Jeff Hopkins wants Melbourne Victory to seize the day against Newcastle Jets at AAMI Park.
The final act in the Sunday, November 1, A-League Men’s and Women’s Kids Round double-header is the Girls in Blue’s home opener following away fixtures in Matchweek 1 and 2.
On the road, Victory defeated Western Sydney Wanderers 0-1 before heading across to New Zealand’s capital and picking up a point versus Wellington Phoenix.
In contrast, the visiting Jets have only played once this term, having had a bye last weekend.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Hopkins made clear how he expects his team to take the initiative.
“They’re a tough side. I saw the game against Perth, it was a real tough game. They work really hard and are well organised – they look like a well-coached side. They’ve made one or two additions to their squad, lost a few players as well, but they’re going to be a tough proposition for us.
“At this stage of the season, we don’t know a huge amount about them, so the real focus has been on us and how we can defend against them, but also one or two areas that we can exploit. That comes back to us being a little bit better ourselves as well.”
Holly Furphy, fresh from opening her goal account for the season away at the Phoenix, joined the Head Coach on media duties to preview the Kids Round fixture.
Her goal was the result of a fine run and cross from striker Sophie Harding, and Furphy forecasted more moments like this in the weeks and months ahead.
“That’s something we’re definitely working on at training, working as a front line, finding patterns, finding chemistry – I think that’s a big thing. We have two new forwards in our front line, so it’s them understanding each of our roles and each of our patterns.
“I feel like this game is looking good for us. Training today was pretty good.”
