Essendon Royals announce re-signing of A-Leagues legend Vince Lia for 2025 season

Essendon Royals are thrilled to announce the re-signing of A-Leagues legend Vince Lia, who will continue his esteemed career into the 2025 VPL2 season.

Lia – who will turn 40 next March – signs on for a third consecutive season at Royals after initially joining the club in their first season in VPL2 back in 2023.

The former Australia youth international was an ever-present figure throughout the Royals’ campaign last season, making 15 appearances and scoring one goal, while marshalling things brilliantly in the middle of the park.

His experience will be key for our younger players again this year, who will have the opportunity to learn from a player who has plied his trade at the highest level for well over 15 years.

Lia made over 250 A-Leagues appearances with the likes of Wellington Phoenix, Adelaide United, Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory, with the majority of those coming with the former where he spent a decade of his career.

Lia has enjoyed plenty of success as well, playing a part in Victory’s 2006-07 Championship winning squad, starting for Adelaide in their win over Sydney FC in the 2018 FFA Cup final and was an unused sub the following year as the Reds took home back-to-back FFA Cups in a 4-0 win over Melbourne City.

Prior to playing in the A-Leagues, Lia spent the earlier stages of his career in the National Soccer League with South Melbourne.

Lia’s re-signing is the club’s ninth of the off-season, joining joining club captain Graham Kelly, VPL2 Golden Boot winner Jordan Adeyemi, Dean Clarke, Brad Norton, Will Thomason, Andre Russo, James Tieri and Seb Lo Monaco, along with new signings Vincent Nicoletti and Rashid Hayek.