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 2 Match of the Round is a huge Premier v Premier clash with Spring Hills FC hosting FC Bulleen Lions.
Preview
Round 2: Spring Hills v Bulleen Lions
Venue: Springside Recreational Reserve, Caroline Springs
Friday 21 March 2025, 8:30pm
Spring Hills face a tough test in Round 2 as they take on reigning NPLW Premiers, Bulleen Lions, in an exciting 2024 VPLW premier vs 2024 NPLW premier battle at Springside Recreational Reserve.
After a hard-fought draw in their NPLW debut against Preston Lions, Spring Hills sit in 8th place and will be eager to secure their first win at this level. Tom Markovski’s squad showed resilience in Round 1, and they’ll need to step up again against one of the best sides in the competition.
Bulleen come into this clash in strong form, sitting third after a solid opening-round victory over Box Hill. Fresh off a dominant 2024 campaign that saw them crowned NPLW Premiers, Bulleen will be looking to continue their winning momentum and assert their status as one of the league’s top sides.
With Spring Hills aiming to prove themselves against elite opposition and Bulleen keen to maintain their winning start, this matchup promises to be an intriguing contest. Can Spring Hills rise to the challenge, or will Bulleen’s experience and quality shine through?
Head-to-Head Record
Played: 2
Spring Hills: 0
Bulleen Lions: 1
Draws: 1
Last Time They Met
Nike FC Cup Round 4, Friday March 25 2022, 8:00pm @ Springside Recreational Reserve, Caroline Springs.
Spring Hills 0;
Bulleen Lions 0.
Bulleen advanced to the next round 4-2 on penalties
Referee: Raul Varela
Spring Hills: Jenna Ibrahim, Stephanie Corso (Rina Maksimov 71, Soliana Habtom 90), Alanna Abdo, Isabelle Pulitano, Isabella Dimoska (Petra Najdovska 108), Kelly Hei Lam, Marisa Tisocco (Sarah Domzalski 71), Dayna Stevens, Shalisa Paz, Sarina Vallese, Alina Zahovic (Chanel Nikolovski 61); Coach: Tom Markovski.
Bulleen Lions: Emily Shields, Claudia Fruscalzo, Natalie Govic (Olivia Cullen 98), Alana Burn, Aroha Little, Lani Johnson, Laura Griss, Caitlin O'Bryan, Lia Muldeary, Simone Vass (Chiara Lettieri 35), Rosie Rodger (Olivia Triantafillidis 71), Emily Dolzan; Coach: Caitlin Friend.
Key Matchup: Bulleen Wingers
The 2025 Bulleen Lions boast an array of attacking weapons, but their dynamic winger duo stands out as a serious threat.
In the off-season, Bulleen secured the services of Danella Butrus—a CommBank Young Matilda from FV Academy—alongside Anais Josefski, who arrived from Box Hill United. The pair have already made a strong impression, causing havoc in pre-season, the Community Shield, and Round 1, both finding the back of the net in the opening round.
They’ll once again be key figures in this Premier v Premier clash as Spring Hills looks to contain their attacking prowess.
Spring Hills will rely on the experience of former A-Leagues defender Natasha Dakic, who will be tasked with shutting down Bulleen’s wingers. Alongside her is Japanese centre-back Yukina Tamamera andex-Box Hill United defender Bella Stringfellow, a composed and intelligent presence at the back, capable of not only neutralising threats but also contributing in attack. w
With both sides eager to make a statement early in the season, this matchup promises to be an exciting battle. Who will come out on top?
Watch the stream
The 2025 NPLW Round 2 Match of the Round will be broadcast live and free on the NPL Victoria YouTube Channel.
Commentator: Chris Gleeson
NPLW Round 2 Matches
Friday Mar 21, 6:15pm: Bentleigh Greens vs Heidelberg United @ Kingston Heath Soccer Complex
Friday Mar 21, 7:30pm: Box Hill United vs Essendon Royals @ Wembley Park
Friday Mar 21, 8:30pm: Spring Hills vs Bulleen Lions @ Springside Recreational Reserve
Saturday Mar 22, 3:00pm: Brunswick Juventus vs Boroondara Eagles @ CB Smith Reserve
Saturday Mar 22, 3:00pm: Alamein vs Preston Lions @ Dorothy Laver West Reserve
Saturday Mar 22, 8:15pm: South Melbourne vs FV Academy @ Lakeside Stadium