The 2024 NPLW Grand Final is set, as Preston Lions and Heidelberg United prepare to go head-to-head on the final day of the season.
Preston was the first team to book their spot at the big dance, edging past Essendon Royals 1-0 in their Semi-Final thanks to Hayley Johnson’s goal just before half-time.
The game was physical and evenly matched, as has become typical of meetings between Preston and the Royals this season.
Nonetheless, Johnson’s nineteenth league goal of the season proved to be the decisive moment, sealing Preston’s place in the Grand Final in just their second NPLW campaign.
Heidelberg, meanwhile offered up one of the headline results of the season in their Semi-Final, overwhelming Premiers Bulleen Lions at the Veneto Club and running out 4-2 winners.
The Bergers thoroughly deserved the win, scoring twice in each half as they dispatched the top-ranked side and presumptive Championship favourites.
Saturday’s Grand Final promises to be a thrilling affair at The Home of the Matildas, pitting two of the more entertaining teams in the competition against one another.
Preston were the equal-top scorers in the regular season, going at a rate of over three goals per game in NPLW.
Heidelberg have put together a similarly impressive run over the last few months, losing just twice since head coach Sven Samild took over the reins in mid-May.
Notably, that run of results since the coaching change has included both league meetings with Preston.
The first was a thriller, as Heidelberg took all three points home from BT Connor Reserve, beating Preston 3-2.
The second meeting was much more recent, with the teams playing on the final matchday of the season.
On that occasion the points were shared, 2-2 the full-time score.
Nine goals scored across those two previous games suggests Saturday’s Grand Final may well be a goal-fest.
Both teams have an array of potential match-winners readying to make their mark on the big stage.
Dan Foden’s Preston team is stacked with attacking talent, as alongside Johnson, Susan Phonsongkham, Miri Nishimura, Georgia Henderson and Mebae Tanaka offer an attacking threat from all over the pitch.
Whilst the experienced Emma Checker marshals the team from the back, Ellie Lamonte is the other player to watch, taking home the club’s best and fairest award over the weekend after a stellar campaign filled to the brim with highlights.
Heidelberg’s renaissance has been led by Alana Jancevski in the attacking third and Sarah O’Donoghue in midfield, alongside club stalwarts Steph Galea and Keely Lockhart.
Asuka Miyata has been particularly brilliant towards the end of the season, whilst both Olivia Edwards and Daniella Galluccio will have plenty riding on Saturday’s game having left Preston for Heidelberg during the offseason.
Two teams showcasing quality all over the park and playing their best football of the season make Saturday’s Grand Final an unmissable event.