Homecoming: Vince Lia will return to the region in Essendon Royals colours to take on GV Suns.
Photo by
Matt Galea
When the final whistle blew on Vince Lia’s professional A-League career, many of the Goulburn Valley’s football fanatics hoped he’d return to where it all began.
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This weekend, that scenario becomes a reality – of sorts.
The A-League legend and Tatura export will play his first competitive game inside the region in more than two decades when he lines up for Essendon Royals against Goulburn Valley Suns in round five of the National Premier League Three.
It may not be the homecoming locals were pining for, but the significance of Saturday’s match-up should not be discounted.
Growing up at Ibisland, Lia’s talent was picked up at an early age as he departed for South Melbourne as a 16-year-old.
Since then, his career has reached as great a height as any from the region, making 259 A-League appearances for four different clubs across 14 seasons.
When he stepped down from the pro game in 2021, the rumour mill surrounding Lia possibly suiting up for the Suns or even Tatura began to spin with force, but he instead opted for NPL1 side Altona Magic.
Seasoned veteran: Vince Lia has made four appearances for Essendon Royals this season.
Photo by
Matt Galea
The 38-year-old joined his current faction five months ago, but it hasn’t all been smooth sailing for the newly-promoted side.
Essendon has just one point from four games, but despite the ladder position not favouring the Royals, Suns coach Craig Carley has set complacency aside as his charges seek out their third league win of the season.
“They’re a very experienced, quality side, and we know that they’ll come and try to play a lot more football than what the other teams have so far,” he said.
“It’s going to be a challenge; Essendon are a team with a big reputation and big budget, so we’re looking forward to locking horns, hopefully in front of a big crowd.
“There should be a few people there supporting Vinnie Lia who returns to Shepparton.
“We’re really excited and the games can’t come quick enough at the moment, the boys are up and about and looking forward to it.”
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