Capital League Grand Final
ANU FC v White Eagles 
(Hawker Football Centre, 18:30)

The Capital League Grand Final has thrown up an intriguing battle for honours in 2015 with ANU FC taking on White Eagles at Hawker Football Centre on Saturday evening. Based on the final league table standings it would appear to be something of a miss-match as the University side finished comfortably ahead of fourth placed Eagles in securing second spot and cruised into the showdown with a 3-1 success over run-away League Champions Monaro Panthers. Boasting both the Golden Boot winner, Olaide Yinka-Kehinde, and a ten-goal forward in Jonathan Scott, ANU FC looks to hold all the aces. But this White Eagles and they know how to ‘do’ finals football.

Not so long ago this much-storied club were on a fifty match unbeaten run at this level, a series of victories that bought a number of trophies back to the Eyrie based on  a combination of silky skills, power and pace which the rest of the Canberra competition could not compete with. This term has seen the Eagles struggle in patches but they have been nothing if not competitive against ANU, forcing a 2-2 draw at ANU Willows in May before falling victim in a seven-goal thriller in the return match at Woden Park.

And they have hit form at exactly the right time. Ten goals in two finals matches, allied to a brace of clean sheets, point to a team that has found the perfect combination at both ends of the park. Set-piece superiority proved the undoing of Tuggeranong United in the Elimination Semi-Final, with Rory Devlin netting all four goals in a stand-out performance, before the 6-0 annihilation of Monaro Panthers in last weekend’s Preliminary Final headlined by a quick-fire hat-trick from Eoin Devaney.

ANU FC has had the week off, of course, giving them time to recharge their batteries and prepare a game plan to defeat the Eagles. There’s no doubt that ANU FC Head Coach Branko Milenovic will look to utilise the sheer rapidity of his front runners with Yinka-Kehinde and Chase Deans boasting acceleration that could do for many defences in the PlayStation 4® National Premier Leagues. With Scott pulling the strings and the likes of Nicholas Hope and Josh Jordan both capable of goals, then ANU have the fire-power to claim the title.

For the Eagles they will be looking for player/coach Eric Bonnett to lead by example with former Cooma Tigers wide-man Iain Elliott and the increasingly influential Vladimir Pantic their most likely source of inspiration. Realistically, the Eagles have enough talent around the squad to come out on top especially with the confidence attained from 180 minutes of outstanding football under their belts from the last fortnight. This match looks a tough one to call and could well go down to the wire.

SQUADS
ANU FC: Jon ELY, Denny NOOR, Pat CARR, Henry WILLIAMS, Nick HOPE, Marc VAN ZEYL, Jon HAND, Andrew BEKKEMA, Jonathan SCOTT, Chase DEANS, Olaide YINKA-KEHINDE, Josh JORDAN, Adam CONDIPODERO, Isaac BENNETT, Jarrod BOWD, Danny KENNY
White Eagles: Nick OWEN, Marc O’NEILL, Dom SMEDLEY, Gerard RAMPAL, Bensah AFIABO, Michael SYDNEY, Matthew GRECL, Lukas COLE, Rory DEVLIN, Zac SCHOON, Iain ELLIOTT, Serdan BIRCAN, Eoin DEVANAEY, Eric BONNETT, Milan SANTRAC, Andrew SELLAS, Theveshran MOODLEY, Vladimir PANTIC, Phil CITOWICKI

Capital League Reserves Grand Final
ANU FC v Tuggeranong United 
(Hawker Football Centre, 16:00)

Tuggeranong United will be massive underdogs on Saturday evening as they lock horns with League Champions ANU FC in the Capital League Reserves Grand Final at Hawker Football Centre having ended the season in fourth place, sixteen points behind the University team. But in Grand Finals, anything can happen and ANU FC certainly won’t be taking anything for granted come kick-off.

Finding a way to stop the potent ANU front pairing of Nikolai Drahos (23 goals) and Jason Presti (12 goals) who have a combined 35 goals between them this season will be priority number one for Tuggeranong United. Indeed, with a league-high 82 goals under their belts, ANU FC were worthy League Champions. They netted eight in two matches against Tuggeranong during the regular season in claiming four points.

ANU led 2-0 in the Round 1 fixture through goals from Isaac Bennett and Regan Ashby before the half-time introduction of substitutes Russ Gibbs (two goals) and Jon Taskovski (one) put Tuggeranong ahead. A late equaliser from Chris Chartres ensured a share of the spoils in an entertaining 3-3 draw which was one of only three matches in which ANU FC dropped points at this level. Come the return fixture in Round 10 ANU was in full flow and ripped Tuggeranong apart on the synthetic surface at ANU Willows winning 5-0 thanks to goals from Drahos (two), Presti (two) and Tim Legrand. 

United has hardly been prolific in front of goal, scoring 42 times in 20 matches this season with Taskovski, Kris Robertson and Michael Sellers leading the way with five each. Five of those 42 goals have come in the finals series as Tuggeranong saw off Canberra Olympic in extra-time, thanks to a Robertson penalty, before dismissing Weston-Molonglo 3-1 in the Preliminary Final through goals from Bruno Colluciello, Sellers and Robertson. ANU meanwhile had already booked their finals place having eked out a 2-1 win over Weston-Molonglo in the Qualifying Semi-Final seven days earlier. The usual suspects, Presti and Drahos ensuring a successful conclusion to a tight match. 

Having conceded only sixteen goals in nineteen games, ANU FC will take come beating. But this Tuggeranong side have shown throughout a difficult season that they possess the pride, fight and determination to down the more-fancied outfits. So while ANU FC will be the hot favourites, expect Tuggeranong to put up more than decent resistance throughout what should be an absorbing clash. 

