Insight Body & Mind Women’s Match Preview: Royals Travel to Dorothy Laver Looking to Maintain Top-Four Push
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Something has to give.
Essendon Royals head to Dorothy Laver West Reserve on Saturday (3 pm) to face an Alamein FC side that has not conceded a goal this season.
Two matches, two clean sheets, and one narrow win from a Savanna Anastasopoulos strike just before half-time against Avondale in Round 1. The 0-0 draw at Keilor Park in Round 2 reinforced the picture. Alamein remain what they have been for some time in NPLW Victoria: difficult to break down, well-coached, and never easy to leave with three points.
This is not a side that will come at you. Alamein sit sixth on the table with four points from two games and will have had a full week off after their Round 3 fixture against Melbourne City was postponed. Whether that extended rest brings freshness or disrupts rhythm is an open question. What is certain is that Liam Kafka-Sweeney will have his side organised and ready.
The Royals, meanwhile, have produced plenty through three rounds but know the challenge this fixture presents.
The 3-1 victory over reigning champions Box Hill United in Round 1 remains the standout result of the season. Kelli McGroarty made an immediate statement with two goals and an assist, while the team’s pressing structure and defensive discipline set the standard. The 3-1 defeat to table-toppers Boroondara in Round 2 showed the margins at this level, with the Royals controlling territory but punished in a brutal eight-minute spell after half-time.
Last week’s 1-0 win over Spring Hills was exactly what was required. Ayano Koizumi’s curling free kick in the 34th minute was the difference, but the performance was about more than the goal. McGroarty’s tireless work up front created space and forced errors. Isabella Sewards provided calm authority through the middle. Zara Board was composed behind them. It was a professional display that restored momentum after the Boroondara setback.
The question now is whether the Royals can break through a side built to resist.
McGroarty’s directness and movement will be central. Three goals in three matches from the American import have already established her as one of the most dangerous forwards in the competition. Koizumi’s range of passing and set-piece delivery offers another avenue. But Alamein’s structure has so far proven resistant to everything opponents have thrown at them.
Essendon sit fourth with six points, one spot and two points above their hosts. A win would consolidate that position and maintain the early push toward the top of the table. A draw would still represent a reasonable return from a ground that has historically been an uncomfortable trip for visiting sides.
Around the Grounds – NPLW Victoria Round 4
Friday Night
Box Hill United Pythagoras FC vs Heidelberg United FC
Wembley Park | 7:30pm
Box Hill have bounced back from their Round 1 defeat to the Royals with consecutive wins and sit third with six points and eleven goals scored. Heidelberg are still searching for their first win after two draws and a loss. The reigning champions will look to keep building momentum here.
Bentleigh Greens SC vs Spring Hills FC
Kingston Heath Soccer Complex | 8:30pm
Bentleigh are rock bottom with three defeats and sixteen goals conceded. Spring Hills sit mid-table with four points and have proven difficult to beat across the early rounds. On form, Spring Hills should have the better of this one.
Preston Lions FC vs Boroondara Eagles FC
Genis Steel Stadium | 8:30pm
The headline fixture of the round. Boroondara lead the table with a perfect record, ten goals scored and three conceded. Preston earned a famous opening round win over Heidelberg and have four points from three matches. This is a genuine test of whether the Eagles are the real deal in 2026.
Saturday
Keilor Park SC vs Avondale FC
Keilor Park Recreation Reserve | 3:00pm
Two sides at opposite ends of the early-season experience. Avondale have shown attacking capability with five goals scored but have been let down by defensive lapses. Keilor Park are still searching for their first win and have conceded five in three matches. An open contest that could produce goals.
South Melbourne FC vs Melbourne Victory FC
Home of the Matildas | 4:00pm
South Melbourne have been the draw specialists, with two draws and a win leaving them fifth on five points. Victory sit second on seven points and remain unbeaten. A clash between two established sides with genuine ambitions for the top of the table.
Monday
Melbourne City – NPL Seniors vs FC Bulleen Lions
Casey Fields | 5:00pm
Both sides are still searching for consistency. Melbourne City have lost both matches played and sit second from bottom. Bulleen have one win and two defeats. Someone has to get a result here, and the postponement schedule means this Monday fixture carries added weight.