Kendrah Smith joins Essendon Royals from across the ditch

Essendon Royals are pleased to announce the signing of Kendrah Smith ahead of the 2024 NPLW Victoria season.

Smith joins the club after playing her entire career at Auckland-based side West Coast Rangers, where she enjoyed a stellar 2023 campaign in New Zealand’s Women’s National League.

“Over the past couple of years, I’ve started to play football at a higher level and actually started to enjoy the competitiveness of it,” Smith said.

“Then Vince and [Senior Women’s Assistant Coach] Jaiden reached out and asked if I wanted to come over, and I thought, why not? I’ve always wanted to travel and see the world, so what better way than to do it for football.”

The New Zealander started her playing career as a centre-back before being converted into a midfielder with an eye for goal.

Her arrival helps significantly bolster the club’s midfield stocks going into the season, with her experience of playing at a high level across the Tasman integral to the Royals’ hopes for a successful season in Victoria’s top flight.