Royals strengthen attack with re-signing of Ava Groba for the 2025 NPLW Victoria season

Essendon Royals are pleased to announce the re-signing of attacker Ava Groba to their senior women’s side for the 2025 NPLW Victoria season.

Groba returns to the Royals for a second consecutive season, after making the move from Calder United following a successful, eight-year stint with the local powerhouses where she served as club captain in her final season at the club in 2023.

She also spent time as a train-on with Western United’s A-League Women’s outfit in their foundation season during the 2022-23 campaign.

The crafty attacker’s first season at Cross Keys was a successful one, scoring four goals, including strikes in big games against all the other finals outfits, including reigning champions Heidelberg United, premiers FC Bulleen Lions and runners-up Preston Lions.

Groba was a key cog in the Royals attack throughout the campaign, partnering brilliantly with the likes of Audrey Oastler and Raquel Deralas to name a few and was named the winner of the coach’s award alongside Mikaela Jurcic.

She joins Jurcic, Oastler and Kendrah Smith as players to have re-signed for the senior women’s side ahead of next season.

We’re looking forward to seeing Groba continue to take strides this season, as we aim to build on an impressive first season in Victoria’s top flight.