GEELONG HOLIDAY INN MEN’S MATCH PREVIEW: DOVETON AWAITS ESSENDON ROYALS IN VPL2 CLASH

Essendon Royals will be looking to claim their first victory of the new season when they head south to take on Doveton on Saturday afternoon.

Our weekly previews are brought to you by the Geelong Holiday Inn, as we look ahead to the upcoming rounds of action.

Royals come into the contest at 3 PM at Waratah Reserve fresh off a fiercely contested 1-1 draw with Goulburn Valley Suns in their season opener last weekend in the sweltering heat in Shepparton.

Michael Ferrante’s side went behind early courtesy of a cracking goal from Callum Schroah, before debutant Jordan Adeyemi brought Royals level before half-time. 

The English striker was sent off shortly after half-time, but Essendon’s spirit never wavered and missed a golden opportunity to take the lead from the penalty spot when Graham Kelly slammed his spotkick against the bar.

Now, the focus turns to this weekend’s clash against a Doveton side looking to bounce back from a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of North Sunshine Eagles.

The side coached by former Melbourne City and Western Sydney Wanderers midfielder Nick Kalmar had the wood over Royals last season, beating them both home and away in 2023.

Unfortunately, Essendon will be without Adeyemi through suspension, opening the door for youngster Julian Guzzardi or veteran striker Davey Van’t Schip to potentially come into the starting lineup.

Lawrence Milanzi was also forced from the field on the weekend due to injury.

Meanwhile, the Under 23s are in action at 12:45 PM at the same venue after also playing a 1-1 draw against the Suns last Saturday. The Royals took the lead in the second half through Hudson Schultz before the home side scored very late in the contest to snare a point. 

Doveton, on the other hand, is also looking for its first win of the season after falling to a 3-0 defeat against North Sunshine.