By Kieran Yap 29/4/26
Above: Kelli McGroarty of Essendon Royals
Essendon beat Bentleigh, Victory score a convincing win, and Box Hill vs Bulleen provides a classic in Round 10 of Victoria’s NPLW.
Bulleen Lions needed a win, but there a few harder places to look for one this season than away to Box Hill United.
The league leaders looked dangerous from the outset on Friday night, and had the game on their terms in the first half. Erin Keyt’s 10th goal of the season was scored in just the fourth minute. Box Hill’s press won the ball back in their own half and Juri Kawano teed up the in-form striker for another excellent finish.
Box Hill added a second before half time. Kiara Bercelli’s low, in swinging corner was impossible to defend and Amelia Tartaglia was at the back post to force it home.
The game looked to be getting away from Bulleen, and at half time Caitlin Friend made some changes. Madison Rakic, Ash Jordan and Rosie Rodger entered the match and helped the visitors gain a foothold.
Jordan was busy in a deep playmaking role, and space began to open up for the Lions. Maja Markovski earned a penalty in the 66th minute, and converted it herself to reduce the deficit.
The game turned into a battle as the half wore on, and although both teams shared moments of momentum, Bulleen looked more likely to score.
Rodger’s switch of play found Markovski, who played Rakic in to cross. Jordan’s near post header was on target but was saved by Keeley Segavcic. Olivia Bomford reacted quickest to make it 2-2.
That is how the game finished, it will feel like two points lost for Box Hill, who were typically excellent throughout. Bulleen should be pleased with the comeback, particularly as it relied on their squad depth to rescue the result. Three substitutes were involved in the equalizer and Lia Muldeary looked solid off the bench after she replaced an injured Claudia Mihocic.
That last change could be Bulleen’s most costly moment of the night. Mihocic has been back to her best this season, and was among Bulleen’s best in their recent unbeaten run. We all hope for a speedy recovery from the classy centre back.
Melbourne Victory’s U23’s travelled west to face Spring Hills FC Aleks Sinclair started for the home team, which was a huge relief to fans who watched her depart the last game early with after an off the ball collision.
Victory were without Ella O’Grady (starring in the A-League Women) and a still injured Sienna Saveska, but Poppy O’Keeffe Fiorina Iaria and Jess Young returned to good impact for the visitors.
Victory looked in control from the start of this game, but although they moved the ball confidently around the field, Spring Hill’s defencve proved difficult to break down at first.
Two goals in quick succession turned the tie completely in Victory’s favor. Some quick passing around the edge of the box put Young in on goal, and she cleverly turned her defender to finish beyond Jenna Ibrahim.
Iaria’s strong play on the wing created the space for Jasmine Millar to add a second. Her first touch opened up the angle, and the finish made it 2-0 in the 32nd minute.
Bella Stringfellow’s excellent finish after a storming run behind looked to half pulled one back but it was denied for offside. The hosts would have to wait until the second half to open their account. An indirect free kick from close range was smashed in by Aubrie Labno.
Spring Hills Fc had thrown down a challenge and Victory impressively found another gear. O’Keeffe prodded the ball along the line to Astrid Bocci. The turn inboard was excellent and the finish took a wicked deflection but was still on target and it was 3-1 in quick reply.
Millar scored Victory’s fourth in the 71st minute to remove any doubt about the result. This was Victory’s most impressive performance since Round One. A comprehensive win, where they were challenged by a strong side and overcame it and were rewarded with a convincing scoreline.
South Melbourne hosted Avondale FC looking to add another win in an impressive run of results. Elisse Kellond-Knight’s slight positional change continued to work well for Avondale. Her cross set up Hannah Wilkinson for a header which she converted in the fourth minute.
South Melbourne left it until late, but provided the drama of the round with two goals in about one minute to completely reverse their fortunes.
In the 89th minute, Alexix Pantazopoulos’s corner caused chaos before it was eventually bundled in by Alana Burn.
South found the winner almost straight from the kickoff. Pantazopoulos was once again involved, the winger charged forward and cut the ball back for Heidi Dalton to score unopposed and open against a tired and surprised Avondale defence.
There is an air or inevitability around South Melbourne. Right now, they are not quite the best team in the competition, but they are capable of beating anybody and there is a real confidence to their play which is reflected in some impressive results. This one will generate real faith in the dressing room.
The win was dampened by a season ending injury to young star Ehva Gutszmit. The promising midfielder was substituted early and confirmed the worst fears of South supporters that it was an ACL injury.
Essendon Royals put seven goals past Bentleigh Greens in the other game on Friday night. Kelli McGoarty had a brace before half time, with Akeisha Sandhu and Emma Langley adding goals each to make it 4-0 at the break.
McGroarty had her hatrick before the hour mark. Bella Sewards and Sasha Coorey got in on the act and the damage was all done by the 70th minute.
Saturday’s games saw Preston Lions FC win away against Melbourne City. The home side looked encouraging for the first half but Hollie Massey’s delicately lobbed pass set up Natalie Olsen for a 43rd minute goal, and Preston had the advantage.
