By Georgie Lewis 1/7/25
Above: University of Sydney and Sydney Olympic line up before their match Photo: Georgie Lewis
As the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition enters its final stretch, Round 17 delivered another set of compelling storylines.
With several teams missing key players due to Young Matildas camp, the weekend tested depth, resilience, and tactical adaptability. From APIA’s upset of the league leaders to Sydney Uni’s composed win over an in-form Olympic, every match carried serious implications for the top four.
Here’s how the action unfolded across the grounds:
Match of the Round – APIA Leichhardt 2-0 Mt Druitt Town Rangers
At Lambert Park, APIA Leichhardt reignited their finals hopes with a statement 2-0 victory over table-topping Mt Druitt Town Rangers. From the outset, APIA looked sharp and hungry, matching Mt Druitt’s physicality and pressing them into uncomfortable positions.
Their opener came at a crucial time — just before the break — when Sophie Hoban finished off a flowing team move with a confident strike. In the second half, APIA maintained the intensity, with Ash Brodigan doubling the lead after a clever build-up on the right flank. Brodigan’s finish was composed, capping off a complete performance from Brad Attard’s side.
The win hands Mt Druitt only their second loss of the season and serves as a reminder that APIA, despite recent inconsistency, remain a serious threat. With the Sapphire Cup final between these two sides looming, this result could also be a psychological boost for the inner-west outfit.
Bulls FC Academy 3-1 Northern Tigers
Bulls FC Academy extended their unbeaten streak to ten matches in a performance that showcased both style and steel. Claudia Valletta opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a curling free-kick from the left wing — a moment of individual brilliance that set the tone for the rest of the match.
Northern Tigers responded seven minutes later when Nicola Dominikovich showed persistence in the box, capitalising on a loose ball to level the score. But the Bulls, brimming with confidence, hit back almost instantly. Tamires Souza ghosted into the box and buried Valletta’s cross with a composed header just before the break.
In the second half, Bulls tightened their grip. Petria Phillips capped off the performance with a stunning long-range strike that rocketed into the top corner — a goal worthy of the highlight reel. The Bulls now sit well-positioned on the ladder and are one of the most in-form sides in the competition. Their blend of attacking fluency and defensive organisation has made them a dark horse for the premiership.
Sydney University 2-0 Sydney Olympic
At Sydney Uni Football Ground, the hosts delivered one of their most complete performances of the season, frustrating an Olympic side riding a five-game winning streak. Despite several key absences, Uni looked organised and confident in their structure.
They struck early through Jenny Hill, who found space in the box to nod home a pinpoint cross. The first half was an even contest statistically, but Uni’s defensive shape and work rate stood out. Olympic, who have surged up the table in recent weeks, struggled to break down a disciplined back line.
As the game wore on, Olympic committed more bodies forward — and Uni made them pay. In stoppage time, substitute Poppy Tay burst into space on the counter and unselfishly squared it for Hill, who slammed home her second and sent the Uni bench into celebration. It was a professional, composed win that keeps Sydney Uni within reach of a late push.
Illawarra Stingrays 1-1 NWS Spirit
Down the south coast at Macedonia Park, third-placed Illawarra Stingrays and fourth-placed NWS Spirit played out a tense, high-stakes 1-1 draw. The opening goal came in the 18th minute when a misplayed pass out from the back by the Stingrays allowed Princess Ibini to calmly slot into the bottom corner for Spirit.
Spirit, who have struggled to convert pressure into goals in recent weeks, were without key forward Skye Halmarick due to Young Matildas duty — a notable absence in a side still looking to rediscover its early-season attacking rhythm.
Despite the setback, the Stingrays grew into the game, and their pressure finally told in the 76th minute. A looping cross from Siobhan Edwards caused chaos, leading to a rebound that Kaelah Austin hammered into the roof of the net. It was a deserved equaliser for the hosts, who once again showed their ability to grind out results.
But for both sides, it was an opportunity missed. Illawarra continue to lead the league in draws — a pattern that could haunt them if they can’t start turning one point into three.
Macarthur Rams 3-0 UNSW
At Lynwood Park, the Rams rediscovered their scoring touch in a dominant 3-0 win over an inconsistent UNSW side. Tea Mucenski opened the scoring with a brilliant back-to-goal finish after Darcey Malone’s deflected shot fell into her path. Her awareness and execution gave Macarthur the early edge.
