The 2025 NPLW Match of the Round Preview
Round 20: Box Hill United v Alamein
Venue: Wembley Park
Date/Time: Friday, August 15, 7:30PM
Box Hill currently sit fourth, holding on tightly to the last spot in the finals, but Alamein are hot on their heels in fifth place, just two points behind.
A victory this Friday would see Alamein leapfrog Box Hill into the top four, adding extra motivation for both sides.
The last time these teams met, Alamein came out on top with a 3-1 win at Dorothy Laver Reserve. They’ll be hoping to replicate that result, but with so much more at stake this weekend, who will prevail?
Box Hill played a Round 16 catch-up match against FV Academy last Friday night, securing a 5-1 win to build momentum heading into this clash. Meanwhile, Alamein had the week off so will their fresh legs prove decisive late in the game, or can Box Hill continue their winning streak?
For Alamein, Zoe Houghton and Emma Runnalls scored in their previous encounter and will be key threats again. For Box Hill, Josephine Aulicino has been in outstanding form, and alongside Carina Rossi and midfield maestro Rhianna Pollicina they have every chance at making it 10 games unbeaten.
Head-to-Head Record
Played: 23
Box Hill United: 8
Alamein: 13
Draws: 3
Last Time They Met
Saturday May 17 2025, 3:00pm Dorothy Laver West Reserve, Glen Iris
Alamein 3 (Runnalls 20, 86, Houghton 67) Box Hill United 1 (Karaparidis 90+2)
Referee: Armin Paivar Assistant Referees: Jamie Azzopardi and Audrey Azzopardi Fourth Official: Jonah Malarkey
Alamein: Kate Bean, Estelle Bougias, Chinatsu Shidara, Madison Van Dooren (Harriet Lohrey 83), Jessica Shilton, Dakota Thyssen (Matilda Lohrey 75), Savanna Anastasopoulos (Roisin Murphy 75), Paige Clemenson (Elise Cook 83), Emma Runnalls, Zoe Houghton (Priya Archdeacon 83), Neve Duston Coach: John Kyrgios
Box Hill United: Marlah Monro, Josephine Aulicino, Zoe Hudson, Gabrielle Simpson, Emma Perrone (Nikolina Bucalo 59), Katie Cox, Sofia Palywoda, Victoria Zikas (Bailey Wyntjes 88), Elwen Parbery, Theodora Wilson (Olivia Ellis 59), Georgia Karaparidis Coach: Kogulan Sabaratnam
The Key Matchup: Stopping Josephine Aulicino
If Box Hill’s recent clash against FV Academy is any indication, the duo of Rhianna Pollicina and Josephine Aulicino can tear apart any opposition defence. Aulicino leads Box Hill’s scorers this season with eight goals, including a hat-trick last week. If Alamein can contain her influence, they’ll be well on their way to securing the three points.
Commentator:
The 2025 NPLW Round 20 Match of the Round will be broadcast live and free on the NPL Victoria YouTube Channel.
NPLW Round 20 Matches
- Friday 15 August, 7:30pm: Box Hill United v Alamein @ Wembley Park
- Friday 15 August, 8:30pm: Preston Lions v Heidelberg United @ Genis Steel Stadium
- Friday 15 August, 8:30pm: Spring Hills v Brunswick Juventus @ Springside Recreational Reserve
- Saturday 16 August, 3:00pm: Essendon Royals v FV Academy @ Cross Keys Reserve
- Saturday 16 August, 4:00pm: FC Bulleen Lions v South Melbourne @ Veneto Club
- Saturday 16 August, 8:30pm: Boroondara Eagles v Bentleigh Greens @ Veneto Club