Jeff Hopkins is hoping to inspire his team to a Leg 2 comeback this weekend.
Melbourne Victory make the short trip across Melbourne to face their crosstown rivals in a Ninja A-League Finals Series Semi-Final decider.
The Girls in Blue, despite a battling effort at AAMI Park, trail by a single goal heading to ctrl:cyber Pitch on Saturday, May 9, kick-off 2pm AEST.
But the 62-year-old is confident that this week’s time spent on the training track, and the injection of some added belief from reminding them of past comebacks, including their own miraculous one against Central Coast Mariners in December, can be a recipe for success.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Hopkins salivated over the prospect of upsetting Melbourne City’s Championship dreams.
“We’ve had a really productive week. We looked at maybe doing things that will allow us to be on the front foot a little bit more in terms of the way that we’re going to play, and then we’ll see where we go. We know we’re capable of doing it, and we know that we’ve done it before, and there’s no reason why we can’t turn this around and go on and win the game.
“They understand as well that this game of football is actually made for days like this, for comebacks and teams to be a goal down and come back. That’s why the game is such a good game to watch. You’re never out of the game.”
Joining the Head Coach on pre-match media duties was Rachel Lowe, who earlier this week was crowned 2026 Victory medallist, and Hopkins gave a glowing assessment of the midfielder’s performances this season.
“Right from the word go, she’s had that confidence about the way she goes about her game. She’s probably one of, or if not, our most gifted technical players. She understands the game really well. And this year, she’s been really consistent in the way she’s gone about things.
“It was very, very close, obviously, but thoroughly deserved. She’s been excellent this year and very consistent as well, so really pleased for her too. She puts a lot into the game, she works really hard, and she loves the game itself.”
Watch Hopkins’ full press conference below.
