However, Wednesday night's task with a young Broadmeadow squad against Western Sydney in the round of 32 at No.2 Sportsground looms as his biggest test yet.

Zane prepared Edgeworth for knockout games against Melbourne City (2015), Wanderers (2016) and the Jets (2019) during his hugely successful tenure at the Eagles. The best result was a nail-biting 2-1 loss to City, but Edgeworth scored a goal in each game. This time Zane is without the experienced players he had at the Eagles, like Josh Evans, Pat Wheeler and Daniel McBreen.

Magic have lost senior players Luke and James Virgili, Jon Griffiths, Matt Hoole, Mitch Rooke and Sam Walker since the end of last season's shortened campaign - Zane's first in charge.

In their place, Zane has anointed youngster Jeremy Wilson as skipper and Ryan Ensor as his deputy.

Zane, though, was unfazed. Asked if preparing for this game was a bigger challenge without the experienced men, he said: "Yes and no. The two leaders of the team, Jeremy and Ryan, are both guys I tried to sign for Edgeworth.

"They fit, and I think Jeremy is going to grow into one of the really good players and set an example. I think he will grow quickly and the team will grow with him.

"It's a change, but if you keep going down the same path and it's not working, something has got to give. It's time for a different path."

The coach recognised the enormous task ahead on Wednesday night, especially after an abbreviated preparation because of COVID-19 restrictions, but he welcomed the challenge and experience for his young side.

"They are going to learn to stick together," he said.

"The one thing playing A-League teams has taught me is you better stick together out there or it becomes a really lonely place, so I think this is perfect preparation for us as a team going forward."

Damon Green, Aaron Oppedisano, Jack Simmons, Oscar Ward, keeper Shayne Van As and former Jets juniors Harrison Lambley and Angus McLeod are additions for Broadmeadow.

However, Green (ankle) is in doubt and Ward (fractured ankle) is out. Former Edgeworth and Lakes keeper Van As replaces the injured Nate Cavaliere (finger).

Magic have played the Jets twice, and Newcastle Olympic and the Jets Youth side once to prepare and Zane was pleased with the progress.

"With a few new faces, it's been good to get into it," he said. "We've had four games and it's been really good. Getting the new players in, you are already beginning to get understandings happening.

"We've played the Jets and they are in immaculate condition, and we managed to create a few chances in both games, so I definitely think we've got something there.

"It's just being able to maintain your discipline, and when the fatigue sets in. At this level, when you make mistakes, they punish you.

"The players have really worked hard to get to where they are so I hope they put in a performance that shows that."

Magic face a Wanderers squad which could feature former Jets Bernie Ibini, Dimi Petratos, Ramy Najjarine, Johnny Koutroumbis and Steve Ugarkovic. However, Wanderers could be missing players because of their COVID vaccination status. Zane said Magic were not losing any. Regardless, he expected a tough night.

"I've seen who is playing for them in their trials and they are plenty good enough to win a cup game, no matter who plays," he said.

"I think the key is to stay in it as long as possible, that's always the idea.

"On the weekend we played the Jets youth and we were quite good on the break. We've been working on that and I think we've got a goal in us. In all the games we've played, we've scored a goal. It's just about, can we get the first goal? And if so, maybe put a bit of pressure on them."

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