Luv A Duck Women’s Match Preview: Royals Return Home Looking to Reignite Season Against Bentleigh
Essendon Royals return to Cross Keys Reserve this Saturday with a chance to get their season back on track when they host Bentleigh Greens in Round 8 of the NPLW Victoria campaign.
The Royals come into the fixture off the back of a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Boroondara-Carey Eagles, a loss that came via a heartbreaking stoppage-time free kick after Emma Langley had equalised just moments earlier. It marked a third consecutive league loss for Vince Battiato’s side, despite moments of genuine quality and attacking promise in all three games.
This week’s opponents, Bentleigh Greens, arrive at Cross Keys in a similar position, having collected just one win from their first seven outings. Their latest result, a 1-0 defeat at the hands of FC Bulleen Lions, was their third loss in four matches.
The Greens come into this clash under new leadership following the appointment of Dario Simunic as senior coach. Simunic brings over 30 years of football experience and takes over from Angelo Koutos, who stepped down following Bentleigh’s early Nike FC Cup exit to Bundoora United – ironically, the Royals’ next cup opponent.
While both sides have struggled to string results together in 2025, history favours the Royals in this matchup. Essendon did the double over the Greens last season, grinding out a 1-0 win away in May before running riot at home in a 3-1 win in August. Kendrah Smith, Filomena Delic, and Raquel Deralas were among the standouts in that memorable performance.
The Greens have shared their goals around this season, with Anna Liacopoulos, Delany Kennedy, and Sidney Allen all finding the net twice, but they’ve struggled to consistently trouble defences – netting just eight goals so far.
For the Royals, the focus will be on rediscovering the cutting edge in front of goal and tightening up in key defensive moments. With home ground advantage, a familiar opponent, and a squad full of attacking threats like Airi Fujiwara, Ava Groba, and Grace Paradis, Battiato’s team will be eager to make Cross Keys a fortress once again.
Kick-off is set for 3:00 PM on Saturday, May 10, with the Under-20s to get things underway at 12:30 PM.
With both sides desperate for a result, it’s shaping up as a pivotal clash in the race to steady the season. Don’t miss it.