After gracing Shepparton in September 2024, Melbourne Victory is returning to McEwen Reserve this weekend.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Shepparton’s McEwen Reserve is fast establishing a reputation as country Victoria’s round ball coliseum, with the news Melbourne Victory will return for its second time in little more than six months.
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In September last year, Victory sent its A-League Men’s side to face Goulburn Valley Suns in a pre-season friendly, and after more than 1500 fans flowed through the gates, the Australian football giant wants more.
However, this time around three points will be on the line.
Melbourne Victory will take on Green Gully in round eight of the National Premier League on Saturday and there’s a Goulburn Valley link woven into the storyline.
Cobram product and ex-GV Sun Gianluca Iannucci is currently playing for Green Gully and, after previously being on Melbourne Victory’s books as a pro, the tricky winger will undoubtedly want to put his old club to the sword.
Cobram export Gianluca Iannucci will face his former club, Melbourne Victory, when lining up for Green Gully in Shepparton on Saturday.
Photo by
AAP
Saturday is building to be an epic encounter in addition to Melbourne Victory engaging with local schools to deliver football clinics in the lead-up to the fixture.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali was rapt to see top-level football continue to be hosted locally as well as a strong connection with Victory upheld.
“Our community has a proud football history and this match with the club’s NPL team will give local football fans the opportunity to experience a high-level club right here in our own backyard,” he said.
“Securing partnerships with organisations like Melbourne Victory and hosting events like this further strengthens our region’s reputation as the sporting and events capital of regional Australia.
“I want to thank Melbourne Victory for their faith and commitment to our region. We are extremely excited to continue strengthening this partnership and look forward to delivering incredible outcomes for our community in the future.
“One of the most exciting aspects of this visit is the club’s community team running clinics at local primary schools, giving even more people, especially those who can’t attend the games, access to the club.”
Melbourne Victory managing director Caroline Carnegie voiced her elation in growing the club’s footprint in regional Victoria and looked forward to the community engagement ahead.
“We are thrilled to be returning to Shepparton, this time with our NPL team, to strengthen our relationship with regional communities,” she said.
“As a club, we strive to provide all fans with greater access to our community and elite programs.
“We aim to lead, unite, connect and inspire through football and our partnership with the Greater Shepparton City Council provides more opportunities to see our future stars play top-tier football in their local area.”
Saturday’s match at McEwen Reserve will kick off at 4pm with the game livestreamed on NPL Victoria’s YouTube channel.
Current Melbourne Victory members who present a physical or digital membership card upon arrival can attend for free, while tickets can be bought on entrance.
