2022 NPL 1st Grade Champions
A historic and memorable year for our 1st grade side which finally saw the club win its first 1st grade championship since 1999 beating League Champions Canberra Croatia 2-1 at Deakin Stadium.
Having already won the Charity Shield with a 7-1 victory over reigning premiers Tigers FC, the club stepped out on the national stage as the Capital Football Australia Cup Qualifying Champions following a tense 3-1 win over West Canberra after extra time. The round of 32 gave players such as Basser-Silk, Neou and Woods the opportunity to play a national for the first time. The boys went down to eventual Australia Cup Grand Finalist Sydney Croatia before turning their attention back to the local competition. On the way to reaching finals highlights included All Star selection for Gabriel Cole, Andre Carle and Kyle Senior vs Central Coast Mariners, break out years for Patrick Mitchell, Jordan Cachia and Evan Keeble who all played key roles in significant matches, a golden boot for club top goal scorer to Nikos Kalfas, a Valeri Medal for Aimilio Kista and key goals in finals from Darren Bailey, Zac McLaren and Michael John.
The coaching team of Frank Cachia, Ian Worthington and Matthew Cachia built the team’s success on a defence that conceded just 19 goals in 24 NPL and finals games. Lead by keeper Jordan Thurtell and a defensive block that included the likes of captain David Jenkins, Josh Calabria, Adam De Franchesci, Michael Pochi and James Wilson the green and black wall stood up under extreme pressure on countless occasions.
Monaro 1st Grade Squad; Darren Bailey, Ben Basser-Silk, Jordan Cachia, Josh Calabria, Andre Carle, Gabriel Cole, De Franchesci, David Jenkins, Michael John, Nikos Kalfas, Aimilio Kista, Evan Keeble, Zac Mclaren, Patrick Mitchell, Adam Neou, Michael Pochi, Kyle Senior, Jordan Thurtell, James Wilson, Seb Woods.
Coaches: Frank Cachia, Ian Worthington, Matthew Cachia
Manager: Robert Guglielmin
