Doncaster Rovers start their 2026 campaign
by JAMES POYNER
22nd March 2026
THE DONCASTER ROVERS Soccer Club started their campaign in Men’s League 3 — South East — of the 2026 VETO Sports State League.
Following relegation from League 2 last season, a club spokesperson said the club has been demonstrating a lot of determination to get back to League 2 this season, and beyond.
Bolstering this energy is the return of A League champion Nick Ansell.
Nick played in the Junior ranks at Doncaster Rovers before signing with Melbourne Victory at age 16.
He spent the next 12 years playing for Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United, with a sprinkling of overseas appearances in South Korea’s K League and, in 2024/25, with the Nakhon Ratchasima F.C. in Thai League 1.
His return to Doncaster was announced in August 2025 as Technical Director of the MiniRoos and Juniors programs.
In October, the club then announced Nick would play for the Senior side in the 2026 season.
Nick said playing for the Rovers again is a big change from where he has been playing.
“But what brought me back is the culture of Rovers, the dream that drives everyone here, and the passion that connects this club at every level.
I’m proud to pull on the Rovers shirt again and be part of what’s next.”
Senior Men’s Coach Loui Spiridis described Nick’s signing as a huge boost for the team’s future.
“Nick brings immense experience, leadership, and professionalism to the group.
Beyond his skill as a player, he adds value to our culture and sets the tone for what it means to wear the Rovers badge.”
Loui added that working with Nick will lift the standards across the playing group and bring a new level of belief and energy into the club.
Silvio Santostefano, Senior Men’s Football Director, welcomed the announcement and highlighted how well Nick’s new playing role complements his existing position within the club:
“Nick and I already work closely together as Football and Technical Directors for the club.
Having him now step onto the pitch as a player reinforces his total commitment to Rovers and reinforces the exciting project we are embarking on.
We expect to see every part of our football program benefit from his influence and experience.
Nick’s involvement is helping shape the future of Doncaster Rovers and marks a significant first step in building the Senior Men’s program.”
Commitment, determination, and pride are at the core of the Senior’s 2026 campaign; qualities demonstrated on the field at the season opener on Friday, March 19, and by the supporters in attendance.
There were good numbers at Andersons Park for the opening round and the clock ticked down towards the 8:30pm kick off, spirits were high following a 4–3 win in the Reserves match.
The air was thick with passion, which was more evident when the team emerged from the changerooms.
Rovers won the toss.
Both sides were aggressive with the ball, until Doncaster broke through with the first goal courtesy of Daniel Piazza in the 23rd minute.
This is what the crowd wanted, to make a statement.
The crowd’s elation was tempered in the 28th minute with an equaliser from Bentleigh.
With supports from both teams vocal in the stands, the pressure was on to get the upper hand.
But when the whistle blew at half time, the scoreline was still drawn.
Bentleigh were dominant in the second half, keeping the ball in the Rovers end for much most of the 45 minutes, making the Defenders and Goalie work hard to keep the ball out of the net.
Bentleigh managed to sneak one past at 61 minutes — 1–2, and the woodwork deflected a few more chances coming from a hungry Bentleigh side.
Another from Bentleigh in the 84th minute and at 1–3 the job felt done.
But those values of commitment, determination, and pride never faltered in the hearts of Doncaster with the players taking every opportunity to score, and the stands remained full to the final whistle.
Grassroots sport at its best at Andersons Park, with 22 Rounds to take us through to September, why not check out a game under the Friday night lights, Senior Men’s games kick-off at 8:30pm.
On Friday, March 27 the Rovers will host Manningham Juventus.
The Bulletin will provide results from this and other matches, as well as other club news including Women’s and Junior soccer in the coming months.
To find out more about Doncaster Rovers, visit doncasterrovers.org.
