Essendon Mazda Coach’s Comment: Battiato beams with pride ahead of final Royals game of season

Vince Battiato will lead his Senior Women’s side out onto Cross Keys Reserve for one last time on Sunday, and whatever unfolds, he will end the season immensely proud of his team.

A point will be enough to secure second spot on the table, with the Royals hosting La Trobe University at 3 pm.

“It’s been an amazing season that has exceeded even my expectations,” he said.

“Knowing how many new faces we have had in the squad this season, we always said we wanted to be competitive, but we thought this first season would be more about finishing in the top four and pushing the top two teams.

“The fact that we sit in second and with a game to play and are within three points of top spot just shows how strong we have been this season.

“I’m just thrilled with the players, and I’m so proud of them and what they have created here.”

Whilst a point on Sunday would secure second spot, Battiato has no intention of going out to play for a point.

In fact, he expects to face a La Trobe University side that will be in damage control mode from kick-off.

“They’re a defensive side and they will sit back because that’s the intelligent thing to do,” he said.

“We’ll be out to get the three points because we think this season deserves to be finished on a high so that we can be assured of promotion and celebrate it properly.

“We haven’t underestimated any teams this year, and we’re not about to start now.”

Battiato said the squad was a bit banged up after a physical game against Bundoora last week but was confident in the ability of those available to push through one last time this season.