Melbourne Victory midfielder James Jeggo believes the club’s trip to Tasmania has been perfectly timed before the players start their final stretch of pre-season training.
Melbourne Victory midfielder James Jeggo believes the club’s trip to Tasmania has been perfectly timed before the players start their final stretch of pre-season training.
Victory have been on the training track for almost two months and have played five practice matches in that time.
With five more games to go before the Hyundai A-League season begins on October 5, Jeggo is certain Victory’s six-day trip to Tasmania will be positive for the players.
“It’s a good opportunity for us to get away,” Jeggo said.
“Get out of Melbourne and keep on working on what we’ve been working on.
“Plus on top of that, it’s good, with us being the closest A-League club to Tasmania, being able to get out in the community there and do some work with the local kids.”
Head coach Ange Postecoglou and his players will fly to Tasmania on Sunday before playing a Tasmanian representative side on Tuesday and Adelaide United three days later.
Victory have chalked up four victories and one defeat in their pre-season friendlies so far, including a 4-1 win over Dandenong Thunder on Tuesday night that impressed Jeggo.
“I think last night was probably our best performance so far in terms of playing the way we want to play and penetrating (the opposition defence),” the 20-year-old midfielder said.
“We’re at the stage where we’ve really got to start improving and putting performances together but I thought last night was promising.”
Victory have scored 13 goals over their five pre-season friendlies, with seven of those having come in the last 15 minutes.
“The boss has stressed that we’re going to play games out right to the end and the fact we have been scoring a few goals late (in games) pays tribute to the work we’ve been doing,” Jeggo said.
Jeggo shone for Victory last season after making his A-League debut in Round 6 against the Central Coast Mariners.
With the versatile Mark Milligan joining the club, as well as imports Marcos Flores, Guilherme Finkler and Jonathan Bru, Jeggo knows it will be tough to play in the midfield this season, but he remains ‘confident’ in his own ability.
“Whoever plays in there (midfield), you know, is going to have to play well week in, week out, because there is so much competition for spots,” Jeggo said.
“But it shouldn’t be any other way.
“So it’s just about working hard and playing well when you get the chance.”
