Men’s Match Report: New-Look Essendon Royals fight to spirited draw at Goulburn Valley Suns
In the picturesque setting of John McEwan Reserve, under the sweltering Shepparton sky, the Essendon Royals embarked on their 2024 VPL2 journey with a fiercely contested 1-1 draw against Goulburn Valley Suns. The season opener, eagerly anticipated by both sets of fans, did not disappoint, showcasing a blend of youth and experience in Michael Ferrante’s new-look Royals side.
There were eight debutants in the starting 11, with Brad Norton, Phil Riccobene, Yusuki Nishiyama, Theofanis Tzelepis, William Thomason, Lawrence Milanzi, Jordan Adeyemi and Ethan Georgopoulos all playing their first competitive game for the club.
The match began with an intensity befitting a season opener, with the Royals and Suns exchanging early blows. Phil Riccobene’s physical presence was felt immediately, earning him a booking just seven minutes into the game. Despite the setback, the Royals began to assert their dominance, with Yusuke Nishiyama coming agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock with a well-won header from a corner.
However, it was the Suns who struck first, courtesy of Callum Schroah’s mesmerizing strike from outside the box at the 24th minute mark, sending a ripple of tension through the Royals camp. But resilience is a trait well ingrained in the fabric of the Royals, exemplified by Jordan Adeyemi’s equalizing header in the 34th minute, marking a promising start to his tenure with the club.
The game took a controversial turn just before the break, with Adeyemi receiving a direct red card for what was judged as retaliation, leaving the Royals a man down. Despite this, the team’s spirit never wavered, and the Royals had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 58th minute.
A fine Norton ball released Guzzardi down the channel. The teenager took the ball and drove into the box, cutting back to Georgopoulos, who couldn’t get his shot away, but maintained his possession and composure until he was tackled from behind to earn a penalty for the Royals.
Captain Kelly stood up to take the penalty, but saw his effort rattle the crossbar and cleared to safety.
The second half was a testament to the Royals’ tenacity, especially after being reduced to 10 men. With debutants shining and substitutes making a significant impact, the Royals not only held their ground but also created the most clear-cut chances of the match. Julian Guzzardi’s entry post-Lawrence Milanzi’s injury added vigor to the Royals’ play, with his dynamic performance underlining the depth and potential within the squad.
Norton’s debut was a class act, contributing both offensively and defensively, while Nishiyama’s heroic late-game tackle epitomized the defensive solidity that the Royals will be banking on this season. Despite the blistering heat and numerical disadvantage, the Royals showcased their capability to compete in trying circumstances.
The match concluded with the scores locked at 1-1, a result that will be remembered not just for the scoreline but for the courage, determination, and team spirit shown by the Essendon Royals. With a challenging season ahead, this performance sets a promising tone for the Royals, who will be looking to build on this solid start and chase success in what is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive VPL2 campaign.
Desire Nkondogoro, Jaden Tran and James Tieri would all come on as substitutes throughout the game and make their own debuts throughout the game.
Parallel to the senior men’s battle, the Under-23s also faced off against the GV Suns, securing a 1-1 draw in an equally challenging encounter. Despite being without five first-team forwards, the younger Royals showed depth and versatility, promoting two U18s – Noah Skenderis and Jasper Williams – to the squad. The match was a critical learning curve, emphasizing the importance of football maturity in managing the game’s final moments—a lesson that resonates with the club’s ethos of growth and resilience.
As the Royals prepare to take on Doveton next week., they do so with the belief that they can overcome adversity, compete with the best, and aim for the top, no matter the odds. The journey has just begun, and what a start it has been.