For Chandlers goalkeeper Stephen, Sunday’s Challenge Cup Final victory carried extra meaning after joining the squad midway through the season.
After narrowly missing out on the league title, finally helping the club bring home silverware made the afternoon at New Western Park one worth remembering.
“It means everything for the boys,” Stephen explained.
“That’s why we play football — to win games and hopefully silverware.”
“Coming in half way through the season, meeting the boys who are all great guys and helping them go on to win a cup is a great feeling.”
Although Chandlers controlled large parts of the final, Stephen says concentration levels still remained important throughout the game.
“Staying switched on is very important.”
“Games can change in a split second which showed when Hillwood got one back — it gave them a bit of a boost.”
“Luckily the boys were also switched on and defended brilliantly.”
“And then the sending off and third goal kind of takes the wind out their sail.”
Like many inside the Chandlers dressing room, Stephen says the biggest memory from the day ultimately came after the final whistle.
“Watching Craig lift the trophy will stay with me the most.”
“And the joy of watching all the boys celebrating after a tough long season where we were just piped to the league.”
“Again overall they are a great bunch of guys and I’m glad I could be a small part of helping them win the cup.”
For Chandlers Sunday, Sunday’s victory was not only a first trophy in the GDSFC — it was reward for a squad that steadily built belief and togetherness throughout the season.
Footy Focus season 25/26 
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