Joshua Rawlins knows there is plenty to play for in the Round 24 clash away to Auckland FC.
The defender will be part of a travelling party hoping to upset the odds once more against the defending Premiers on Saturday, April 11, kick-off 3pm AEST, at Go Media Stadium.
Melbourne Victory spoiled the Black Knight’s party last May when, by winning 0-2 on the road, they overturned a first-leg deficit to progress to the 2025 Grand Final.
Currently, it is about bouncing back from last weekend’s home defeat to New Zealand’s other Isuzu UTE A-League club.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Rawlins talked about what it will take to record another memorable win across the Tasman.
“We just need to stick together as a team. We know our strengths, and I think we have to play to them. We also know Auckland’s strengths, and we have to stop them as much as possible.
“We did it last year in the semi-final, so we know we have what it takes to do that over there, but I think that’ll just come down to the 90 minutes. The team has to dig in and really graft for that win.”
Rawlins continued his preview of the clash by assessing the opposition and discussing Victory’s prospects.
“Auckland are a great opposition away in Auckland as well, which makes it even harder. But as a group, we know the job at hand; we know that we have to win.
“We have to try and secure finals football and to keep pushing up the table as well. We set out some expectations this season, and we’re still trying to achieve them.”
Watch Rawlins’ full press conference below.
