The 2025 NPLW Round 9 Match of the Round
Preview
Round 9: South Melbourne v Bulleen Lions
Venue: Lakeside Stadium
Date/Time: Sunday, May 18, 2pm
Round 9 of the NPLW Victoria promises fireworks as ladder leaders South Melbourne host fourth-placed Bulleen Lions at Lakeside Stadium in the Match of the Round.
This top-four showdown features the league’s best attack versus its stingiest defence — South have netted 25 goals and boast a league-best +17 goal difference, while Bulleen have conceded just six all season.
Adding extra spice, former Bulleen stars Tiffany Eliadis and Alana Burn will face their old club for the first time since their off-season switch to South. Golden Boot leader Nikki Furukawa (6 goals) and Meisha Westland (5) lead the charge for the hosts, while Dani Butrus (4) continues to shine for Bulleen.
With just two points separating the sides, this clash could have major implications on the title race
Head-to-Head Record
Played: 30
Bulleen Lions: 9
South Melbourne: 16
Draws: 5
Last Time They Met
Round 15, Sunday 30 June 2024, 1:00pm @ Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park.
South Melbourne 1 (Micallef 30);
Bulleen Lions 1 (Young 1).
Referee: Courtney Van Diesen.
South Melbourne: Cristina Esposito, Danielle Micallef, Francesca Iermano, Isabella Sewards (Georgia Kandilas 85), Tayla Christensen, Kiara Hronopoulos, Meisha Westland, Emily Roach, Leticia Mckenna, Grace Rapp, Grace Taranto; Coach: George Georgiadis; Cautions: Taranto 36, Westland 90+2.
Bulleen Lions: Erin Hudson, Lia Muldeary, Jessica Young (Nia Salleh 72), Isabel Dehakiz, Alana Burn, Aroha Little, Mila Bulic, Caitlin O'Bryan, Maja Markovski (Caitlin Storay 86), Rosie Rodger (Lourdes Gonzalez 72), Alana Cortellino; Coach: Caitlin Friend; Cautions: Bulic 44, Burn 82.
Key Matchup:
The key matchup to watch in the NPLW Round 9 Match of the Round is a battle of experience and flair on the flanks.
South Melbourne’s Alana Burn, the midfielder-turned-defender, has brought calm and composure to the backline alongside former South captain Akeisha Sandhu. Together, they’ll be tasked with containing Bulleen Lions' dynamic wingers — Dani Butrus, who has been in scintillating form with four goals and a string of accolades including Player of the Month, Team of the Week, and Goal of the Week, and Anais Josefski, who has chipped in with three goals of her own.
The 2025 NPLW Round 9 Match of the Round will be broadcast live and free on the NPL Victoria YouTube Channel.
Commentator: Josh Bryne
NPLW Round 9 Matches
Friday May 16, 8:30pm: Bentleigh Greens vs Boroondara Eagles @ Kingston Heath Soccer Complex
Saturday May 17, 3:00pm: Brunswick Juventus vs Spring Hills @ CB Smith Reserve
Saturday May 17, 3:00pm: Alamein vs Box Hill United @ Dorothy Laver West Reserve
Saturday May 17, 3:00pm: FV Academy vs Essendon Royals @ Home of the Matildas
Saturday May 17, 4:15pm: Heidelberg United vs Preston Lions @ Olympic Village
Sunday May 18, 2:00pm: South Melbourne v Bulleen Lions @ Lakeside Stadium