Champions: GV Suns lift VPL 2 trophy as Box Hill victory caps off historic season

With nearest challengers Malvern City sitting just a point adrift in the chase for the VPL 2 crown, the Shepparton side could not afford a slip up in its clash with Box Hill.

However, as was the case in the recent win over Werribee City two weeks ago, the Suns’ talisman Callum Schorah demonstrated his experience from the outset, grabbing the opening goal of the day just 13 minutes into proceedings.

In front of an expectant crowd down at John McEwen Reserve, the hosts emerged in determined mood, with a dominant first-half display eventually capped off as Laywi Niyonkuru doubled the home side’s lead on the stroke of half-time.

Reflecting on the first 45 minutes, Suns boss Carley was pleased with the determined display from his charges as they settled any nerves on the sidelines with a commanding performance.

“It was always going to be a difficult game because we didn’t know what kind of side Box Hill would bring,” he said of the first-half showing.

“But the players were really professional in their performance and did what they needed to do.

“Going and getting that second goal just before half-time really settled the nerves and credit to the boys, they saw it out really well.”

After the break, the procession towards the title continued, as Mohammed Al-Gazaly put the result beyond doubt just after the hour-mark with a sumptuous strike to guarantee the victory and the premiership in one fell swoop.

Carnival-like scenes duly ensued in the grandstand, with the club’s dedicated supporters making no mistake of their adoration for a side that has set new standards in the division this term.

Since March, the Suns have undoubtedly been the standout side in the league, with their battle for the title with eventual runners-up Malvern having made for compelling viewing for the neutrals.

Now, the club will ply its trade in the top tier of Victorian football next term, with automatic promotion to the promised land representing a major step for the Suns as it looks to continue its rise as major regional force.

For now, though, the focus will be on savouring the success during the off-season after a campaign which will go down in Sheppartonian folklore.

Inspired by the tactical nous and leadership of coach Carley, defensive colossus Liam Kielty, and midfield maestro Schorah to this title, there is every reason to suggest that the Suns will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.

The side’s attacking prowess has been impossible for defences to contain in 2026 too, with Curtis Hughes, Mangara Munguakonkhwa, Laywi Niyonkuru and Danny Edwards dominating the league’s goalscoring charts.

Paying tribute to the efforts of his staff and players, boss Carley was in jubilant mood as the curtain came down on a campaign to remember.

“It’s a massive accomplishment and I’m so proud of everyone, you’ve got Jacqui, who pours her heart and soul into this club and the coaching staff have been phenomenal right from the beginning,” he said.

“They’ve all kept me grounded at times too and I can’t speak highly enough of them.

“Then, there’s the playing group, who have just take this club to a new level, they’ve been absolutely phenomenal from the start of pre-season right through to now and they’ve got their rewards.”

As for the celebrations after their championship was confirmed, Carley confirmed that the festivities went on long into the night.

“To seal the premiership and get promoted, this is something that we’ll talk about for years to come,” he said.

“We had a very late one into the night and we’re celebrating again!”