Essendon Mazda Coach’s Comment: Battiato seeking focus from Royals Women

Essendon Royals Senior Women’s Coach Vince Battiato is hoping to keep the good times rolling as his team continues its State League 1 campaign with a trip to Keilor Park on Sunday.

Battiato says the usually buoyant mood within the camp has been particularly good after a massive win over Craigieburn City last Friday.

“The mood is always a positive one but after a couple of very decent wins, the whole group can’t help but be very upbeat. The whole squad knows that they have to keep playing well and picking up the wins to keep the mood this vibrant,” he said.

“I make it abundantly clear every session that focus; moreso 90-minute focus; is key each week. We tackle each week like we are facing the current State 1 champions every game. This mentality helps us be as relentless as we are.”

Battiato said he wanted to ensure that focus remained at its peak against a Keilor Park side that could cause one or two problems.

“I expect a tough hit out. They are a physical side and despite the round one trouncing by Moreland they’ve lost all their matches by the odd goal or two, so they will be competitive for sure.

“We expect that. This is State 1. There are no easy games and even the occasional one-sided affair still needs to be earned. We know there are no free passes at this level.

“We need to get to midway knowing we can assess all 9 matches and understand enough about our opponents to win again where we have already won and turn around the results that slipped us by in the first half of the season. We will be focused. We will be brave. And we will be relentless in our pursuit of success.”

The game kicks off at Keilor Recreation Reserve at 3pm.

The Reserves play at 1pm.