Royals Secure Trio of Mid-Season Signings Ahead of Brunswick Juventus Clash

The Essendon Royals are thrilled to welcome three exciting additions to the club’s NPLW Senior Women’s squad, with Alana Cerne, Deven Jackson, and Olivia Wood all signing on ahead of tonight’s clash with Brunswick Juventus.

The reinforcements arrive at a pivotal time in the season, boosting depth and quality as the Royals look to push on in the second half of the campaign.

Among the new signings is former Western United trailblazer Alana Cerne, who made history as the club’s inaugural Liberty A-League Women signing.

Cerne, a product of the Calder United system, quickly rose through the ranks thanks to her standout performances in midfield and at centre back. She was a key figure in Calder’s treble-winning 2022 season and was crowned NPLW Victoria’s Media Player of the Year.

Known for her fierce ball striking, precise passing range and competitive edge, Cerne brings proven quality and versatility to the Royals’ backline and midfield options.

Another major coup for the Royals is the arrival of Deven Jackson, a New Zealand international most recently on the books at Newcastle Jets.

Jackson was called into the Football Ferns squad for their recent friendly win over Venezuela, where she made a second-half appearance. A dynamic and intelligent attacker, she was Newcastle’s leading scorer in her debut season, netting six goals in 18 appearances.

Her top-tier experience and international exposure add a new level of intensity to the Royals’ attacking threats.

Rounding out the new signings is rising star Olivia Wood, a prolific striker who scored 14 goals last season for Perth RedStar in the NPL Women’s Western Australia competition.

Still early in her career, Wood brings natural goal-scoring instincts and a hunger to test herself in Victoria’s top flight. Her sharp movement and ability to find the back of the net will be a welcome boost for the Royals in the final third.