Luv A Duck Women’s Match Preview: Royals Face Bergers Rematch in Semi Final

A daunting task awaits underdogs Essendon on Saturday in their season-defining game: face Heidelberg for the second time in seven days, shake off a 3-0 loss, and become just the third side this year to knock off the reigning champions on home turf. 

Heidelberg have won nine and lost twice at Olympic Village this season – a dominant season bookended by surprisingly decisive defeats to South Melbourne and Bulleen.

The loss in Round 22 came with a few harsh lessons. The Royals were outplayed but far from outclassed, and in fact edged the shot count, 12-11. But Heidelberg capitalised on a horror giveaway to take an early lead, before stinging Essendon on the counter attack early in the second. Two errors, two preventable goals.

The third, however – originating in Heidelberg’s own penalty area and coming through the central corridor – will be the most concerning for Vince Battiato and his charges.

Essendon will have to lean on the experience of Alana Cerne and Grace Maher, but will be unable to call on the goalscoring prowess of the injured Airi Fujiwara or Deven Jackson, who has linked up with A-League Women’s outfit Melbourne City to prepare for their continental campaign. 

The Royals backline will need to find an answer for Golden Boot winner Sawa Matsuda, who has 18 goals to her name this season – including a hat trick against Essendon in Round 11. 

It all comes down to this. Can the Royals women go one better than last season and make it to the big dance?

Kick-off at Olympic Village is at 4:15 PM this Saturday, 6 September. Get down and get behind the Royals women in their biggest match of the year!