Women’s Match Preview: Royals face huge test against reigning champions South Melbourne at Lakeside

Essendon Royals’ senior women’s side face one of their biggest tests of the season to date when they take on reigning NPLW Victoria champions South Melbourne on Saturday evening at Lakeside Stadium.

The Royals have had an up and down to start to this season, claiming two wins, but being on the end of two defeats as well, most recently in the league, being a 2-1 loss to Boroondara Eagles a fortnight ago.

In between then, they got the job done in the Nike FC Cup, sealing passage to the next round with a big 6-0 win over Altona City at Cross Keys Reserve.

Watch the highlights from our 6-0 win over Altona City below.

Audrey Oastler continued her fine start to the season with four goals, while Filomena Delic and Dani Marshall added one apiece in their big win.

Up next, is a monster clash against South at Lakeside, who come into the contest off the back of being knocked out of the Cup by Heidelberg on Saturday night.

In fact, South are without a win in their last two games in the league, losing the Grand Final rematch to FC Bulleen Lions 3-0, after drawing 2-2 with Alamein a week prior.

Hellas have played one less match than Royals this season, by virtue of their game with Preston Lions being postponed due to the surface at BT Connor Reserve being relayed at the time.

Despite their tough start, they still aren’t a team to be taken lightly with plenty of pedigree including former Royals junior Francesca Iermano, Meisha Westland, Danielle Micallef and Dragana Klajic.

Prior to the senior action getting underway, our Under 20s will take the field at Lakeside, as they look to record their second vistory of the season after a 3-0 win over the Eagles a fortnight ago.

The Under 20s will take the field at 1 PM, before the seniors kick-off at 4 PM.