Shortly after halftime, Mucenski turned provider, swinging in a pinpoint cross from the left that Bronte Trew coolly converted. Then, in the 77th minute, Sakura Nojima split the UNSW defence with a perfectly-weighted through ball, and Halle Callow raced through to finish with precision.
It was the kind of performance that Macarthur — last season’s champions — have needed. While they’ve been off the pace this year, this result could be a turning point heading into a difficult run home.
Manly United 2-0 Newcastle Jets
Manly United kept pace with the top four after a solid 2-0 win at Cromer Park. The match began in even fashion, but Manly soon found their stride. In the 20th minute, Lucy Richards released Nicole Stuart on the right wing, and she made no mistake with the finish.
Manly controlled much of the contest from there, though they had to wait until the 85th minute to double their advantage. Stuart turned provider, setting up substitute Sienna Dale, who whipped in a precise cross for Anita Zordan to bury at the back post.
The Jets, still winless in their last seven, showed glimpses of attacking intent but were again undone by lapses in concentration and a lack of cutting edge. For Manly, the clean sheet and three points could prove vital in what’s shaping up to be a chaotic finals race.
Gladesville Ravens 2-1 Western Sydney Wanderers
The final match of the round saw Gladesville Ravens come from behind to defeat the Western Sydney Wanderers 2-1 at Christie Park. On a chilly evening, it was the visitors who struck first — Olivia Vanderlaan found Amy Barker in the box, and the Wanderers forward fired low into the corner.
But the Ravens, who had snapped their winless streak last week, weren’t rattled. Allyssa Ng Saad continued her red-hot form, drawing her side level with a composed finish in the 56th minute.
Then came the winner: a relentless high press forced the Wanderers into an error while playing out from the back, and Patricia Charalambous capitalised with a powerful strike that found the net despite Aimee Hall getting a hand to it.
It was another gutsy win for Lauren Phelps’ side, who now seem to be turning a corner at just the right time.
Ladder Check – After Round 17
- Mt Druitt Town Rangers – 35 pts (16 played)
- Bulls FC Academy – 33 pts (17 played)
- Manly United – 31 pts (17 played)
- Illawarra Stingrays – 31 pts (17 played)
- NWS Spirit – 30 pts (17 played)
- APIA Leichhardt – 27 pts (17 played)
- Northern Tigers – 25 pts (16 played)
- UNSW – 25 pts (17 played)
- Gladesville Ravens – 20 pts (17 played)
- Sydney Olympic – 18 pts (16 played)
- Western Sydney Wanderers – 18 pts (17 played)
- Sydney University – 15 pts (16 played)
- Macarthur Rams – 12 pts (17 played)
- Newcastle Jets – 9 pts (17 played)
Top four qualify for finals. Bottom team faces relegation.
🇦🇺 Young Matildas Watch – Round 17 Absences
With the Young Matildas in camp this week, 14 NPL NSW clubs were affected by player absences — with many missing key starters. While some clubs were able to adapt, others felt the strain as the finals race intensified.
NWS Spirit
- Skye Halmarick (FWD)
- Rubi Sullivan (DEF)
Spirit’s attacking edge was blunted without Halmarick, and their backline missed Sullivan’s presence.
Macarthur Rams
- Tegan Bertolissio (DEF)
- Amelia Cassar (MID)
- India Breier (FWD)
- Maya Lobo (DEF)
A heavily depleted Rams squad stepped up impressively in a 3-0 win.
Bulls FC Academy
- Amber Luchtmeijer (FWD)
- Avaani Prakash (MID)
Still dominant, the Bulls’ depth continues to shine.
Illawarra Stingrays
- Sienna Saveska (FWD)
- Caley Tallon-Henniker (FWD)
With their regular forwards out, the Stingrays again struggled to secure all three points.
Northern Tigers
- Jasmine Black (GK)
A crucial defensive leader absent in their 3-1 loss to the Bulls.
Sydney University
- Madeleine Caspers (MID)
Creative spark missing, but others filled the void.
Sydney Olympic
- Tiana Fuller (FWD)
- Peta Trimis (FWD)
Olympic lacked their usual dynamism up front.
Western Sydney Wanderers
- Amelia Bennett (DEF)
- Talia Younis (MID)
Both absences contributed to Wanderers’ inability to close out their lead.
Despite the disruption, the round showcased impressive squad depth and rising stars across the league.
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