Jeff Hopkins is asking for more in the final third from Melbourne Victory.
His team have started the Ninja A-League season strongly, earning seven points from a possible nine to put them third on the early ladder heading into Matchweek 4.
This takes Victory interstate to play a winless Brisbane Roar on Saturday, November 7, kick-off 5:00pm AEDT, for their third away match in the opening month of the 2026/27 campaign.
But the Head Coach is not taking the opposition’s slow start as any advantage, and has implored his players to be more ruthless in the key moments this weekend.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Hopkins detailed what is required to increase output at the top end of the pitch.
“It’s more of a focus on the final third, penetrating passes to get us into those areas. But when we get in, being a little bit more clinical and focused on the type of balls we’re putting in, the type of runs we’re making, and the areas that we’re making runs into.
“So we’ve talked a fair bit about that. We’ve done a fair bit of work in the front third, and we’re hoping there’s an improvement in that this weekend.”
Zoe McMeeken echoed Hopkins’ feeling that, despite two wins on the board, including last weekend’s home success over Newcastle Jets, there is plenty of room for growth.
“The team is really connected this year, so I think a lot of us have been having fun. But we still know our potential is a lot higher than what we’re showing right now, which is super exciting to know how much we can improve.”
Ahead of a third away trip, she added: “Being away together, you’re around all the girls so much more, so it does help that connection piece. So even though nothing beats being home, when you’re away, there’s a different kind of energy before a game.”
