Having emerged off the production line at the Suns’ junior program, the youngster quickly established himself as a reliable goalscorer after joining Tatura in the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League (BASL).
He soon made an impact in the club’s youth set-up, taking home the Central Victoria Youth Golden Boot during the 2024 season with a mesmerising 37 goals.
Building on this breakout campaign, the prolific marksman’s instinct in the six-yard box earned him a reputation as one of the BASL’s most feared poachers, claiming the Golden Boot during the 2025 season after hitting the back of the net 22 times.
His performances for the Ibises eventually earned him a spot in the BASL Team of the Season last term, capping off an impressive campaign for the emerging attacking talent.
His heroics in the previous season provided him a springboard for further success as he continued his stunning rise in the 2026 campaign, firing 17 strikes in just eight outings for Tatura this year alone.
As Black prepares to make his return to John McEwen Reserve, there is no doubt that the Suns have captured the signature of one of the Goulburn Valley’s most in-form strikers.
“The GV Suns are thrilled to announce the mid-season signing of exciting young striker Xavier Black from Tatura Soccer Club,” a statement from the Suns read.
“Xavier’s eye for goal, work ethic, and attacking quality make him an exciting addition to our senior squad, and we’re delighted to welcome him back to the club.
“Welcome home, Xavier.”
With the transfer window having opened during the previous week, Suns head coach Craig Carley has already bolstered his squad for the run-in with the addition of Stefan Pigatto.
Pigatto is also returning to the Suns following a spell away from the club, having represented the Springvale White Eagles earlier in the season following a brief move to Melbourne.
Carley is determined to add reinforcements to his ranks to help aid his team’s push for promotion during the business end of the season.
Following the halfway mark of the campaign, the Shepparton side is in a strong position to secure automatic passage to the VPL1 after going unbeaten since the start of March - rising to second place in the standings.
After long-time pacesetters Malvern City slumped to three defeats out of their last five outings, the Suns now sit just four points adrift of the ladder leaders with a game in hand on their title rivals.
“I’m certainly not looking to make any drastic changes – I have full faith in the boys that have been doing the job,” Carley said.
“But we are a little bit thin in terms of numbers, so it’ll be a case of bolstering the squad with maybe one or two inclusions, but nothing too drastic.
“I have full faith in the boys and what they have been doing (this season) with the performances they have been producing.”
Following a bye week on the weekend of June 27, the Suns will return to action against Moreland City in round 19 of the VPL2 at John McEwen Reserve on July 4 from 5pm.
13°C