Gaffney Match Preview: Royals looking to finish season on a high against La Trobe

The Essendon Royals will finish an epic campaign on Sunday, with the prize of a top-two finish and promotion to the Victorian Women’s Premier League well and truly in their hands when they face La Trobe University SC at Cross Keys Reserve on Sunday.

The Royals have enjoyed a magnificent campaign in 2022, irrespective of how it ends.

Having dropped just eight points all season to this point, the Royals hold a three-point lead over third-placed Spring Hills Stallions heading into the final game of the season.

The Vince Battiato-coached Royals have plundered 76 goals past their opponents and have the league’s best defensive record, having conceded just 12 goals in 17 games.

A point on Sunday would be more than enough for the Royals to hang onto second place, but if you’ve ever watched the Royals this season, you’ll know they don’t play for just a point.

Having defeated La Trobe University 3-0 back in Round 9, the Royals will know that their best football should be good enough to get the result.

However, they will be taking nothing for granted, particularly after a sizeable scare from Bundoora United last week.

The Royals will also know that with Spring Hills taking on battler Keilor Park, it is unlikely that their third-placed rivals will be dropping points.

With the goals spread relatively evenly this season, Rachel Alonso and Mary Hubeek are tied as the club’s leading league goalscorers with 19 goals each.

Linda Sawa trails them by four goals with 15.

In the earlier kick-off, the Royals championship-winning Reserves side will look to finish the season with their 100 per cent record intact.

In an incredible effort, the Royals have scored 130 goals in 17 games this season, conceding just nine, not dropping a single point in the process.