Matteo Ballan re-signs for Essendon Royals

Matteo Ballan will be lighting up Cross Keys again in 2023 and has recommitted to the club for the 2023 campaign.

The experienced and versatile midfielder – equally comfortable in defence – is the first signing announcement for the Senior Men’s team heading into 2023.

Ballan served as Club Captain following Mick Ferrante’s ascension into the head coaching role and led the Royals fearlessly on the park to a much-deserved promotion from State League 1 NW to NPL3 in 2023.

Having arrived at the Royals from Werribee in 2021, 2022 was his first full season with the Royals, and captaincy aside played a crucial role in the success Essendon enjoyed last season.

His transition from central midfield to centre-back was an inspired move and helped transform the club’s fortunes and help the Royals charge up the table.

He will now look to help Essendon establish itself as an NPL club, with the Royals facing a host of new challenges in a new division in 2023.