The 2025 NPLW Round 10 Match of the Round
Preview
Round 10: Bentleigh Greens v Alamein
Venue: Lakeside Stadium
Date/Time: Friday, May 23, 6:15pm
This week’s Match of the Round has added spice as Alamein FC, currently third on the ladder, look to claim top spot with a win over Bentleigh Greens—led by two familiar faces in Sidney Allen and 2024 Gold Medalist Rebecca Saber.
Both Allen and Saber made the switch from Alamein to Bentleigh following the 2024 season, but it’s their former side who have thrived since. Alamein are flying under new head coach John Krygios, while Bentleigh find themselves in a relegation battle, sitting second-last on the table.
Last weekend, Alamein recorded an impressive 3-1 win over Box Hill United, with Emma Runnalls netting a brace to take her season tally to five goals in nine games. Neve Duston (4 goals), Savana Anastasopoulos, and Zoe Houghton have also been key contributors in attack.
Bentleigh will be eager to bounce back after a narrow 2-1 home loss to Boroondara. They’ll look to Delaney Kenney and Sidney Allen—who each have three goals this season—for attacking firepower, while defender Anna Liacopoulos has chipped in with two goals of her own.
With history, ladder positions, and top spot on the line, this clash promises plenty of drama.
Head-to-Head Record
Played: 21
Bentleigh Greens: 2
Alamein: 15
Draws: 5
Last Time They Met
Saturday July 20 2024
Dorothy Laver West Reserve, Glen Iris
Alamein 1 (Saber 15) 1 Bentleigh Greens (Bomford 34)
Referee: Daphne Gounaris
Alamein: Tayla Murphy, Molly Burke, Sidney Allen, Theodora Wilson (Priya Archdeacon 72), Savanna Anastasopoulos, Estelle Bougias, Emma Runnalls, Ruby Walsh (Daniella Di Petta 51), Rebecca Saber, Harriet Lohrey, Matilda Lohrey
Coach: Liam Kafka-Sweeney
Bentleigh Greens: Melissa Barbieri, Sarah Johnston, Coco Parker, Olivia Bomford, Maeve Brown, Jasmine Cain-Edwards, Isabella Fernandez, Helena Errington, Candice Kilderry (Gabrielle Simpson 84), Jueun Han, Lucy Allison
Coach: Angelo Koutos
Key Matchup: Emma Runnalls v Reagan Bridges
One of the most intriguing battles in this Round 10 clash will be Alamein’s dynamic front line going up against Bentleigh’s determined defence. Emma Runnalls, already with five goals this season, will lead the charge for Alamein, ably supported by the pace and creativity of Zoe Houghton, Neve Duston, and Savana Anastasopoulos.
Bentleigh may sit low on the table, but they boast defensive talent capable of standing up to the challenge. Reagan Bridges has been a standout since joining the club and will be key to containing Alamein’s firepower. She’ll need strong support from rising star Anna Liacopoulos, who has impressed with her composure and ability to read the play.
This clash between a high-powered attack and an emerging defensive duo could be crucial in deciding the outcome of this clash.
The 2025 NPLW Round 10 Match of the Round will be broadcast live and free on the NPL Victoria YouTube Channel.
Commentator:
NPLW Round 10 Matches
Friday May 23, 6:15pm: Preston Lions v Brunswick Juventus @ Genis Steel Stadium
Friday May 23, 6:15pm: Bentleigh Greens v Alamein @ Kingston Heath Reserve
Friday May 23, 8:30pm: Spring Hills v Box Hill United @ Springide Recreation Reserve
Saturday May 24, 3:00pm: Essendon Royals v South Melbourne @ Cross Keys Reserve
Saturday May 24, 4:00pm: Bulleen Lions v Heidelberg United @ Veneto Club
Saturday May 24, 8:30pm: Boroondara Eagles v FV Academy @ Veneto Club