“Making finals is a non-negotiable.”
Midfielder Rachel Lowe has hit the ground running at Victory having scored or assisted 10 times this season already.
The former Matilda joined Jeff Hopkins at Victory this season after spending the early part of her career in Sydney and is currently having a career-best season to date in blue.
Although Lowe’s form has been outstanding, the 23-year-old explains that “it’s taken time to adjust” to being at a new Club.
“I think it’s taken time for me to adjust. Obviously, I’ve changed positions a bit recently with coming into a ten position and doing some more rotation with Em (Gielnik) and Sara (D’Appolonia) in different positions,” she said.
“It’s just taken time to kind of gel with the players around me and I think having Chids (Alex Chidiac) back has been a massive boost for us. She’s been great getting on the ball and just combining with her has been really good.”
With the team now five games unbeaten, our girls in blue sit in fourth place on the Liberty A-League table, and Lowe wants that run to continue as long as possible.
“First and foremost, we want to keep winning,” she said.
“We want to try and go on a bit of a run now, stay unbeaten, but also just try and get as many three points as possible. Making finals is obviously a non-negotiable.”
Looking ahead to Friday night against Western Sydney, Hopkins’ side will be looking for redemption.
“I think we’ve got to stick to what Jeff’s telling us to do,” Lowe said.
“They’re obviously a good side, so we’ve got to respect that they’ve got some good players and targeting their weaknesses. Adding to our strengths is going to be crucial for us.”
Former Matilda star Emily Gielnik missed last time out against the Wanderers and Lowe explained that she was excited to have her back.
“She’s obviously a quality player, her reputation speaks for itself and she’s still getting back to her best,” she explained.
“I think she’ll only get better throughout the season. She’ll be huge for us and I think she takes the spotlight away from me, so defenders are really concerned about her, so it gives me more time and space to get on the ball.
“Recently I’ve been a midfielder playing as a nine, so I’ve had to adapt my game a bit, but I like to come back and drop to get the ball.
“So having Em and Kenz (Weinert) who are threats in behind just makes more space for me and I can try and get the ball and turn and use my strengths.”
Next Match
Melbourne Victory v Western Sydney Wanderers
Date:Â Friday 16 February
Kick-off:Â 7.00pm (AEDT)
Location:Â Home of the Matildas
Tickets:Â http://mvf.club/alwrd17
