Women’s Match Report: Royals Edge Out Brunswick Juventus in Season Opener
The Essendon Royals kicked off their second season in Victoria’s top flight with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Brunswick Juventus at CB Smith Reserve. A well-taken free kick by debutant Airi Fujiwara proved to be the difference in a match defined by strong defensive displays and standout goalkeeping performances.
Nine Royals players debuted in this match, highlighting the squad’s fresh look for the 2025 season. Despite the changes, the team showed composure, discipline, and a clinical edge when it mattered.
Amongst the debutants was 17-year-old Cobi Wilbert, who starred in a defensive trio with her more experienced counterparts Mikaela Jurcic and new signing Rebekah Van Dort.
At wing-back, Alessia Bresciano – a surprise debutant having arrived at the club from Eltham Redbacks as an Under-20s player – also took her opportunity to shine, providing defensive cover and attacking options in equal measure.
Zara Board, in goal, demonstrated confidence, whilst Grace Paradis’ incredible work ethic made her a constant thorn in the side of the Brunswick defence.
Within minutes of kick-off, the Royals had created two decent chances via Audrey Oastler, Grace Paridis and Ava Groba.
Debutant Fujiwara quickly demonstrated her attacking threat on the right wing, creating opportunities. Groba nearly scored with a back-post effort that narrowly missed the target. The Royals gradually settled into the contest, testing Juventus’ resilience with dangerous set pieces.
A powerful header on goal looked destined for the net, but Brunswick goalkeeper Payton Woodward denied it with an incredible save. She frustrated the Royals, making multiple key saves in the opening minutes to keep the game scoreless.
The breakthrough finally came in the 42nd minute after Oastler won a free kick in a dangerous position. Fujiwara stepped up and, on her club debut, delivered a moment of magic, curling her shot into the top corner to give the Royals a 1-0 lead just before halftime.
The second half saw Essendon push for a second goal, with Paradis and Oastler linking up to test Woodward again.
Langley also attempted a long-range strike, but the Juventus keeper stood firm. Meanwhile, Brunswick Juventus pressed forward for an equaliser, forcing Royals goalkeeper Zara Board into action with a well-read save on her debut.
With just over 30 minutes to go, the Royals made a tactical shift, bringing on defensive reinforcements to secure the result. Brunswick Juventus had one final opportunity in stoppage time following a late foul on the edge of the box. However, the resulting free kick was mishit under pressure, bouncing comfortably into the arms of Board, sealing an opening-day victory for the Royals.
With three points secured, the Royals turn their attention to their next challenge, looking to build momentum in what promises to be another exciting NPLW campaign.