Eltham Redbacks FC is pleased to confirm that Maya Popplewell has re-signed with our VPLW squad for the 2026 season.
Popplewell was a constant presence throughout the 2025 campaign, featuring in all 22 league matches and providing consistency, reliability, and attacking contribution across the season. In a year that demanded stability and adaptability, her availability and work rate made her an essential part of the Redbacks’ structure.
After arriving from Bundoora United ahead of the 2025 season, Popplewell transitioned seamlessly into the squad. She brought strong VPLW experience, having scored 11 goals across all competitions the previous year, and continued to demonstrate her ability to influence matches in Red and Black.
Throughout the 2025 season, Popplewell contributed four goals and played a key role in linking play through the attacking third. Her willingness to press, run channels, and stay involved for the full ninety minutes allowed the Redbacks to maintain intensity and shape across a demanding fixture list.
What stood out most was her reliability. Playing every match is no small feat in a competitive VPLW campaign, and Popplewell’s consistency helped provide balance as the squad rotated around her. Coaches leaned on her ability to execute the game plan, maintain tempo, and contribute at both ends of the pitch.
Popplewell’s football journey speaks to that dependability. Before Eltham, she impressed at Bundoora United and earlier at North Geelong Warriors, where she earned the Senior Women’s Coaches Award in 2022 and Players’ Player of the Year in 2023. Those honours reflected a player trusted by teammates and staff alike – a reputation she continued to build during her first season at Eltham.
As the Redbacks prepare for 2026, retaining players who deliver week in, week out remains a priority. Popplewell’s re-signing ensures continuity, experience, and a proven presence within the VPLW squad as the group looks to take another step forward.