Essendon Royals are pleased to announce the signing of Kendrah Smith ahead of the 2024 NPLW Victoria season.
Smith joins the club after playing her entire career at Auckland-based side West Coast Rangers, where she enjoyed a stellar 2023 campaign in New Zealand’s Women’s National League.
“Over the past couple of years, I’ve started to play football at a higher level and actually started to enjoy the competitiveness of it,” Smith said.
“Then Vince and [Senior Women’s Assistant Coach] Jaiden reached out and asked if I wanted to come over, and I thought, why not? I’ve always wanted to travel and see the world, so what better way than to do it for football.”
The New Zealander started her playing career as a centre-back before being converted into a midfielder with an eye for goal.
Her arrival helps significantly bolster the club’s midfield stocks going into the season, with her experience of playing at a high level across the Tasman integral to the Royals’ hopes for a successful season in Victoria’s top flight.