By Kieran Yap 10/6/26
Above: Alexis Pantazopoulos for South Melbourne. Photo: Adrian Geremia.
It was a round of even performances, but some surprise results in the Victorian NPLW. Bentleigh Green’s new signings have made instant impacts, Box Hill won again, and Bulleen dropped points against Keilor Park.
Bentleigh Greens have had one of the most impressive and prolific transfer windows of the season. Viewed as the competition’s easy-beats in the first half of the campaign, they had to do something, and did a lot.
Bentleigh brought in experience, class and graft. Australian football royalty Melissa Barbieri joined to play in goal. Julia Sardo and Emma Robers signed to shore up the defence, and Kiera Meyers adds some polish in the attacking third.
They showed some improvement in a loss to Box Hill last week, and finally secured their first victory with a 1-0 defeat of Boroondara Eagles this weekend.
Boroondara did not play badly, or that differently from their normal game. They had more of the ball and more shots on target. Priya Savarirayan was dangerous on the wing, but well handled by Bentleigh and although Sardo was not in the lineup, the Greens defence was solid against a team that has scored 35 goals so far.
The goal came early, and through the captain. Candela Ferrerya Bas got on the end of Meyer’s cross and forced the ball home at the back post. It was the 14th minute. There was still plenty of time and opportunity for Boroondara to find an equalizer, but the stubborn and well organized Bentleigh held on for a momentous three points.
Alamein FC hosted Melbourne City at Dorothy Laver Reserve in a match that ended 2-1 to the hosts.
The home side took the lead in the 39th minute through the ever reliable Summer Laskey. The forward met Zoe Houghton’s low cross after arriving unmarked at the back post. City had been strong up until that point, and had tested Alamein’s defence, but Laskey only needs half a chance, and this one was on a platter.
It took until the 70th minute for Alamein to score a second. City had settled well after conceding, but gave up another in slightly controversial circumstances. Emma Runnalls won the ball after some hesitation on the ball from City, and although it looked like a foul, the referee called play on. Runnalls took the opportunity well to make it 2-0.
Maia Capitanio gave her team a lifeline when she scored in the 81st minute for City. Keria Sarris’s free kick from near halfway fell kindly for the City star and she buried the chance, scoring her fourth goal of the season.
It was a much improved performance from Melbourne City, but Alamein is always a tough place to visit, and the win keeps the hosts well and truly in the finals hunt.
Avondale FC defeated Melbourne Victory in a tight contest that ended 2-1. It was an action-packed and attacking mact from the opening whistle. Sienna Techera was an immediate threat for Melbourne Victory, and up the other end Sloane Young brought the best out of Chloe Mckenzie. Her close range shot was blocked at the near post.
Avondale started this game as favourites, boasting two capped internationals in the first XI in Hannah Wilkinson and new arrival Taylor Ray, with the likes of Beattie Goad and Elise Kellond-Knight on the bench. Another new signing from Melbourne City Aideen Keane was announced but was not in the lineup.
Victory took the game to Avondale, with Techera and Emily Rutkowski both testing the opposition fullbacks. They were rewarded with the opening goal when Techera thrashed home the ball after an attack was only half cleared by the hosts.
Avondale tried to control the midfield and put special effort into marking Victory maestro Poppy O’Keeffe, but Victory remained confident to try and play though the press with some success.
The equalise arrived barely 10 minutes after conceding. Asuka Miyata played through Hannah Wilkinson’s and her cross was met on the goal line by Young.
Miyata got on the score sheet herself with a 70th minute winner. Goad and Kellond-Knight off the bench set up Sidney Allen to deliver from the same wing and Miyata was open at the far side of the box, burying her chance.
The win was an important one. It helps Avondale leapfrog Victory, and they now sit one point above in seventh position.
Essendon Royals secured an important win with a 2-1 result at home against Spring Hills FC.
The visitors took a surprising lead in the 10th minute. a patient but direct build up put Aleks Sinclair in space on the left. The reigning dual Gold Medal winner took it upon herself to run half the pitch, open up the angle just enough and finish confidently.
Essendon replied with a classy effort. Kelli McGoarty and Akeisha Sandhu traded flicks and turns on the edge of the box before the American striker buried her 19th of the season.
