Jordan Lim, football enthusiast and aspiring journo, takes a ride through the culture that is VPL football, taking in everything with a fresh mind one week at a time.
Some of the brightest prospects in the country have come through the Victorian Premier League in recent years. Connor Pain burst on the scene at A-League club Melbourne Victory last season, proving himself as one of Australia’s brightest prospects. The football factory that is the VPL will continue to churn out future stars so when I was given the chance to thrust myself within the community of Victoria’s strongest competitive football league, there was no other choice. It was only a month ago I was attending my first game, absorbing as much of the atmosphere as I could. Speaking to those at the game, I quickly learnt that each team provides a different viewing experience, a different culture. I get the privilege of experiencing a new league, new players, all with fresh eyes, and ride the journey of learning.
Friday night’s game saw Richmond SC host Bentleigh Greens. I had made myself familiar with the ground earlier in the week watching Victory play out a pre-season fixture against home side Richmond.
Several things struck me on my second visit to the ground. Firstly, it was the warmth of the locals, and the real passion they showed for their club. Everyone seemed to know each other, and the players, coaches and supporters were one large, united group, a complete juxtaposition to sport that I have grown up with, where the on field staff seem a world away from the fans.
The second thing that struck me was the culture of the club. I was told pre-game that Richmond was a club of German heritage. Heading into the entrance was a blissful experience, being greeted with the smell of German sausage and sauerkraut, a German staple. Growing up as a pupil in the school of good food and good footy, Kevin Bartlett Reserve had delivered on the first criteria, but would it deliver on the second? I had my reservations on the latter.
Discussing the on field fortunes of the club with the Richmond faithful, I found out that the club sat second last on the ladder. They assured me that they were improving, with the team picking up points in their last two games. If anything, there was momentum to carry into the game.
The opposition Bentleigh on the other hand were one of the stronger teams in the competition. They were described to me as ‘a team that plays nice passing football’, a technically gifted side. This was a side that sat in second place, behind pace setters Northcote City.
Although only having watched a limited amount of football at this level, there are things that you pick up on straight away. The physicality of the league can be brutal. Bentleigh player Jamie Degreau was floored twice in the space of 10 minutes by a Richmond side keen to make an impact.
“It’s ok, it just means they’re having a go! It’s what we want to see,” says one devoted Richmond supporter.
Our media box was located next to the supporter’s room, every chance met with a chorus of ‘oooh’s’ or ‘ahhh’s’. The faithful saw their unfancied team put in a good shift, and take the game to the big boys. The chances were flowing both ends, but it was a penalty that broke the dead lock moments before half time. Richmond SC Striker Tommy Cahill (Yes Tommy) slotted the ball into the right corner to make it 1-0 at the end of the half.
The fans were happy if not a little over excitable for the half-time break. The team in front today was the same team they had seen lose eight in a row to start the season. The air of optimism in the room peaked, before cruelly being sucked away again. Poor defending saw Richmond lose their lead, something that the supporters had all seen before.
Both teams seemed to be lacking that killer ball with Bentleigh looking more likely to break the deadlock. A red card for Bentleigh’s Thomas Matthews released a little pressure for Richmond SC, and they managed to hold on to continue a 3 game unbeaten run.
The game wasn’t one that captured the imagination but a few diamonds shone from within the rough. Bentleigh winger David Stirton was incredibly impressive. He had plenty of pace, quick feet, and he showed on multiple occasions that he could and would beat his man. Finding out after the final whistle that Stirton was an ex-Melbourne Victory youth player, there was no surprise on my behalf. On first impressions, he seemed a class above the players he shared the pitch with. As a young man still, there is plenty of time for him to forge a career on a bigger stage.
For Richmond, the player who impressed most was Hamlet Armenian. Another offensive minded player, Armenian showed good touch on the pitch as the main attacking outlet for his team. His goal midweek against the Victory was world-class, a fan describing the goal as one you would have to travel a long way to see.
There is no hiding the fact that Australia takes pride in our brand of physical football. This is what the VPL delivers, footballers who are willing to put in a shift week in, week out, unlike the prima donna types that we see all too often in modern football. This makes for an interesting viewing experience, but an enjoyable one nonetheless.