Losing both a Cup final and a head coach in the space of a few days would test anyone’s resolve.
However, table-topping South Melbourne seemed to put their Knockout Cup defeat to Bulleen – and Alan Davidson’s subsequent departure – emphatically behind them with a convincing 3-1 win over Box Hill on Saturday.
Caretaker coach Matt Maslak lauded his players’ response to the chaotic week at Albert Park.
“When you summarise everything that has happened throughout the week, I’m more than happy with the girls’ character towards coming and playing a good game,” Maslak said.
“We played a lot better when we had shape and structure and we always looked dangerous when we went forward.
“It’s a good result to take into the next game and into the finals.”
The Englishman reserved praised for Rhea Schreuder, who had big boots to fill after runaway golden-boot leader Tiffany Eliadis’ departure to Melbourne Victory, but excelled by scoring a brace.
“This is football, the players that perform week in week out deserve to get the accolades and opportunities they get,” he said.
“Sometimes players move on, and it opens the door for others to come in – Rhea [Screuder] stepped up to the plate and had a point to prove and she’s proven it today.
“There’s no pressure on the players no matter who’s coming or going – I’ve got no concerns on the players who come in and step up.”
While claiming to not have any knowledge of the circumstances of Davidson’s departure from South Melbourne, Maslak was unequivocal about his own ambitions for his role the club, saying if a permanent managerial role was offered he’d grasp it “without a doubt”.
“For me, I’d definitely like to take over the job, but again that’s down to the people in charge, I’m just taking it game by game and working with the girls that we have at the moment,” he said.
“I think the chemistry and dynamics we have with the girls is positive, we’re starting fresh in the upcoming games, trying to play football in a good way, trying to stamp our abilities and strengths on the game.
“I’ve not spoken to Alan, this is the situation that’s happened, I’m in the dark about it, my role is to drive the team forward and hopefully take the championship.
“I’m taking charge of the team until the end of the season – the ins and outs I’m not limited to know. The club will re-assess at the end of the season.
“When situations like that happens as the club, it tests characters to the limit, but at the moment, the girls are positive, going the right way, the atmosphere and environment’s very good.“
South Melbourne have one remaining clash to fine-tune their preparations before the finals, hosting Cairnlea on Saturday.