The Redbacks men return to The Web on Friday night for their first-ever VPL1 home fixture, hosting familiar foes Brunswick Juventus in Round 2.
After a narrow 2–1 defeat away to Melbourne Victory Youth in their season opener, Eltham will be eager to turn a highly competitive debut performance – and the disappointment of a late disallowed goal – into their first points at this level.
This fixture also rekindles a rivalry that featured prominently in last year’s VPL2 promotion race: Eltham’s 3-0 win over Juve to secure automatic promotion last season will still be at the front of mind for both sets of players.
The visitors arrive with early-season momentum after a convincing 3–0 home win over Port Melbourne. James Xydias gave Brunswick the lead late in the first half with a heavily deflected effort from range, before Marko Basic doubled the advantage shortly after the interval with a neat finish into the bottom corner.
Theo Markelis’ red card in the 68th minute effectively ended the Sharks’ resistance, and substitute Samuel Dweh put the icing on the cake late on from a sumptuous Lewis Gilboy pass that curled away from the goalkeeper.
For the Redbacks, a return to home turf is a chance to establish themselves in the second tier and send a message to all visiting teams that Eltham North Reserve will be a fortress again in 2026.
In exciting news for Eltham supporters, the hosts of popular football podcast Suited & Booted will be in attendance to capture the occasion and host a special long-throw competition at halftime: ‘Send It With Dennett’!
On top of Suited & Booted’s attendance, the club has arranged for extra food trucks for what’s expected to be a bumper crowd, so get down early to cheer on our Under-23s and enjoy the great scran, football and atmosphere on offer.
With passionate home support behind them and a familiar opponent across the halfway line, the stage is set for another absorbing chapter in this burgeoning rivalry.
Kick-off: Friday 20 February 2026, 8:30 PM
Venue: Eltham North Reserve