McGroarty turned provider for the eventual winner. Her through ball put both Bella Sewards and Ava Groba in on goal, and the pair basically raffled the chance to score with Groba being credited on the score sheet.
The win keeps Essendon in top spot and two points clear of the chasing pack.
Bulleen Lions dropped to fourth on an unforgiving table with a 1-0 loss to Keilor Park. A goal from new signing Caitlin Karic was all that separated the sides. Her long range free kick eluded Alyssa Dall Oste’ on the line in the 30th minute.
Keilor were well set up and defended diligently against The Lions. The turned this game into an arm wrestle across every line, forcing Bulleen’s attackers to come deeper than they would have usually preferred.
That said, Bulleen had their chances, but the result was well earned by Keilor, and shows how close this competition has become, especially since the transfer window.
South Melbourne’s 2-1 win against Heidelberg United saw them climb to third place. The star of this game was Alexis Pantazopoulos. The youngster was a human highlight reel off the bench last week and backed up that impressive cameo with the winning goal in the derby.
Things looked optimistic for Heidelberg early. Olvia Wood gave them a 17th minute lead after making the most of a defensive error. There was still plenty to do when she intercepted a backpass on the edge of the area. She closed in on goal and slipped the ball beyond Geo Candy.
South responded in the best way possible. They scored twice before the break to set up the win. Emily Roach set up the first goal with a strong run down the wing. Her cutback found Pantazopoulos, but her shot was scuffed and fell to Collier who swept home the equalizer.
South hit the lead directly from the kickoff. Tyla Jay Vlajnic intercepted the ball almost immediately and played it forward to Pantazopoulos.
The forward ran directly at the defence, checked onto her right boot and shot from 20 yards to score the decisive goal.
Following last week’s performance, a goal against the local rivals confirms her as one to watch for the remainder of the season.
Heidelberg will be disappointed by the result. They played well enough to equalise and Mia Bailey was once again excellent in goal, but they lacked cutting edge in the final third, and some of their attacks looked hesitant, though much of the credit to that should go to the South defence marshalled by ex-Berger Bella Wallhead.
Sundays only game saw Box Hill United convincingly win 3-0 away to t Preston Lions. Rhianna Pollicina’s inswinging corner was touched over on the line by Maho Murakami for an 18th minute opener, and Box Hill added two more after half time.
Murakami’s second came from the penalty spot. Carina Rossi set up Pollicina for a chance on goal, but she was brought down on the turn. Murakami did the honors to give the visitors a 2-0 cushion.
The task became even harder for Preston when Box Hill flexed their impressive depth. Erin Keyt returned to the field following injury in the 60th minute, and was joined by Holly Murray.
Box Hill sealed the game right after. Pollicina clipped the ball into the net from distance, taking advantage of a defensive turnover at kickoff.
It was a sucker punch to Preston, and ended hopes of a comeback.
A Brief Look at The Mid-Season Transfer Window
Clubs across the league have been busy recruiting reinforcements and difference makers as the league approaches the business end of the season. With the benefit of a few games and an eye on the future, here is a look at the talent each team aquired.
Alamein FC: Chelsea Blissett
Alamein don’t need a lot, they score goals and defensively strong, A-League star Blissett is a quality signing that offers experience and class in any role across the back four.
Avondale FC: Taylor Ray, Remi Castro, Teodora Djuric, Ellie Wilson, Aideen Keane
The Galactico’s of the NPLW have added even more star power to an enviable squad. Remi Castro returns home, midfielder Djuric arrives after 10 games with Heidelberg United and a season training with Melbourne Victory. Ellie Wilson and Aideen Keane have just won the A-League premiership with Melbourne City, and Taylor Ray makes for the third capped international in the team and is simply one of the best players in the country.
Bentleigh Greens: Mia Otero, Montaha Moslih, Savanaah Oxley, Kate Dunne, Julia Sardo, Melissa Barbieri, Emma Robers, Kiera Meyers, Tarni Nicol.
In a word, transformative. Bentleigh have completely changed what their squad and the remaining fixtures look like. Teams can no longer expect to beat them and improved performances since the window have shown that, culminating in their first win.
