Women’s Match Preview: Royals hunt silverware at Home of Matildas
This Sunday at 2pm, the Essendon Royals Senior Women will be hunting silverware at the Home of the Matildas, as they take on Casey Comets in the inaugural Nike FC Community Cup Final.
The event, which pits the two non-NPLW teams that went furthest in the Nike FC Cup against one another, offers an exciting opportunity for the Senior Women to take part in one of the biggest days for Women’s football on the Victorian calendar, with the Nike FC Cup final also being played on the same day.
The road to the final has been a thrilling ride for both teams. The Royals, under the guidance of coach Vince Battiato, have been in scintillating form, scoring a staggering 33 goals in their last five league outings without conceding a single goal. Their last loss, and the last time they conceded a goal, was against none other than Casey Comets in the Nike FC Cup Quarter Finals. The memory of that defeat will surely be a motivating factor for the Royals as they seek redemption.
In an interview with Football Victoria, Battiato expressed his pride in the team’s journey, stating, “The girls have been fantastic. They’ve bought into everything we’ve tried to implement, and they’ve been rewarded for it.” He also acknowledged the challenge ahead, recognizing Casey Comets as a “very good side.”
Reflecting on the team’s growth, Battiato added, “We’ve built a culture here at the Royals where everyone is pushing each other to be better. The players have embraced the challenge, and their hard work is paying off.”
Casey Comets, led by coach Del Donnelly, have been equally impressive on their path to the final. Donnelly, in his conversation with Football Victoria, praised his team’s resilience and adaptability. “We’ve had to change our style of play to suit the players we have, and they’ve adapted to it very well,” he said. He also noted the significance of the final, describing it as “a great opportunity for the girls to showcase their talents.”
The new Home of the Matildas is set to provide a fitting backdrop for this epic encounter. As the first official game at this state-of-the-art facility, the match represents a landmark moment for women’s football in Australia. The venue symbolizes the growth and recognition of the women’s game, and both teams will be eager to etch their names into its history.
Battiato spoke about the importance of the venue, saying, “Playing at the Home of the Matildas is an honour. It’s a symbol of how far women’s football has come, and we’re thrilled to be a part of this historic moment.”
With the Royals’ attacking prowess and Casey Comets’ tactical acumen, this final promises to be a thrilling contest. The stakes are high, the stage is set, and the spotlight is on women’s football.
“The key to success is staying focused and playing our game,” Battiato emphasized. “We know what we’re capable of, and we’re ready to give it our all.”
Come and be a part of history. Come and cheer for the Royals.
