Nicholas James Lawyers Match Preview: Three in a Row
Back-to-back wins have a way of changing the mathematics. Two weeks ago the Royals were looking up at the top four from a long way back; now they head into Round 10 with momentum, a sharpened attack, and a fixture that is very much there to be won.
Essendon Royals travel to HC Kim Reserve in Clayton South on Saturday evening to face Altona City, sitting 12th on nine points from nine rounds. Altona’s 2026 has been patchy at best: without a win in four games, and a 2-2 draw against struggling Whittlesea in their last outing. Their goal difference sits at -4, and they have conceded 13 goals across nine matches.
However, Altona’s inconsistent record shows they are hardly a side to be taken lightly. Their last win was against league leaders Malvern City in Round 5 – a 2-1 victory away from home at Egan Lee Reserve. English striker Curtis Bateson and Welsh forward Jordan Lam have three goals apiece this season, and present a dual threat upfront.
By contrast, the Royals are 7th on 12 points, with four wins and a positive momentum that has been absent for much of the season. The form makes the case plainly. After a run that saw them win just twice from their first seven league rounds, the Royals have won their last two: a 4-3 win against Whittlesea in Round 8, followed by a 3-0 demolition of Kingston City on Friday night.
Jordan Adeyemi is the central figure. Eight goals from nine appearances puts joint-top of the VPL2 scoring charts, and his 45th-minute strike against Kingston was the kind of goal that settles a side heading into the break. Zac Kocankovski and Brad Norton have contributed when it has mattered, and the supply lines through Marcus Kotronis and Dean Clarke have held.
Another victory on Saturday night would be the Royals’ three-match winning run since May last year – coincidentally, a 5-2 triumph over Altona City in Round 14. Against an Altona side that has not strung consecutive wins together all year, it presents a realistic target. The Royals have also shown they can win away from home, with three road victories already this season. The trip to Clayton South adds nothing unfamiliar.
Malvern City lead the competition on 24 points, with Goulburn Valley Suns second on 18 and Bayside Argonauts third on 17. The Royals trail Keilor Park in sixth on goal difference, meaning a win could propel them into the playoff places. But at this early stage of the campaign, continuing to build confidence and momentum is even more vital.
Forza Royals!