Essendon Royals confirm Celeste Gallina capture

Essendon Royals are delighted to confirm the addition of Celeste Gallina to the club’s senior women’s team in 2022.

Gallina is a welcome addition to the club, arriving from Brunswick City, following many years with Moreland Zebras.

Capable of playing at centre back or in central midfield, Gallina started her senior career at Brunswick, before moving to the Zebras.

She served the Zebras with distinction, playing as captain and helping the club to promotions from State League 3 to State League 1 between 2016 and 2019, including winning the State League 3 best—and-fairest in 2016.

Gallina is also a proven junior coach, having coached various boys and girls teams at Moreland, as well as last season at Brunswick, making her a fantastic addition to the club on and off the park.

As an experienced leader, Gallina said she was excited about the prospect of a new challenge with the Royals.

“I’m excited to be joining the Royals, a club with a great history,” she said.

“The club has been very welcoming and I’m excited to be playing under [senior women’s coach] Vince [Battiato], who has shown a great commitment to the team and has an exciting philosophy for how we will play.”

Gallina is the club’s fifth new senior women’s player as Battiato continues to remodel the side in his image.