Wanderers Westfield W-League head coach Dean Heffernan has said the team is “in a really good space” and are ready for their biggest test of the season to date against defending premiers Melbourne Victory at the Latrobe City Stadium in Morwell on Saturday afternoon.
The Red & Black will go into the game full of confidence following an unbeaten start to the season in which they have recorded wins against Adelaide United, the Newcastle Jets, and Brisbane Roar.
However, they will face a formidable opponent in the Victory, who claimed last season’s Premiership after finishing top of the table and have an impressive record against the Wanderers.
The Wanderers have managed just the one win – back in the 2015/16 season – in 11 encounters between the two sides.
While aware of the statistic, Heffernan believes his side will tick off another box in what is already shaping as a stellar season for the club.
The club has already had its best start to a season, while American striker Kristen Hamilton notched the first hat-trick for the W-League side in the 3-1 win over Brisbane Roar last week.
And, the Red & Black have another record at their mercy, needing only one more win to equal the club record for most wins (four) in a season.
It appears only a formality that they will go on to smash the record and make the finals for the first time in the club’s history.
“For sure it is going to be another test for us,” said Heffernan.
“Victory were very good last year and are very hard to break down.
“They are a good side and have some dangerous players but we are in a really good space and we are ready for a big test and it is one we are really looking forward to.
“We have spoken a lot about creating history this year. Every time we speak, every time I see a player speak, it is always about that.
“Every weekend we go into games, there’s some kind of history that is re-written and again this week we want to continue that and continue that all season. It is definitely the theme of our year.”
Heffernan, who is in his first year as a senior coach, said he continues to see incremental improvement in his side, but refuses to take all the credit.
The Wanderers boss is adamant it has been a team effort from the coaches, down to the players and the staff.
“You can see the improvement and that is the most pleasing thing,” said Heffernan.
“We will tweak things during a game because the girls will tell me this need to be done because it’s not working or we need to change a little thing here or there.
“We are working together as a unit.”
While he is full of praise for his team, Heffernan has utmost respect for Victory.
Heffernan cast aside the fact Victory have had a tough playing and travelling schedule having just returned after competing in the Asian Champions League.
“It’s always a tough one in the legs in terms of the travel but in terms of galvanising a group and bringing players together and getting to know each other as a new squad, well, that can only be helpful for them as well,” added Heffernan.
