Essendon Mazda Coach’s Comment: Battiato seeking entertainment for bumper Royals women’s crowd on Friday

Essendon Royals Senior Women’s Coach Vince Battiato is hoping his side can put on a show for club sponsors and juniors on Friday night.

The Royals are hosting a sponsor, families and juniors night at Cross Keys Reserve on Friday night as Essendon welcomes Keilor Park for the club’s second-last home game of the season.

The Royals need the three points to maintain second position on the ladder, whilst in the earlier kick-off, the Reserves can tighten their grip on the league title.

Battiato said he expected Keilor Park to bring their fighting best to both games, with all players looking to impress their new coach as they play for their positions in the squad next season.

“It was a physical game last time in difficult conditions,” he said.

“We had to hang on until half-time last time we played them. It was the first time in the first half of a game where we were stretched and not in control.

“We had to hold onto that 0-0 until half-time, but we got on top in the second half and secured the win.”

Battiato said he expected Keilor Park to come out swinging on Friday night.

“We’ll have to weather the early storm,” he said.

“We need to be sharp early and get on top as quick as we can.”

Battiato said training has been good this week after the coaching staff allowed the players a week off with the catch-up round last week.

“The ladies got to recharge the batteries, and they had a team dinner last Thursday,” he said.

“We had a good intense session on Tuesday, and tonight [Thursday], we will prepare tactically, and I hope that we will prove too strong for them on the night.”

Battiato was also very excited for his Reserves side.

“You have to be realistic, if the Reserves win on Friday, they will have won the title in every way but mathematically,” he said.

“Clifton Hill isn’t going to make up six points and a 70+ goal difference, so realistically, we will be champions.

“We wouldn’t celebrate until the end of the season, and to ensure they stay on their toes, we have a new goal for them: to finish the season with a 100% record.

“With three games to go, to be 100% is a fantastic achievement, but it would be brilliant to win all the games.”