The 2025 NPLW Semi Final 1 Preview
Heidelberg United v Essendon Royals
Venue: Olympic Village, Heidelberg West
Date/Time: Saturday, September 6, 4:15pm
A massive NPLW semi-final awaits as the dominant Heidelberg United take on the rampaging Essendon Royals!
Heidelberg will be desperate to secure a spot in the Grand Final after a stellar campaign that saw them claim the Premiers Plate. Essendon, meanwhile, are riding high, having won seven of their last eight games, and will be determined not to lose their second consecutive semi-final after last year’s heartbreak against Preston Lions.
Interestingly, these two sides met just one week ago in the final round, with Heidelberg coming out on top 3-0.
Can the Royals turn the tables in finals football, or will Heidelberg continue their dominance?
Head-to-Head Record
Played: 6
Heidelberg United: 3
Essendon Royals: 3
Draws: 0
Last Time They Met
Saturday August 30 2025, 3:00pm
Cross Keys Reserve, Essendon
Essendon Royals 0
Heidelberg United 3 (Galea 28, Karic 55, Levin 75)
Referee: Daniel Woodyatt
Essendon Royals: Zara Board, Mikaela Jurcic, Sasha Coorey, Betti Michael (Kitty Masters 46), Cobi Wilbert, Amy Parkinson (Emily Harbis 75), Olivia Wood, Grace Maher (Eliza Vargiu 75), Kendrah Smith (Renee Pocock 64), Alana Cerne, Alessia Bresciano (Olivia Ristevski 80); Coach: Vince Battiato; Cautions: Nil.
Heidelberg United: Anastasia Kyriacou, Maia Heysen, Rosie Wild, Sawa Matsuda (Marika Chua 72), Sarah O'Donoghue (Molly Burke 60), Stephanie Galea (Kathryn Vlahopoulos 60), Bronte Peel (Maia Capitanio 72), Caitlin Karic, Tamar Levin, Isabella Wallhead, Heidi Draai (Cameron Barreiro 72); Coach: Dennis Georgakopoulos; Cautions: O'Donoghue 44.
Watch the Last Time They Met
The Key Matchup: Sawa Mutsada v Mikaela Juricic
If Essendon are to spring an upset and topple the Premiers, all eyes will be on their skipper and defensive general, Mikaela Juricic. The Royals captain has been a cornerstone of their late-season resurgence, marshalling the backline with composure and authority.
She’ll also face one of the biggest individual challenges of the season: containing Heidelberg’s lethal striker Sawa Mutsada, the 2025 Golden Boot winner. Mutsada has tormented defences all year and keeping her quiet will require Juricic to be at her very best.
Match commentators: Oscar Rutherford and Katie Lambeski.
The 2025 NPLW Elimination Finals will be broadcast live and free on the NPL Victoria YouTube Channel.
NPLW Semi Finals
Saturday 6 September, 4:00pm: FC Bulleen Lions v Box Hill United @ Veneto Club
Saturday 6 September, 4:15pm: Heidelberg United v Essendon Royals @ Olympic Village