Melbourne Victory Head Coach Jeff Hopkins lauded his team for again finding a way in a thrilling 2-1 Liberty A-League Grand Final win over Sydney FC.
After being put under heavy pressure at Jubilee Stadium on Sunday, needing a player-of-the-match performance from goalkeeper Casey Dumont, Victory ended up winning a second straight Championship.
Amy Jackson and Catherine Zimmerman scored and Victory held on despite Cortnee Vine’s tap in.
Speaking at his post-match news conference, Hopkins discussed the game, Dumont and star midfielder Alex Chidiac.
on the game…
“We’ve had our ups and downs this season and the game was probably a bit like that. It was a real tough game for us. It ebbed and flowed and we were under some unbelievable pressure at times, but the girls managed to do what they’ve done all season and come through it and we came out of a few of those spells and come out of it stronger. I’m really proud of the way that we played in the game, it wasn’t a pretty game for sure, but we said at half-time it’s about our character, it’s about not being pretty, it’s about winning the game and we really rolled our sleeves up, we dug really deep and we found a way to win the game.”
on Dumont…
“That’s what we pay her the big bucks for. Ever since I’ve known her she’s been in great form, but this year especially she’s been in fantastic form, she’s been getting better and better as the season’s gone on. One thing we know about Casey is as well when the chips are down, the big games she’ll perform, but also against adversity she got smashed there in the second half and I wasn’t worried, I knew she’d get back and she’d go on which is kind of what she does. I’ve got a massive amount of respect for her as a player and as a person and she plays for us because I know I can rely on her.”
on Chidiac…
“I’m obviously a little bit biased. I think she’s been absolutely amazing for us. In terms of her ability with the ball, her technical ability, her game understanding, but also she covers every blade of grass on the field. She’ll never give up. I was surprised when she didn’t make the (Matildas) squad and I think she keeps playing the way she’s playing, it’s only going to be a matter of time before she gets a recall into the squad.”
