Essendon Royals sign Deralas and Lantieri-Bartley for the remainder of the 2024 NPLW season

Essendon Royals are pleased to announce the signing of gun attacker Raquel Deralas and skilful defender Mia Lantieri-Bartley for the remainder of the 2024 NPLW Victoria season.

Deralas joins the club after spending the last two A-League Women’s seasons with Western United.

Deralas has dominated at NPLW level with Calder United, particularly last season where she scored 11 goals in 13 games en route to a semi final appearance.

Deralas can play in a range of positions throughout attack, including as a striker, attacking midfielder or out wide.

Lantieri-Bartley arrives from NPLW rivals Alamein and said she was excited to join the club.

“It’s good to be a bit closer to home and at Essendon,” she said.

“Seeing the football that Essendon was playing and I had asked around a few people I knew, and the first thing that was said to me is that the girls were really good, which you don’t normally hear first about how good the culture is.

“That sparked my interest, and then having spoken to [coach] Vince [Battiato] and listening to him talk with such passion ignited a spark in me. I need a coach I want to run through brick walls for, that’s what I react to, and that was a key factor for me.”

Her arrival helps compliment Royals’ already stacked attacking corps, as they chase a solid end to their first season in the top flight of women’s football in Victoria.

Both players are available for selection ahead of Saturday’s match against local rivals Brunswick Juventus.