SQUADS
ANU FC: Hao XIONG, Isaac BENNETT, Ross BRISTOW, Jarrod BOWD, James PYNE, Laurie HARBON, Regan ASHBY, Chris CHARTRES, Niko DRAHOS, Tim LEGRAND, Jason PRESTI, Vinnie KERTESZ, Jared HEARN
Tuggeranong United: Tim DAVIES, Alex KIRK, Joe MANN-TOWNSLEY, Andrew MISCEVICH, Jesse RISTEVSKI, Michael LEE, Kristian BAJC, Bruno COLUCCIELLO, Mark GRAHAM, Rob LEE, Michael SELLERS, Russ GIBBS, Cris PURCELL, Kris ROBERTSON, Rob THOMAS, John TASKOVSKI, David GURNEY

It’s time to break into the Grand Final games where the AIS will host seven major Women’s Capital League Grand Finals that will take place on Sunday September 6. The divisions include: Women’s State League 1, Women’s State League 2, Women’s State League 3, Women’s State League 4, Women’s Gold Division and Women’s Masters. Fans and the football community can expect a strong fight from each division game as clubs will battle it out for that one-place season title. This is the what the whole season comes down too, the sweat, the defeats, the wins. Which team wants the cup, the glory and their name in history the most? Louise Taffa looks ahead to the matches that matter, 

Women’s Capital League
Weston-Molonglo FC v Canberra Olympic (AIS Grass Fields, 17:00) 
In an epic grand final that could go either way, Canberra Olympic have survived the season where they will take on the division’s leading team Weston-Molonglo FC at the AIS Grass Fields this weekend. The first time the two teams met for the season back in May, the Magpies sent Olympic packing 3-0, giving them a taste of early defeat. However the tables turned in August, when Olympic returned the favour winning 3-2. Taking this into consideration the Grand Final game is open to anyone. The majority of the seasons’ goals for Weston-Molonglo FC have come from Natalie Lacey, scoring an impressive 15. Other contributors include Alana Bain and Kelly Stirton both scoring nine. Top goal scorers for Olympic have been Gemma Imrie with twelve and Ashlea Bryant with eight whilst the impressive Lee Dickson led the scoring charts with 28 strikes in claiming the Golden Boot. With both teams no stranger to goal and ready to turn any opportunity into what could be a decsivie moment on the weekend we should be in for a spectacular end to the season. 

Women’s State League 1
UC Pumas v Belwest Foxes (AIS Grass Fields, 14:30) 
Going into the grand final at the AIS Grass Fields, the UC Pumas are looking strong having positioned themselves first on the ladder, winning 12 games, and favorable where they take on Belwest Foxes. At 38 points, the Pumas they have drawn two and lost four. The Belwest Foxes are second on the ladder as a result of losing seven games, drawn four and won seven. Having lost seven games coming into the Grand Final Belwest’s defensive line has to be tight in order for them to come out on top as State League 1 Champions. Belwest’s top goal scorer, Jessica Osborne has put 12 in the back of the net for the whole season. Coming in second for Belwest’s highest goal scorers, Claire Osborne has gotten her name on the board executing seven. In comparison to Anita-Rose Cimador, top goal scorer for the Pumas, expectations are high of her respectable 12 goals and should climb over the weekend. Teammate, Bronte Copland, is also another one to watch out for coming in second as top goal scorer with nine throughout the year. When the two teams met for the first game of the season the Pumas won 3-0 - Bronte Copland, Kathryn Duff and Anita-Rose Cimador all getting one goal each.  The next time they came face-to-face again was in June at Wanniassa Oval, the Foxes managed to get on the scoreboard but still going down to the hungry Pumas 3-2.    

Women’s State League 2 
Canberra Olympic v ADFA Vikings (AIS Grass Fields, 9:30)
Olympic are by a considerable length the strongest team going into this match, where they will take on ADFA Vikings in the Grand Final. The competitions leading team, Canberra Olympic, who are on 45 points will take on ADFA Vikings, who sit at third place, 34 points, this Sunday in a Grand Final clash. Seasons statistics have shown Olympic’s strong track record of winning 15 games, drawing none and only losing two. ADFA on the other hand have had four draws, three losses, and ten wins. The top goal scorer for Canberra Olympic is Sarah Tutt, scoring an impressive 25 goals throughout the season. She’s closely followed by teammate, Cassie Walker, who has scored 19 to date. Both are also the top two highest goal scorers in the Women’s State League Division 2. Brooke Hongell has scored 18 for the ADFA Vikings and holds the title as the teams’ highest goal scorer, while Katherine Innes is coming in second scoring eight so far. When the two teams met for the first time this season back in April, Olympic won 1-0. More recently, when the fixture was reversed, the Vikings managed to get on the scoreboard, however still going down 3-1.  Olympic go into this Grand Final with a 100% win record against ADFA for the year. 

Women’s State League 3
Belnorth v Narrabundah (AIS Grass Fields, 12:00)
With an impressive clean winning streak, taking this into consideration Belnorth are evidently the strongest team going into the Grand Final game against Narrabundah. Belnorth sits first on the ladder at 48 points where they have had a crystal clean sheet, winning 16 games, drawing none and losing none. It’s a no brainer Belnorth has had incredible results throughout the season as a result of the team’s top goal scorer, Melanie Busstra, has scored a jaw-dropping 44 goals. This is followed (not so closely by) Helene Blackwell who has scored a respectable 12. Meanwhile, Narrabundah is second on the ladder at 32 points, where they have won ten games, drawn two and lost four. Dana Swift is known as Narrabundah’s highest goal scorer who has scored 13, while Jenny Appleton followed Swift’s lead scoring six. When the two teams met in June, Belnorth came away with a solid 6-1 win. Busstra scoring two of the six. More recently, Narrabundah only lost by a mild 2-0 and were able to hold Belnorth off to ensure it wasn’t a repeat of the previous match. Taking this into consideration, Belnorth are evidently the strongest team going into the game.  

