Geelong Holiday Inn & Suites Men’s Match Preview: Royals Eye Redemption Against Struggling Geelong

Saturday night at Cross Keys Reserve offers Essendon Royals a critical opportunity to steady the ship and reassert their playoff credentials, as they host a Geelong SC side locked in a fierce relegation fight.

When the two sides met earlier this season at Stead Park, the Royals learned the harsh lesson of missed opportunities, surrendering an early lead provided by Graham Kelly before succumbing 2-1 to late goals, including a memorable long-range equaliser straight from the second-half restart. 

Notably, Geelong’s late hero that day, Papua New Guinea international Tommy Semmy, has since departed the club, leaving the visitors without their key attacking threat.

Essendon, currently fifth in the VPL2 standings, must see this match as a chance to rebuild some confidence and momentum after a challenging period. 

A morale-boosting draw against third-placed Brunswick Juventus and a much-needed improved performance showcased the life that remains in this Royals side as we enter the pointy end of the season, but the Royals remain winless in five, much like their opponents.

Geelong SC arrives at Cross Keys in dire form, winless in their last five matches and sitting just above the relegation zone on goal difference. Yet, as their earlier victory over the Royals demonstrated, they possess resilience and the capability to frustrate even the best sides in the league.

With first-placed North Geelong Warriors hosting second-placed Eltham Redbacks this weekend, three points against Geelong could see the Royals edge closer to the promotion conversation—or at the very least consolidate their playoff position.

For Essendon, turning promising play into tangible results will be the key. Players like Julian Guzzardi, Jordan Adeyemi,  Dean Clake and Marcus Kotronis will be tasked with finding the cutting edge in front of goal. 

At the same time, experienced heads like Vince Lia and Graham Kelly will need to ensure composure and leadership across the park.

Kelly will also be looking to reignite his goal threat, having not scored since April.

Takumi Niwa has filled some of the void as a potent goal threat. He notched his fifth goal of the season last week to secure a point at Brunswick.

Be there at Cross Keys to help cheer the Royals on as they look to set themselves up for an exciting – and ultimately successful – final run.