A new season … Green Gully will begin its 2011 premiership defence against South Melbourne. 53179 Picture: EMILY LANE
By Luke D’Anello
REIGNING premier Green Gully will begin its 2011 Victorian Premier League (VPL) campaign against South Melbourne away from home on 20 February.
Lubo Lapsansky’s team will then take on Northcote City and local rival Melbourne Knights, also away, in rounds two and three.
The Cavaliers’ first home match will be in round four when they take on the newly-promoted St Albans Saints.
Green Gully will meet Richmond in the Grand Final replay in round five, with the return match to be played at Green Gully Reserve in round 16.
Meanwhile, St Albans will face Hume City at Churchill Reserve in opening round before meeting Dandenong Thunder in round two.
The Saints will play the other promoted side from State League One, Springvale White Eagles, at home in round five.
The St Albans and Melbourne Knights derby will take place in round nine on the Saints’ home turf.
The Knights will begin their season against Dandenong Thunder on 20 February before facing Northcote City, Green Gully and Springvale in what is a challenging opening month.
The VPL season will start on 16 February.