Women’s State League 4
ANU WFC v Yass FC (AIS Grass Fields, 14:30)
At this stage based on the season’s stats, the Grand Final game of ANU WFC versus Yass FC could go either way which will provide for a thrilling match. The AIS will host State League Division 4’s leading team ANU WFC against Yass FC who sit on the table at third place. What do they bring? ANU is on 35 points, winning 11 games, losing three and drawing two. Yass are on 31 points, which has been an accumulation of winning ten games, drawing one and losing five. Shannon Wright is one to watch as Yass’ highest goal scorer having conceded 12 this season. Annie Hill came in next scoring ten. On the other hand, ANU’s top goal scorer, Ayla Manwaring, just tipped over Shannon Wright by scoring 13 throughout the season. As second highest goal scorer for ANU, Chloe Kaney timidly scored three. When the two teams met in May, Yass went down 4-1. With an all rounded team effort from ANU - Georgia Morton, Anna Hansen, Saffron Lowe and Sarah Zuiderduin all kicked one each. More recently at Walker Park, Yass ironed out their mistakes and Shannon Wright managed to slot two goals for her team to come away with a win, 2-0. 

Women’s Gold Division
Weston-Molonglo FC v Queanbeyan City (AIS Grass Fields, 12:00)
Weston-Molonglo FC haven’t been brought to their knees yet this season and remain favourites to win the Women’s Gold Division when they meet Queanbeyan City in the Grand Final. They have made themselves very comfortable at the top of the table sitting on 40 points. From that they have won 13, drawn one and lost none. On the flip side Women’s Gold Division team Queanbeyan sit just below the season reining FC at 31 points. They too have lost none, but given away four draws and celebrate nine wins. One to watch for this game is the top goal scorer for Molonglo FC is Taryn Ashton who has dominated the field scoring 39 throughout the whole season. Elizabeth Jucha came in next scoring 20. Queanbeyan’s Lateisha Livermore has made her goal-scoring figure into double digits at 12, while teammate Nichole Overall came in second scoring eight in the season. When the teams both met for the first game of the season in April, Molonglo FC had a field day winning 8-2. This most certainly gave Weston-Molonglo FC the confidence overdose they needed to continue a strong track record for 18 rounds. Taryn Ashton scored four of those and Elizabeth Jucha scored two, Keely Ford had a go and contributed two as well. When they met again in May at Calwell it was a stalemate draw 0-0. Both teams were defensively able to hold each other off. More recently in last weekend’s match at Wanniassa, Weston-Molonglo FC reclaimed their winning streak taking out the game 2-1. In perspective, Queanbeyan have held Weston-Molonglo FC off once before, the game could come down to a penalty shoot-out. 

Women’s Masters
Weston-Molonglo Spirit v Tuggeranong United (AIS Grass Fields, 9:30)
Weston-Molonglo Spirit have consistently, throughout many of the women’s divisions, proved to be a worthy opponent who will go into this Grand Final game with the upper hand against Tuggeranong United. In the first game of the season for both teams, The Tuggies got a thumping going down 5-0 to Weston-Molonglo Spirit. Facing each other again in June, Weston-Molonglo FC had another field day winning 4-0. When they met again at the AIS in July it was deja vu again, where Molonglo won 4-0. In three out of three games Weston-Molonglo FC was able to keep win by four or more goals and put a brick wall in front of the goals for Tuggeranong to stop them from even getting one goal on the score board. Weston-Molonglo FC are comfortably sitting first on the ladder at 48 points. This has been the accumulation of having nearly a clean sheet having won 16, drawn none and lost one. Versus a second place, Tuggeranong, who only trail by 38 points as a result of losing three, drawing two and winning 12. Traci Bartlett has scored 27 for Molonglo FC while Dianne Stinziani has helped her out with scoring seven. Kerry Neall, The Tuggies highest goal scorer, trails Stinziani by three scoring 13 throughout the season, followed by Heather Casey scoring seven. 

Switching our attention to Men's State League 5 through to the Gold Division, Louise Taffa edited by Capital Football, profiles the teams and previews the action ahead of Grand Final weekend. 

Saturday 5th September 2015

Men’s State League Division 5
Burns FC v Tuggeranong United (AIS Grass Fields, 14:30)
Burns FC appears to have the advantage by a long shot in State League Division 5 as they tackle Tuggeranong United who ended the season fourth, a long way behind the League Champions. The last time the two teams played in July, Burns FC annihilated Tuggeranong United eight goals to none. Match day goal scorers for Burns FC included Ronald Macleod, Nathan Jack, Mark Gainsford, Lucas Fattore and Jackson Kupke but both sides were under-strength.  Rewinding back to the first game of the season against each other in May, at Kambah, Burns had a cruisy walk in the park winning 4-1 in a heated encounter. On that occasion Burns scorers were Nate Purdy, Fattore, Macleod and Danny Moutrey. Season’s statistics show that Burns haven’t tasted defeat this season - excluding a draw as a loss - by losing no games, winning 15 and having drawn three. Tuggeranong United on the other hand have lost seven, won 11 games and drawn none. Fattore leads the scoring charts with eighteen for Burns whilst Sam Griffiths would appear to be Tuggeranong’s best chance of a goal. His form, and that of Nathan Henry and Cale Padrotta, will be critical if United, who upset Yass FC in the semi-finals are to steal this one. 

