Entering the Australia Cup Final Rounds for only the third time since its inception in 2014, Rockdale Ilinden Football Club faced A-League Men side the Newcastle Jets in their Round of 32 clash on Wednesday night. Despite an expected defeat to the Jets, the South Sydney outfit fought hard to bring the game to their opposition. Rockdale put out a formidable performance and could have turned the match in their favour with the chances they created throughout. But beyond that, this match has given onlookers a good insight into how the end of Rockdale's season might unfold, with the final matches of the NPL NSW season and the Waratah Cup Final approaching.
Rockdale Ilinden were knocked out of the Australia Cup on Wednesday night after a 2-1 loss to the Newcastle Jets. (Image: Harley Appezzato)
Rockdale Ilinden can take a lot of positives from their Australia Cup Round of 32 clash against the Newcastle Jets. Striker Alec Urosevski led his side into the game, registering an assist to teammate Bai Antoniou for the first-half equaliser. But Newcastle proved too clinical, retaking the lead before half-time with a goal from Justin Vidic, who had already opened the scoring earlier for his side.
"I felt like we dominated for 90 minutes," captain Urosevski told Front Page Football post-match.
"They (Newcastle) had two chances [and] scored two goals. Overall, we did well, and the boys should be proud of that effort."
As mentioned, Rockdale had many positives on the night after fielding a team mixed with experience and youth. The team's great chemistry allowed them to be comfortable and confident on the ball and initiate attacking moves against a more formidable opponent on paper. At times, Rockdale seemed the more complete team, with the squad's collective camaraderie and determination standing out.
It certainly helped coach Nick Stavroulakis lead the team in place of absent head coach Paul Dee.
"We stuck to our way in terms of going into this game and not changing what we do," Stavroulakis said post-match.
"I think Rockdale now have a Rockdale way, where you watch us play, and there is a certain element of a style, and with that, we stuck to the script the whole game.
"I was really proud of the boys because we were 1–0 down and we came back in the way we would. Unfortunately, we conceded to a second set-piece."
Stavroulakis and Rockdale can now focus on claiming three pieces of silverware from the Waratah Cup Final and their league campaign. The NPL NSW leaders will face the Wollongong Wolves at WIN Stadium tomorrow, hoping to cement first place on the table from the Marconi Stallions, who sit six points behind in second.
"Preparations have started already. The boys are on their recovery and [are] doing what they got to do," Stavroulakis said.
"We [have] a very good squad to rotate quite a bit and try to put the best team forward that is going to get us the positive outcome for Sunday. We've got four league games to go, and every game is a Grand Final because we are playing against teams that have something to prove."
Rockdale will play the Waratah Cup Final on 14 August during the remaining league games against five-time Cup winners APIA Leichhardt. The final is the first in the club's history, and winning it would mark a historical milestone in an already successful season.
Rockdale players celebrate Bai Antoniou's equaliser against the Newcastle Jets. (Image: Harley Appezzato)
Each player must maintain the hunger to win silverware every week, as each game can change the season's outcome. With Urosevski's leadership and goalscoring ability, it will be no surprise if Rockdale manages to add trophies to their cabinet. But it must be said that football is a team game, and individuals can only achieve so much for a team.
A champion team will need others to pick up the slack when required and have trust among teammates, which Rockdale is fortunate to possess in their squad. The squad's performance against a high-calibre opponent is a statement to their rivals.
Urosevski hopes he and his teammates can maintain consistency to finish the season's final stretch strongly on all fronts.
"It's always tough against APIA, but trophies are on the line, so hopefully the boys can step up," he said.
"We have four games [in the league], and if we can wrap it up, it would be nice. The boys are good, and we know what to do."
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From their match against Newcastle, the Speranza brothers showed their experience in defence and put on a solid display at the back, whilst Blake Ricciuto kept his direct opponents quiet for most of the match. The team was helped by the youthfulness and energy of Lochlan Constable, Dean Pelekanos, and Isaac Danzo, who all kept the middle third compact and showed good technical quality to connect attacking moves the other way.
The standout performer was Urosevski, who consistently influenced Rockdale's attack by earning set-pieces and creating clear shots on goal.
The bench proved just as good as the starters, with So Kataoka keeping Newcastle on their feet with his pressing, a significant factor in how Rockdale created chances in the second half. He was assisted by Olayinka Sunmola, who was a threat on the left with his dribbling ability and pace.
Next up for Rockdale is an away trip to the Wollongong Wolves for Round 27 of the 2024 NPL NSW season. It will be their only remaining challenge from a team in the top six on the table. Their final three games include relegation battlers Sutherland Sharks, Sydney FC, and the Central Coast Mariners, with the final against APIA also fast approaching.
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