The 18-year-old midfielder captained the Wanderers under-18s to a grand final win last year.

Given he isn't the biggest player, Matowe was subjected to a tough physical examination by last year's champions, and passed the test with flying colours.

He and fellow teenager Luke Stevens have been given plenty of responsibility in the midfield stepping up in the top team.

Stevens, who played plenty of first grade toward the back end of last year, scored the Wanderers' opening goal in the upset win.

"It was a big focus for us (to show we're up to it) heading into the game," Matowe said.

"Babs (coach Michael Babic) took myself and Luke aside before the game and was pretty clear in what he wanted us to do.

"To come out and not make too many mistakes was a big confidence booster going forward.

"They were trying to be physical with me with my size, but I'm pretty good at holding my own with my body work.

"Sometimes, even at training some of the boys try to be physical and I have to show I've got a bit of heart."

Matowe said it's up to the team to back it up when they play the second of three straight home games to begin the campaign against Weston Molonglo at Gissing Oval on Saturday.

"They're a pretty tough side. Babs has said it's a pretty inportant week going forward and he's trusting Luke and I to keep working hard to build on the foundatoin we've already set," he said.

"During this COVID period you never know when it's going to get cancelled, so we're just trying to get the result and enjoy football.

"Everyone is playing for each other, and as long as I do my job I'll be OK.

"I've been at the Wanderers for a while now and they've been really good at letting the younger players develop and come through."

The Wanderers women begin their season against Canberra Croatia FC at Gissing Oval on Sunday.

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