Bulleen Lions winger Lia Privitelli has a mix of nerves and excitement as her side will meet Calder United in Saturday afternoon’s NPLW VIC’s semi-final.
The winner of the game will book a place at AAMI Park in a Grand Final against South Melbourne or Alamein FC.
The Women’s Game understands Privitelli will be playing for Victory in the W-League for her third consecutive season with the club.
Privitelli will be meeting a number of her Victory teammates on Saturday including Angela Beard, Gulcan Koca and MelindaJ Barbieri and admitted there was extra spice.
“There’s banter before every game regardless of whether it’s a final or not,” Privitelli told The Women’s Game.
“I’m close with the likes of Angie along with Gulcan and we always have a good laugh. As soon as the whistle goes it’s game on.

“We’ve got a strong team, a good list of players and our squad is filled with depth. There has been room for rotation and giving player’s a rest when they need it.
“We’ve gelled really well which pays off on the field. We’re all so close off the field that it helps us when we’re up.”
Privitelli has made 19 appearances this season, scoring 16 goals as her team finished third on the table, 10 points behind Calder.
The 24-year-old missed games at the beginning of the season due to soft tissue injuries, but has managed consistent game time leading into Saturday.
She is hopeful star Caitlin Friend can help her side win after scoring 26 goals for Bulleen this season.
“Caitlin’s been a huge asset for us and had a great season,” she said.
“She’s quite flexible in terms of where she can play as well, she’s quite versatile in playing as a top striker and a playmaker. Her distribution and goal scoring has been invaluable for us.”

The full-time Epping Secondary College teacher has also enjoyed balancing football with her job this season.
Privitelli said it was hard for her to imagine doing any other job because of it’s reward.
“I’m really enjoying it, I’m into my second year now and we’ll be into the fourth term in a couple of weeks,” Privitelli added.
“School is awesome, I have lots of fun here and we run a soccer program at school so I get to bring my passion into my other passion.
“It’s good fun and the kids seem to really like it in the classroom.
“We run a soccer program, so our senior boys went out and played John Fawkner College, Overnewton Anglican Community College and St Michaels and I’m doing quite a bit of coaching as well.”
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