ConnectOS Match Report: Royals Power Past Suns in Shepparton
This 2025 Men’s Match Report is brought to you by ConnectOS.
Under the cool evening sky of Shepparton, Essendon Royals delivered a professional and polished performance, coming from behind to claim a deserved 3-1 win over Goulburn Valley Suns on Saturday night.
With Mick Ferrante opting for an unchanged line-up following the 2-2 draw with Werribee City, the Royals quickly imposed themselves on the match. Julian Guzzardi led the line with characteristic energy, flanked by the direct and industrious pairing of Jordan Adeyemi and Dean Clarke.
In midfield, Graham Kelly, Takumi Niwa, and local favourite Vince Lia controlled proceedings with a balance of craft and graft, while the back four of Ben Smith, Diarmaid Harrington, Brad Norton, and James Tieri provided a solid platform behind them.
Despite dominating early possession, the Royals struggled to carve out clear openings and were punished against the run of play in the 20th minute. From a Sun’s corner, Liam Kielty rose highest, glancing his header into the back of the net to hand the home side a surprise lead.
The setback did little to disturb the Royals’ rhythm. Continuing to press and probe, it was Dean Clarke – ever the man for the big moment – who dragged Essendon level. Picking up the ball on the flank, Clarke drove at his defender, shifted onto his right boot, and unleashed a thunderous strike that flew past the Suns keeper and into the net. It was a moment of individual brilliance that sent the teams into the break at 1-1.
Essendon emerged for the second half full of purpose, maintaining their attacking intent and gradually wearing down a resolute Suns defence.
The breakthrough came when Takumi Niwa, who had been a menace all night, bundled home from close range after Suns goalkeeper Aston Bonsall made a string of reflex saves but couldn’t keep the third attempt out.
Shortly after, it was Julian Guzzardi who made sure of the result, firing a shot from range that slipped through Bonsall’s gloves and nestled into the back of the net to make it 3-1.
From there, the Royals closed out the contest with composure, claiming a crucial three points that leapfrog them above Springvale White Eagles into third place on the VPL2 ladder.
Earlier in the day, the U23S played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in an end-to-end contest, while the U19S continued their strong form with a 2-1 win.
It was a night where the Royals showed not just their class, but their resilience, bouncing back from last week’s frustrations to make a clear statement as the season enters a critical phase.
FULL-TIME: Goulburn Valley Suns 1–3 Essendon Royals