Round 26 Preview – NPL Women’s NSW

We have reached the final round of the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s competition and what a finale we have in store.

The Premiership and playoff places all come down to round 26, a fairytale finish to an incredible regular season campaign.

Northern Tigers v UNSW @NTRA, Saturday 6:30pm

The first match of the final round takes place on Saturday evening as the Northern Tigers host UNSW at NTRA.

Northern Tigers snapped a five game winless run on Sunday, defeating the WSW by the odd-goal.

Izzy Gomez came off the bench in that one with Chris Wood fielding a strong team and one that by no means will serve as early beats despite having nothing to play for.

The visitors have an opportunity to secure their finals place before the other teams get their games underway on Sunday.

A win secures finals football and a third place finish for UNSW, a draw or loss would put them in a position where they hope those below them do not pick up victories.

UNSW have shown fine character in their last three games, winning all three after the 90th minute and putting themselves in pole position to take part in their first NPL playoffs campaign.

Sydney Olympic v Macarthur Rams @Peter Moore Field, Sunday 5pm

At Peter Moore Field, Sydney Olympic host the Macarthur Rams on Sunday at 5pm.

A game that could have had much on the line but fortunately for both teams, they have secured their top tier status for 2026.

Alyssa Whinham has been an excellent addition to Olympic’s side and lead them to victory last weekend against Mt Druitt Town Rangers which was the three points that was required to stave off relegation.

They’d like to end a fairly disappointing campaign on a positive note with a victory.

It was always going to be a re-building season for the Macarthur Rams with a new coach and almost complete new squad.

The current Champions have got a good base to continue their growth in the future and Vic Guzman would have been happy with her squads development.

Sydney University v Manly United @Sydney Uni Football Ground, Sunday 5pm

Manly United travel to Sydney Uni Football Ground on Sunday evening to take on Sydney University.

Manly’s hopes for finals football are still alive no matter how much of a long shot it may be.

Last week’s goal conceded in the 97th minute would have hurt Tom Hopley’s side who have been gallant and impressive all season.

Uni secured a tight win over the Newcastle Jets last week and would like to complete their strong second half of the season with another win.

Mt Druitt Town Rangers v NWS Spirit @Popondetta Park, Sunday 5pm

At Popondetta Park on Sunday night Mt Druitt Town Rangers host NWS Spirit.

What a season it has been for Ben Gough’s side, one win away from securing finals football in their first year in the top tier!

But the last month has been tough, five games in the last 15 days and dropping points in their last three in stoppage time.

They are fatigued and low on squad numbers but with players like Leena Khamis leading the pack, they will fight till the final whistle.

Spirit would have expected to play finals football this season but instead will finish just outside the play off positions.

It will be Tony Candy’s last in charge of Spirit and he will want to bow out on a high and finish the season with back to back wins.

Newcastle Jets v WSW @Lake Macquarie, Sunday 5pm

At Lake Macquarie on Sunday evening, the academies do battle as the Newcastle Jets host the Western Sydney Wanderers.

It will be the Jets’ final game in the top tier and without a doubt, they will won’t to bow out on a high.

The Wanderers have not won since June 1 and you guessed it, against the Newcastle Jets, a 5-0 victory.

They’ll also be desperate to finish the season with a win in what should be a game with lot’s of talent on display.

Gladesville Ravens v Illawarra Stingrays @Christie Park, Sunday 5:10pm

The latest kick off of round 26 takes us to Christie Park as the Gladesville Ravens take on the Illawarra Stingrays at 5:10pm on Sunday night.

The Ravens inconsistent form continued on Saturday as they went down to the Bulls C Academy 4-1.

That game was done within the opening 25 minutes and they will want to give a better account of themselves, a team who had much higher expectations in 2025.

A goal conceded with almost the last kick of the game last weekend may have cost the Stingrays a place in the finals.

Things are out of their control now and all they can do is win and hope that results go their way for them to sneak back into the top four.

APIA Leichhardt v Bulls FC Academy @Lambert Park, Sunday 5pm – MOTR

All eyes will be on Lambert Park on Sunday evening as the Premiership will be decided between APIA Leichhardt and Bulls FC Academy.

APIA have the opportunity to lift the Premiership in front of their own fans on Sunday night, in what will no doubt be a rocking Lambert Park.

The home side have only lost once in the second half of the season and are currently on a nine-match unbeaten run, their only dropped points coming last week in a dramatic 2-2 draw where Gisella Pipino equalised in stoppage time.

Brad Attard’s team have been excellent in recent months, putting a poor start to the season well behind them and turning things around in style.

Ash Crofts in red hot form, scoring in APIA last seven games, finding the back of the net 12 times in that period.

Despite all of this, the Bulls do have the upper hand going into this one with a draw enough to secure the Premiership.

Despite both teams being locked on equal points, the Bulls have a superior goal difference which gives them the advantage.

And if you think APIA form is on fire, the Bulls have only lost once in 19 games, that one coming with the game being abandoned due to inclement weather with the Bulls trailing 2-1.

A well-structured team that is playing fine football under the watchful eye of Marty Garces has been sweeping all before them.

Also in form is Isabella Coco Di-Sipio the attacker has scored seven goals in her last five outings for the Bulls.

These two could not be separated when they played earlier in the season, a 1-1 draw the verdict in that one.

It promises to be a blockbuster and definitely a must watch fixture.

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-By Nikola Pozder