Round 3 is shaping up to be a big week of NPLM action with big matches from start to finish.
Can Alamein continue their positive start to the season? Will Box Hill win to stay on top of the ladder? Can FC Bulleen pick up their first win of the season? All will be answered this weekend.
Box Hill v Boroondara Eagles
7:30 pm, Friday 31 March, Wembley Park
Will Box Hill continue in their winning ways?
Following their draw against Calder United in Round 1, Box Hill continued their good start with a 3-0 victory over Southern United last week.
Anais Josefski was dangerous up forward, scoring her second goal for the season, while Sienna Techera was once again dominant through the midfield, with both players named in the NPLW Round 2 Team of the Week (TOTW).
Asuka Doi has also proven to be an offensive threat this season, scoring two goals - one behind the competition leader.
Boroondara also won their first game for the season last week in a 2-1 close clash against Bayside.
Rebecca Lim was once again the Eagles' best, scoring a goal from the midfield, while Kurea Okino leads the competition with three goals from two matches.
Preston Lions v Calder United
8:15 pm, Friday 31 March, B.T. Connor Reserve
Can Preston claim an almighty scalp?
Calder United finds themselves in unfamiliar territory, in ninth place and still searching for their first win heading into Round 3.
In Round 2, Calder lost to Alamein 4-2, however, Montanna Mathews was a shining light through the midfield, scoring in the 75th minute and being named in the TOTW.
Lucy Richards was also named in the TOTW for her defensive efforts last week, although Alamein's forwards were too much for the young squad to handle.
Preston had the week off in Round 2, but in their opening match of the season, the Lions drew 1-1 with the impressive Alamein outfit.
Miri Nishimura had a standout game in Round 1 for Preston, scoring a goal from the midfield and getting the maximum votes from the commentators. Rachel Stirton was also impressive in her first game of NPLW following her Golden Boot-winning season in the VPLW and will be confident she can make an impact against the young Calder defence.
Calder United against Alamein in Round 2 of the 2023 NPLW season. Picture: Centre Circle Photography.
Alamein v Southern United
3:00 pm, Saturday 1 April, Dorothy Laver West Reserve
Will Alamein's attack prove too much to handle?
Alamein has started the season in great fashion, as they sit third on the NPLW ladder with one win and one draw.
Rebecca Saber and Savanna Anastasopoulos were both terrific in Alamein's victory against Calder last week with two goals each.
Molly Burke and Daniella Di Petta dominated the midfield battle alongside captain Sidney Allen.
Southern United has had a difficult start to its NPLW campaign, losing both opening matches.
They lost 3-0 to both Bayside (Round 1) and Box Hill (Round 2) and will need a big effort this week if they are to come away with the points against the in-form Alamein side.
Southern United in action during their Round 2 clash with South Melbourne. Picture: Passion Creations.
Bayside United v Heidelberg United
3:30 pm, Saturday 1 March, Kingston Heath Soccer Complex
Can Heidelberg claim their first win of the season?
After easily accounting for Southern United in Round 1, Bayside sits just outside the top four after a close 2-1 loss to Boroondara ilast week.
Miwa Sasaki was named in the Round 2 TOTW for being a constant threat all match, scoring her side's only goal for the match.
Coco Majstorovic was also impressive in defeat, making plenty of impressive saves and being named in the TOTW for the second week running.
Heidelberg claimed its second draw for the season when they faced FC Bulleen last Saturday afternoon.
Felicity Georgopoulos was once again a rock in defence, while Kathryn Vlahopoulos scored the Bergers' only goal for the match.
Heidelberg won the last match between the two sides 2-0 in Round 15 last season with Danielle Wise (South Melbourne) proving the difference.
FC Bulleen Lions v FV Emerging
Can the young FV Emerging surprise FC Bulleen?
4:00 pm, Saturday, 1 March, Veneto Club, David Barro Stadium
Two of the top four teams from last season face off with both sides eager to get off the mark.
After having the bye in Round 1, FV Emerging was taught a lesson by a seasoned South Melbourne outfit.
Maia Marinkovic scored Emerging's only goal of the game, while Ehva Gutszmit was impressive through the midfield.
FV Emerging defeated FC Bulleen 3-0 in Round 20 last season, although, with a relatively new team the Lions head into this game as favourites.