Essendon Mazda Coach’s Comment: Royals thriving on big-game feeling

Mick Ferrante is relishing the big game atmosphere surrounding every game his Essendon Royals are involved in as we approach the business end of the season.

With six games to play, the Royals sit in second position on the Men’s State League 1 North-West table, two ahead of Sydenham Park in third.

The Royals and Sydenham have matched each other result for result over the last few weeks, and their hard-fought 1-1 draw against each other two rounds ago shows there’s little in it between the two sides with six games to play.

It means every game is a must-win for the Royals, starting this Saturday against Brimbank Stallions and Ferrante said his players are enjoying the thrill of the promotion race.

“The boys are pumped,” he said.

“We know what a big game this is and to be honest they’re all going to be big games until the end of the season.

“We take nothing for granted in this league and we know Brimbank are going to be a tough opposition for us as they always are.”

Ferrante said he was pleased to see his under-manned side play so well against Altona City last week in tough circumstances and conditions.

“We had a lot of players out but I think the depth of the squad shone through,” he said.

“I was happy with the performance and to see the clean sheet and to get the three points after the draw with Sydenham.”