Women’s Match Preview: Clash with the reigning champions awaits as Royals welcome South Melbourne to Cross Keys

Essendon Royals’ senior women will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss last weekend, when they take on reigning NPLW Victoria champions South Melbourne in a blockbuster clash at Cross Keys Reserve.

Royals’ three game winning streak came to an end at the Veneto Club, falling to a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Boroondara-Carey Eagles.

Watch the highlights from our loss to Boroondara.

The loss, coupled with South’s draw with league leaders FC Bulleen Lions, means Royals fell into third spot behind Hellas on the ladder on goal difference and four points behind Bulleen heading into this weekend.

Despite losing their last two games on the road, Essendon’s home form has been brilliant, winning their last six games at Cross Keys and only suffering defeat once, coming at the hands of Boroondara earlier this season.

After a slow start to the season, South are unbeaten in their last 10 matches, with the last of losses coming against Royals back in April.

Goals from Ayano Kozumi and Reano Omiya were the difference on the day as Essendon claimed an impressive scalp against the reigning champions.

Watch the highlights from our 2-1 win over South Melbourne earlier this season.

Emily Roach and Danielle Wise loom as the players to keep an eye on for the Royals defence, scoring eight goals each this season, while Tayla Christensen has scored five and Meisha Westland has four to her name.

Kick-off is at 3 PM, with the Under 20s in action just beforehand at 12:30 PM.

The Royals Under 20s defeated Boroondara 4-0 last week, and sit in ninth on the ladder, while South fell to a 4-3 defeat against Bulleen and are in fifth.