The Geelong Holiday Inn & Suites Royals Men’s Match Preview: Round 1 – North Sunshine Eagles FC vs Essendon Royals
The highly anticipated NPL3 season kicks off with a thrilling encounter as the newly promoted Essendon Royals take on North Sunshine Eagles FC in Round 1.
Match Details
- Date & Time: Saturday, March 18th, 3:00 PM
- Location: Larissa Reserve
Having earned promotion from State League 1 North-West in 2022, the Essendon Royals face a familiar foe in Round 1 of the 2023 NPL3 competition. North Sunshine Eagles earned their promotion from State League 1 North-West back in 2019 by defeating the Royals 3-0 on the final day of the season.
Since then, the Royals have undergone significant changes, with coaching duties now in the hands of Mick Ferrante, following his brother Vitale Ferrante’s tenure. The Royals’ amazing ascent last season has led them to compete in the state-wide competition.
North Sunshine finished sixth in the division last season, with a 9-3-10 record from their 22 games. The Eagles have maintained a stable core to their squad, announcing 17 re-signings, including key player Nick Epifano, as well as two new signings.
The Royals have also opted to retain much of the core of their promotion-winning squad. To prepare for the jump up a division, they’ve signed former A-League stars Vince Lia and Jeremy Walker from NPL1 clubs.
The stage is set for an exciting showdown as both teams look to start their NPL3 campaign on a high note. With history, ambition, and skill on display, this Round 1 match is one not to be missed.
In the earlier kick-off the Royals Under-21s will be looking to start their campaign with a bang.
With promotion to NPL3, the Royals Reserves team is now an Under-21 side and will prove a happy proving ground for the club’s talented Junior NPL players as well as the younger senior squad players.
Coached by Mick Giacomi, the boys will be looking to replicate the success they enjoyed in 2022, where they were crowned State League 1 Men’s Reserves North-East Champion.
The U21s kick-off at 11.15 AM ahead of the Seniors, which kicks off at 3pm.