State League Division 6
Gungahlin United v Yass FC (AIS Grass Fields, 12:00)
Going into the State League Division 6 Grand Final Gungahlin United has the upper-hand and psychological advantage having won all previous games against Yass FC but in a Grand Final form usually goes out of the window. When the two teams faced-off at Walker Park in May, Gungahlin United came very happy with a 7-1 victory. United’s striker James Boulcott scored a hat-trick, while Robert Granger, Nick Arokiaswamy, Mitchell Kimmorley and Jonathan Granger all netted one each. In early August they met again at Nicholls where United were again in great form, winning 4-2. United’s Boulcott struck another hat-trick, one the way to a mammoth total of 37 goals this season, while Kurtis Zapasnik joined him on the score-sheet. On the flip side Jarrad Porter stepped up to the plate to score both respectable goals for Yass FC. The last time they have met was in Kambah where the score for Yass FC was a fairly ugly five nil loss not even getting on the scoreboard. It’s not just Boulcott who scored the goals for Gunners, teammates Nicholas Tosic (12 goals) and Jonathan Granger (11) are both into double figure. Yass FC’s top goal scorer meanwhile is Porter with a respectable 16 season goals and Bradley Nielson is on 11. The likelihood is off plenty of goals in this one!

State League Division 7
Monaro Panthers v ANU FC (Hackett 1, 14:30)
With inconsistent results each time the Monaro Panthers and ANU FC have played each other the destiny of the trophy in the State League Division 7 Grand Final is anyone’s guess. The pair first met in May at O’Connor Enclosed where it was a three all tie. Match goal scorers for ANU FC included Philip Adam, Ellis Rigby and Damien Carroll while Pasquale Pulciani, Sam Lavella and John Krithinakis all scored for the Monaro Panthers. In game two at Lambert Park in early August, ANU sailed to a 4-1 win. ANU FC’s season top goal scorer is Adam scoring 13, while Charles Dudley has scored 12. Recently playing each other again at ANU south, the Panthers had enough of defeat, and put in an outstanding performance to claim a memorable 2-1 victory. The match day goal scorers for the Panthers included Alex Tine, who is the Panthers top goal scorer (9) and Robert Guglielmin who is the second highest goal scorer (8). Season stats show that the Panthers won the league on 37 points as a result of having won 11, drawn four and lost three. ANU FC weren’t too far behind with 35 points having won ten, drawn five and lost three games. That should mean for a close fought encounter in the showdown at Hackett. 

State League Division 8
Tuggeranong United v Monaro Panthers (Hackett 1, 12:00)
Tuggeranong United meet Monaro Panthers in the State League Division 8 Grand Final at Hackett having come out on top against the Panthers on both previous matches. In May at Kambah Park, Tuggeranong came away with a 3-2 win where the Panthers weren’t going to go down without getting on the scoreboard. Match day goal scorers for Tuggeranong United were Kieren Ziesing, David Pollock - who is United’s highest goal scorer (21) and Patrick Svatos. Shaun McCabe is in second place for United’s highest goal scorers having bagged thirteen this season. Two months later they met again in July at High Street where United continued their winning streak against the Panthers, 3-1. Monaro Panthers top goal scorer is Nicholas Karanges who sits on 26, while Bradley Elliott has scored 15 goals throughout the season. In season stats, Tuggeranong United finished second on 45 points and have only lost one game, drawn three and won 14. Sitting at fourth on the table at 32 points, The Monaro Panthers had lost six, drawn two and won ten but stunned the champion side Gundaroo Bullocks in the Preliminary Final, scoring a morale-boosting 2-0 win to book their ticket into the big match. 

State League Division 9
ANU FC v Gungahlin United (Hackett 2, 14:30)
ANU FC are the favourites going into the State League Division 9 Grand Final against Gungahlin United based on the fact they have won both previous games against the club. On a fine winter’s day in June at ANU South, the home side won took away a 3-0 victory, not allowing United any real sniff of an opportunity in an exemplary display. Zachary Shafron, Thomas Shafron and Jay Vlazlovski all scored for ANU FC who outlined their credentials that afternoon. Upping the ante at Nicholls, ANU had another field day winning 5-2. Match day goal scorers for ANU included Vlazlovski - who is ANU’s highest goal scoring with an impressive 37, and Kole Aitken who both got two goals. While Elliot Lavers got the last one for ANU. For Gungahlin Rahat Majumder and Roy Kimmel - United’s second leading goal scoring (20) - scored one each. In season stats, sitting at the top of the table on 52 points, ANU FC lost no games, drew one and won 17 games. Just two spots down on the ladder at third place, Gungahlin United have lost three, drawn three and won 12. The top goal scorer for Gungahlin United is Matthew Tew sitting on a commendable 30, just seven short of ANU’s highest goal scorer. 

State League Gold Division
ANU FC Blue v Belsouth (Hackett 2, 12:00)
The State League Gold Division Final will see ANU FC or Palerang take on Belsouth at Hackett 2. With the semi-finals taking place on Wednesday night, news emerged that Belsouth had seen off Monaro Panthers in a tense penalty shoot-out after the match had ended in a thrilling 4-4 draw after extra-time. Alex Hamon netted twice for the victors, taking his season tally to thirteen, with Jack Bower and Jesse Norton bagging the other goals. Belsouth finished second on the ladder behind the favourites ANU FC who played fourth placed Palerang in their semi-final. And it was ANU who would march onto the big day with a 9-0 win over Palerang. Nick Ahern, Dalmo Rocha Da Souza and Simon Campbell all scored twice for the University side who were in super form. Ahern with 21 goals and Thomas Elford with 20 are the ANU's twin goal-threat and must be watched closely. 

Our Men's State League Previews begin with Divisions 1-4. Chris Webb, edited by Capital Football, takes us through the prospects of each match. 

