Coach Ben Mynott and his Tuggeranong United Under 18’s side have had a season filled with ups and down.

Starting the season off in the best way possible, the 18’s side won seven of their first nine games. As the season went on, the side would drop in form and lose five games from seven meaning they went from second to sixth.

Reasons for their drop in form include Mynott contracting COVID and being away for two weeks, as well as a few minor injuries in the squad. Despite this drop in form and the building pressure to make finals, Mynott and his squad remain confident they can turn their season around and make finals.

“Of course, a lot has to go our way,” Mynott said. “But until we are mathematically out of it, never say never. It depends how we turn up on the day and how we play, but never say never.”

It is important to remember that the team is quite young as well, with several players well under the age of 18. Some of these players include Jono Wilson and Hamish Wales.

“Jono has been excellent,” Mynott said. “He was picked for the 16s this year but when our keeper was injured, Jono stepped up and he has now played the vast majority of the 16s and 18s games this year.

“He has also made his starting debut in the 23s, as well as consistently training with the first-grade side.”

Although their form has dropped since the start of the season, Mynott is still proud of his team.

“Our season has been a season of two halves really,” Mynott said. “With seven wins from nine games in the first part of the season, it was great, but now we have had a bit of a tough run. There are still several positive things to take away from the season.”

It is important to remember that most players are experiencing their first full season of football since COVID began.

“We haven’t played a full season since 2019,” Mynott said. “It is something that I am starting to see, and I think the fatigue across all teams has been a challenge this year. Of course, the obvious ongoing COVID problems have been challenging but that goes for all teams.

“We haven’t had too many injuries throughout the squad which has been a nice bonus too.”

One thing that Tuggeranong prides itself on is its family orientated focus and promoting from within. Young players can play for the senior sides if they perform well, and this is what Mynott is hoping to see his team continue to do.

He is aiming to get more of his players game time in the 23’s side and improve their footballing development.

“I am looking to get a few more of the boys into the 23’s side and get them more game time,” Mynott said. “It has been really pleasing to see that more than half of my squad has played in the 23’s team this year but getting a few more minutes for them up there is a main goal of mine before the season is complete.”

Words: Matthew Williams