O’Connor Knights have won back bragging rights in the Derby against Canberra Croatia, with their Charity Shield victory signalling the potential continuation of another successful season in 2024.

The Knights eased to victory thanks to goals from Micheal Adams, from the penalty spot, and Aisosa Ihegie.

O’Connor Assistant Coach Nick Tither spoke on the importance of starting their season with silverware.

“We are delighted to win a trophy,” he said. “Obviously it is the first trophy of the season, so it is important to get off to a good start, we had a good year last year, but it does not really count for much this year.

“To get off to a good start means the lads have worked hard in preseason so it’s a good foundation to build on.”

Echoing head coach Miro Trninic’s sentiment that a victory would set O’Connor up well for the impending NPL season, Tither indicated the club’s ambitions to enhance their dominance in the top tier of ACT football.

“I think winning trophies and being successful is a bit of a culture you’re trying to build,” he explained. “The more that you can be successful, the more that it helps you. It is a self-fulfilling culture that you are trying to create.

“It’s a game against Canberra Croatia, at Deakin, it’s an important game in itself, and obviously it’s a trophy so it sets us up well for the season.”

After such a successful 2023, the Knights’ decision to retain their core squad, played a significant role in their Charity Shield success, while Tither also indicates the lessons learned and the experience collected within the squad has equally strengthened the side.

“We had a very strong squad last year and we were very successful,” he said. “We lost the Grand Final in a penalty shootout, so for us we did not need an overhaul.

“I think that the squad today is getting more and more experienced, and they would’ve learned from last year, so as well as the camaraderie, I think they’ve learnt some lessons in terms of the Grand Final losses, so today’s an opportunity to right what happened last year, put the record straight.

“It’s a good start, obviously helped the camaraderie, but at the same time it’s a good competitive squad and they want to build on last year’s success.”