Saturday 5th September 2015

State League Division 1 
Belconnen United v UC Pumas
(Hawker Football Centre, 13:30)
Second place Belconnen face off against fourth placed UC Pumas in the trophy match in State League 1 after both teams saw off run-away league champions Weston-Molonglo FC in successive weeks. Belconnen have been in fine form of late, winning seven of the last eight matches and scoring 29 goals for good measure, including four against Weston in the major semi-final. A team chock to the brim of ex-Premier League talent, their danger man is league Golden Boot Will Nichols who scored a massive 19 goals this term. With the imperious Leroy Pietrukowski leading the defence, and the steel of Niall Stoddart in the centre of the park, despite their age this is a quality football side. An extremely physical side, they pair their physical game with a fantastic two touch passing game. They will be without striker Leroy Rupil however, as he recieved a red card in the semi-final, and will be forced to watch the big one from the stands. UC however have been in very indifferent form of late. The loss of their South American midfield pairing, saw their form drop, and for the last few rounds of the season they were sitting outside the top four. They just managed to scrape in however, and have not let the opportunity go to waste, dispatching of a very strong Lanyon United team, then knocking out the champions a week later. The success of the team is completely dependent on their lightning fast front three of Jarryd Cliffton, Ryan Luty and Chris Buckley whom together scored an impressive 36 goals. Coach Paul Davidson however will be sweating on the fitness of striker Buckley who limped out of the Preliminary Final only a few days ago. Belconnen has come away with the bacon on both occasions these two have met thus far this season, 2-1 and 4-1, they are the favourites, but UC will like their chances of unleashing their pacey frontline on Belconnen's aging backline. 

State League Division 2 
Belconnen United vs UC Pumas
(Hawker Football Centre, 11:00)
As in Division One, Belconnen and UC Pumas also meet in the State League Division 2 Grand Final, the match which kicks-off Grand Final day at Hawker Football Centre. Belconnen finished the league in second place, losing the championship on goal difference, while UC finished third place just a point off top spot in what was an amazingly close title race. Champions ANU FC have fallen in straight sets in the finals series, with UC needing an extra time penalty to see off their University rivals in a thrilling Preliminary Round Final. The majority of this Belconnen team were playing Capital League in 2014, so they were always favourites for the Division 2 title. Calum McFarlane has lead the line and bagged himself 16 goals for his troubles. UC however have plenty of Premier League and Capital League experience of their own, the likes of Edwin Davison and Adrian Dicreszenso have many years of higher league experience under their belt and will be looked to take control of this match. In what is the fourth division under Premier League, it is very unlikely two teams of this calibre have meet in a final at this grade for a long, long time. Neither team has been able to best the other so far this season, with a 2-2 and 1-1 draw. This one could go down to the wire, penalty practice might be in order for their last training sessions.

State League Division 3
Belwest Foxes v Brindabella Blues (AIS Grass Fields, 14:30)
League Champions Belwest Foxes are looking to defend their premiership title they won last season in the State League Division 3 Grand Final but standing in their way are second placed Brindabella Blues who led the league for much of the season.  Belwest possess fantastic firepower, golden boot winner David McClatchy scored an amazing 29 goals, and the Belwest veteran was joined by two usual suspects in Ryan Bray and Andrew Bastone who added another 22 goals between them. Brindabella however have an attacking quartet of their own to boast about. Josh Williams, Lachlan Ainsworth, Sam Marchant and Steve Clarke collectively scored a massive 72 goals. These teams have meet three times already this season, in the early rounds of the season, the inform Brindabella dispatched of Belwest 2-1, however Belwest has taken the biscuits in the next two meetings, 3-1 in both, including the major semi-final a fortnight ago. Brindabella needed extra time to best a stubborn Belsouth side and reach the final, and will be going into this match as underdogs, however Coach Jason Warren-Smith is experienced in winning trophies.

State League Division 4
Belconnen United v Canberra City (AIS Grass Fields, 12:00)
League Champions Belconnen do battle with Canberra City in the State League Division 4 decider. The vast majority of this Belconnen squad have recent Capital League experience, playing for Belnorth, and were favourites for the silverware from the season's start. In Michael Randles and Shane Ashby, the Blue Devils have two powerful and experienced players who will look to take charge of the final from the outset. Canberra City, saw off 2014's Champions and Premiers Weston-Molonglo FC in the Preliminary Final and will be looking to go one better this season, after falling short at the final hurdle last season. Indeed City will be buoyed on by their 7-2 win over Belconnen earlier in the campaign. However two subsequent 3-2 victories to Belconnen (City's only two defeats of the season) puts the favourites tag in the corner of the Blue Devils. 

SATURDAY 5th SEPTEMBER
PlayStation 4® National Premier Leagues: Under-16
Preliminary Final
Gungahlin United v Canberra Olympic (AIS Grass Fields, 15:30)

PlayStation 4® National Premier Leagues: Under-14
Preliminary Final
Belconnen United 0 Gungahlin United 1

PlayStation 4® National Premier Leagues: Under-12
Preliminary Final
Belconnen United 3 Tuggeranong United 1

STATE LEAGUE GRAND FINALS
Capital League
ANU FC 1 White Eagles 1 - after extra time, ANU FC win 4-3 on penalties

Capital League Reserves
ANU FC 2 Tuggeranong United 0

State League Division 1
Belconnen United 4 UC Pumas 0

State League Division 2
Belconnen United 0 UC Pumas 1

State League Division 3
Belwest Foxes 0 Brindabella Blues 3

State League Division 4
Belconnen United 0 Canberra City 3

State League Division 5
Burns FC 4 Tuggeranong United 0

State League Division 6
Gungahlin United 2 Yass FC 1

State League Division 7
Monaro Panthers 2 ANU FC 1

State League Division 8
Tuggeranong United 1 Monaro Panthers 4

State League Division 9
ANU FC 3 Gungahlin United 0

State League Gold Division
ANU FC Blue 3 Belsouth 1 

SUNDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER
PlayStation 4® National Premier Leagues
Preliminary Final
Tigers FC v Canberra Olympic (Deakin Stadium, 15:00)

PlayStation 4® National Premier Leagues: Under-20
Preliminary Final
Belconnen United v Canberra FC (Deakin Stadium, 12:30)

PlayStation 4® National Premier Leagues: Under-18
Preliminary Final
Canberra Olympic v Woden-Weston FC (Deakin Stadium, 10:00)

ACT Women’s Premier League
Preliminary Final
Gungahlin United v Canberra FC (McKellar Park, 15:00)

