Jeff Hopkins has encouraged his Melbourne Victory players to seize momentum against Newcastle Jets.
Third hosts second on Friday, December 19, kick-off 7pm AEDT, as the A-League Women’s team head to New South Wales in Round 8 of the 2025/26 season.
Victory face the Jets in the first of three games across the space of nine days, with quickfire turnarounds to a Christmas Derby, hosted by Melbourne City, and a trip to face Central Coast Mariners next weekend.
The Girls in Blue got back to winning ways on Saturday, beating Adelaide United 1-0 at AAMI Park, and the Head Coach is eager to see this used as a launchpad.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Hopkins challenged the team to use the schedule to their advantage and gather speed heading into the new year.
“I think the message for us this week is ‘Let’s not waste what we did on the weekend by putting in a substandard performance in Newcastle’, and it’s going to be a tough place to go.
“They’re in good form, and they’re a good side this year. It’s been a real focus on getting some work done this week.”
Hopkins’ pre-match media duties featured an update on the fitness of his squad and injury list ahead of the Jets clash. This included the latest on Nicki Flannery, after she made her first appearance of the campaign versus Adelaide.
“Nicki, obviously, came through the game really well – came on and did really well. We are still waiting on Sienna (Saveska), she could be back into full training next week, which is great.
“And then Chelsea’s (Blissett) progressed again, but not well enough to be in the squad, but she’s going to be very, very close.”
Watch Hopkins’ full press conference below.
