For Chandlers Sunday manager Connor O’Neill, Sunday’s Challenge Cup Final victory meant more than simply winning one game.
After previous cup final disappointments, finally getting silverware on the board as a club made the afternoon at New Western Park one that clearly carried extra meaning inside the dressing room.
Trophy means everything to the boys,” Connor explained.
“This is our first bit of silverware as a club.”
“We have been to cup finals before and missed out so to win the game in the manner that we did meant the world to us.”
Despite the occasion and division gap on paper, Connor says belief inside the squad was obvious well before kick-off.
“Every single one of the boys done what was asked of them in the changing room.”
“I think the boys had the same amount of confidence as us just looking about the dressing room and seeing how much quality was in the squad.”
Like many watching the game, Connor accepted the sending off became a major turning point — but felt the penalty itself ultimately did the real damage to Hillwood’s chances.
“Would be lying if I said the sending off doesn’t change the game.”
“But scoring the penalty is what killed the game not the red card.”
One of the more interesting parts of Chandlers’ rise this season has been how quickly the squad has gelled despite not operating like many traditional amateur teams.
Connor admits there is no major secret behind it.
“Tough to tell you what that is because we don’t train and never have.”
“Our group chat is never not got someone ripping into another on it and changing room before games is always a good place to be.”
“Also the worst place to be if the result doesn’t go your way.”
“The boys do also love a night out so I think a big mix of that and most importantly winning football games is what has made this team such a unit that goes out and digs in for each other.”
And after lifting the trophy, there were two moments in particular that stood out most for Connor personally.
“Two moments stand out for me.”
“One my family and friends being there especially my wee boy who was running about mental at the final whistle.”
“And of course the post cup final night out which will stay confidential to the group chat.”
For Chandlers Sunday, Sunday’s 5–1 victory was not just a final win — it was the moment a first season in the GDSFC officially ended with silverware.
Footy Focus season 25/26 
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