Canberra Croatia will host Canberra Olympic at Stryda Park in the National Premier League Women’s Preliminary Final, with the two set to compete for a Grand Final place up against Belconnen United next Saturday.

Croatia have had a much-improved 2025 campaign, finishing second in the NPLW, although posing a minimal threat to Belconnen’s title charge.

Based on the league table, Musie Elongo’s team will feel they have every right to fill out the other Grand Final spot, however the two teams they will have to face in their push for silverware will be the only outfits in the NPLW to defeat Croatia this season.

The Deakin-based club have been unable to defeat Belconnen from five attempts in 2025, and despite beating Olympic twice from three matches, a 1-0 defeat to Frank Cachia’s team in Round 21 will still be fresh in their minds.

It’s been a disappointing year for last season’s best-performing team, given the treble-winning achievements of 2024, however they look to be coming good at the right point in the campaign.

Given that Croatia have lost in each of their last two matches, Olympic, despite finishing third, may fancy their chances of another Grand Final, particularly after holding out their opponents just two weeks ago, and winning four of their last four league encounters.

Sunday 14 September

NPLW Preliminary Final

Canberra Croatia v Canberra Olympic

(Stryda Park, 16:00)

Words: Sam Watson