Michael Edwards answers a few questions ahead of Monday’s Summer Cup Final. The clash against Olympia Warriors FC will be held at KGV Football Park at 2pm this Monday, the 10th.
Results leading up to the final:
We have had a very strong run in the round matches and the semi-final, with some very solid performances. The score-lines have, on the whole, been one-sided, mainly because the girls have worked together on the team principles that we have practiced at training.
Goals for:
41 - (Bianca Parker 10, Stacie Hutchinson 9, Lucy Johnson 6). We have worked regularly on getting players and the ball into goal scoring positions; more so than focussing on our defensive strategies. We are developing the capacity to score from a variety of positions – inside the 6yd box, crosses from wide areas, outside the Penalty Area – with a major focus being on converting opportunities into goals. I think this Monday will really be a test for us in this area.
Goals against:
8- We concede at the moment when we over-complicate our thought processes and decision-making is affected. We have given the ball away in areas and at times when the opponent is able to capitalize on our transitioning shape. We will have to be very aware of Olympia’s attacking pace, so we don’t become exposed defensively.
Score prediction:
It will be a close game, but I am confident that the NTC will win. 3-2
Players out:
Georgia Crawford and Izzy Gee remain on the injured list, so won’t be participating.
How have you found your lead up to the cup final?
Our preparation this week has been excellent. The mood at training has been positive and enthusiastic. We have had a couple of hard sessions to really make sure that we are switched on and aware of what to expect from Olympia.
What NTC players do you think will have the biggest influence on the game?
I would think that all the players have a capacity to influence what happens on Monday. Individually, they all know their roles and responsibilities, so all can influence what will happen by their performances. Most people will see the midfield as key as well as our striking line, but I really believe that all the NTC players will do things during the game that contribute significantly to the team performance.
What Olympia players do you think will have the biggest influence on the game?
Olympia are a strong team across the pitch. They now have players in each line of play that has skill, vision and experience. I think most people will see their attacking, front-line pairing of Rani (Cavarretta) and Bliss (Cantrell) as our biggest threat. If that is the way they play, then we will have to be at our best to stop them scoring.
What do you believe you need to do to stop Olympia from scoring (and winning)?
To stop them winning – score more goals than they do. That may sound a little be flippant, but we do have an attacking philosophy and mindset, based on a sound defensive principles. When we do our jobs effectively and efficiently then we can stop teams scoring and we can score.
What has been your focus for the team over the Summer Cup?
There are 10 new players into the 16 player NTC squad for 2014, so this part of our year has been focussed on developing our team model and helping players understand the way we want to play. It’s not just any old football, it is a certain ‘brand’, so we need to spend time on education.
You’ve got quite a young group of players this year, how are they handling playing at a senior level?
I am really pleased with the attitude and application of all the players, not just the new ones. Even our oldest (at 17) is still learning about the game. The Cup competition has given us a chance to look at a tournament style of game, where progression is determined by results. Our normal focus is not the end result, but the performance. In the pre-season cup, you have to combine both so that you get the experiences of semi-finals and finals; something that aspiring players need to know how to handle. Monday’s Final is a different than a normal roster game. Whilst it is still a game, there are many perceived and real pressures that weigh emotionally on players. This can lead to alterations in physical performances. Players need to learn how to manage that.
There has been some (amusing) blogging on the reasons why the NTC won’t be in the SWPL this coming year. I guess this stems from a misunderstanding of what the NTC is and why FFA run one in each State and Territory. The NTC players need a competition environment that tests their development. Last year we used the senior league as that environment, this year we believe that another level is needed. Some blogs suggest that we’re not in it because the team would get ‘smashed’. Seriously, if you look at what has happened in the Summer Cup, our biggest concern is that we won’t get that. The girls have handled the WPL level exceptionally well. But it is not about being competitive here – it’s how will we perform when we travel interstate and internationally? We need strong, competitive games every week, I think that the SWPL clubs will improve further as the season progresses, but at the moment the NTC girls need stronger opposition every week as from now. Olympia, in the final on Monday, are the yardstick.
What do you think will be the difference between the two teams on game day?
I would like to think that our structure and understanding of the game as a team, will be our strength. Olympia’s individual stars may well be their greatest asset.