Japanese playmaker Miri Nishimura joins the Royals

ERSC is delighted to announce the signing of Miri Nishimura for the 2026 NPLW Victoria season.

Over the last five years, Nishimura has developed a reputation as one of the most technically gifted midfielders in the state. Her passing ability, set piece prowess, and eye for a spectacular long range goal have set her apart.

Nishimura joined the Preston Lions in 2021, helping the side gain promotion from VPLW to the top flight as Champions in the following year, scoring 13 goals along the way. 

She remained a mainstay in the top flight, scoring 6 goals in 2023 and 7 in 2024, as Preston finished runner-up in both the NIKE FC Cup Final and NPLW Victoria Grand Final.  Nishimura was recognised for her outstanding performances through selection in Football Victoria’s Battle of the States NPLW all-star team to face Queensland in 2024. 

“Miri is a defensive or box-to-box midfielder who is technically very gifted,” says head coach Jaiden Van Der Heijden.

“She is great at set pieces. We can see her scoring a couple of goals from range this year.

“She will be the one dictating the tempo of the game – always on the ball, confident on the ball.”

While her eye-catching goals from free kicks – and sometimes directly from corner kicks – will grab the headlines, Nishimura’s work rate and willingness to put in a challenge are equally valued by the Royals coaching staff.

“Despite her size, she’s got a lot of grunt to her as well,” says Van Der Heijden. 

We’re excited to welcome Miri to the Royals family – and we know the Essendon fans have a lot to look forward to.