After a solid performance in goals on the weekend, Melbourne Heart FC’s Andrew Redmayne couldn’t be more pleased with the start of the Hyundai A-League 2013-14 season.
The Heart No. 1 was especially delighted with the performance of his back four against Melbourne Victory on Saturday night in front of a record derby crowd of 45,202.
“Our performance last week, especially defensively, we looked rock solid so it’s a good platform to build on and hopefully we can and take that into the Mariners,” Redmayne said.
The 24-year-old was an integral component at the back, keeping a clean sheet and most notably pulling off an excellent point-blank save from Victory’s Adrian Leijer.
Melbourne Heart takes on current Champions Central Coast Mariners at 5.30pm on Saturday afternoon at AAMI Park and Redmayne is again expecting to put on another quality performance in front of a strong home crowd.
“It was fantastic to see so many fans out at the derby,” Redmayne said. “It was a good solid performance and I think we can definitely repeat that again this week.”
Off the back of a long pre-season, Redmayne was impressed with the attitude and work rate his side carried into Round 1 and credited new signing Patrick Kisnorbo as the key factor at the back.
“All our defenders and the whole squad in general have really stepped it up this year,” Redmayne said.
“Especially Paddy, he’s been a true leader and he’s an absolute pro, so it’s fantastic having him driving the defence.”
Wresting the number 1 goalkeeper spot away from veteran Clint Bolton last season, the ever-improving Redmayne believes that competition for places, not just between the posts but throughout the whole squad can only be a good thing.
“It’s fantastic. I think if you look at our whole squad we have competition for each place and I think it invites friendly competition for everyone which is good,” Redmayne said.
With head coach John Aloisi introducing an enormous amount of depth and experience over the winter, the shot-stopper is confident that any member of the squad is capable of performing their duties when called upon throughout the season.
“You never know when it’s [squad] going to change; injuries, suspension,” Redmayne said.
“I’m really happy with every defender we have at the club and everyone that’s in our squad so I’m really confident that anyone can step in and fill any voids that are left.”