But as a group of tradies and public servants prepare for the biggest game of their lives, the club hopes to use the FFA Cup blockbuster against the Melbourne Victory to create a "legacy" for the future.

Tuggeranong will take on the A-League giants at Viking Park on Tuesday night in a monumental mismatch battle which pits part-timers who get "fuel money" payments against professionals with a salary cap of $2.55 million.

For the first time in the club's history, Tuggeranong's Premier League players were paid this season.

It's a remarkable turnaround for a club which was on the cusp of being cut from Canberra's top competition after failing to compete with cashed-up rivals.

An operations overall, and investing in their 1300-player base, has paid dividends as Tuggeranong prepares to be thrust into the national FFA Cup spotlight.

"We gave the club just two years - it was getting more expensive and we were coming from a really low place," said club president John Thiele.

"We're in a much better place now, but the job's not done. We're financial now ... this is the first year we've paid players, but really it's just fuel money and a bit of a gesture.

"We've spent about $35,000 to get this game going: it's a big event. We're hoping to reap a reasonable windfall and leave a legacy for the club in more ways than one."

Tuggeranong spends just $80,000 on its Premier League football operations and is a drop in the ocean compared to two-time A-League champions the Victory's budget.

But coach Steve Forshaw has declared the round of 16 FFA Cup contest the chance for his players to audition for an A-League contract, declaring Canberra the "secret garden" of Australian soccer.

Tuggeranong players will line-up against some of their idols, including former club junior and Socceroo Carl Valeri, in the match at Viking Park.

More than 3000 tickets have been sold and the game will be broadcast live on national television.

Forshaw backed young star Ethan Munster to shine in front of A-League scouts. Munster and older brother Zac will use the match to honour their father's memory after Mick Munster died suddenly three weeks ago.

"You never know who is watching the game ... performing on the day could be the key to opening the door to a bigger and brighter future," Forshaw said.

"It's a golden opportunity to put themselves in the shop window if they're ambitious enough.

"We're the best-kept secret in Australia, it's a sort of secret garden in terms of growing talent but it's not looked at because we don't have an A-League team."

Tuggeranong has bunkered down in a team camp, staying at the Alpha Hotel and embracing a semi-professional build up with a few days away from their regular jobs.

Most have written them off as a genuine contender against the all-star Victory line-up which boasts Socceroos and A-League champions.

But Forshaw said his team wouldn't be overawed by the occasion and were targeting an upset win.

"I haven't even tried to put a lid on the excitement," Forshaw said.

"Let the boys be excited, there's no need to put a dampener on it. They're not full-time professionals, but they know what's required.

"It certainly would be an upset, we accept that. But I've got a lot of faith in these guys, they're just as passionate [as the Victory] and they can play a bit. We understand the challenge is massive.

"The different between Melbourne Victory and Tuggeranong is significant, but there's no reason why we can't cause that upset. Melbourne won't know much about Tuggeranong at all."