The 2026 women’s National Premier Leagues NSW season came to a thrilling conclusion at St George Venues Jubilee Stadium on Sunday, with Bulls FC Academy crowned Champions following a dramatic Grand Finals.
The Bulls secured back-to-back NPL Women’s NSW Premiership and Championship doubles, after defeating UNSW 3-1 on penalties.
After a tense opening 90 minutes, Sarah Hunter finally broke the deadlock in the 105th minute with a stunning free-kick into the top corner.
NSW refused to surrender, with Demi Koulizakis producing a brilliant header in the 120th minute to send the Grand Final to penalties.
Goalie Ashley Hughes then became the hero for the Bulls, making two crucial saves in the shootout to secure the Championship.
Hughes was named Player of the Match after her outstanding performance.
The victory completed another Premiership-Championship double for Marti Garces’ side after they achieved the same feat in 2025.
“There was almost a sense of ‘never in doubt’, that’s how strong the belief was. But you never know when it goes to penalties,” Garces said.
“It’s an aspirational group, an aspirational club. We have just got to keep doing what we do. It’s business as usual. We will continue to grow.”
UNSW’s defeat brought an end to an outstanding season which included Sapphire Cup success, a second-place finish and a Grand Final appearance.
In the NPL Men’s NSW Grand Final, another South West Sydney club emerged victorious. Sydney United 58 defeated APIA Leichhardt 3-1 to claim the NPL Men’s NSW Championship for 2026.
