It was the perfect possible start for Melbourne Victory; 2 goals scored, none conceded and three points.

One of the key components of the Melbourne side will be Ms Versatility, Sarah Groenewald.  The Melbournian speaks with us ahead of lessons learned and the new look Victory squad.

How did you find the first season of the W-League?  Was it how you expected or were there a couple of surprises?

I think it was actually a bit of a surprise.  Coming from representing Victoria for the last 9 years I thought it would be quite similar to the senior national tournaments that we've had.

It was really exciting and we all loved the media coverage that we got, all the support we had from our sponsors and the ABC broadcasting our games.

It was all very exciting for the girls especially playing at Telstra Dome last year and Etihad Stadium again this year.

You had a good season, how did you find the pace of the game and skills of the players you were playing with and were up against?

For me personally it was exciting that I could play against our national team players.  To be able to have the opportunity to play against the best players in the country week in and week out was great.

I was able to out myself up against that type of competition and then come back and see where I needed to improve and where the team could improve to be more competitive.

From a personal viewpoint I loved it and took advantage of the game time that I got and played the best that I could against the top girls in the country.

Obviously we've Melissa Barberi, the number one 'keeper in the country, and having her behind us in goals is fantastic.  She really helped us last season.

You have some great experience in the side with Marlies Oostdam and Tal Karp.  What did you learn from them and how do you see your game improving?

Yes, you're right we have some great experience in the team and we also have a few more international players this year.  I was lucky enough to play with Marlies when I was about 14 so she has always been one of my role models.  It's fantastic to play with her again as a senior player and to learn off her.  A lot of talk goes out on the pitch and in training especially.

The biggest thing I have learned of them is the intensity that they train at and how important it is to keep that going.  I've also learned that being a role model for the younger players on and off the field is really important.

It's been great to play with such notable and international players.

What do you see as your strengths.  What makes you stand out as a midfielder?

From my point of view its probably my versatility that keeps me in teams.  I can play, and I have always played, a lot of different positions.  Last year I went from playing right back to right wing to left wing and in couple of games I even played as a striker managing to score a goal or two.

I think my versatility is something that keeps me in the side is strength.  Other than that my speed is a plus.  Having a bit of speed up front never goes astray as an attacking player.

There are a couple new faces around the club this year including a few internationals.  How do you see Victory's chances in season two?

Season one I think we were a surprise package and teams took us lightly and we surprised a few teams with how competitive we were.  We were really unlucky to just miss out on making the finals serious last season so it’s a definite aim for us this year.

We have a great depth in our squad this year.  Training is competitive and it will be difficult to get a spot in the first 11 and because of that I think we will make the finals this year.  After that you never know, you could end up in a grand final.

Your coach Matt Shepherd.  How has he been with the ladies, his style of coaching and the your football style?

He has been great.  We are playing an attacking style this season and this year we have the players to do that.

He is different from other coaches that I have had.  That’s the great thing about playing for a long time, you get to be coached by a few different people and pick up all their strengths.  It's really important to learn a lot from every coach that you have the opportunity to be with.

Can you give me a little on your background and where your played your junior football?

I grew up in the Eastern suburbs and also the country so I can relate the country kids out there travelling two hours a day to and from training.  I know how hard it is.

I started playing in under eights in a boys league until I was in under 15s and wasn't allowed to play with the boys anymore.

I went to Box Hill and won a few premierships with them and then went to Heidelberg.

I don't think I would be the player I am today without playing with the boys.  That is something that I have tried to do throughout my whole career.

I have gotten used to being around the guys because I have four brothers and my Dad's a coach.  I always try and train with boys wherever I can.  Whenever I have a spare session, I try and fit it in with a boy’s team or a reserves.

Boys are so much more competitive and physical and you know if you can get just used to the pace that they play at then you are really going to improve against the girls.

My advice to all young girls out there is to play with and against boys as much as you can because they are so passionate and aggressive about the game.  You can learn so much from them even if kicking a ball around in the street.

Sarah and her Victory teammates will be taking on the ladder leaders and defending champions, Brisbane Roar. Click here to find out kick off times.

WWL - Round 2: Melbourne Victory v Brisbane Roar - Epping Soccer Stadium - Saturday, 10 October 2009