ACT Women’s Premier League: Under-19
Preliminary Final
Gungahlin United v Canberra FC (McKellar Park, 12:30)

ACT Women’s Premier League: Under-17
Preliminary Final
Gungahlin United v Monaro Panthers (McKellar Park, 10:00)

STATE LEAGUE GRAND FINALS
Masters Division 2
ANU FC v Canberra Olympic (Hackett 2, 9:00)

Masters Division 3
Tuggeranong United v Woden Valley (Hackett 2, 11:30)

Masters Division 4
ANU Orange v UC Pumas (Hackett 1, 11:30)

Masters Over-45
Brindabella Blues v Woden Valley B (Hackett 1, 9:00)

Women’s Capital League
Weston-Molonglo FC v Canberra Olympic (AIS Grass Fields, 17:00)

Women’s State League 1
UC Pumas v Belwest Foxes (AIS Grass Fields, 14:30)

Women’s State League 2
Canberra Olympic v ADFA Vikings (AIS Grass Fields, 9:30)

Women’s State League 3
Belnorth v Narrabundah (AIS Grass Fields, 12:00)

Women’s State League 4
ANU WFC v Yass FC (AIS Grass Fields, 14:30)

Women’s Gold Division
Weston-Molonglo FC v Queanbeyan City (AIS Grass Fields, 12:00)

Women’s Masters
Weston-Molonglo Spirit v Tuggeranong United (AIS Grass Fields, 9:30)

Saturday 5th September
GRAND FINALS

State League Division 2
Belconnen United 0 UC Pumas 1 (Daniel Graham 50’)
A single goal proved enough for UC Pumas to claim the State League Division 2 title in a tight encounter against Belconnen United at Hawker Football Centre. Daniel Graham’s opportunistic poacher’s finish was the difference between two evenly matched sides in a game that kept the watching crowd entertained. Early chances from both teams went begging with a Pumas free-kick flashing just wide while an audacious lob from Blue Devils Laurence Mandapat drifted just over the crossbar with UC ‘keeper Paul O’Kane frantically back-pedalling in a quick-fire opening. With the Pumas midfield pairing of Nick Roweth and Graham showing some good touches it was increasingly clear that the engine room battle would be crucial. Belconnen were relying on the pace of Calum McFarlane up front to provide an outlet for their attacks and it was a similar story for the University side with the tireless Sam McLoughlin-Wilden leading the line, but neither team could breach the well-organised rear-guards as the half came to a conclusion with the score still 0-0. It didn’t take long for the deadlock to be broken in the second stanza as UC went ahead five minutes after the resumption. Ado Dicrescenzo created it with a ball behind the Blue Devils defence to which Graham was quickest, heading the ball past Nicholas Broughton in the Belconnen goal and winning the race to the loose ball to scramble it over the line from close range. The Blue Devils response was good and chances came thick and fast in a five minute spell of dominance but they were unable to force a way past O’Kane. At the other end Edwin Davison forced a decent save from Broughton with a low free-kick that threatened to creep in at the near post. Belconnen threw everything forward in a desperate attempt to equalise but the Pumas held on. 
Belconnen United: 1. Nicholas BROUGHTON, 2. Ravi RATNAYAKE, 3. Alex BUSH, 4. Michael FAWKNER, 7. Jamie NORMAN, 8. Adam CUNYNGHAME, 10. Calum MCFARLANE, 11. Dan WYNN, 13. Jeremy HARRIS, 14. Benjamin SHEARD, 15. Laurence MANDAPAT
Substitutes: 5. Stephen CAMBPELL, 6. Christopher MIDDLEMIS, 9. Gregory BULLOCK, 16. Jeremy MAGAN, 17. Mark FLETCHER
UC Pumas: 1. Paul O’KANE, 2. Kyle GRIFFIN, 3. Adriano DICRESCENZO, 4. Michael GILLES, 7. Nick ROWETH, 8. Daniel GRAHAM, 10. Edwin DAVISON, 11. Lachlan HAND, 12. Adrian COLOGNA, 13. Michael LOFTUS, 17. Sam MCLOUGHLIN-WILDEN
Substitutes: 5. Philip LADOMIRSKI, 6. Daniel MONIE, 9. Matthew THEARLE, 16. Silvio MICELI, 18. Ian STEWART
Discipline: YELLOW CARDS: 3. Alex BUSH, 10. Calum MCFARLANE, 11. Dan WYNN, 16. Jeremy MAGAN (Belconnen United), 6. Daniel MONIE (UC Pumas)
Match Officials: Cooper Pike (referee), David Hakaraia, Graham Klein 

