Jeff Hopkins is savouring the cut and thrust of Finals football yet again.
No stranger to this time of the year, the four-time Championship-winning boss is looking to win his third as Melbourne Victory A-League Women’s Head Coach, having delivered silverware in 2021 and 2022.
The Girls in Blue’s latest title tilt continues with a crunch Ninja A-League Women’s Semi-Final (Leg 1) against Melbourne City on Saturday, May 2, kick-off 5pm AEST, at AAMI Park.
Each regular season meeting was a tight affair, with City winning a Round 10 clash 2-1 before the teams could not be split in a goalless draw at The Home of The Matildas in February.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Hopkins looked at how the Melbourne Derby ingredient adds extra value to the Semi-Final stage.
“These games are always big games. Looking at our games against City, they are always something special for us. I’m sure it’s the same for them as well. We’re really looking forward to the game coming.
“We had to wait three weeks for Canberra – this weekend seems to have come around really quickly. The girls have enjoyed the week, they’re looking forward to the game, and the challenge that comes with playing Melbourne City.”
Victory reached the next stage of Finals thanks to an impressive 1-3 win away to Canberra United last Saturday, with Rachel Lowe opening the scoring before Ella O’Grady netted a double.
In contrast, Premiers Plate winners City have had four weeks to wait for the showdown, but Hopkins is confident that his team have prepared the best way possible.
“It’s how you use your time. If you use your time well, it’s great having a lot of time to prepare. If you haven’t, then you’re in a bit of trouble.
“We’ll find that tomorrow, when that whistle goes, we’ll see how well they’ve been using their time and how well we’ve been using ours.”
Watch Hopkins’ full press conference below.
