Jeff Hopkins is full of praise and confidence in his side after a strong start to the campaign, preparing for their Round 4 fixture of the Ninja A-League against Wellington Phoenix.
Coming away as victors in the Grand Final rematch against the Mariners at the Home of the Matildas, Hopkins spoke highly of his side to find the three points in a tough contest.
“We were really happy with the win and not so much our performance with the ball.
“We had to roll our sleeves up, we had to be disciplined, we had to hold out the last 10 or 15 minutes.
“The good thing is that we know how to manage and win those games.”
Signing Zoe McMeeken after departing the Phoenix in the offseason, Hopkins expressed his happiness with the athletic full-back’s start in navy blue.
“Zoe gives us the ability to get forward very, very quickly. She’s also physically very, very good as well; she gives us size at set-plays.
“For this weekend, I think we’re all determined to make her first game back a successful one so she can walk out there with her head held high.”
Taking on Wellington, who are led by former Canadian national team head coach, Bev Priestman, Hopkins noted the Nix’s start to life under the Englishwoman.
“With Bev, they’ve got a very experienced international quality coach and you can start to see now already the work she’s done with the group; there’s a real style of play starting to develop there.
“They’re a very well-organised team, they like to go forward and commit players forward. They’re also on the physical side as well.
“We’ve looked at them and maybe one or two areas we think we can be quite effective with them… we’ve got a pretty strong game plan in place and we’ll go there and see if we can cause them a few problems.”
The Welsh gaffer also provided an update on some of the big names on Victory’s injury list who could be back in action soon.
“It’s been a really good week for us. Taylor Ray’s been back on the park… don’t be surprised if she’s into the squad for next week’s game.
“Chelsea Blissett had her scan yesterday and I think everything was good with her. I’m pretty sure she’ll be back in training within the next few days. Sienna Saveska is still more of a longer-term prospect.”
Watch Hopkins’ full press conference below.