Robers had an excellent season with Canberra United, Meyers is a brilliant deliverer of the ball, Sardo is a proven winner at NPL level, and Melissa Barbieri is simply a legend of the sport who had Afghanistan National Team goalkeeper Montaha Moslih as backup.
New American forward Mia Otero should deliver goals alongside fellow college star and attacking midfielder Savanaah Oxley who played every match of the 2025 season for Florida Tech.
Kate Dunne rounds out the American imports to shore up the defence, and Tarni Nicol has trained with Victory and Melbourne City’s A-League programs. The Bentleigh U20’s graduate can play fullback or on the right flank and offers The Greens even more options.
Boroondara Eagles: Gia Kapsimallis, Ella Hilton, Rosie Rodger
Kapsimallis joins from Melbourne City. The former South Melbourne prodigy is still only 16, but has flair and creativity that can give Boroondara a boost in attack and help Emma Vane with playmaking duties.
Ella Hilton has featured in both games since returning to Melbourne after spending 2025 with North Idaho Cardinals in the US College system. The defender will bring valuable experience to the Eagles defence.
Rosie Rodger crossed over from Bulleen having won The Nike FC Cup and premiership in 2024. The tricky but tenacious forward scored a hattrick on her first appearance in a Boroondara shirt and will be crucial to their hopes for the rest of the season. At her best she is one of the most effective and entertaining players in the league. A very good signing by Boroondara.
Box Hill United: Sofia Sakalis, Carina Rossi, Rhianna Pollicina, Holly Murray, Laura Pickett.
The band is back together. Box Hill was not really lacking much this season. Erin Keyt, Kiara Bercelli and Keeley Segavcic have been among the best players in the league so far. But they players they have brought in are returning Grand Final heroes, and all have long been stars of this league. Sakalis is an icon of the club, and even after a long season with Melbourne Victory, she could still make a big difference in finals. Rossi and Pollicina virtually guarantee goals.
Murray and Pickett are both excellent, versatile defenders who can play almost any position across the back four, with Murray able to slot into midfield in a holding role too.
These signings are a signal of intent. Box Hill fully expect to lift at least one trophy this season.
Bulleen Lions: Nikki Furukowa, Ava Bredis, Danella Butrus
She’s back! last season’s joint Gold Medal winner, Young Matilda, A-League premier and champion and 2025 NPLW Goal of the year winner Danella Butrus has returned to the Veneto Club.
Bulleen have been very good so far this season, but their depth in attack has needed addressing and these signings will help their push towards silverware. Butrus is a star, Briedis can play in multiple attacking roles and score from any position within 30 yards, and Furukowa was outstanding for South Melbourne last season. The Canadian midfielder/Forward can create chances, and help the likes of Olivia Bomford, Sarah Cain and Tiff Eliadis shoulder the midfield load.
Essendon Royals: Grace Maher, Margaret Jenkins
New striker Jenkins wasted no time making an impact in Australia, The New Zealand international was a goal machine with Wellington United and has already scored five in her first two games, for The Royals. Jenkins is a fast, direct dribbler who is a threat either running at defenders or getting in behind the. She is an instinctive, consistent attacker who can potentially take Essendon from a championship chance to outright favourites.
Grace Maher is one of the best players in the A-League Women’s History. A Grand final winner with Canberra United, a two-time semi finalist with separate stints at Melbourne Victory and an A-League All Star with Western United.
The deep lying midfielder has a wand for a left foot, can set the pace of games and gives any side that she plays for the upper hand.
Essendon did not need to change much, but have brought in two instantly impactful players.
Heidelberg United: Sarah O’Donoghue, Sarah Assumma, Zara Simeile, Mischa Anderson, Eve Tiktikakis, Olivia Wood, Hayley Phillips, Ruby Samild.
Wood, O’Donoghue and Anderson arrive form Perth Glory and will help an attack now missing top scorer Jiyoun Seo. Assumma will soon arrive from the South Utah University where she scored fours goals and had three assists in 2025. Simiele returns from Italy having played Serie C football with Real Vicenza and will provide another threat in attack. Tiktikakis has already made an impact since her return to the Warriors.
