Insight Body & Mind Match Preview: Royals eye strong follow-up in Round 2
Essendon Royals head to Knoxfield this Sunday looking to build on a statement opening to the 2026 NPLW Victoria season.
The Royals take little pleasure in moving our Senior Women so far away from home, but with JH Allan’s surface not up to NPLW playing standards, the club has had little choice but to move this fixture.
With the fixture relocated to Knox City FC’s Egan Lee Reserve, the Royals take on Boroondara Eagles FC in what shapes as one of the more intriguing early contests of Round 2. Both sides arrive full of confidence after strong starts, and both will view this match as an opportunity to entrench themselves among the early pacesetters.
Boroondara opened their campaign with a 4–1 win over Melbourne City’s academy side. While City fielded a young and developing group, four goals in Round 1 speaks to attacking sharpness and cohesion. Traditionally a lower mid-table side, Boroondara will sense an opportunity to shift that narrative in 2026.
Essendon’s own start carried even greater weight. The Royals’ 3–1 away victory over reigning champions Box Hill United was one borne of control. The pressing structure functioned, wide areas produced quality delivery and the side absorbed pressure before striking decisively.
Kelli McGroarty made an immediate impression, scoring twice and assisting the opener with a perfectly weighted reverse pass that released Isabella Sewards to break the deadlock. Her movement inside the box and decisiveness in front of goal added a new dimension to Essendon’s attack, but the platform behind her was equally important. The midfield recovered possession strongly, the defensive unit held its line with confidence, and the team showed maturity in managing key moments.
There was a setback in Round 1, with Paige Kingston-Hogg leaving the field injured and now racing to prove her fitness. Her availability remains uncertain heading into Sunday’s clash.
For coach Jaiden Van Der Heijden, the focus will be consistency. The Royals finished in the finals positions last season and have made no secret of their ambition to remain in top-four contention. Early-season momentum matters, particularly against opponents looking to redefine their ceiling.
Updated Match Details
U20s – 10:00am
Senior Women – 12:00pm
Sunday 22 February 2026
Knox City FC, Egan Lee Reserve, Wallace Road, Knoxfield
Around the Grounds – NPLW Victoria Round 2
Bentleigh Greens vs Box Hill United
Friday 20 February – 6:15pm
Kingston Heath Soccer Complex
Box Hill return to action looking to respond immediately after their 3–1 defeat to Essendon in Round 1. The reigning champions will not want to start 0–2. Bentleigh, meanwhile, were dismantled 5–1 by South Melbourne and conceded five goals in the process. This is a dangerous fixture for Bentleigh — Box Hill will arrive motivated and looking to reassert authority.
Preston Lions vs South Melbourne
Friday 20 February – 6:15pm
Genis Steel Stadium
Preston produced arguably the upset of Round 1, defeating Heidelberg United 1–0 thanks to Valentine Pursey’s second-half strike. South Melbourne were ruthless in their 5–1 demolition of Bentleigh Greens and look sharp early. This shapes as a fascinating contest between a side riding momentum and a traditional heavyweight who expect to be among the frontrunners.
Avondale vs FC Bulleen Lions
Saturday 21 February – 3:00pm
Avenger Park
Avondale’s first NPLW campaign began with a narrow 1–0 defeat to Alamein, but they showed competitiveness. Bulleen, on the other hand, fell 1–0 to Melbourne Victory and will feel they left points on the table. Both sides enter Round 2 searching for their first win, and early-season urgency should make this a tight encounter.
Keilor Park vs Alamein
Saturday 21 February – 3:00pm
Keilor Park Recreation Reserve
Keilor Park earned a credible 1–1 draw away to Spring Hills in Round 1, while Alamein secured a valuable 1–0 win over Avondale. Both sides will view this as a genuine opportunity to build early momentum. It may not grab headlines, but this has the makings of a balanced contest between two organised teams.
Melbourne City Academy vs Spring Hills
Saturday 21 February – 3:00pm
Casey Fields
City’s young academy side were exposed at times in their 4–1 loss to Boroondara, conceding early and struggling to recover. Spring Hills, who drew 1–1 with Keilor Park, will sense an opportunity here. The key question is whether City’s technical quality can overcome the physical and structural demands of NPLW football.
Melbourne Victory vs Heidelberg United
Sunday 22 February – 3:00pm
Home of the Matildas
Victory made a composed start to the season with a 1–0 win over Bulleen, showing defensive discipline and game management. Heidelberg, last year’s Premier’s Plate winners, were stunned by Preston in Round 1 and will be desperate to respond. This is arguably the headline fixture of the round — two established contenders trying to assert themselves early.