Luv A Duck Women’s Match Preview: Royals Eye Finals Spot at Lakeside

Essendon Royals head to Lakeside Stadium on Saturday knowing a single point will be enough to secure a place in this year’s NPLW Victoria finals.

The Royals come into the contest in fine touch, unbeaten in their last six outings and fresh from a 3-0 win over FV Academy that kept their momentum rolling at just the right time of the year.

Essendon have surged to third on the ladder, sitting six points clear of fifth-placed Alamein with two rounds to play.

That gap means just a draw against South Melbourne would seal finals football for the second time under Vince Battiato. But with second-placed Bulleen stumbling in recent weeks, the Royals have the added incentive of chasing down a home semi-final at Cross Keys Reserve if results fall their way.

South, meanwhile, is fighting to keep its season alive. They lifted the Nike FC Cup earlier this month, but their league form has failed to match that high. Currently sitting sixth, Hellas need a win to stay in touch with the top four. Anything less, and their hopes of September football will be gone.

The Royals’ attack has been firing on all cylinders in recent weeks. Emma Langley leads the team with eight goals, while Deven Jackson has wasted no time in making her mark, scoring six in just eight appearances. Alana Cerne returns to the side after her call-up with the Young Matildas, while the possible return of Grace Maher – three goals in five matches – would be another welcome boost.

South will look to their key forwards for inspiration. Nikki Furukawa (seven goals) and Meisha Westland (five) have been consistent threats this season and will need to be at their best to break down a Royals backline that has tightened up considerably during their current unbeaten run.

With finals on the line for both clubs, expect a tense and hard-fought contest at Lakeside – one that could shape the story of the season for both sides.