Throughout the 2025 NPLW season, we will be shining a spotlight on one Match of the Round each week, bringing you key matchups, in-depth previews, and all the action as it unfolds on match day.
The 2025 NPLW Round 1 Match of the Round promises to be a cracking match to open the season with Bentleigh Greens SC hosting South Melbourne FC.
Preview
Friday, March 14, 6:15PM
Kingston Heath Soccer Complex
Round 1 brings added intrigue to Kingston Heath Soccer Complex as former Bentleigh captain Olivia Bomford faces her old team for the first time since joining South Melbourne. A standout performer for the Greens last season, Bomford, originally from Tasmania, netted 10 goals in 22 matches and played a key role in steering Bentleigh clear of relegation.
The former captain and two-time Battle of the States representative now brings her attacking prowess to South Melbourne, who have been aggressive in recruitment after missing finals last year and will be eager to bounce back into contention for higher honours.
Bentleigh have also strengthened their squad, adding quality with the signings of Sidney Allen and Rebecca Saber from Alamein. With both teams reloading for a big 2025 campaign and Bomford’s return adding extra spice, this grudge match is shaping up as one of the must-watch fixtures of the opening round.
Head-to-Head Record
Played: 18
Bentleigh Greens: 1
South Melbourne: 16
Draws: 1
Last Time They Met
Round 12, Saturday June 8 2024, 4:00pm @ Kingston Heath Soccer Complex, Cheltenham.
Bentleigh Greens 1 (Kilderry 12);
South Melbourne 4 (Roach 51pk, Westland 63, Micallef 74pk, 86).
Referee: Daniel Papadakis.
Bentleigh Greens: Sarah Johnston, Sienna Fogarty, Olivia Bomford, Maeve Brown, Jasmine Cain-Edwards (Coco Parker 75), Isabella Fernandez (Gabrielle Simpson 85), Madeline Cook, Helena Errington, Candice Kilderry, Jueun Han; Coach: Nathan Maiorana; Cautions: Cain-Edwards 73.
South Melbourne: Cristina Esposito, Danielle Micallef, Sophie Papatsanis, Francesca Iermano, Isabella Sewards, Tayla Christensen, Meisha Westland, Emily Roach, Aimee Medwin, Grace Rapp, Jessica Sheehan (Georgia Kandilas 81); Coach: George Georgiadis; Cautions: Iermano 77.
Watch Round 14 2024: Bentleigh Greens v South Melbourne
Key Matchup: Forward Battle
Bentleigh Greens' new recruit Rebecca Saber joins the club alongside former Alamein teammate Sidney Allen, adding firepower to an already strengthened squad.
Saber had a sensational 2024 season, netting 18 goals and earning the league’s highest individual accolade—the 2024 NPLW Gold Medal. Now donning Bentleigh’s colours, she’ll be eager to continue her goal-scoring form in new surroundings.
On the other side, South Melbourne has bolstered its attack with the additions of Olivia Bomford and Raquel Deralas. Bomford, who netted 10 goals for Bentleigh in 2024, brings a sharp attacking edge, while Deralas, who scored twice for Essendon Royals, adds versatility to the frontline.
With these two attacking forces leading the charge, Friday night’s season opener is set to be a thrilling contest that could be decided by these players form on the night.
Watch the stream
The 2025 NPLW Round 1 Match of the Round will be broadcast live and free on the NPL Victoria YouTube Channel.
Commentator: Josh Parish
NPLW Round 1 Matches
Friday Mar 14, 6:15pm: Bentleigh Greens vs South Melbourne @ Kingston Heath Soccer Complex
Friday Mar 14, 8:30pm: Spring Hills vs Preston Lions @ Springside Recreational Reserve
Saturday Mar 15, 3:00pm: Brunswick Juventus vs Essendon Royals @ CB Smith Reserve
Saturday Mar 15, 8:30pm: Boroondara Eagles vs Heidelberg United @ Veneto Club
Sunday Mar 16, 3:15pm: FV Academy vs Alamein @ The Home of The Matildas
Sunday Mar 16, 7:30pm: FC Bulleen Lions vs Box Hill United @ Veneto Club