Jeff Hopkins is confident his team have what it takes to win their Elimination Final.
Melbourne Victory enter the Ninja A-League Women’s Finals Series as the lowest-ranked team, having finished the regular season in sixth position.
Now they face a mouthwatering showdown with third-place Canberra United at McKellar Park on Saturday, April 25, kick-off 2pm AEST.
But going on the road will not faze their four-time Championship-winning Head Coach, who led Victory to three straight away wins on route to their 2022 glory.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Hopkins outlined how his team have used the three-week lead-in to be best prepared, and assessed the challenge posed by Canberra.
“Week one, we didn’t even think about Finals. It was a good opportunity for us to maybe go back and focus on general principles. We gave the girls last weekend off, gave them a bit of time to relax. Then came in and just gradually started to focus on unit work that’s relevant to this weekend.
“This week has been focused on our tactical, defending and attacking. We’ve had a look at one or two things we can do to maybe surprise Canberra. They’re a team that are physically very good. They put you under pressure in the right areas of the field. They have a knack of doing that. They make the game really hard for you.
“It will be a good atmosphere in a small ground but with a big crowd or a full house. But we are ready to stand up and go face-to-face with them.”
The gap between Round 22 and the Elimination Final, which included a FIFA international window, ensures Victory head to ACT missing only one senior player.
“Sienna Saveska comes back into the reckoning. How much she’ll be able to play, I’m not really sure, but she’s back in the squad.
“We’ve got a lot of work into Nicki Flannery now, she’ll be able to play a much bigger part.
“The only player that won’t be available is Zoe McMeeken. But she’s making progress, and she’s actually on her feet now and running. It’s a big step forward for her.”
Watch Hopkins’ full press conference below.