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Saturday 5th September

GRAND FINALS

State League Division 1
Belconnen United 4 (Mark Pietrukowski 9’, Will Nichols 39’, Philippe Borgeaud 77’, Lachlan Rasheed 88’) UC Pumas 0
Belconnen United claimed the State League Division 1 title with a 4-0 win over UC Pumas at Hawker Football Centre. The Blue Devils struck twice before the break and, despite some solid pressure from the University side, held on to record a deserved victor, adding two more late on. United had a perfect start when they took the lead inside the opening ten minutes. Mark Pietrukowski won a tackle thirty yards from goal and advanced unchecked towards the penalty area. The Pumas defence was distracted by the run of Will Nichols allowing Pietrukowski to pick his spot and plant a firm shot inside the far post. Nichols was denied himself shortly afterwards by a splendid one-handed diving save from Pumas goalkeeper David Betros-Mathews but the University number one could do nothing to prevent the Golden Boot from doubling Belconnen’s lead six minutes before the interval. The Pumas defence failed to deal with a bouncing ball inside the area and Nichols, head swathed in bandages following a cut sustained earlier in the half, hooked the ball home. The Pumas pushed on after the break, chasing the match, and had some good chances in the second half, with the Belconnen goalkeeper saving one-on-one from Edwin Davison at the edge of the six yard box and Jarryd Clifton causing issues. The Blue Devils defence was in fine form however with Mark Beban outstanding and Dominique Labutte a calm and composed presence. And Belconnen secured the prize with thirteen minutes to play. A right wing was brilliantly converted by a diving header from Philippe Borgeaud, a fitting end to a slick move. UC continued to press for a goal but found Sean Toohey in top form, making two sensational saves to preserve a clean sheet and put the icing on a very sweet cake for the Blue Devils. With UC looking for a consolation, ‘Keeper Betros-Matthews came up for a corner and Belconnen broke for Lachlan Rasheed to make it four with a long-range effort into the open goal.  
Belconnen United: 1. Sean TOOHEY, 2. Mark BEBAN, 3. Dominique LABUTTE, 4. Lee PIETRUKOWSKI, 5. Daniel HATELY, 6. Lachlan RASHEED, 8. Gene NICHOLS, 9. William NICHOLS, 10. Philippe BORGEAUD, 11. Mark PIETRUKOWSKI, 12. Richard PIETRUKOWSKI
Substitutes: 13. Niall STODDART, 14. Antoni JAGARINEC, 15. Phillip TONNA, 16. Scott CONLON, 17. Chadd HATELY
UC Pumas: 1. David BETROS-MATHEWS, 4. Andrew MCDONALD, 5. Michael CERAVOLO, 6. Ryan LUTY, 8. Scott ANDERSON, 9. Jarryd CLIFTON, 10. Christopher BUCKLEY, 13. Jesse KEEGAN, 15. Mark LAYBUTT, 17. Leon BENNETT, 18. Aaiden BELLINGHAM,
Substitutes: 2. Jonathan BEALE, 3. Michael SALMON, 7. Edwin DAVISON, 12. Andrew STEVENSON, 20. Paul O’KANE
Discipline: YELLOW CARDS: 8. Gene NICHOLS (Belconnen United), 6. Ryan LUTY, 7. Edwin DAVISON (UC Pumas)
Match Officials: Nunzio Rinaudo (referee), Vinh Ngo-Da, Tom Wodzinski

AROUND THE GROUNDS

State League Division 3
Belwest Foxes 0 Brindabella Blues 3

State League Division 4
Belconnen United 0 Canberra City 3

State League Division 5
Burns FC 4 Tuggeranong United 0

State League Division 6
Gungahlin United 2 Yass FC 1

State League Division 7
Monaro Panthers 2 ANU FC 1

State League Division 8
Tuggeranong United 1 Monaro Panthers 4

State League Division 9
ANU FC 3 Gungahlin United 0

State League Gold Division
ANU FC Blue 3 Belsouth 1 

Saturday 5th September

GRAND FINALS

Capital League Reserves
ANU FC 2 (Regan Ashby 66’, Jason Presti 84’) Tuggeranong United 0
ANU FC completed the Capital League Reserves doubled with a 2-0 Grand Final success over a never-say-die Tuggeranong United at Hawker Football Centre as the evening chill set in. ANU FC, as had been widely predicted, dominated the majority of possession in the opening half but some dogged Tuggeranong defending and some determined pressing kept the League Champions at bay. United offered sporadic breaks and, from one of these, Alex Kirk crossed for Kris Robertson who, unmarked, miss-directed his attempted header. At the other end Tim Davies made a stunning save to deny ANU the lead. The pattern continued unabated in the second half with the University team controlling the tempo and Tuggeranong looking to counter. United winger Rob Thomas had the underdogs best chance when getting in behind the defence but lashed his effort wide. The deadlock was finally broken in the 66th minute and it was a finally taken goal that did it. A slick passing move undid the Tuggeranong defence allowing Regan Ashby in on the target. Davies parried his first effort but Ashby was quickest to the rebound to hammer the ball into the empty net. Ashby was denied a second moments later when Davies threw himself across goal to claw a shot that was destined for the top corner around the post. ANU continued to push for a second and thought they had it when Ross Bristow outmuscled his marker and slotted past Davies only for the assistant referee’s flag to cut short his celebration. The title holders got the second their performance warranted with six minutes to play however. Awarded a free-kick out wide Jason Presti launched a cross-shot to the back post that deceived Davies and dropped into the net to seal the silverware. 
ANU FC: 1. Hao XIONG, 2. Niko DRAHOS, 4. Ross BRISTOW, 6. James PYNE, 7. Tim LEGRAND, 9. Isaac BENNETT, 11. Chris CHARTRES, 12. Regan ASHBY, 14. Laurie HARBON, 17. Jarrod BOWD, 18. Jason PRESTI
Substitutes: 3. Josh JORDAN, 5. Nicholas HOPE, 8. Vinnie KERTESZ, 10. Jared HEARN, 15. Adam CONDIPODERO
Tuggeranong United: 1. Tim DAVIES, 2. Alex KIRK, 3. Joe MANN-TOWNSLEY, 5. Andrew MISCEVICH, 6. Michael LEE, 7. Kristian BAJC, 9. Mark GRAHAM, 11. Michael SELLERS, 13.  Cris PURCELL, 14. Kris ROBERTSON, 17. David GURNEY
Substitutes: 4. Jesse RISTEVSKI, 8. Bruno COLUCCIELLO, 10. Rob LEE, 15. Rob THOMAS, 16. John TASKOVSKI
Discipline: YELLOW CARDS: 11. Michael SELLERS (Tuggeranong United)
Match Officials: Samantha Ockerby (referee), Duncan McLaren, Byron Luck, Vinh Ngo-Da (4th Official) 

Saturday 5th September

GRAND FINALS

Capital League
ANU FC 1 (Olaide Yinka-Kehinde 53’) White Eagles 1 (Zach Schoon 25’) – after extra time, ANU FC win 4-3 on penalties. 
A penalty save by Jon Ely from White Eagles substitute Vladimir Pantic gave ANU FC a dramatic 4-3 penalty shoot-out success in the Final of the Capital League competition at Hawker Football Centre. Ely saved low from Pantic’s firm short to seal the title for the University side after the match had ended 1-1. 

