Stefan Mauk hailed Adelaide United’s ground-breaking joint training session at Coopers Stadium at the Club’s Fans’ Day on Saturday.
The Reds continued preparations ahead of their campaign which starts on Monday, 28 December away to Western United before hosting Melbourne City on Sunday, 3 January.
Both A-League and Westfield W-League teams trained together in a landmark move for the Club.
Mauk said it was extremely enjoyable to share the field with the girls.
“It was the first time we’ve ever trained with the W-League team, so that’s a cool experience for us and I hope the girls enjoyed it as well,” the Reds Captain told the media at a press conference.
“It’s something the Club has been pushing obviously, we’re one club, the youth team, the women’s, the men’s I think we all need to get behind each other and make sure all the fans understand there’s three teams.”
With just nine days to go until Carl Veart’s side kick-off their season, the 25-year-old said they are tracking well given the circumstances.
The local National Premier League teams have finished for the year while the COVID-19 pandemic has made facing A-League outfits consistently difficult.
“I think we’re coming along nicely,” he admitted.
“I think ideally we would’ve had a few more friendly games but I think everyone’s in the same boat where it’s hard to play games with the local league sides and travelling interstate.
“We’re lucky enough we went over to Sydney and played a couple of games and everyone is coming along nicely.
“We’ve got Tomi (Juric) in today and Javi’s (López) due I think on Sunday, so the squad is coming together.”
It was also Tomi Juric’s first session since signing with the Reds and Mauk was excited to see him on the park, lauding his quality.
“He looked alright I guess for being in quarantine for two weeks,” he said about the Socceroos striker.
“I think he’s definitely got to get fitter and sharper and so do the rest of us.
“I’m not sure what the plans are for him but he’s going to be a quality signing for us as a Club.
“Obviously he’s a big name player and for the fans they’ll enjoy seeing him and just excited for myself to link up with him, I think he’ll bring the best out of me.”
Mauk stated he believes Adelaide can be a contender for the A-League title this campaign, and revealed he wants to contribute as many goals to the team as possible from midfield.
“Personally, I do have goals, I guess the main goal is to win the Championship,” he insisted.
“I understand when the team does well every individual player is looked at more, so for myself I know if we win it I’m obviously going to be playing well.
“Goals-wise ideally if I can get that seven to 10 goals for me I think is a good mark, and something in the way we’re going to play this year I think I’m going to be getting in the box a lot and being able to score which is my main attribute.”
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