Kelli McGroarty has capped an extraordinary first season in the Senol NPLW Victoria by being crowned the 2026 New Balance NPLW Media Player of the Year.
The Essendon Royals striker received the most votes from the NPL Commentary Network across the 2026 Senol NPLW Victoria season, adding another individual honour to a campaign that has also seen her claim the Golden Boot with 33 goals.
Having made the journey across from the University of Iowa, where she enjoyed a standout NCAA Division I career, McGroarty arrived determined to make an impact, and she has certainly done that.”
“I was kind of just expecting not to get anything, so it’s nice to be recognised and win something,” she said.
“The season has just been super enjoyable, going into each game just looking to have fun and see what can happen.
“Trying to make a name for myself was obviously one of the goals throughout the season and I think I have done that”
McGroarty had already claimed the New Balance NPLW Victoria Player of the Month for April, receiving the most votes from the commentary team across Rounds 8–10 after scoring seven goals during the month.
Despite her individual success, McGroarty's focus has remained firmly on what Essendon Royals could achieve as a team.
“We weren’t really projected to do too well at the end of the year, so kind of being able to get recognition for the club throughout is really good,” she said.
“The main goal though is to try to win everything, or win as much as we can, but giving the publicity for the club is going to be really good.
“I found out the Royals are an underdog in the league compared to the other sides and have never won the title, so it would be great to bring the trophy to Cross Keys.”
McGroarty is relishing the different experience in Victoria after coming from the United States, with her form throughout the season also rewarded with an A- League contract with Melbourne City.
“It was definitely different from what I’m used to. I’m used to soccer, eat, sleep, breathe, where here I was kind of able to have a life and then soccer is an aspect of my life, which kind of adds a lot more enjoyment to it,” she explained.
“I think just being able to love the sport and go out and do it, and then being able to do it with a bunch of girls that are in the same boat, it’s something I was very much not used to.
The regular season may be complete, but there is still plenty to play for with Essendon Royals and McGroarty entering the finals with the chance to make history and complete a Nike FC Cup and NPLW double.
“I know what it’s like when you have something special and you might not get it again, so not take it for granted,” she said.
“As long as we get into that mindset and leave no regrets on the field, we’d be able to claim another trophy.”
“That’s what it’s all about at the end of the day, getting those hardwares in the cabinet.”