Jenna McCormick is the newest addition to a growing Melbourne Victory side after putting pen to paper with the reigning W-League premiers for season 2019-20.
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McCormick has been training with Ante Milicic’s Matildas squad after being invited to the camp ahead of their two match series with Chile next month.
“I really thoroughly enjoyed it – it was a big challenge for me which kinda was like stepping into a whole new world. I wanted to make sure I integrated well, but [I was] also worrying what the coaches are asking, what they want from the team, and from you as a player,” McCormick said.
“I really enjoyed being challenged at that level.”
The Matildas of course have one eye on the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and McCormick is no different.
“It would be a dream come true to head to the Olympics, but I’m trying not to think too far ahead. Hopefully I can be involved in the next camp for the friendlies with Chile coming up, it would be an ideal step to progress forward.”
Prior to signing with Victory, McCormick had been a member of WNPL SA club Fulham United.
“Playing NPL is a step down from the W-League but I enjoyed playing there purely [because] one of my friends I have is in the team. It’s nice to be home and enjoy playing football, but with the W-League cranking up I know I have to step up my preparation, and I want to get to my absolute best”.
McCormick says she thoroughly considered coming to Melbourne Victory because of how the club puts into their women’s program.
“There was some aspects that I wasn’t all that happy with Brisbane Roar, I loved playing with the girls, loved the team, but for me I was looking for some support in the areas as a club, I found being at Melbourne fit into what I wanted a little bit more.”
McCormick says she’s looking forward to working with Victory manager Jeff Hopkins.
“I have a lot of respect for Jeff, I know him quite well, the players that are already in the squad and obviously we are looking for success, hopefully we can repay the club for what they have put into our program.”
Victory will be playing in the inaugural AFC Women’s Club Championship next month, so silverware is of course on McCormick’s mind.
“Winning the league is the goal, but with the AFC Championship coming up we have the opportunity to play the best from China, Korea, and Japan. That’s another good opportunity for me, [and] another reason why Victory made a good impression on me,” she said.
“We’re building a really strong squad, I’m looking forward to coming up against all the Matildas in their various teams. Playing against the best is a good challenge and a good opportunity to test yourself, [and] hopefully we can have a good season and be consistent.”
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