Battiato: We’re quietly confident ahead of huge VPLW clash against Brunswick Juventus
Coach’s Comment: Battiato Confident Ahead of Clash Between Promotion Rivals
As Essendon Royals and Brunswick Juventus gear up for a crucial VPLW match this weekend, Royals head coach Vince Battiato is quietly confident about his team’s chances.
“We’re genuinely excited about the upcoming match,” Battiato said. “Last season, we were among the two best teams in the league, and we only finished two points apart. In both games, we were quite unlucky not to secure the points.”
This year, both teams have come back stronger, and the match is shaping up to be a classic showdown between two of the league’s most potent offences and stingiest defences. “It’s likely to be a clash of the best attack against the best defence,” Battiato explained. “We hope our defensive structure will hold them off, and we’ll be clinical in front of goal. We’re quietly confident.”
The mutual respect between Battiato and his counterpart at Brunswick Juventus, Josip Loncaric, is evident.
“We have a good and open relationship with the opposing team’s coach, who is a stand-up guy and a great coach,” he said.
“We respect the challenge he’ll present, but we both understand that neither side will give an inch.”
As for the Royals’ lineup, Battiato admitted that he’s grappling with some difficult selection decisions. “I’m currently facing a selection headache, but it’s a good one to have. Keeping people happy is important, and we maintain open communication within the team.”
Despite the challenges, Battiato remains optimistic about his team’s chances against a formidable opponent. “It’s worth noting that our opponents haven’t lost a league game in several years, and the only team they’ve dropped points to is the Royals.”
With both teams undefeated so far this season, Sunday’s match promises to be an enthralling contest between two promotion rivals. Don’t miss the action as the Essendon Royals take on Brunswick Juventus at Reddish Reserve on April 23 at 3:00 PM.