As Canberra United prepares for their round four fixture against the Melbourne Victory this weekend at Bob Jane Stadium, midfielder Cian Maciejewski is looking forward to the physical challenge.
As Canberra United prepares for their round four fixture against the Melbourne Victory this weekend at Bob Jane Stadium, midfielder Cian Maciejewski is looking forward to the physical challenge.
The league-s two most physical sides will line up on Saturday evening in a vital fixture as Canberra United are looking to get their season back on track following a shattering 1-2 loss to the Central Coast Mariners last weekend.
The Victory come into the match with a 3-0 win over Perth Glory last weekend after they out muscled their opponents to record their second win of the season, but Maciejewski believes Canberra can outsmart the opposition.
“I didn-t get to see the Victory game on the weekend but when we played Melbourne in a trial, I know that they-re tall and strong,” Maciejewski said.
“If we play smart against [the Victory] I think we can come away with the points, obviously trying to avoid playing balls in the air, rather play ball to feet and beat them with our pace because we-ve got a lot of fast players in our team.”
The former Canberra Eclipse player is relishing the opportunity to play on the national scene again following a successful season with the treble winning Belwest Foxes in Capital Football-s Club Pink Premier League.
“I-m finding the W-League very exciting, I can-t wait for the rest of the season to come along,” a thrilled Cian Maciejewski said.
“It-s great to get back to the high tempo that I want to be at.”
Despite being one of Canberra-s most consistent players in the first three weeks of the season, Maciejewski, returning from injury earlier this year, still believes there-s room to improve which should be a concern for opposition sides.
“I-m giving it 100% every game but I-m still not coming off the pitch satisfied.”
“I know what I need to improve on and I-ve been working very hard at training and doing some extra work either before or after training just on my own.”
Despite not being involved with a state institute program, the midfielder not only brings experience and skill to the line-up but a physical presence as well.
“I was actually watching one of the games back on DVD and only just realized that I was a little more physical than others.”
“Having realized that quality, I can now use that to my advantage.”
The Canberra United number 11 believes that while Melbourne will be a battle, every week will be tough tussle as teams compete for a semi finals berth.
“The game on the weekend [against the Central Coast Mariners] proved that any team can and will be physical.”
