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 3 Match of the Round is a massive 2024 Nike FC Cup Final rematch with Preston Lions FC hosting FC Bulleen Lions.
Preview
Round 3: FC Bulleen Lions v Preston Lions
Venue: Veneto Club, Bulleen
Date/Time: Saturday 29 March 2025, 4:00pm
Round 3 serves up a blockbuster rematch as Preston look to settle the score against Bulleen after their heartbreaking Nike FC Cup Final defeat. That night, Dan Foden’s side had a dream start, taking an early lead inside five minutes, only to be undone by a dramatic and fluctuating contest. Despite going into half-time trailing after two first-half Bulleen goals, Preston refused to back down. Even when Lourdez Gonzalez made it 3-1 late on, Georgia Henderson’s stunning long-range strike set up a frantic finish, but Bulleen held firm to lift the trophy.
Now, the rivalry resumes with both sides on very different starts to the 2025 NPLW season. Bulleen have hit the ground running and sit second on the table with two wins from two, while Preston are yet to claim their first victory, sitting 10th with one draw and one loss. With last season’s league battles producing one away win each, there’s plenty at stake in this one. Will Bulleen maintain their perfect start, or can Preston break through and exact revenge?
Head-to-Head Record
Played: 8
Bulleen Lions: 4
Preston Lions: 2
Draws: 2
Last Time They Met
Round 20, Monday August 12 2024, 8:15pm @ Veneto Club, Bulleen.
Bulleen Lions 1 (Murphy 18);
Preston Lions 2 (La Monte 27, Nishimura 42).
Referee: Danielle Anderson
Bulleen Lions: Erin Hudson, Alana Murphy, Alana Burn, Aroha Little, Mila Bulic, Yuka Sato (Nia Salleh 79), Lourdes Gonzalez (Alana Cortellino 46), Caitlin O'Bryan (Lia Muldeary 79), Maja Markovski, Tiffany Eliadis, Rosie Rodger (Jessica Young 46); Coach: Caitlin Friend; Cautions: Rodger 15.
Preston Lions: Charlotte Hrehoresin, Jade Feakes, Elle Talevski (Molly-May Ramsay 70), Miri Nishimura, Mebae Tanaka (Viktoria Momirovski 89), Emma Checker, Ellie La Monte (Summer Caponecchia 72), Eva Harrington (Larni Giudice 70), Haley Johnson, Rasamee Phonsongkham (Dakota Thyssen 89), Georgia Henderson; Coach: Daniel Foden; Cautions: Nil.
Key Matchup: Cain v Nishimura
Former NPLW Gold Medalist Sarah Cain has wasted no time making an impact at Bulleen since her off-season arrival and will play a key role in driving their dangerous attack. Meanwhile, Preston’s midfield general Miri Nishimura will be eager to stamp her authority on the contest and dictate the tempo for her side.
With both squads looking vastly different from their last meeting, the midfield battle could be the deciding factor. Can Cain’s creativity give Bulleen the edge, or will Nishimura take control and turn the tide for Preston? Both have the ability to find the back of the net—will one of them be the match-winner?
Watch the stream
The 2025 NPLW Round 3 Match of the Round will be broadcast live and free on the NPL Victoria YouTube Channel.
Commentator: Oscar Rutherford
NPLW Round 3 Matches
Friday Mar 28, 8:30pm: Bentleigh Greens vs Brunswick Juventus @ Kingston Heath Soccer Complex
Saturday Mar 29, 3:00pm: Alamein vs South Melbourne @ Dorothy Laver West Reserve
Saturday Mar 29, 3:00pm: FV Academy vs Heidelberg United @ Home of the Matildas
Saturday Mar 29, 3:15pm: Essendon Royals vs Spring Hills @ JH Allan Reserve
Saturday Mar 29, 4:00pm: FC Bulleen Lions vs Preston Lions @ Veneto Club
Saturday Mar 29, 8:30pm: Boroondara Eagles vs Box Hill United @ Veneto Club