Women’s Coach’s Comment: Battiato cautious of fast-starters South Yarra

As the Essendon Royals Women’s team gears up to face South Yarra, Senior Women’s coach Vince Battiato has shared his thoughts on their upcoming opponent.

Battiato highlighted the challenges that the Royals will face against South Yarra, despite the latter having lost four of their five matches so far in the competition. “We rate South Yarra very highly. They are a decent side who will pose several threats given they have a number of players who have been together for many years,” he said.

However, the Royals will draw confidence from their previous encounters with South Yarra, as Battiato mentioned, “We know this having narrowly knocked them out of the Nike FC Cup 1-0 last season.”

South Yarra’s early leads in most of their games this season have not escaped Battiato’s attention either. “Despite having lost four of their five matches to date, they have also taken an early lead in all but one of those five matches, so we know that they start well and are capable of taking two-goal leads,” he stated.

But the Royals are confident that they can come out on top if they play at their best. “We are confident that despite their threats, if we play at our best we can get the three points we desire before the Cup match on Tuesday,” Battiato said.

Despite South Yarra’s ladder position, the Royals will not underestimate them. “We will not underestimate them because of their ladder position. We know every team in this league can take points off each other on their day, so we will show due respect to every opponent: South Yarra are no exception,” Battiato emphasized.

The Royals will be looking to build on their impressive form and secure a win against a challenging opponent, and with Battiato’s experienced guidance, they are sure to give it their all.