Royals secure talented young trio for upcoming NPLW Victoria season

Essendon Royals are thrilled to secure the signature of three young stars ahead of the upcoming 2025 NPLW Victoria season, with the arrivals of Cobi Wilbert, Jesse Armstrong and Renee Pocock.

The trio all stood out playing at both senior and Under 20 level last season for Calder United and FC Bulleen Lions respectively.

Wilbert joins the club after arriving from Calder, whom she made her senior debut for last season.

After joining from Ballarat City, the youngster was fast-tracked through the club’s Under 17s and Under 20s, and established herself as part of the senior side.

She’s joined by her former Calder teammate in Armstrong, who came through the ranks of the club over the last few seasons.

Armstrong was also part of their senior setup for the last two seasons, but primarily featured for the club’s Under 19s and 20s sides.

This also continues a strong connection between the Armstrong family and the club, with Jesse’s dad Lachie spending many years at the club as a player, coach and coaching director.

Meanwhile, Pocock arrives at the Royals from Bulleen, having spent the last three years in their junior setup after previously playing for Calder.

Pocock was part of Bulleen’s senior squad three times during the 2023 season, but spent the entirety of the 2024 campaign in the club’s Under 20s side, where she scored twice in 20 appearances.

They join Emily Harbis, Emma Langley, Betti Michael, Maya Stankovic, Ava Walters and Minami Yamasaki as new arrivals in 2025.

We’re thrilled to have the talented young trio join the club ahead of the new campaign and we can’t wait to see them continue their football journey at Cross Keys Reserve.