Warned of complacency, rising Ninja A-League star Talia Kapetanellis says Central Coast are bracing for an F3 derby dogfight against a winless Newcastle outfit.
Led by new coach Dean Heffernan, the Mariners have surged to top spot with three blistering wins on the trot and are showing no signs of stopping ahead of Saturday’s clash.
At first glance, they appear on paper primed to continue their winning ways against the ninth-placed Jets.
While Central Coast have yet to drop a point and boast a healthy goal difference, Newcastle haven’t hit the scoreboard in their first two games, suffering back-to-back 1-0 defeats.
But 21-year-old forward Kapetanellis, who leads the Ninja A-League goalscoring charts with five after a brace in last round’s 2-0 win over Adelaide United, is well aware the Mariners would be foolish to expect an easy outing at polytec Stadium.
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Kapetanellis won’t waste time speculating on how Newcastle might plan on containing her in the final third, but the in-form forward is expecting a stingy defence, led by Natasha Prior.
“The challenge will be breaking down a team that’s likely to be really organised defensively and determined to make things difficult for us,” Kapetanellis told AAP.
“We can’t become frustrated if spaces aren’t opening up straight away.
“It’ll be important for us to move the ball quickly, be patient, use the width of the pitch and be creative in those attacking areas.
“I think honestly if we just stay positive, and keep asking questions, and communicating about their defence, then we’ll create those opportunities.”
While the early success has been “surreal”, recruit Kapetanellis knows Central Coast are nowhere near their ceiling.
“I don’t think it’s necessarily been a surprise because of the work we put in,” the forward said.
“There was always going to be a period of getting to know each other and building those connections, but the group from the start has come together really well.
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“There’s plenty more to come … it’s just important that after these last few wins that we don’t get too comfortable.”
Kapetanellis is taking that warning against complacency to heart.
“I’d like to think there’s a lot more potential in me,” the forward said.
“I want to keep pushing myself to see how far I can take my game.
“I get a lot of enjoyment out of being able to express myself … and having that freedom is when you can get the best out of me.”
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