Above: Kennedy White speaks to the media. Image: Melbourne Victory.
By Isabelle Campbell (14/11/25).
Melbourne Victory will finally run out at the Home of the Matildas this weekend, with Head Coach Jeff Hopkins and hat-trick hero Kennedy White speaking ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Central Coast Mariners.
The Round three match up will be the first time the Victory and Mariners sides go head to head since last season’s grand final which saw Victory fall to the Mariners in a dramatic penalty shootout.
After kicking off the season with two matches on the road, Hopkins said the squad is relishing the chance to reset at home.
“I think it’s like another restart again for us. The two away games were a tough start for us, both games came with their own challenges. We’re nice and comfortable playing at home with our own supporters. I think we did it last year, we really made Home of the Matildas a fortress for us, we’re out to do the same thing this year.”
Hopkins also emphasised the importance of maintaining consistency throughout the long season, regardless of opponent or venue.
“With so many games, you’ve got to have things that are constants in your game as well. So you know the things that you do every week, whether you’re playing at home, whether you’re playing away, whether you’re playing top of the table, whether you’re playing bottom of the table as well, I think with those constants, you need consistency, but also, you add the grand final rematch into it, there’s one added bit of flavour to throw in the mix.”
Despite the match being essentially a rematch of last season’s grand final, Hopkins said the team has not been focused on that storyline this week.
“If I’m being totally honest, I don’t think anyone’s mentioned the grand final. I think we’ve had a really good week’s training. Our focus this week has been on making sure the players are fresh. and tactically prepared. The last couple of days have been short, but quite intense, and we’re really ready to go now. So in terms of the grand final, it might get a mention in the team meeting tomorrow. But really, we haven’t mentioned it all week.”
The coach was also full of praise for Victory’s new signings, highlighting the impact of Kennedy White and Zoe McMeeken who were both on the scoresheet last weekend.
“It’s really pleasing. You don’t always get it right, but I think both of them, across the last couple of games, they’ve both had outstanding games, obviously, Kenna’s grabbed the headlines with the goals, but Zoe’s been really very, very consistent in what she does and she showed a little bit of what she’s capable of doing. She gets forward a lot, and she’s almost unstoppable sometimes when she goes forwards… this will give her a lot of confidence, which is all good for the team.”
On White’s rapid adaptation to the A-League, Hopkins added:
“I’ve been very impressed with her. First of all, just her attitude to training and being very, very professional. She looks after herself, she looks after her body and she trains really hard. I still think she’s got a lot more to show… We made some big steps forward last week. We adapted things at half time, a few things were said at half time that probably really helped us understand what she needs.”
Hopkins also highlighted the journey and promise of young midfielder and academy graduate, Poppy O’Keeffe, who made her professional debut last weekend.
“Poppy’s been with us a long time now. She’s a country girl, so things are often a little bit harder for the country players to come through, with all the travelling… It shows that she was really dedicated and really pushed through. She’s a small technical player, very, very good on the ball… Hopefully it’s going to be a breakout year for her… I’m really impressed with her.”
On the injury front, Hopkins shared that Chelsea Blissett, Taylor Ray, and Nicki Flannery are progressing well and are expected to be back in the squad in the coming weeks.
Kennedy White spoke about her fast start in Victory colours, describing her excitement at adapting to the league.
“It’s been really exciting so far. I feel like. I’ve been surrounded by really great players… it’s a pretty competitive league… pretty athletic, fast paced, so I’m excited for the rest of the season.”
On finally getting the opportunity to play in front of home fans, White smiled\.
“I’m really excited. Honestly, it’s kind of crazy that we haven’t had a home game yet. It feels like we’ve been going for a while, but I’m really excited to see everyone there, play at the field and hopefully get a win.”
Following her hat-trick last weekend White now leads the charge for the Golden Boot race though White said she is keeping her focus on team success.
“I think that’s always a goal for a striker… but I also want what’s best for the team… we want to win the league and do well. So that’s the main goal.”
She praised the midfield for providing opportunities and highlighted the strong partnerships already developing in the forward line.
“We have great players. We have awesome midfielders who like to connect a lot and then get balls in behind. We have a lot of pace up front… it’s a good combination for sure.”
When asked to choose her favourite goal from the hat-trick:
“I love just seeing it going in the back of the net, but honestly, probably the first one just to get it started off and it was a great ball from Courtney [Newbon].”
Discussing the aspects of her game she is looking to improve as the season progresses.
“I don’t want to be one dimensional… I love getting in behind and using my pace, but also coming forward and checking in for balls… being an aerial threat in the box, too, mixing it up.”
With Victory full of confidence after a strong performance, new signings firing, and belief building across the squad, Sunday’s clash promises a thrilling showcase. The team is ready to make a statement in front of their own supporters.
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