Essendon Mazda Coach’s Comment: Ferrante looking to make most of home comforts ahead of Brimbank visit

Essendon Royals Senior Men’s Coach Mick Ferrante has played against Brimbank Stallions enough times to know the battle his men are in for this Friday night at Cross Keys Reserve.

The Stallions have amassed a strong record under Andrew Marth against the Royals, and Ferrante said that a lot of that comes down to being ready for the physical contest.

“They’re a well-organised unit and they make every game they play a real contest,” he said.

“If you’re not up for that battle, then it doesn’t matter how good you are.

“We know that we need to be up for the fight and ready to put our mark on the game. If we can do that, we can trust our football to give us a shot at winning the game.”

Ferrante said his team was nice and refreshed after a week without any midweek action.

“It’s been nice, to be honest,” he said.

“Obviously we want to do as well as we can in the Australia Cup but when the squads aren’t massive the midweek games take a toll. Some of the boys probably prefer the midweek games to training, but for me it was good to have two solid sessions to work on what we need to work on.:

With the Royals returning to Cross Keys Reserve for this crucial State League 1 clash, Ferrante said he was confident the Royals supporters would be out in force as they have done all season.

“The supporters haven’t let us down all season, the numbers have been good and it does make a difference for the boys, they relish it when there’s that atmosphere at a game which maybe we don’t get away from home,” he said.

“It’s an enjoyable place to play football and hopefully everyone can get out on Friday and enjoy a great night.”