SEASON 2020 | Essendon Royals strengthen defence with Greg Lombardo signing

Essendon Royals have bolstered their senior squad with the addition of former Dandenong City defender Greg Lombardo.

With over 150 senior games in top-flight Victorian football, Lombardo brings exceptional strength ad experience to the Essendon Royals defence.

Lombardo said he was excited by the prospect of helping the Royals continue to climb the Victorian football ladder.

“For me, it’s about helping with the ambition to build the club and take it back to where it was,” he said.

“In the past, I’ve played against Essendon in the Premier League when I was at Fawkner, so watching them over time and living close by I’m excited to try and help them get back to the top leagues and into the NPL.

“The discussions with [senior coach] Vitale [Ferrante] have all been very positive.

“We’ve talked about the importance of bringing the senior men’s side back to a level that matches what is happening with the juniors.

“The juniors here are massive and I think it’s important we get the senior team to a level where the best kids coming through are able to fulfil their ambitions to play at a good senior level at this club.”

Lombardo said he hopes his younger team-mates will be able to lean on his experience in Victoria’s top-flight, where he has played with Fawkner, Whittlesea Zebras, Pascoe Vale and Northcote City between the Victorian Premier Leagues and National Premier Leagues eras.

“I’ve played at a number of different clubs in the VPL and NPL and I’ve got to play with some quality players over my career,” he said.

“Hopefully that experience can help some of the younger boys out.”