MILDURA being in the west of Victoria means A-League side Western United are laying claim to the local fan base.
Midfielder Melissa Taranto said her team were keen to “put on a show” when they played Adelaide United in the A-League Festival of Sport at the Mildura Sporting Precinct tomorrow.
Heading into their third season in the competition and with a vast array of young talent in the squad, the green and blacks will play their first practice match of the new campaign in Sunraysia in front of an expected 4000-strong crowd.
It’s the type of environment Taranto can’t wait be in.
“Mildura is still in the west of the state, so we’re claiming it,” she laughed.
“They’re expecting about 4000 fans, which should be a great turnout, we love getting the opportunity to play in front of big crowds.
“Regional towns are crying out for sport at this level, so it’s not only exciting to get up there for our first practice game but also to try and connect with football fans up there and hopefully find some more supporters.
“We’re going to put on a show. It may be a friendly but we’re going in there to win.”
Taranto and twin sister Adriana, who is also at United but recovering from a knee injury, came through the ranks of Melbourne Victory alongside Mildura’s Annabel Martin, who now plies her trade with Central Coast Mariners.
The twins are foundation members of the team, alongside the likes of Matildas ace Chloe Logarzo.
“This is the first year we’ve had a number of changes with the squad, but honestly we’ve only known some of these girls for a couple of weeks and it already feels like they’re part of the family,” Taranto said.
“Those of us who have been there from the beginning feel like we have a bit of a responsibility to look out for for everyone.”
In the wake of the national being gripped by the efforts of the Matildas during last year’s FIFA World Cup, Taranto said the effects have been far reaching.
“Not just for girls and football fans, but everyone,” she said.”My sister and I both work at schools and it was amazing to hear young boys talking about their favourite Matildas, and other teachers who don’t follow sport discussing it as well.”
Under coach Kat Smith and alongside the experienced campaigners Western United has a wealth of young talent on the books, including Young Matildas representatives Avaani Prakash, Kahli Johnson, Alanah Cerne and Sasha Grove, the latter a new recruit this campaign.
The side finished third at the end of the home-and-away season, but were defeated by Newcastle Jets 4-2 in last year’s elimination final.
Western United will play in the A-League season opener on Friday, November 1 when they host Wellington Phoenix at Ironbark Fields in their home of Tarneit.
United face Adelaide United from 2pm at MSP on Saturday.
