Battiato: Royals Ready to Right the Wrongs in Epic Showdown Against Brunswick Juventus
In what is shaping up to be a pivotal clash in the VPLW, the Essendon Royals are set to face off against Brunswick Juventus at Cross Keys Reserve. The two top teams, separated by just a single point, are primed for a showdown that could potentially shape the trajectory of the title race.
Senior Women’s coach Vince Battiato exudes confidence and belief ahead of this crucial encounter. “The squad is feeling great and full of belief given where we have placed ourselves at this stage of the season,” Battiato said. “We are primed to overturn the 1-0 loss earlier in the season despite being the dominant side on the day. With complete respect, there is an air in the camp that we need to right that wrong.”
While acknowledging the significance of the match, Battiato is keen to keep his players grounded. “It’s a big game no doubt, but the title isn’t won in one game. It’s won by trusting the process and believing we can do enough in every match to get the points,” he said. “This is no different, however, a win on Sunday will give us a tighter grip on the initial season goal of being champions. So you can bank on us leaving no stone unturned.”
The Royals have had a few tough encounters with Brunswick in the past, but Battiato believes that focus and determination will be key to securing a positive result this time around. “They always lift against us, and it’s a fantastic rivalry. We all want to coach these big games and get the big results,” he said. “But come Sunday, we will totally believe that if we are at our best, we will come away with a great result. Stay focused, stay on task, and we are quietly confident we can get the job done.”
The two sides have identical scoring records after 13 games, but the Royals have demonstrated superior defensive solidity, conceding only three goals compared to Brunswick’s 15. Battiato sees this as a testament to the team’s high standards. “We pride ourselves on our defensive shape. Our benchmark standards are very high so we’d like to think that attacks win matches and defences win championships. It will be a tough hit out no doubt, but our belief is strong.”
As the Royals and Brunswick Juventus prepare for this epic showdown, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Royals are ready to right the wrongs of the past and take a significant step towards realizing their championship dreams. With a squad full of belief and a coach brimming with confidence, the Royals are set to put on a thrilling display of skill, determination, and passion. Be sure to join us at Cross Keys Reserve to witness this enthralling battle unfold.