ANU FC got off to a flying start, utilising their extra pace to create a couple of gilt-edged openings inside the opening fifteen minutes but some profligate finishing meant that Eagles’ stopper Nick Owen was largely unemployed. And the University team would be made to pay for their lack of composure in the final third when White Eagles hit the front in the 25th minute. It was a typically well-crafted Eagles goal as well with some patient passing undoing the ANU back-line and freeing Zac Schoon into space. Schoon still had plenty to do but picked his spot to slide a quality finish past Ely in the ANU goal, much to the delight of the boisterous band of Eagles supporters, with whom Schoon ran to celebrate.

 Shortly after Schoon went close again with a flashing drive off the outside of the boot that veered across the face of goal and away to safety. Serdan Bircan was next to try his luck with a snap-shot on the half-volley that had Ely anxiously guarding his post. It was a period of domination for the Eagles that they held onto until the break, but the pace and subtle movement of ANU FC hit-man Olaide Yinka-Kehinde was to the fore towards the end of the half, a warning of things to come.  Indeed, it was Yinka-Kehinde that drew ANU level eight minutes after the resumption of play. 

The forward has many qualities but is not noted for his aerial prowess despite a prodigious leap. It was something of a surprise therefore when Yinka-Kehinde timed his run to perfection to meet a flighted free-kick at the near post and guide a glancing header beyond the despairing reach of Nick Owen to level the scores. With the game in the balance both teams made changes in order to influence proceedings but openings were sporadic thereafter as the ninety minutes ended 1-1. 

Extra-time brought no further goals with limited chances in the extra period setting up a dramatic finale. Rory Devlin who’s goals did so match to get Eagles here fired wide before Josh Jordan blazed over the bar for ANU. Jonathan Scott calmly slotted the final penalty for ANU leaving Pantic to keep Eagles in it. His effort was fir but Ely guessed correctly to send ANU FC into raptures.

ANU FC: 1. Jon ELY, 2. Denny NOOR, 3. Danny KENNY, 4. Pat CARR, 5. Henry WILLIAMS, 7. Chase DEANS, 8. Marc VAN ZEYL, 9. Olaide YINKA-KEHINDE, 10. Jonathan SCOTT, 11. Andrew BEKKEMA, 12. Jon HAND (14. Josh JORDAN 63’)
Substitutes not used: 6. Nick HOPE, 13. Isaac BENNETT, 15. Adam CONDIPODERO, 20. Hao XIONG
White Eagles: 1. Nick OWEN, 4. Matthew GRECL, 5. Marc O’NEILL, 7. Zac SCHOON (12. Iain ELLIOTT 71’), 8. Bensah AFIABO, 9. Eoin DEVANAEY (6. Andrew SELLAS 107’), 10. Milan SANTRAC, 14. Rory DEVLIN, 15. Dom SMEDLEY, 20. Eric BONNETT, 21. Serdan BIRCAN (18. Vladimir PANTIC 91’)
Substitutes not used: 11. Michael SYDNEY, 16. Theveshran MOODLEY
Discipline: YELLOW CARDS: 7. Zac SCHOON, 8. Bensah AFIABO, 10. Milan SANTRAC (White Eagles), 7. Chase DEANS, 8. Marc VAN ZEYL, 11. Andrew BEKKEMA (ANU FC)
RED CARD: 8. Bensah AFIABO (White Eagles)
Match Officials: Matt Rynne (referee), Scott Robertson, Owen Watson, Duncan McLaren (4th Official)

Brindabella Blues Football Club will be commencing their State League training from Tuesday the 10th of November at Conder Playing Fields from 6pm for the next 7 weeks up until Christmas.

All players interested are welcome to come along and join in the fun.

Brindabella's top side won Division 3 last year and hopes to move up to Division 1 in 2016, so if you're looking for an ambitious, friendly and enjoyable club please feel free to come along.

If you want further information please contact Head Coach Jason Warren-Smith on 0405 425 662, or Adam Small @ vicepresident@bbfc.com.au

The Brindabella reserve team played in state league 4 last year and finished in a respectable fourth place. The squad, alongside the SL3 champions have begun training for the 2016 season with new recruits coming into the squad looking to make a big impact in state league 1 and 2 next year. The team are quick learning and hard working and will benefit greatly by having a dedicated coach.
 
This role is ideal for someone who loves the finer points of football and is looking for an enjoyable coaching experience and an interest in the FFA 1-4-3-3 formation and playing style. Support will be available from BBFC head coach Jason Warren-Smith and Tigers FC technical director Lino Fiorese. FFA coaching Game Training, Senior Coaching or C-Licence qualifications are highly favoured for this position.
 
Expressions of interest can be sent to Adam Small at vicepresident@bbfc.org.au.

Expressions of interest are invited for the following coaching positions in the 2016 Capital Football Season with Goulburn Strikers Football Club:

U12's boys
U13's boys
U14's boys
U15's boys
U16's boys
U18's girls
All age women
All age men

If you are interested in becoming involved in a really supportive and well run football Club with over 16 years experience in the Capital Football competition and level 2 accreditation, please contact Adam Mills, Technical Director at adam_9_mills@hotmail.com

Brindabella Blues Football Club will be commencing their State League training from Tuesday the 10th of November at Conder Playing Fields from 6pm for the next 7 weeks up until Christmas.

All players interested are welcome to come along and join in the fun.

Brindabella's top side won Division 3 last year and hopes to move up to Division 1 in 2016, so if you're looking for an ambitious, friendly and enjoyable club please feel free to come along.

If you want further information please contact Head Coach Jason Warren-Smith on 0405 425 662, or Adam Small @ vicepresident@bbfc.com.au