Melbourne Victory A-League Men’s Head Coach, Giovanni Savarese, and defender Jason Davidson have addressed the media ahead of the 2026 Hahn Australia Cup Final.
The Boys in Blue, chasing a record-equalling third Australia Cup crown, face South Melbourne FC at AAMI Park on Saturday, October 10, kick-off 7:35pm AEDT.
Victory have previously lifted the trophy in 2015 and 2022, beating Perth Glory and Central Coast Mariners to the silverware on those memorable occasions.
Giovanni Savarese
On the first competitive meeting with South:
“We have to respect the history; that is something that is very important – that is how we learn, how we understand who we are playing and who we are. We have the players understand that; we brought in some information as well for the players to understand the magnitude.
“History plays an important part in this game, we are very aware of it, but at the end of the day, what is going to happen on the field is going to be the most important part.”
On the spectacle for football at AAMI Park:
“A final like this allows us to see that the game can continue to grow, particularly here in Victoria, with the amount of people that are coming to the stadium, how quickly the stadium sold out, it means that there is something special about the event that we are going to be part of. It is a privilege.”
On his playing squad:
“Everybody is ready to go. We might have one [player] who we are waiting to see if he is going to make it. Of course, you will see tomorrow if he is there or not. 99% everybody is healthy and ready to play.”
Jason Davidson
On managing the match day:
“We are fortunate to have some players in the team that have been a part of finals. You take the game as it is, and your preperation, your planning are the same as any other game. It doesn’t matter about the opponent.”
On the opportunity of winning the trophy:
“It is an honour and a privilege, but there is also that pressure at every game, every season, every trophy or any tournament that we are in; we are expected to win.
“For us, we have had a great start to the campaign, working hard, we have got a new coach, and we have really created a family environment. Young boys, old boys, everyone involved, we are on the same mission.”
On his father’s allegiances:
“Obviously, he is excited to see his son have the opportunity to play in a final and win a trophy. We all know the history of him at South Melbourne and what that means to him and the Davidson family.
“He is super excited, as am I. It is going to be a spectacle and amazing to be a part of that.”
Watch the full press conference below.
