Essendon Mazda Coach’s Comment: No complacency for Essendon Royals in Nike FC Cup tie against Fawkner SC
Fawkner SC might be two divisions beneath the Essendon Royals, but Senior Women’s Coach Vince Battiato says they are not to be taken lightly in Sunday’s Nike FC Cup tie at JH Allan Reserve.
Battiato has overseen a complete overhaul of the Royals senior women’s program, introducing more than 15 players into the squad since taking on the role.
Despite the change, the experienced coach says he has been delighted with the way all the players have come together.
“Pre-season has exceeded my expectations,” he said.
“It’s a new club and a new team, but to see them all jell so quickly and play so well against teams in higher divisions than us has been amazing to see.
“I’m more than pleased with where we’re sitting, but none of that will count for much if we don’t go out and get the job done in the cup.”
Whilst the Royals have enjoyed incredible results against Victorian Women’s Premier League and National Premier Leagues sides, Battiato has warned his players not to underestimate Fawkner, who already have a State League 1 scalp under their belts.
“They have earned the right to be here and they’ve already beaten State League 1 opposition to be here,” he said.
“They’ll have momentum and they’ll be flying high on the back of that win. They’ll be eyeing off the Royals as another big win, so if we go out there and think it’s won during the first 20 minutes, we’ll have a tough day.”
With a host of players to choose from, Battiato admitted he has a big task selecting the right eleven for the contest.
“It’s a tough job, but it’s a problem I’ve given myself,” he said.
“The players have bought into the project, however, and they know that they will all have a role to play.
“In the cup, there is no interchange like there is in State League 1, so this is much more about the starting XI on Sunday, but during the year, it’s about the 16 you pick and how you use them.
“The players understand that, and they know that for us we care about the output when they’re on the pitch, not the number of minutes they play.”
Head down to JH Allan Reserve on Sunday to see the girls in action for the first time this season. Kick-off at 2 pm.