Women’s Match Preview: Historic first awaits Royals as Essendon welcome Boroondara to Cross Keys

Essendon Royals’ senior women’s side will play their first ever home game in the top flight of Victorian football on Saturday afternoon, when they face Boroondara Eagles at Cross Keys Reserve.

Royals’ fine start to the season continued on Monday night when they defeated Heidelberg United 3-1 at Olympic Village, making it two wins from three games to open the campaign.

A brace from Audrey Oastler and a Reona Omiya strike helped build a three goal advantage for Essendon, who despite conceding a late goal were able to hang on to an impressive victory in difficult conditions.

Watch the highlights from the 3-1 win over Heidelberg below.

Vince Battiato’s side now return home after a stretch of away matches to begin the season for a clash against the Eagles – who will be hoping to get back on the winners after a 4-2 loss to FC Bulleen Lions.

Boroondara – who have undergone significant squad turnover in the off-season – have had an inconsistent start to the campaign, losing against Preston Lions and Bulleen, either side of a 1-0 win over Alamein.

The Eagles have shown plenty in attack, scoring five goals in three matches headlined by new signings Anais Josefski and Gabby Hollar, but have conceded seven goals in that spell.

Before the action gets underway at 3 PM, the Under 20s take the field at 12:30 PM, in search of their first win of the campaign against the Eagles – who are also winless after three matches.