Luv A Duck Women’s Match Preview: Royals Face Eagles in Crucial Finals Six-Pointer

It’s fourth against third in a blockbuster clash at Cross Keys Reserve this Saturday, as Essendon Royals welcome Boroondara-Carey Eagles in a game with enormous implications for the NPLW finals race.

Both sides enter the fixture locked on 29 points, knowing that victory will provide a crucial three-point buffer over the chasing pack – most notably fifth-placed South Melbourne. For the Royals, the stakes couldn’t be clearer as they look to continue their remarkable mid-season surge and cement their spot among the top four.

Essendon come into this match in red-hot form, riding the momentum of four wins from their last five games. Their thrilling 2-1 victory away at Alamein last week—secured by goals from Fujiwara Airi and Emma Langley – propelled the Royals into the top four. 

The mid-season additions of Grace Maher, Deven Jackson, and Alana Cerne have provided fresh impetus, while the Royals’ attacking trio of Langley, Fujiwara, and Jackson continues to trouble defences every week.

But standing in their way this Saturday are a Boroondara side eager to return to winning form. The Eagles have hit a rough patch recently, with just one victory in their last five outings, and come off a narrow 1-0 defeat against Bulleen. 

Despite recent struggles, Candela Ferreyra Bas remains their leading scorer with seven goals, while Priya Savarirayan, who scored against the Royals in their dramatic Round 7 encounter, is close behind with six.

That Round 7 clash will still be fresh in Royals’ minds – a heartbreaking last-minute defeat after Emma Langley had seemingly rescued a point in stoppage time, only to see Hayley Geurts secure all three points for the Eagles with a stunning free kick.

The Royals will undoubtedly be seeking redemption for that result, and with home advantage and confidence sky-high, Vince Battiato’s side knows this weekend presents a massive opportunity to take another crucial step towards finals football.

Kick-off at Cross Keys Reserve is set for 3:00 PM this Saturday, 26 July. 

U20s kick-off at 12.30pm.

The stage is set for a gripping contest – one that could define the season for both clubs.