The Round of 32 and the National stage looms large for the victor as the Australia Cup Qualifying Final takes centre-stage at Deakin Stadium when the O’Connor Knights and Monaro Panthers meet for the silverware, and the chance to represent the region in the much-loved knockout competition.
Both teams are in good form, pushing high in the National Premier League and having been amongst the goals in qualification for the final, Panthers bagging fourteen and the Knights eleven in their three matches prior to this stage, but only one can progress into the promised land.
The occasion will be the Panthers third Cup Final appearance in the past four seasons having seen their hopes dashed by Tigers FC in 2021 before winning the silverware in dramatic fashion in 2022 with a 3-1 win over West Canberra Wanderers.
Meanwhile, the Knights will be contesting only their second Federation Cup Final ever, and their first when qualification for the Australia Cup Round of 32 is on the line, their previous visit in 2008 resulting in a much-remembered victory over their closest rivals, Canberra Croatia.
Individually, Panthers Head Coach Paul Macor will be participating in his third Cup Final having previously been in charge of Canberra Croatia and Canberra Olympic I the denouement and will be hoping to lead Monaro back to the national stage where they were defeated by Sydney United two years ago.
While the Knights, led by Aleks Trninic in the continued absence of the irrepressible Miro Trninic, will be well-coached, well-drilled, and well-organised. They know where their strengths lie and rarely deviate from that path.
Everywhere you look around the field there are duels worthy of a mention. Can the central defensive towers of Connor Bill and Lachlann Fields cope with the magic of Roko Strika? Will the Panthers full-backs, potentially in the shape of Max Mellick and Patrick Mitchell, slow down the sheer panache of the Knights wide-men?
Who will come out on top in the battle of the midfield engine-room? Which goalkeeper will stand tall and, with the possibility of extra-time and penalties on the cards, perhaps make themselves a hero? So many questions and finding out the answers will be fascinating.
What we can guarantee is a match to remember. Cup Finals are no time for shrinking violets, for taking a backwards step, for leaving anything on the park come the final blast of the referee’s whistle. In the immortal words of the Highlander, ‘there can be only one’. Which will it be?
MATCH DETAILS
Saturday 8 June
Australia Cup Qualifying Final
O’Connor Knights v Monaro Panthers
(Deakin Stadium, 17:30)
Admission (covers both Finals)
Adults: $5
Concession: Gold Coin
Under-14: Free
Program: $2
