Luv A Duck Women’s Match Preview: Royals Look To Preserve Perfect Record Against Bulleen

The Essendon Royals women travel to the Veneto Club on Saturday, knowing a win could vault them into a finals place.

Essendon are back on the winners’ list, emerging victorious in a dramatic seven-goal thriller against Preston Lions on Friday night.

Deven Jackson netted a spectacular double to open her Royals account, Grace Maher was nerveless from the penalty spot on debut, and top scorer Airi Fujiwara netted her ninth of the campaign with what proved to be the winner. Preston threatened a late comeback, but the Royals showed grit and determination to keep the home side at arm’s length. 

Saturday’s opponents will provide a stern test. Bulleen have won three in a row since the return of A-League Women’s players Lia Privitelli, Alana Cortellino, Ava Briedis and Paige Zois, and have climbed to 2nd in the table. 

Young Matildas forward Danella Butrus leads Bulleen’s scorers with seven goals this season, including three in her last three appearances. 

Remarkably, the Royals have a perfect head-to-head record against Bulleen, with three wins from three meetings. Cobi Wilbert was the hero in Round 5, netting the game’s only goal with her second touch after coming off the bench, after Fujiwara’s shot was parried into her path by the Bulleen keeper. 

Essendon are sixth, three points adrift of Alamein in fourth and Boroondara in fifth. This weekend’s game is an opportunity to test themselves against one of the competition’s in-form sides, and make major strides towards a spot in the semi-finals. Kick-off at David Barro Stadium is set for 4:00 PM this Saturday 12 July.