It all comes down to this... The 2025 champions of the Senol NPLM and NPLW competitions will be decided this weekend.
Ahead of two massive Grand Finals, we asked members of our commentary network to share their insights.
The action kicks off with the Senol NPLW Grand Final at The Home of The Matildas on Saturday, September 13, before the Senol NPLM Grand Final brings the curtain down on the season at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday, September 14.
NPLW GRAND FINAL – Heidelberg United v Box Hill United
Melissa Barbieri
Box Hill versus Heidelberg is a rivalry that goes back two decades. They’ve met in countless big games, and this Grand Final adds another chapter. Tough to split the two, but with Box Hill’s depth and game changers both on and off the bench, I see them edging it.
Oscar Rutherford
Heidelberg are the all-conquering champs, but Box Hill have been playing irresistible football over the last couple of months.
The silky smooth combinations of Rhianna Pollicina, Sofia Sakalis, Josie Aulicino and co have not only been great to watch, but brutally effective too. Heidelberg will need to play their best football to win, something we haven’t seen as regularly in the final weeks of the season.
It would be a cruel twist of irony, for the Heidelberg team which carried on a run from mid-season all the way to becoming Champions last year, to be undone by a team having an eerily similar season this time around, but it’s tough to see the Box Hill momentum being stopped.
My prediction is Box Hill United to win 3-1 over Heidelberg United.
Ross Papadakis
Not a lot has separated these two sides this year.
Heidelberg claimed a 3-0 win at Olympic Village in Round 7, while Box Hill responded with a 2-0 victory at Wembley Park in Round 18.
Box Hill head into their first finals campaign of the modern NPL era on a 14-game unbeaten run, while Heidelberg boast Golden Boot winner Sawa Matsuda and the motivation of avenging their Nike FC Cup final loss.
And after that heartbreaking Nike FC Cup final loss to South Melbourne, the Bergers will be desperate to go one better and crown themselves Senol NPLW Champions for a second straight year.
That said, I think Box Hill will win.
They're sneakily very dangerous in fixtures like these, and with all the momentum on their side, their confidence might just carry them over the line.
Steve Curtain
This one has the makings of a high-scoring thriller on Saturday. Heidelberg have ample big game experience and a prolific goalscorer in Sawa Matsuda, both of these factors will serve them well. Box Hill have hit excellent form at the right time.
With Chloe McKenzie in goals, Josie Aulicino finding the net frequently plus Sofia Sakalis and Rhianna Pollicina hitting their straps at the right time, Box Hill might just edge this one.
Heidelberg United 2-3 Box Hill United.
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NPLM GRAND FINAL – Heidelberg United v Dandenong City
Steve Curtain
Dandenong City are flying – unbeaten in 11, four straight wins, and three consecutive clean sheets. Nick Tolios and Jack Webster have them fearless.
But if Heidelberg’s midfield anchors Anthony Lesiotis and Mo Aidara can limit the influence of Jamie Latham, it could tip the balance. With a rock-solid defence, Yaren Sozer in goal, and attacking weapons across the front line, I think Heidelberg will edge it.
Prediction: Heidelberg 1–0 Dandenong City.
Neal Symons
From relegation just three seasons ago to a Grand Final – Dandenong’s rise has been remarkable. Tolios’ tactical nous was on full display last weekend, and his side have proven they can punch above their weight.
Heidelberg, however, boast arguably the best midfield pairing in the league with Lesiotis and Yokokawa. That combination could be decisive at Lakeside. Still, don’t underestimate Jamie Latham – he’s been a star all season.
On paper Heidelberg should prevail, but this competition has a habit of throwing up surprises.
Adam Palombi
Heidelberg will not dismiss the fact that their greatest competitor, of Avondale FC this season crashed out of their finals campaign against a side who have purely disrupted the business end of the season.
Dandenong City will push the Bergers in a cagey Senol Grand Final however Asahi Yokokawa will be the difference maker, with Heidelberg winning 2-1.
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