Geelong Holiday Inn & Suites Men’s Match Preview: Royals Face Tough Road Test Against In-Form Warriors
Saturday afternoon sees a battle royale at Elcho Park as Essendon Royals make the tricky trip down the highway to take on an in-form North Geelong Warriors. It’s tight at the top of VPL2, and with just a single point separating the Royals from their hosts, the result could have huge implications for both clubs’ promotion hopes.
Essendon enters the fixture buoyed by their recent resilience, securing a crucial 2-2 draw with fellow contenders Eltham Redbacks thanks to a stunning late strike from Takumi Niwa. The Royals, perched at the top on goal difference, know they can’t afford to slip up with Eltham and Brunswick Juventus breathing down their necks.
But North Geelong won’t make things easy. The Warriors have quietly found impressive form, stringing together four wins from their last five outings – including last weekend’s gritty 2-1 victory over Box Hill United. Sergio Escudero and Angus Chapman were on the scoresheet, highlighting the attacking threat that North Geelong possesses.
Chapman in particular is in sparkling form in front of goal, leading the VPL2 Golden Boot race with 10 goals for the campaign, including five in his last five appearances. The 21-year-old suffered the second devastating knee injury of his career with Dandenong Thunder in 2023, but made a successful comeback in State League 1 last year with Corio, and looks to be back to his best.
Royals fans will fondly recall the previous meeting this season, where Graham Kelly delivered a four-goal masterclass in a comprehensive 4-1 victory. But that was then and this is now.
North Geelong, now firmly in the mix at the top end of the table, will surely have revenge in mind at home.
The Royals found alternate routes to goal last week, with Phillip Riccobene and Niwa finding the back of the net, but they will hope the firepower of Julian Guzzardi and Prince Jordan Adeyemi can lift the Royals to another win, with the help of midfield maestro Kelly will look to pull the strings again against familiar opposition.
With promotion pressure mounting, the stage is set for another compelling chapter between these two sides.
Match Details:
🆚 North Geelong Warriors SC vs Essendon Royals SC
📍 Elcho Park, North Geelong
📅 Saturday, 31 May
⏰ Kick-off 5:00 PM