Shepparton United’s Willie Sauiluma will play a pivotal role forward once again.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
McEwen Reserve’s royal blue contingent is buzzing.
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Shepparton United appears to be a more settled squad ahead of Sunday’s round one Bendigo Amateur Soccer League stoush against co-tenant Shepparton South.
After blooding eight debutants in 2024, United boss Roven Shaholli is signalling a more balanced side after finishing seventh last year.
But the margin to finals was only three points and it held the distinction of being the only side to knock off the all-conquering premier Tatura.
The blueprint to a rise back up the ladder is there and the Blues are aiming to kick off with a statement over their cross-pitch rival.
“We’re feeling good — there was a real buzz at training (during the week),” Shaholli said.
“The guys are excited and the club is excited to get under way.
“To be honest, I think it’s going to be a big first game — it always is between us and South.”
United marked its first competitive hit-out of the year with a League Cup thriller against Shepparton earlier this month, offering an exciting glimpse into the 2025 squad that benefitted from the exuberance of eight debutants last year.
Best-and-fairest Thomas Raditsas and leading goal-scorer Willie Sauiluma are going around again, but Sauiluma will also have the company of some Victorian Premier League experience in the form of Goulburn Valley Suns forward Marcus Thomas.
Thomas has already made his presence felt with a brace in his first outing for United, though singling out just one game-breaking presence in a swathe of them is like throwing darts at a board according to Shaholli.
“We’ve had a lot of interest in our club,” he said.
“We had Marcus (Thomas) from the Suns sign up and we’ve got some good young talent on board.
“I think it’s going to be a lot different to last year, we’ve got a bit more of a core group.
“Like I said last year, I’m a big believer in bringing young guys into the seniors; it’s not going to be as easy for them with the team that we have.
“There’s a few really exciting players for us to watch, obviously with a lot of talent coming in.”
Shepparton United's Olivia Loverso will be one to watch in the side’s title tilt.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Meanwhile, after coming so close to the pinnacle, the United senior women have gone to work ensuring they take the next step to premiership glory.
A 1-0 loss to Spring Gully in the grand final will fan the flame of determination for United, this time under the tutelage of Sheridan Fairless who replaced Jean-Claude Giuca as coach.
The midfield has received a boost with the return of Sarah Loverso, joining sisters Olivia and Ella after five years with Bundoora United in the VPL Reserves.
ONE TO WATCH
Marcus Thomas: A familiar face to Shepparton soccer fans, the former GV Suns jet’s speed, sublime ball use and shot selection is set to bring a sharp edge to Shepparton United’s attack.
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