Royals retain attacking leader Ava Groba for 2026

Essendon Royals are pleased to confirm that attacker Ava Groba has re-signed for the 2026 NPLW Victoria season.

Groba’s 2025 campaign was disrupted by injury, but she still made 12 senior appearances and found the net twice, offering flashes of the sharp movement and composed finishing that made her such an exciting addition to the squad a year earlier.

Groba continues to be one of the senior figures in the dressing room. A former Calder United captain, she brings a calm, competitive edge that sets standards for those around her and helps anchor the club’s attacking group.

Before joining the Royals, Groba spent eight seasons at Calder, leading the side in her final year, and gained invaluable experience as a train-on with Western United during their foundation A-League Women’s season. That background shows in the way she trains, prepares, and carries herself across a long campaign.

The Royals see 2026 as an opportunity for Groba to build momentum again and return to the consistent threat she showed at the start of her time in Essendon colours. With another pre-season under her belt, she’ll be aiming to reassert herself as a key figure in the front third as the squad pushes to climb higher in Victoria’s top flight.

Please join us in welcoming Ava back for the year ahead. We look forward to seeing her continue to grow and help drive this group forward.