Essendon VFLW has revealed a strong side for Sunday’s round eight clash against Melbourne Uni at Melbourne University main oval.                              
Calder Cannons recruit Krstel Petrevski will make her debut in the red and black alongside fellow rookie Federica Frew.                 

Petrevski starred for the Cannons in the NAB League season, averaging 10 disposals and two tackles a game in the team’s run to the grand final in 2019.   

Originally from Halls Creek, the 18-year-old is also the niece of current Essendon VFL player Irving Mosquito and has been named the 23^rd player.

Krstel Petrevski will make her Essendon debut on Sunday. (Photo: Ben Johnstone)

Frew featured in seven games for Ivanhoe last season and will add strength to the side, with her ability to break the lines a highlight.

Sunday’s match will also mark a personal milestone for Kirby Hicks, who will play her 100^th game of VFL level footy.             

The key defender is in her second season with the Bombers and has recorded 32 kicks, 11 handballs and eight marks from her last seven games.    

The 32-year-old played a starring role in the Bombers’ inaugural season, rewarded with selection in the leadership group.    

AFLW-listed talent Georgia Nanscawen (North Melbourne) will look to continue her impressive form, recording a clear game-high 22 disposals and eight clearances against NT Thunder.         

Elizabeth Hosking and Jessica Stassi sit on the interchange, while Eleanor Cornish could potentially make her debut against Melbourne Uni after being included as an emergency.          

The Bombers will be looking to get back on the winner’s list, having suffered a 64-point loss to NT Thunder last weekend.    

The team will be finalised ahead of the first bounce at 2:30pm on Sunday.              

Live match updates will be available through the Essendon VFLW twitter account.

Sunday’s match is also a part of Love the Game round, dedicated to educating the football community in understanding the risks associated with gambling.         

For more information, visit lovethegame.vic.gov.au and encourage your community members to have ‘the talk’ with the young people in their lives.

Victoria Raptis is in the final year of her Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree at RMIT University. As part of their strategic partnership, Essendon Football Club and RMIT University are committed to providing opportunities for students, staff, players and the wider community.