Jets and Nepean ready for epic Finals encounter
Ahead of the League Three Men Grand Final, Football NSW spoke to Nepean FC captain Edward Stewart and Newcastle Jets head coach Riccardo Marchioli about their thoughts and preparations ahead of the final match of the campaign.
Newcastle and Nepean finished first and second on the ladder respectively, with five points separating the two sides at the conclusion of the season.
Speaking about the overall campaign, Jets coach Marchioli stated that they’d made progression more than anything.
“We keep getting better both individually and collectively and we know there’s no limits as this team continues to grow,” he said.
“Saturday is another opportunity to continue doing that together and take positive steps towards where we want to be.”
Stewart, meanwhile, was proud of Nepean’s season in what has been a positive year for the Sydney-based club.
“It’s been a really positive year,” Stewart stated.
“In saying that we’ve got a lot to work on as well, but I’m really proud of the boys.
“We’re all obviously very stoked to be in the Grand Final so it’s a good way to finish out the year.”
The Jets made the Grand Final by defeating Nepean FC on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the Major Semi-Final.
“It’s a very nice cherry on top but I always see the premiership – which we’ve already achieved – as the most important in football,” said Marchioli on making it to the final round of the knockout campaign.
“However, we want to continue being successful in our own way and this game is another opportunity to do something special.”
Nepean’s journey to the Grand Final has been a little longer.
After defeating Hawkesbury City 3-2 after extra time, Nepean lost to Newcastle on penalties to give them one match to make the Grand Final in the Preliminary Final against Prospect United.
In a tense match, Nepean prevailed thanks to a goal from Raajdeep Singh to give themselves a shot at the title.
“It’s really exciting,” said Stewart on making the Grand Final.
“A lot of the boys are looking forward to it.
“It’s been for the most part a positive year and everyone’s really excited for it.”
The Grand Final will be the fourth time Newcastle and Nepean face off this year in the League Three Men season.
Nepean is yet to defeat the Jets, with a 0-0 draw and 2-0 loss in the regular season before Newcastle picked up their second win over their Grand Final rivals for the campaign with the penalty shootout victory in the Major Semi-Final.
We’ve had some pretty good games throughout the year and I think the fact that they’ve been well-matched gives you confidence that you can compete,” said Stewart on taking on Newcastle for the fourth time this season.
Marchioli believes the strength of Nepean will help lift his side to play their best football on Saturday night.
“We’ve faced many challenging opponents this season and the stronger the adversary, the better we play so I know that we will play our football with no limitations and see where it takes us.
“This never changes regardless of the opposition.”
For Nepean, Stewart believes their comradery and hunger could be what sees them go all the way on the weekend.
“We’re quite a close group and we’re just hungry to win it,” he said.
“I think defensively all year we’ve been quite good but also so have they.
“Like I said, there’s not much that’s separated the two sides throughout the year so I just think it’s going to be a matter of who wants it most.”
For Newcastle, it’s their mentality and never say die attitude that Marchioli believes could propel them to victory come Saturday night.
“We know we’re prepared for any situation and that’s been clear in the number of late goals and immediate responses we’ve had this season, a large part of our identity,” Marchioli stated.
“We never stop.”
The League Three Men Grand Final will kick off at 6pm on Saturday night at Valentine Sports Centre.
For those unable to make the match, it will be broadcasted live and exclusively on NPL.tv.
