Serial winners Belconnen United host a less fancied but highly motivated Tuggeranong United side in the Women’s Federation Cup this Saturday at McKellar Park.
The club are more than familiar with this stage of the tournament, having claimed nine of the 13 Women’s Federation Cup’s since 2012, including three cup final wins in a row, having defeated Gungahlin United in 2023, before successive 1-0 victories over Canberra Croatia.
Belconnen come into the match off the back of a quadruple-winning 2025, and an undefeated start in the league and cup to 2026.
The two blemishes on the Blue Devils’ record in the past two seasons have come against Canberra Croatia, losing for the first time since the 2024 Grand Final in the Charity Shield earlier this year, before drawing in the most recent round away at Deakin Stadium.
Otherwise, it’s been much the same narrative as 2025, with nine wins from their ten league games, 61 goals scored and just four conceded.
In a transitional season for Belconnen personnel-wise, key figures from 2025 including captain Bronte Pyke, defensive compatriot Ailish McDonagh and midfield generals Izzy Hindmarsh and Anneke Corry make up for the loss of several important contributors from the season past.
With the clearest loss being 26-goal Keira Bobbin, Grand Final hero Alina Roberts and former Golden Boot-winner Alyssa Di-Campli have combined for 23 goals in 2026, with Leila Billington also stepping up in her contributions, with 11.
In the cup, a 17-0 win against ANU WFC in the Quarter Final, and a 4-0 victory over Olympic in the semi has seen Scott Conlon’s team cruise to the final, in a run which has seen Di-Campli score eleven.
Off the back of a bottom-of-the-table finish in 2025 following ANU’s withdrawal from the competition, in a campaign boasting one win and 132 goals conceded, the Mitch Stevens revolution has been in full flow in 2026, despite sitting just fifth on the NPL Women’s table after ten matches.
Following three defeats from three to start the season, the Kambah-based side put together a run of three consecutive wins and have only lost to Croatia and Belconnen since.
A memorable defensive performance against third-placed Olympic was the result that really highlighted the improvement that Stevens’ unit have already achieved, despite a controversial penalty scored by their opponents deep into additional time at the end of the 90.
Tuggeranong secured their place in the Cup Final off the back of a 3-1 come-from-behind victory over Majura FC, before a late Jemma Toms goal sent her side to the final with an 87th minute winner against West Canberra Wanderers.
With a new-look squad in 2026, new pickup from Croatia’s Reserve team Nicole Zhao has been a shining light up top for Tuggeranong, and when partnered with the exciting Acacia Argento, the side carry with them a dangerous threat in behind defences.
With Toms and Rhianna Goldstein in midfield, alongside the impressive Etienne Davies and mainstay Jess Mitchell at the back, paired with the experienced Natalie Lacey, it’s a lineup that are capable of making life difficult for Belconnen.
The two sides have met twice this season, with Belconnen 7-2 winners in Round 2, and 4-0 winners in Round 8.
Words: Sam Watson
Gates Open: 11:30 am
Kickoff: 12:30 pm
Watch live on YouTube.
