A-Leagues legend Vince Lia signs for Essendon Royals

A-Leagues legend Vince Lia will be a Royal in Season 2023.

The Essendon Royals can confirm the capture of the former Melbourne Victory, Wellington Phoenix, Adelaide United and Perth Glory midfielder, who made over 250 A-League appearances as Mick Ferrante’s side continues to take shape.

Lia – a former team-mate of Ferrante’s at Victory and Wellington – has spent the last two seasons competing in the top flight of NPL Victoria with Altona Magic.

The A-Leagues veteran brings exceptional quality and experience to the Royals as they look to navigate new surroundings in NPL3.

Lia revealed he was approached by the Royals when his A-Leagues career came to an end, but after seeking to play in the highest division in Victoria, he said that the Royals’ promotion to NPL3 made for perfect timing.

“I’ve known Mick and his brother, Vitale, for almost 20 years, so I’ve been in contact with them for a few years,” he said.

“I wanted to play in the NPL1, but I’ve been keeping n eye on the Royals and how they’ve been going, and with the promotion, it just felt like the right time to come down and play under him and enjoy my football for the last few years.

“I know a few of the guys here, which made it an easy decision as well.”

Lia said he’d been impressed with the intensity of training and the quality of sessions.

“I’ve enjoyed pre-season as much as you can enjoy pre-season,” he said.

“The familiar faces have made settling in that little bit easier, and the boys have been working hard, and the quality has been pretty good.

“I’m confident we can have a good year, and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.

“I’m keen to help the club achieve their goals for this season and push for another promotion, so it should be a good year.”

One fixture in the upcoming NPL3 season that captured Lia’s eye was the Round 5 trip to his hometown of Shepparton, where he and the Royals will take on the Goulburn Valley Suns.

“My Dad’s been all over the draw to look when we’re going there. It’s probably the first time he hasn’t had to travel to see me play, so the family is very excited,” he said.

“I haven’t been back there to play for a long, long time, so that will be nice.”

Lia is the first new signing for the Royals senior men’s team ahead of the 2023 season.