Camilleri confident ahead of Roar test

The side faces arguably the most daunting of assignments this Sunday in Brisbane 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,? commented Camilleri ahead of the trip to Brisbane.
Camilleri is another rising star vesting the Mariners colours following a stellar NSW Arrive Alive Women?s Premier League campaign with the victorious Illawarra Sting Rays, 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, 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 0-0.
?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.?
Camilleri continued. ?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.?
Central Coast Mariners? weak point in season 1 was the side?s inability to prevent serious defensive lapses, something that Stephen 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.?
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,? said Camilleri.
?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.?
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,? added the 18 year-old midfielder.
?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,? ended Camilleri.
The Central Coast Mariners next Westfield W-League match will be on Sunday afternoon against Brisbane Roar, 18 October at Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane with kick-off set for 7:00 PM AEDT.
-By Joseph Carlucci