Central Coast Mariners Westfield W-League coach Stephen Roche has seen his side commence season 2 in magnificent style with two victories from as many matches, with the impressive scalp of Sydney FC already in the side’s stride.
Central Coast Mariners Westfield W-League coach Stephen Roche has seen his side commence season 2 in magnificent style with two victories from as many matches, with the impressive scalp of Sydney FC already in the side-s stride.
The side faces arguably the most daunting of assignments this Sunday at Ballymore against the inaugural Westfield W-League champions Brisbane Roar, though one player in the Mariners wings that is not at all overawed by the challenge is midfielder Trudy Camilleri.
“The whole group has been training really well from pre-season, and we are up for the challenge against the Roar,” said Camilleri.
Camilleri is another rising star vesting the Mariners colours following a stellar NSW Arrive Alive Women-s Premier League campaign with the victorious Illawarra Stingrays, and although her involvements have thus far been off the bench for the Mariners, the feisty midfielder – with a potent right foot – is ready to play her part when called upon by coach Stephen Roche.
“We have a very talented group this season with a lot of depth, and I can confirm that the girls are all really applying themselves in training with each session.
“I know that I have started twice from the bench, though I won-t let that bother me, I just accept the coach-s decisions, as I know I need to keep training hard and ensuring that I am ready when the coach calls for me,” Camilleri said.
Camilleri, who is in her second season with the Mariners, scored a sensational goal against Adelaide United FC in Round 2 after replacing Renee Rollason, and this certainly has lifted her confidence ahead of the clash with Brisbane Roar.
“It was fantastic to score, I was really happy – especially coming off the bench with the scores still level at nil-nil.
“The important thing is that altogether, the morale and understanding inside of our group is really high, and our performances to-date have shown this.
“Against the Roar we have nothing to be scared of, even though they are a daunting proposition with so many Matildas players.
“We can-t go there and just sit back, we will need to go there with a strong attitude and the self belief that we can compete with any team,” said Camilleri.
Central Coast Mariners- weak point in season 1 was the side-s inability to prevent serious defensive lapses, something that Roche-s side has addressed very well in the off-season.
“Like I said, our confidence is high at the moment, and the girls all over the park have been great. In defence, we have proven to be very well organised with our midfielders tracking back to assist when we are under pressure.
“The addition of goalkeeper Jillian Loyden – from the US – has proven an additional confidence booster with her experience behind the back-line,” Camilleri said.
Despite losing some big names in the off-season such as Kyah Simon and Ellyse Perry, Camilleri has been really impressed by the influence of the American girls.
“They have been wonderful with their experience and insight and from their first training session with the group, they have really lifted the tempo.
“A player like Kendall Fletcher is a top midfielder and she has one of the starting roles in the team. Even though we have similar roles and are competing for starting spots, she is constantly offering advice and encouragement and that is just a great feeling,” said Camilleri.
With the Westfield W-League competition offering the Women some great exposure, especially with the influx of imports and international interest, Camilleri is eager to continue working hard to remain in the spotlight.
“At the moment, I am focused on the Mariners, and we as a group are hoping to play in the finals this season.
“I would love to play well and get a look in at the Matildas, that is a dream of mine that I have had for many years, and I will be working as hard as I can to achieve it,” said Camilleri.
The Central Coast Mariners next Westfield W-League match is against Brisbane Roar this Sunday, 18 at Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane. Kick-off is at 6:00pm QST.
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