By Kieran Yap 12/9/25
Above: Holly Murray wins possession for Box Hill. Photo: Passion Creations
Box Hill are about to play in their first NPLW Grand Final. A win against Heidelberg United would make history and extend a 10-game winning streak. Crucial to that success has been defender Holly Murray.
The Box Hill centre back joined the campaign during the mid-season transfer window. After finishing the A-League Women season with Canberra United, she was excited to return to the club for a second season.
“I really, liked the culture that Box Hill has,” Murray told Impetus.
“I had really good vibes, basically, from the board and George Petheriotis, the president.
“After finishing A-League last year it felt really, really good to end up at Box Hill.”
Murray played in 19 games in the last A-League Women season, the versatile defender was used as a midfielder at Canberra United where her ability to read the play and pick out a pass was used to help shield the defence.
However, Centre Back is where she made a name for herself, most notably at South Melbourne, where Murray helped the club to a Nike FC Cup Final in 2022.
She can play both positions to an elite level, and Box Hill has benefited from her experience. She has been a key contributor in the run to the NPLW Grand Final.
“I’ve been told a lot I’m quite versatile,” said Murray.
“Which is really, helpful and, necessary, but it also has that sort of detriment where you can’t focus on one position.
“When I first signed my, you know, first A-League contract, the Canberra coaches saw me as a six, and I hadn’t played there for years.
“I was pretty much a center-back from my early NPL days so I found it really interesting to adapt to that position, but I also really liked it.
“I loved the sort of freedom that came with a six, but also, you know, you had to be restrained in what you were doing.
“I really enjoyed learning that position, and then coming back to Box Hill this year.”
Box Hill have been on a months-long winning streak, and faced their most challenging opponent to date in the semi-final. After going behind to a Danella Butrus goal for Bulleen, they struck back to take a 2-1 lead into half time.
Murray and the rest of the Box Hill defence then had to hold onto a lead against a side that had scored 12 in their last two games.
“It felt almost like a Grand final.”
“Any game where you go against a club like Bulleen, and the players of the calibre they have you don’t take it lightly.
“When they went up, we as a team regrouped.
“Then we had to nullify such a good front line who are so well coached.
“I think when we went up 2-1, Something in the game changed. I couldn’t tell you what it is, but I felt like we were probably more on the front foot.
“For me, as a defender it felt like ‘We’re gonna win this game,’ because we were winning every first and second ball.”
The tests do not come any easier for Box Hill. To win their first NPLW Grand Final they will have to overcome a powerful Heidelberg United.
For Murray, that means a face off with the likes of 19-goal forward Sawa Matsuda, Caitlin Karic and retiring NPL legend Steph Galea.
It is a challenge that both Box Hill and Murray feel prepared for.
“I think the biggest thing surrounding a grand final is doing the same thing we’ve done for the last 10 games.
“Even though a grand final is at the pinnacle of what we do for months.
“Using what we’ve learned over the season and just taking it as another game, being prepared of how we know we can best play as a team, and as a defensive line.
“We have really worked well together, and I think we bounce off each other’s strengths.
“That’s one thing to focus on, and not taking what a good opposition Heidelberg is lightly.”
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