Round 18 Preview – NPL Women’s NSW
It’s game on in the Premiership battle as we approach round 18 action in the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition.
Northern Tigers v UNSW FC
NTRA, Saturday 4 July, 6:30pm
The action kicks off at North Turramurra Rec Area on Saturday night as the Northern Tigers host UNSW FC.
It was defeat last time out for the Northern Tigers at NWS Spirit which has all but ended their finals hopes. Inconsistency has cost the Tigers dearly this campaign but would love to create havoc in the Premiership race by defeating the league leaders.
A win last weekend for UNSW FC would have seen them take a giant leap toward securing the Premiership. Instead, they lost their first game of the season after 17 rounds of competition and have opened the race for first place wide open.
Illawarra Stingrays v Sydney University SFC
The Pond, Sunday 5 July, 3pm
Back at The Pond on Sunday afternoon will be the Illawarra Stingrays as they take on Sydney University.
After going nine matches without a win, the Illawarra Stingrays finally secured all three points in a dominant performance. Sophia Christopherson and Bronte Trew were the stars and they’ll be called upon again if the south coast side are to go back-to-back.
After a run of games without a win, Uni managed to storm passed the Rangers last weekend and take the win. Asha Sutton has been a star for Uni this campaign and will be required to inspire some magic in this one.
Gladesville Ravens v Western Sydney Wanderers
Christie Park, Sunday 5 July, 3:10pm
The Gladesville Ravens return to Christie Park on Sunday when they face the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Another disappointing defeat for the Ravens last week has sees them remain in the bottom half of the competition. There were sparks last week, notably from Gisella Pipino and Hannah McNulty but not enough to come away with something.
The Wanderers didn’t play their game last weekend but come into this one in fourth place. A win here keeps their Premiership hopes alive after UNSW’s loss last weekend and cannot afford any slip ups.
APIA Leichhardt FC v NWS Spirit FC
Lambert Park, Sunday 5 July, 4:50pm
APIA Leichhardt and NWS Spirit do battle on Sunday evening at Lambert Park in an exciting clash.
Brad Attard’s team has found form at the right time, recording four straight victories. They made it tough for themselves last week, needing to come from behind but the character shown from the squad was impressive, much like Charlotte Lancaster’s performance off the bench.
When you speak about form though, you cannot look passed the NWS Spirit. Five games undefeated with four victories in that period, their aim is to finish as high up the ladder as possible.
Both teams possess excellent attacking talent in their stocks and you feel whichever team is able to remain more disciplined at the opposite end of the park, will be the one to come away with the points in this one.
Western City Rangers v Manly Untied
Popondetta Park, Sunday 5 July, 5pm
At Popondetta Park on Sunday evening, the Western City Rangers host Manly United.
The Rangers are desperate for points with relegation looking like a serious reality for them now. They are winless since round four, which is more than three months ago and need a change of fortune as soon as possible.
Manly’s hopes of finals football took a massive hit on Sunday evening. Tom Hopley’s side was minutes away from securing a huge victory, instead, they suffered a devastating defeat. Nonetheless, they will be keen to finish as high up the ladder as possible and create a springboard for 2027.
Hills United v Macarthur Rams
VSP, Sunday 5 July, 5:30pm
Hills United take on the Macarthur Rams on Sunday evening at VSP.
For their first season in top tier football, Hills United will be very pleased with how 2026 has gone for them so far. Olivia Sloan’s lone goal gave them their first win after four straight defeats and the opportunity to climb higher up the ladder with a win against the Rams.
Macarthur’s match was postponed last weekend and they’ll be itching to get back on the park to break a streak of three games without a win. They can also climb up the ladder with a victory and hold off Hills who are only one place behind them on the standings.
Sydney Olympic v Bulls FC Academy
The Crest, Sunday 5 July, 5:40pm
The final game of the round takes us to The Crest on Sunday night as Sydney Olympic take on Bulls FC Academy.
Olympic’s form of the last two months is a mirror image of their season in 2026. Inconsistency has cost them dearly, a team that has at times promised so much, at others, not good enough. Just one win in their last five, if they can pick up three points here, they could move into the top half of the competition.
The Champions are back. What a statement performance and victory for Marty Garces’ side last weekend, clawing themselves back into a Premiership battle.
Amber Luchtmeijer continues to find the back of the net, while Liz Grey’s leadership plays a major role in what they are doing. They have put themselves in a fantastic position to challenge for top spot and need to back that up with a win away at a tough venue and unpredictable opponent.
– By Nikola Pozder
