Round one finally kicks off this weekend after an extended off season due to covid cutting the 2021 season short. We have 8 teams in the Men’s Premier League this year, after the unfortunate withdrawal of two of our founding MPL clubs Maroubra United and Pagewood Botany.
Our Match of the round sees last year’s heavyweights Coogee United and Dunbar Rovers, first grades champions and runners up, battle it out to set the tone for the season ahead.
ESFA MPL Match of the Round
Coogee United vs Dunbar Rovers
Heffron Park
Saturday 2nd April
FG 3pm | RG 1pm
Here’s what Coogee United player and club committee member, Conor Convery, had to say before the season commencement.
“Finally, after the longest off season anyone can remember round 1 is upon us, the excitement at training and in preseason games has been electrifying. Like most teams Coogee are absolutely delighted to be back, and the lads are determined to retain their crown in both grades.
The 2021 season ended with both First and second grade teams being crowned champions after a glittering first half of the season, although cut short both management and players had no doubt, they’d have gone all the way. The same mentality has already been brought into the 2022 calendar after a brilliant start to the FFA cup Coogee are safely into round 4.
With lots of new and familiar faces around first and second grade we are excited to see how other teams have managed the extended off season. The new competition format will also throw most teams a curveball, it’s a real shame to see Maroubra & Pagewood drop out.
Round 1 sees the famous black and white stripes host Dunbar Rovers in a fixture that always requires the best of both teams if they want to walk away with 3 points. As game of the round and last year’s 1st & 2nd this is not one to miss.
Our dearest friend Daniel Murphy will be in the hearts of both teams after tragic events last year. #DM9”
The Dunbar Rovers Prems coach Stephen Murphy is looking forward to the new season with immense optimism.
“The squad has worked really hard during a successful pre-season and has come together as a strong unit.
Following on from where we left off before last season was cut short due to covid, the squad are feeling fit and ready to attack and challenge on all fronts.
I think I can talk on behalf of everyone at the club by saying we are all hoping for a full, safe -covid free season.”
Good luck to both clubs and all other teams playing this weekend.