Thinking about making the move to Sunbury? Find out why Natalie & Francesco are proud to call Rosenthal their home, and why this might be the perfect community for you and your family.
What motivated you to purchase this particular piece of land? Why Rosenthal?
“My mum and I moved to Sunbury almost 15 years ago, that’s when my husband and I were dating and he fell in love with Sunbury. (Which surprised me seeing as he grew up in Moonee Ponds!)
Mum and I always joked about the paddock and the cows behind her home, and that if it ever got developed that’s where I would live.
We knew we would live in Rosenthal as a family, it was just never the right time. Until one morning the kids, grandma and I went for a walk past the perfect lot. It was available and in the perfect spot, right near my mum, in the paddock where the cows lived once upon a time.”
Were there any specific features or characteristics of the land that influenced your decision?
“It was the perfect spot for us. A decent size, within our budget, north facing rear and right near my mum. Plus, it was only a few minutes drive to the freeway entrance and walking distance to Pearl Iris Park and Woolies.”
Are the kids excited to be building a new home?
“SO EXCITED! We drive past it anytime we can. When we first purchased the land, we jokingly told the kids that we would be living in this huge yard in a tent. My son was so excited he nearly fell over! He said, “I don’t mind the tent Mum, look we will be together as a family, right next to babas house.
We can’t wait to build the home we have worked so hard for.”
How did you come to play for Sunbury United Football Club? Does your husband Frankie and the kids play too?
“I played soccer for many years and had to stop because of an injury when I was 17. I never thought I’d play again.
Last year the club advertised for a women’s senior team, but the timing couldn’t have been worse, I had just had my third baby. I emailed the coach anyway and I’ll never forget his reply. He told me he would hold a spot and not to worry, that I could take my time.
I was 11 weeks postpartum when I started in January 2024. It was the hardest physical year (2 broken ribs, 2 torn muscles and a broken toe), but it was so worth it and we won the West League. I have never been SO supported as a female and a mother in sport in my entire life. SUFC are the most amazing club, they just went above and beyond.
As a mother, not only being there to support your kids in sport, but being able to role model to my son that no matter what hard work pays off, is a dream come true. I hope to have and play for many years with my son (maybe my daughters!) at SUFC.”
“The community in Sunbury is incredible and the reason why we have stayed. That feeling of belonging, that’s what we want for our kids. We can’t wait to continue our future in Rosenthal and SUFC.”