Hayley Phillips is another American striker who three goals, with three assists for The University of Santa Barbara last year, and goalkeeper Ruby Samild comes home.
Keilor Park SC: Sarah Micthell, Grace Mitchell, Ellie La Monte, Grace Johnston, Georgia Henderson, Ellie Vlaeminck, Caitlin Karic, Deven Jackson, Margot Robbine, Jessia Au.
If there was a great winger in Victoria, it seems Keilor Park made inquiries with real succes. La Monte has a bag of tricks and end product to match, Johnston can play on either wing, Karic has the potential to be a regular match winner and New Zealand international Deven Jackson starred for Essendon last season. French forward Robbine will likely provide goals,
Henderson will provide class and composure in midfield, Vlaeminck is another speedster. Futsal star and former Victory trainee Au joins to further torment defences. Sisters Sarah and Grace Mitchell arrive from Seton Hall University in the USA and have been described by the club as dynamic and powerful players.
Melbourne City: Georgia Ghuliani, Ayah Kaddour
A couple of talented youngsters join City’s side as they look to improve in the latter half of the season. Ghuliani is a defender, signed from Bentleigh Greens and in her second season in the NPLW. Kaddour is an attacking midfielder who has previously played at Spring Hills in the senior side. The futsal star can hopefully help City create and convert in the final third.
Both of these players are just starting out their senior careers but can help at both ends of the pitch for City.
Melbourne Victory: Bridgette Murray, Sylah Balla-Ateli
Victory’s U23’s have snared two potential stars from Heidelberg United. Murray was a consistent performer for the Warriors U20 side in 2025, scoring seven goals. Balla-Ateli is a versatile player who can perform anywhere in midfield or at fullback. She is has been capped as a senior player for Samoa and has already made two appearances for Victory in different roles.
Both are good acquisitions for the very competitive Victory squad who still have a good chance of making finals.
Preston Lions: Fiorina Iaria, Ellen Gaudry, Aimee Medwin, Sian Dewey, Nao Matsumoto
Preston made the first big waves of the transfer window when they snared Iaria from Melbourne Victory. The winger was a crucial part of their attack and with Aimee Medwin now gives The Lionesses two top tier wide players capable of beating any defence.
Gaudry is a local defender who has spent a season in the College system with Rocky Mountain College and the Univeristy of Mobile. Dewey adds class to the midfield having been a part of Adelaide United’s impressive A-League Women campaign.
Matsumoto joins from Japan’s professional league and will add creativity to the centre of the pitch. Preston appear to have recruited players that complement each other and if they form a quick connection, could make strong impacts on the remaining fixtures.
South Melbourne FC: Clancy Westaway, Alana Cerne, Jiyoun Seo
South have made three very strong signings in this window. Cerne is an NPLW champions with Calder United, and has starred for Western United and Western Sydney FC in the A-League Women. She has made the Australian U23 and A-League All Stars squad as a defender, but can play in defensive midfield or as a deep playmaker too.
Westaway was reportedly one of the most sought after signatures of this window, and had chosen Lakeside to be her home following a breakout season in the A-League with Perth Glory. The FV Academy graduate has already scored one goal in three appearances for South Melbourne, and is simply one the countries most promising young playmakers. A quick decision-maker in the final third who has great vision and a knack for finding space, Westaway has already proven to be a strong signing.
Jiyoun Seo scored eight goals for Heidelberg United up until her move across town and adds to an already stacked South Melbourne strike force. An elite finisher who will help their push for silverware.
Spring Hills FC: Katie Godden, Eva McGorian, Nao Kawasaki, Ayana Aoyagi.
Aoyagi is a highly valued goalkeeper in this league who played for South Melbourne last season before signing for Melbourne City’s triumphant A-League campaign. Godden is an attacking midfielder who has experience with Charlton Athletic, Arsenal’s U21’s and the US College system with DePaul University and Oregon State.
Melbourne born Mcgorian arrives after a stint with Loyola University and will add to an already strong defence. Kawasaki had already made an impact with Spring Hills. She scored the NPLW goal of the week with a delightful first time chip against Keilor Park in Round 14.
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