reliable Mia Lantieri-Bartley needing to be at their absolute best in a matchup that could ultimately decide the outcome.
The 2025 NPLW Round 6 Match of the Round will be broadcast live and free on the NPL Victoria YouTube Channel.
Commentator: Chris Gleeson
NPLW Round 6 Matches
Friday April 25, 6:15pm: Preston Lions v Bentleigh Greens @ Genis Steel Stadium
Friday April 25, 7:30pm: Box Hill United v South Melbourne @ Wembley Park
Friday April 25, 8:30pm: Spring Hills v FV Academy @ Springside Recreation Reserve
Friday April 26, 3:00pm: Brunswick Juventus v Heidelberg United @ CB Smith Reserve
Friday April 26, 3:00pm: Essendon Royals @ Cross Keys Reserve
Friday April 26, 4:00pm: Bulleen Lions v Boroondara Eagles @ Veneto Club