Words by Matthew Nicoletti

AIS Synthetic was the location that marked a moment of jubilation for Tuggeranong United NPLW. A moment where a season of tough times and setbacks were overcome. A moment where Tuggies captured their first victory of the season.

Tuggeranong toppled travelling Wagga City Wanderers 2-0 thanks to a brace from striker Sophia Bui.

It was a game that Tuggies aggressively pressed and attacked from start to finish, not allowing their opponents to gain much of a foothold in the contest.

Before this victory the hoops had only garnered one point in the entirety of the season which was a draw against Canberra United Academy in round 11.

Tuggeranong United president Stan Mitchell believes the victory has sparked a number of feelings around the club and means more than just capturing the first three points.

“I think there were two feelings within the playing group there was probably a bit of relief and there was absolutely excitement,” Stan said.

“The girls were absolutely rapt that all the hard work they have been putting in has proven results.

“It has probably dispelled some beliefs that they are unlucky all the time.

“The reaction I have heard filtering through the club from the other teams and the board has been excitement and very positive.

“The amount of work that Mal Daisley and George Sullivan that particularly have done is outstanding.

“I just stand in awe of those two for the amount of work they have put in to get this win.

“The win was really for them as much as the girls.”

Mal, George and Stan began the season with the surprise that long standing NPLW coach Michael Aldred would be leaving his position as head coach.

Stan stepped into take the reins in the interim until they could find a coach since he was the only one with the qualifications to officially do so.

There were a number of challenges facing Stan regarding taking charge of the team just before the start of the season.

For example, juggling a squad that was struggling with depth come the start of the campaign.

“If we are going to be completely honest about it, we did not have two full squads,” Stan said.

“So, what we did was try and protect morale by not getting hammered, which happened a few times, so I tried to sure up the defence.

“Behind the scenes we worked with some of the senior girls in the team to identify some players that weren’t playing to bring across, which we did successfully.

“For the first time in probably our women’s program we have two full squads between first and reserve grade.”

Tuggies spoke to roughly twelve different coaches in the process to attain one for the rest of the season.

The name they were able to secure was Paulo Romero, it took two tries to get him due to his other coaching commitments.

Paulo is a man that has experience in NPLW having previously coached Gungahlin United for two seasons, taking them to consecutive semi-finals in 2015 and 2016.

Stan says the appointment of Paulo has worked well so far, most notably changing the philosophy of the team.

“I think Paulo has brought some excitement to the equation here at Tuggies, he has wanted to make the side more aggressive upfront,” Stan said.

“He has brought a level of experience and game plan that we at Tuggies didn’t have before with all due respect.

“He is also a great player manager from what I can see, the girls really like him.”

Tuggeranong United still sit in last place but thanks to their win on the weekend they now find themselves only two points off Wagga who are in 7^th.

After this weekend it is safe to assume that their goal for the rest of the season will be to catch their rivals and leapfrog them.

One thing we do not have to assume though is the excitement that is around Tuggeranong after a tough season which has seen them overcome many obstacles.

“I think what we went through at the start of the season has shown our true character. It really has shown the loyalty and the commitment of the girls,” Stan said.

“There was never a minute that I doubted that the program would fall over, let alone that we wouldn’t get that win.

“It’s been tough times, but we are coming out the other end of it much better off, I think.”