Thank you, Marie! Royals farewell senior women’s star Marie Rampal

Senior Women’s star Marie Rampal has departed Essendon Royals after three seasons at the club, that saw her play a key role in the side’s rise from State League One to NPLW Victoria.

Rampal made 67 appearances for the club (59 competitive league games and eight Cup matches), and has been an inspiration throughout her three seasons at the club.

The full-back joined the club in 2022 when Essendon were still in the third tier of women’s football in Victoria, after four years playing for state powerhouses Calder United.

The dynamic full-back went on to become a central part of the Royals lineup, and took home the 2022 Senior Women’s Best & Fairest for her performances in her first year at the club, where she helped the club secure promotion to Victoria Premier League Women’s.

Rampal continued to provide plenty of energy up-and-down the flank as Royals secured back-to-back promotions in 2023 and won the Nike FC Community Cup against Casey Comets.

Her performances didn’t waver in the top flight, continuing as a starter en-route to securing a place in the NPLW finals this year.

Earlier this year, Rampal brought up 100 NPLW senior women’s appearances against her former side Calder in June and went on to feature 11 more times this season, taking her tally to 111 games in Victoria’s top flight.

From everyone at Essendon Royals, we thank Marie for her tireless efforts over the last three years. She will be sadly missed but we understand she’s moving to another phase of her life where the commitment of NPLW football can be all-consuming.

She will always be part of the Royals family and we wish her all the best for the future.