Ayano Koizumi to make Royals comeback in 2026

Essendon Royals are delighted to confirm that Ayano Koizumi has re-signed for the 2026 NPLW Victoria season, marking a long-awaited return after an extended period away from the pitch.

Koizumi has already written a significant chapter at the Royals. Arriving from Japan ahead of the 2023 season, she made an immediate impact, scoring on debut and going on to produce a remarkable campaign that helped deliver the VPLW Premiership and Championship double, along with victory in the Nike FC Community Cup. Her influence, creativity, and work rate saw her crowned the 2023 VPLW Best and Fairest.

The step up to NPLW in 2024 brought fresh challenges. Koizumi featured in eight matches during the club’s debut season at the top level before suffering a serious knee injury that ruled her out for the remainder of the year and the entirety of the 2025 campaign. 

As part of her return-to-play pathway, she featured in nine matches for Bayside Argonauts in the VPLW last season, using that time to rebuild match fitness, confidence, and rhythm.

Now fully focused on 2026, Koizumi returns to Cross Keys with renewed hunger to compete at this level. Her quality with the ball, intelligence in tight spaces, and ability to lift those around her remain hallmarks of her game.

“We’re excited to have Aya come back after being sidelined last year,” says head coach Jaiden Van Der Heijden.

“She’s made a full recovery and she’s a really exciting player.

“She’ll spend most of her time as a left back or a midfielder, but she has the ability to play all across the park.”

Please join us in welcoming Ayano back to Cross Keys!