Football makes its long-awaited return to Boss James Reserve on Saturday with round 1 of the 2021 VAFA Premier C season seeing Hampton Rovers host Old Ivanhoe.
It’s been an exciting and extremely positive pre-season for the club and big numbers have reflected the positive energy. Thursday night on the track was huge and the rooms were packed afterwards for the first selection night of the year and didn’t the coaches have some selection headaches!
It’s a triple-header at the Boss on Saturday, with the Thirds kicking things off at 9:20am against Therry Penola, followed by the Reserves v Old Ivanhoe at 11:40am and the Senior game commencing at 2:00pm. The Women open their season at home also, taking on Oakleigh at 9:20am nearby at Castlefield Reserve, while the Under 19s travel to Stradbroke Park to face Old Xaverians, at 11:40am.
Last time Hampton Rovers and Old Ivanhoe met, it was a thrilling 71-a-piece draw at the Boss and they’re always strong opposition, setting it up for a cracker to get the new season underway.
The round 1 senior team features 12 players that didn’t play in the last game (round 18, 2019) and to show the strength of numbers, it’s important to note of those not playing, only one is no longer playing with the club in 2021 (Adam McNeil – retired). There’s some quality returning players to the club in the line-up and debuts for players coming up through the ranks.
The reserves team features some 10 players who’ve played regular senior football in the past few years, while the thirds also look strong and feature players with plenty of reserves experience and some quality u19 players who missed out in that round 1 side.
Get along and support the Rovers tomorrow across the three venues and ensure you’re at Boss James Reserve from 2pm for the opening senior game of the year.
You can get live updates by following the Rovers on Twitter and Instagram – get live scores of the seniors game and all Premier C games here.
This Week's Matches
There are still some spots available for the first Home Game Luncheon of the year. Just $30 represents amazing value and is the best way to enjoy the day. Bar open from midday, right through until the end of half time of the seniors! Book online here or find out more info.
The club has surged past our membership record and as of Friday evening we now have 112 signed up for the 2021 season! We thank everyone for their amazing support and encourage you to get on board if you haven’t already. View the full members list and sign up online here.
The Roverland Podcast is back for another year, hosted by James Prosser and Josh Pavlou. Episode 1 features some grabs from Thursday night’s selection, the introduction of a new segment and a look ahead to round 1 and the season ahead. Listen below or on your favourite Podcast app.
