Royals Return to Cross Keys with Homecoming Double Header on April 5

THIS POST WAS UPDATED ON THURSDAY 3 APRIL WITH NEW KICK-OFF TIMES

UPDATE: Due to bird damage to light towers at Cross Keys and the loss of lighting globes, changes were made to these kick-off times on Thursday 3 April. We apologise for any inconvenience and we thank Preston and Box Hill United for working with the club to ensure all games could go ahead.

The Essendon Royals are excited to mark their first home matchday of 2025 with a celebration like no other — the club’s Homecoming at Cross Keys Reserve on Saturday, 5 April.

In a historic first, both our Senior Women and Senior Men will take centre stage in a double header at our beloved home ground, as we officially return to Cross Keys following its early-season closure.

The day’s senior action kicks off with our NPLW Senior Women taking on Preston Lions at 12.30 PM, followed by our VPL2 Senior Men facing Box Hill United at 3 PM — offering a perfect day-to-evening experience for Royals of all ages.

Full schedule of gameplay:

• NPLW U20s – Essendon Royals v Preston Lions – Pitch 1 – 10 am
• VPL2 U19s – Essendon Royals v Box Hill United – Pitch 2 – 10 am
• VPL2 U23s – Essendon Royals v Box Hill United – Pitch 2 – 12.30 pm
• NPLW – Essendon Royals v Preston Lions – Pitch 1 – 12.30 pm
• VPL2 – Essendon Royals v Box Hill United – Pitch 1 – 3 pm

Off the pitch, fans can enjoy:

• Delicious eats from the upstairs canteen and BBQ grilling all day downstairs. We have $5 sausage and break snack packs available from the downstairs grill and $10 chicken tenders and chips for juniors at the upstairs canteen.
• Shed-End FanZone – an exciting new area behind the goals near the shed, where Royals juniors can cheer on their heroes in full voice
• Free flags and club merch giveaways for juniors who rock up in their Royals kit
• Beanie Raffle: Purchase a beanie on gameday and go in the draw to win 2x Medallion Club tickets to Essendon v North Melbourne on May 3.

There’s also a full slate of games across the day, with our VPL2 U23s, U19s, and NPLW U20s all in action — giving supporters the chance to watch our future stars alongside our senior leaders.

This day is also a chance to celebrate the fantastic work of Moonee Valley City Council, whose recent overseeding and groundworks have delivered a fresh new surface at Cross Keys Reserve that’s perfect for winter football.

DETAILS:

Where: 

Cross Keys Reserve, Strathmore

When: 

Saturday 5 April
Women at 1230PM | Men at 3PM

What’s On:

Family-friendly matchday atmosphere
Shed-End Supporters Zone open to all juniors

Let’s come together, paint the town red, and show everyone what it means to Be Royal!