Geelong Holiday Inn Men’s Match Preview: Royals head to Shepparton to take on Goulburn Valley Suns in season opener
Essendon Royals begin their 2024 VPL2 campaign with a trip north to face Goulburn Valley Suns in their Round 1 clash on Saturday night at John McEwan Reserve.
Our weekly previews, brought to you by the Geelong Holiday Inn, as we look ahead to the upcoming rounds of action.
Michael Ferrante’s side come into the year with essentially a new look side, blending plenty of youth with experience in their senior men’s squad this season.
Some of the new signings include South Melbourne legend Brad Norton, former Avondale captain Phil Riccobene and exciting youngsters headlined by Jordan Adeyemi, Jaden Tran and William Thomason.
It’s been a strong pre-season for the boys, playing a number of friendlies to prepare for their second straight season in Victoria’s third tier.
In the week leading up to the season, the Royals picked up wins over State League opposition, defeating both Upfield and Uni Hill Eagles, with the early pre-season game taking place against higher-league opposition allowing the Royals to test their skills against NPL Victoria and VPL1 competition, with the Royals proving competitive in all games and picking up some good results along the way.
No one will know better than Ferrante, however, that pre-season form is no substitute for points on the table, and with a tough run of away games to kick off the season due to the unavailability of Cross Keys Reserve, he knows that three points on the road would be a huge boost to kick-off the season.
Check out coach Ferrante’s thoughts from earlier in pre-season.
The VPL2 competition has a much more local feel in 2024, with the likes of Geelong and Ballarat falling through the State League trapdoor, however the Royals still start the season with the biggest away trip the league has to offer – Goulburn Valley Suns away.
With blistering conditions expected in Shepparton on Saturday, the later kick-off time of 7pm will hopefully offer some relief for both sides.
The Royals’ recent meetings with Goulburn Valley have ended in disappointment, losing both games home and away last season, including a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat on the road back in April.
The boys will be looking to turn a new chapter this year and compete among the best in a stacked competition as they chase an improved campaign, and hopefully plenty of success along the way.
Our seniors will be kicking off at 7 PM (AEDT), just after our U23 side take the field against the Suns at 4:30 PM (AEDT).