The 2025 NPLW Round 4 Match of the Round is set to be a blockbuster as two powerhouse clubs, and the last two NPLW Champions, go head-to-head at Olympic Village.
Preview
Round 4: Heidelberg United FC v South Melbourne FC
Venue: Olympic Village, Heidelberg West
Date/Time: Saturday 5 April 2025, 4:15pm
It’s first vs second in the NPLW Round 3 Match of the Round as Heidelberg United hosts South Melbourne at Olympic Village on Saturday afternoon!
The 2023 NPLW champions, South Melbourne, are eager to bounce back into the finals after missing out last year during their championship defence. With strong recruitment in the off-season, they have so far proven they are once again ready to challenge the best in the league. On the other hand, Heidelberg United, the 2024 NPLW champions, remain the team to beat. They’ve shown strong form this season, with three wins from three matches, although this week will be their toughest task to date.
Heidelberg is the only team in the competition with a perfect record so far, while South Melbourne sits second on the table with seven points, making them the only side in outright second. For Heidelberg, Sawa Matsuda leads the charge with three goals in as many games, while Rosie Wild, the new recruit and central defender, has found the net twice in two weeks.
South Melbourne boasts the most goals scored in the league this season, with 11 goals after three rounds. Their attack is well-balanced, with Meisha Westland, Nikki Furukawa, and Olivia Bomford all sitting with two goals apiece. This promises to be a crunch clash between two of the league’s best, both with plenty to prove. Who will come out on top?
Head-to-Head Record
Played: 56
Heidelberg United: 20
South Melbourne: 30
Draws: 6
Last Time They Met
Round 17, 2024 Saturday July 13 2024
South Melbourne 1 (Taranto 40)
Heidelberg United 2 (Jancevski 47, O'Donoghue 55)
Referee: Benjamin Lepileo
South Melbourne:
Sophia Varley, Danielle Micallef, Sophie Papatsanis (Dragana Kljajic 70), Francesca Iermano, Isabella Sewards, Tayla Christensen (Georgia Kandilas 80), Meisha Westland, Emily Roach, Leticia McKenna, Grace Rapp, Grace Taranto
Coach: George Georgiadis
Cautions: Rapp 90
Heidelberg United:
Mia Bailey, Cameron Barreiro, Sarah O'Donoghue, Stephanie Galea, Kathryn Vlahopoulos (Margot Robinne 73), Keely Lockhart, Daniella Galluccio, Asuka Miyata, Olivia Edwards, Maddison Rakic (Sienna Western 73), Alana Jancevski
Coach: Sven Samild
Cautions: Nil
Key Matchup: Midfield Battle
This week's clash boasts plenty of big names, but the spotlight will undoubtedly be on the midfield battle between both sides. South Melbourne made some key off-season signings with Alana Burn and Tiffany Eliadis, who have quickly formed a solid partnership with Meisha Westland and Dragana Klajic in the heart of the midfield. Together, they provide a strong balance of control and work rate in the middle of the park. Their battle against Heidelberg’s midfield quartet of Keely Lockhart, Asuka Miyata, Molly Burke, and Kathryn Vlahopoulos will be key to deciding the match. Lockhart, known for her attacking runs, will look to drive the play forward, while Miyata adds defensive cover and distribution. Burke and Vlahopoulos offer support in linking play. This midfield contest will be critical in determining how the game unfolds, with both teams relying on their central midfielders to dominate the flow of the match
Watch the stream
The 2025 NPLW Round 4 Match of the Round will be broadcast live and free on the NPL Victoria YouTube Channel.
Commentator: Nick D'Urbano
NPLW Round 4 Matches
Friday April 4, 7:30pm: Box Hill United v Bentleigh Greens @ Wembley Park
Friday April 4, 8:30pm: Spring Hills v Boroondara Eagles @ Springside Recreation Reserve
Saturday April 5, 3:45pm: Brunswick Juventus v FV Academy @ CB Smith Reserve
Saturday April 5, 3:00pm: Essendon Royals v Preston Lions @ Cross Keys Reserve
Saturday April 5, 4:00pm: Bulleen Lions v Alamein @ Veneto Club
Saturday April 5, 4:15pm: Heidelberg United v South Melbourne @ Olympic Village