The first week of NPLW for 2023 delivered in spades, with top-shelf goals and four thrilling draws.
In Round 2, we look forward to another week of exciting matches to find out who can start to separate themselves from the pack.
Box Hill United v Southern United
7:30 pm, Friday 24 March, Wembley Park
Will Southern respond after being kept scoreless in Round 1?
Box Hill managed to salvage a draw in their opening match of the season against Calder after Asuka Doi slotted a penalty in the 95th minute.
Sienna Techera (one goal, one assist) was a constant threat all match for Box Hill, Anais Josefski created havoc all game and Kanna Moriya controlled the midfield battle.
Southern United was defeated by Bayside United 3-0 in their first match since being promoted from the VPL.
Midfielder, Yuka Sato was superb in defeat, showing glimpses of promise through the midfield.
Yuka Sato on the ball during Southern United's Round 1 clash with Bayside. Picture: Passion Creations.
FV Emerging v South Melbourne
8:30 pm, Friday 24 March, Knox Regional Football Centre
Can the new-look FV Emerging cause an early season upset?
South Melbourne claimed a 1-1 draw in their first match of the season against old rival Heidelberg United.
New Zealand forward Tayla Christensen scored on debut for South, slamming the ball home from the back post after the ball fell to her following a deflection.
American-born Dominican Republic international defender Brianne Reed also played a solid game on debut, although will be rueing giving away a penalty in the first half after getting into a tangle with a Heidelberg forward. She was strong in the air and rarely missed a pass.
Zoe Lambi was a standout for South through the midfield and Akeisha Sandhu was her reliable best in left-back, both earning a spot in the Round 1 Team of the Week.
FV Emerging had the bye in Round 1 and with a new squad this season, it will definitely be an interesting match-up.
The last meeting between the sides resulted in a 6-2 victory for FV Emergin with Caitlin Karic and Sarah Cain scoring a brace.
Calder United v Alamein
3:00 pm, Saturday 25 March, Keilor Park Soccer Complex
Can Alamein upset the mighty Calder United?
Alamein managed to salvage a 1-1 draw against Preston in Round 1, after giving up the lead early.
After conceding a first-half goal, Alamein's Mia Cane managed to sneak the ball home on the goal line in the 87th minute to give her side a valuable point.
Savanna Anastasopoulos was also impressive up forward providing many dangerous runs and being named in the Round 1 Team of the Week.
Calder United also came away with a draw in Round 1, however, they will be disappointed they were unable to come away with a win after giving up a penalty and the lead in stoppage time.
Sienna Cappola and Isabella Sewards were standouts through the midfield, both scoring in the tight matchup.
Calder was victorious when they last faced Alamein in Round 14 last season, the ever-reliable Aleks Sinclair broke the deadlock in the 80th minute to give her side a 1-0 win.
Heidelberg United v FC Bulleen Lions
3:30 pm, Saturday 25 March, Olympic Village
Can either side come away with their first win?
Heidelberg started the season with a draw against South Melbourne and it won't get any easier as they come up against the 2022 NPLW runners-up.
Midfielder Nicole Blackett was impressive all day and even won the penalty which opened the scoring for the Bergers.
Defender Felicity Georgopoulos can hold her head up high, repeatedly nullifying South Melbourne forward plays.
Forward Steph Galea continued where she left off last season, scoring from the spot to open Heidelberg's account for the year.
Bulleen has one point to its name heading into Round 2, after being forced to settle for a 2-2 draw with Boroondara.
The Lions would be disappointed with their second-half efforts after giving up a two-goal half-time advantage.
Midfielders Caitlin O'Bryan and Rosie Rodger were terrific, both getting on the scoreboard, while defender Katie Beck was serviceable on debut.
Bulleen defeated Heidelberg in last year's semi-final 2-1 with Lia Privitelli scoring the winner in the 66th minute.
Boroondara Eagles v Bayside
6:00 pm, Saturday 25 March, Veneto Club
Can Bayside continue on from their Round 1 efforts?
Bayside United started the season off perfectly, defeating newly promoted Southern United 3-0 at home.
After only recording one win in 2022, the Bayside faithful would be thrilled with their team's start to the season.
The hard work put in over the off-season was evident with Bayside looking incredibly dangerous from set pieces, scoring two goals from the dead ball.
Bayside's busy off-season has already started to pay dividends with new recruits Lauren Antonella, Miwa Sasaki, and Olivia Bomford all scoring on debut for the club.
Boroondara drew with FC Bulleen Lions in their first match since promotion from the VPLW.
Forward Kurea Okino was a standout for the Eagles, scoring two second-half goals and securing a spot in the Round 1 Team of the Week.
Defender Beck Lim also made the Team of the Week after putting in a great performance against the star-studded Bulleen lineup.