ESSENDONThe fixture list has a funny way of bringing things back around. In Round 14, Royals get another crack at the side that handed us an early-season reality check.
Three months ago at Mahoneys Reserve, Nunawading bested the Royals 3-2 – a scoreline that perhaps flattered us a touch. They were sharper on the night, moved the ball better and looked more settled than we did in Round 1.
A lot has changed since then.
Heading into the second half of the year, Royals sit third in VPL2 on 21 points, level with Bayside Argonauts and four clear of Keilor Park in sixth. Since Round 5, the side has taken 21 points from a possible 24 and built genuine momentum along the way.
Last Friday’s 3-1 win over Moreland felt like another step forward. Jordan Adeyemi continued his strong season with another goal – taking his tally to 11 for the year and joint-top of the league scoring charts – while Marcus Kotronis controlled the midfield and Cross Keys once again proved a difficult place to visit under lights.
Nunawading’s campaign began brightly, following up their opening round win over the Royals with victories over Eastern Lions, Keilor Park and Kingston City in the first six rounds. However, their hot streak to start the year has come to a grinding halt. While only 3 points separate 8th-placed City from Essendon in 3rd, Nunawading have won just once in their last seven league outings, scoring just five goals in that span.
For Royals, this feels like a chance to show how far the group has come since February. The side taking the field this Friday is playing with confidence, winning games consistently, and sitting inside the top three on merit. Another win would strengthen that position with Bayside, Box Hill and Keilor Park all chasing closely behind.
Kick-off is 8:30pm Friday night at Cross Keys Reserve.
Get down and support the lads.
Forza Royals.