Essendon Royals did not ease into 2026. They attacked it. In Jaiden Van Der Heijden’s first competitive match in charge, the Royals travelled to Wembley Park and defeated reigning champions Box Hill United 3–1, producing a performance built on structure, bravery and clinical finishing. The opener was crafted, not forced. The move began with Royals […]
Essendon Royals are pleased to confirm that Renee Pocock will return for her second season at Cross Keys Reserve ahead of the 2026 NPLW Victoria campaign. Pocock arrived at the club ahead of the 2025 season after progressing through the junior ranks at Bulleen and previously developing at Calder. At the time of her signing, […]
Our 2026 Women’s Match Previews are proudly sponsored by Insight Body and Mind. Season openers have a habit of revealing more than they hide, and Essendon Royals’ first outing of the 2026 NPLW campaign lands firmly in that category. A new coach, a refreshed squad and the reigning champions waiting across the halfway line make […]
Our Senior Men’s Match Previews are proudly sponsored by Nicholas James Lawyers. There are opponents you respect.There are opponents you dislike.And then there are opponents who nag at you. For the Essendon Royals, Nunawading City FC sit squarely in that third category. For both footballing and psychological reasons, meetings between Essendon Royals and Nunawading tend […]
Essendon Royals are pleased to reveal that one of our own – Evan Markogiannakis – has re-signed for the 2026 VPL2 season. Markogiannakis returned to his junior club last season with many years of senior experience under his belt, both in the top flight with the likes of Avondale and Port Melbourne, and in VPL1 […]
Essendon Royals are pleased to confirm that goalkeeper Andre Russo has re-signed with the club, entering his fourth season with the club. Since arriving ahead of the 2023 campaign, Russo has developed into a reliable and settled presence in the goalkeeping group. He joined the Royals from Yarraville Glory after catching the club’s attention with […]
Essendon Royals are pleased to announce the re-signing of Jack Leech for his third season with the club. Leech arrived at Cross Keys midway through the 2024 campaign from NPLWA side Balcatta Etna, and has gone on to make 17 appearances for Mick Ferrante’s side. An energetic and composed midfielder with strong passing and dribbling […]
Essendon Royals are delighted to announce the signing of attacking midfielder Paige Kingston-Hogg, who joins the club ahead of the upcoming NPLW Victoria season. Kingston-Hogg arrives at Cross Keys with a strong national profile, having previously featured in the senior squad of Newcastle Jets in the A-League Women. A graduate of the Emerging Jets pathway, […]
Essendon Royals are pleased to welcome back Adrian De Petro for the 2026 VPL2 season. De Petro joined mid-season from Werribee City in 2025, and the fullback’s industry and dynamism on the ball stood out straight away as he started the last four games of the season. Now with a full preseason under his belt […]
Essendon Royals are thrilled to welcome Adrian Zahra to our VPL2 squad for the upcoming season. Zahra needs little introduction in Victorian football circles. With 254 top-flight appearances for Heidelberg United, Melbourne Knights and Port Melbourne Sharks, he is one of only 27 players in the history of Victorian football to have broken 250. The […]