Dragana Kljajic’s classy finish made it 2-0 just six minutes later, and Massey was on the score sheet herself after converting from a turnover deep in their attacking third.
The win was Preston’s second of the season, but this was also their third consecutive game without a loss as they begin to grow into the season.
A downside to this win was the early substitution of Ellie Talevski, the defender was injured tackling Maia Capitanio in the 11th minute and replaced by Erika Di Tella.
In form Heidelberg striker Ji Youn Seo added another goal in her impressive season. She opened the scoring in The Warriors home game against Keilor Park SC with a venemous shot from the edge of the box.
Marguerite Lima’s textbook finish across goal levelled the scores in the 32nd minute and the game looked set for a draw until the last possible moment.
Hayley Geurts was the hero for Heidelberg. The perfectly placed finish from outside of the box found the bottom corner in the 90th minute. It was curled in off her right boot, leaving the goalkeeper rooted to the spot, the defence taken by surprise and the crowd in raptures.
Sunday’s game saw Boroondara continue their seemingly undeterrable run. Emma Vane and Priya Savarirayan both scored in the first half to set up a 2-1 win against Alamein FC.
Zoe Houghton scored a late consolation goal for the visitors, but the result sees Alamain drop back out of the top four and Boroondara sit comfortably in second with one game in hand.
Box Hill’s top spot ahead of Round 11 was secured by Melbourne Victory’s dramatic win over Boroondara Eagles on Wednesday night.
Victory started the stronger of the sides, with Fiorina Iaria a dangerous presence in the first half. Alice Francou’s spectacular volley gave Victory a 29th minute lead. Jasmine Millar reacted sharpest to double the lead five minutes later. She scrambled home a rebound after Mia Mossman parried away a shot from Iaria.
With Iaria and Poppy O’Keeffe withdrawn at half time, Boroondara stared to dominate the second half, but Victory struck again.
It was a stroke of luck for the home side but Anika Dovaston slammed the ball home despite it initially bouncing off her hand with the referee on the wrong angle to spot it.
At 3-0 the drama was only beginning. Boroondara eventually broke through, scoring after Chloe McKenzie misjudged the ball well off her line. Elise Cook scored into an open net from 25 yards.
A powerful run and delicate finish from Genevieve Fontes in the 85th minute made it 3-2 and Victory were suddenly in survival mode.
To credit of the youngsters, they held out for the win, despite Boroondara thinking they had equalised only for the offside flag to deny them a famous comeback.
With that game in hand complete, Boroondara sit equal on points with the league leaders, but behind on goal difference. They next face Bulleen Lions in what feels like a must-win game both both sides.
In Appreciation of Essendon’s new signings
10 rounds in, it is still anybody’s season, but Essendon Royals are currently in the discussion as the form side of the competition. Their last month has been excellent, they have won all five of their last games and scored 20 goals in the process.
Essendon have been in the mix for trophies since attaining NPLW status two seasons ago, ansd have always recruited well. This season has been no exception and against Bentleigh Greens, three of their new arrivals for 2026 were outstanding.
Let’s start with the obvious, Kelli McGroarty is a menace. The American striker currently leads the Golden Boot race with 14 goals in nine appearances. She is a decisive striker, almost single minded inside the box and only needs one touch to score.
McGroarty’s first goal against Bentleigh was an excellent first time hit from Akeisha Sandhu’s cross. The ball was slightly behind McGroarty, but she was able to instantly reposition herself to direct it into the net with great technique.
McGroaty’s work effort earns her opportunities. She is not only classy on the ball, but prepared to chase lost causes and turn them into chances. Her second of the night was the result of pouncing on an unlikely error by Bentleigh’s defence and sweeping it into the net from distance.
In between those two goals, Sandhu added one of her own to go with her earlier assist. The arrival from South Melbourne was in effervescent form on the weekend, creating numerous chances and keeping Bentleigh’s defenders under siege. She controlled the shallow cross with her left foot and fired home with her right for her first of the season.
Bronte Peel has joined Sandhu on the wing as another big factor in Essendon’s recent form. The former Heidelberg United forward has found an instant connection with McGroarty and been a regular contender for NPL team of the week.
Bella Sewards was the other new Royal to get on the scoresheet, it is something she has done with impressive regularity since her move, also from South Melbourne. Sewards now has four goals so far, and is a tireless and dependable presence in the Essendon midfield.
Sewards goal was a tap in from close range, but midfielders who can get into those positions make a world of difference.
Essendon have been strong across the entire squad, but it is fair to say that Essendon have handled their off-season transfers almost perfectly. They have consistent game changers, players who are impacting the result. Their dangerous fullback, complete midfielder and uncontainable striker might be what they need to take that extra step this season, but for now, they are one of the NPLW Victoria’s most watchable sides.
Follow Impetus on social media:
@ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram and TikTok.
impetusfootball.org 