Round 6 is set to be a huge week of NPLW action, headlined by Heidelberg hosting Preston in a big top-of-the-ladder clash.
Alamein FC V FV Emerging
3:00 pm, Saturday 22 April, Dorothy Laver West Reserve
Can FV Emerging upset Alamein for its second win of the season?
After two draws from three matches, FV Emerging finally claimed its first victory of the season in Round 5.
Emerging was clinical all game as they defeated Box Hill 5-2 at Wembley Park.
Alana Cortellino was a constant threat on the wing, scoring in the second half to earn a Team of the Week (TOTW) nomination alongside teammate Anika Dovaston who created a lot of chances for her side and was a barometer in midfield.
Defender Mila Bulic made some key defensive interventions and also got her name on the score sheet to top off a good day for Emerging.
After a really strong start to the season, Alamein has only claimed one point in its past two matches.
In Round 5, Alamein split the points with Heidelberg after both teams were unable to find the back of the net.
Sidney Allen played another great game through the midfield, earning a TOTW nomination and Rebecca Saber continued to provide a presence up forward.
Alamein took care of the young Emerging side in Round 15 last season 4-1 and will look to get their season back on track with a similar scoreline.
South Melbourne v Box Hill United
3:00 pm, Saturday, 22 April, McIvor Reserve
Can Box Hill respond after being beaten by FV Emerging side?
South Melbourne defeated the eighth-placed Bayside United 2-1 last week in a tight battle to the end.
New Zealand international Tayla Christensen showed her worth with a stunning two-goal performance for her new side, earning a spot in the TOTW.
Akeisha Sandhu was a stand-out in defence, halting numerous Bayside forward plays and forward Betti Michael also played a solid game, giving her side plenty of run on the wing.
In the last round of 2022, South Melbourne defeated Box Hill United 4-3 in a shoot-out. Jenna Lawson scored a double, while Francesca Iermano was also influential.
Box Hill lost its third game of the season against FV Emerging last week in a high-scoring affair.
Sienna Techera scored the first goal of the match and was Box Hill's best player, while Asuka Doi tried her heart out and was able to score late in the first half.
Box Hill against FV Emerging in Round 5. Picture: Passsion Creations
Bayside United v Bulleen Lions
3:30 pm, Saturday, 22 April, Kingston Heath Soccer Complex
Can Kayla Deaver guide Bayside to its second win?
Bayside sits four points out of the top four, despite a stretch of impressive performances.
In Round 4 they drew against the highly talented FV Emerging in a high-scoring affair, and last week they fell just short of South Melbourne.
American import Kayla Deaver scored her second goal in two weeks for Bayside, managing to capitalise on a loose ball on the goal line.
Forward Olivia Bomford also looked dangerous all game, with plenty of smart runs in the forward half and Elsa Sousa held her own in the midfield.
Bulleen Lions remained in the top six despite having the bye in Round 5 and will look to jump up the ladder with a win against Bayside.
In Round 4, Bulleen defeated South Melbourne away from home in an impressive display from the Lions.
Audrey Oastler announced herself to the competition in the victory, scoring a brace and winning the NPLW Goal of the Week.
Alana Burn was named in last week's TOTW for her strong performance as a defensive midfielder, while Rosie Rodger controlled the midfield with her ability to break the lines with her pin-point passing.
Bulleen defeated Bayside 4-0 the last time they met with Alana Jancevski leading the way.
Heidelberg v Preston Lions
3:30 pm, Saturday, 22 April, Olympic Village
Will Preston's dream run continue?
Preston has been ultra-impressive so far this season, winning three of its matches so far to top the NPLW ladder.
Last week they came up against Boroondara in a top-of-the-table clash and dominated the fellow promoted VPLW side 4-1.
Miri Nishimura was the best player on the ground in the anticipated clash and was once again picked in the TOTW alongside Rachel Stirton who has been a workhorse in the forward half all season for the Lions.
Midfielders Hailee Mesiti and Bianca Trimboli also had great games, not giving the Eagles a chance on the ball all game.
Preston proved last weekend they don't rely on a single player to get the result as they had Melanie Camilleri, Paula Mitchell, Miri Nishimura and Delaney Lindahl all get on the scoresheet in the win.
Heidelberg sits in the third spot on the ladder, with the second-best defensive record (only behind Preston).
The Bergers recorded its third draw in Round 5 against Alamein, to keep intact its undefeated start to the year.
Nicole Blackett was once again instrumental through the midfield, while shot-stopper Natasha Stathopoulos had an outstanding game, both earning spots in the TOTW.
Mel Camilleri after scoring in Preston's victory over Boroondara in Round 5
Boroondara Eagles v Calder United
6:00 pm, Saturday, 22 April, David Barro Stadium
Can Calder start a run of form, or will the Eagles respond after losing its first game?
Calder United picked up its first win of the campaign with a 2-1 victory over Southern United.
Elle Talevski was a stand-out in defence for Calder, she was a composed presence in the centre of defence, helping set up the team down the field with her intercept and blocking efforts.
Defender Lucy Richards scored the match-winner from a set piece in the 87th minute and worked tirelessly all match up and down the right flank.
In a positive for Calder, Keiwa Hidea played her best game for the season in central attacking midfield. She was a proactive, creative force all game and was always getting between the lines and linking attacks.
Boroondara has dropped to second on the ladder, after losing its first game of the season to Preston last week.
Goal-scoring sensation Kurea Okino scored the Eagles' only goal of the game from the spot to take her tally to 10 for the season, five ahead of the next best.
After only having four goals scored against them in the first month of the season, the Eagles coughed up the same number against Preston and will need to be back to their best to contain Calder this week.