Almost two months ago to the day Goulburn Valley Suns ascended high into the night sky, eclipsing Hume City 2-0.
Football became more than a game that night — those who were there knew why.
It was a moment of fanfare and fantasy for the Orangemen as they ventured into uncharted waters and reached the Australia Cup Round of 32 stage for the first time, putting Shepparton on the map.
A certain electricity bounced around the ground, charging the cool air and warming the stands with a sense of belief.
And when Jamie England’s strike hit the net, the tempest grew tenfold.
England’s opener brought a Vesuvius-esque eruption from the crowd, matched in volume when Joe Adoo-Peters’ header sunk Hume City further and again when the final whistle sounded.
It was the biggest moment, the biggest game in GV Suns’ club history ― or so everyone thought.
On Wednesday night we’re likely to see the same rapture rise again from McEwen Reserve’s stands as a massive club from out of state comes to Shepparton to do battle.
APIA Leichhardt against the Suns, it truly is another David versus Goliath story.
But in this tale the little guy isn’t so small in stature or voice.
The Suns have a national spotlight angled right at their crest; slick new strips, a perfectly manicured emerald McEwen surface to play on and an unquantifiable X-factor to bank on.
Tomorrow’s occasion alone is a just reward for the regional underdog.
The club’s trajectory from inception to now is remarkable considering the first ball kicked in an Orange shirt came less than a decade ago.
From relegation in its first season and again in 2022, being dubbed the ‘‘Farmers’’ due to land location and sometimes scruffy-looking playing personnel, there’s been hurdles to overcome.
Squad retention has been tough due to Melbourne-based players being enticed away, but the local talent core built in the past nine years is as proud as you’ll find.
However, those who lace up each weekend are only a part of what makes the club great.
You have Jacqui Stojanovski running around doing every errand under the sun to keep the match day schedule running smoothly.
The ladies behind the bar, cracking tins and serving chips.
Bill Prest, the rusted-on fan who doesn’t miss a game.
They’re just as much a part of the Suns’ culture as the players ― the droves of people around the club who mill in-and-out of McEwen Reserve’s doors on training nights, game days and functions.
These are the figures who will smile brightest if the Suns can pull off the unthinkable against APIA Leichhardt.
And if not, no worries.
Because it’s more than about football at GV Suns and, regardless of the result, they will rise again.
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