WAGGA City Wanderers midfielder Ano Matowe is looking forward to continuing his resurgence in Sunday's NPL Two grand final.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Matowe earned high praise from Wanderers coach Michael Babic for his role in Sunday's heart-stopping 2-1 extra-time win over Queanbeyan City.
It continued a strong response from Matowe, who has fought his way back from the under 23 team to establish himself as a starting member of the Wanderers team.
The Wanderers will chase history at Deakin Stadium in Canberra on Sunday when they attempt to win the club's first ever senior premiership when they face Yoogali in Capital Football's NPL Two grand final.
Matowe believes he is not alone when it comes to timing his run to perfection.
"I feel like since getting back in the team, me and Isaac (Brooker), we have a really good partnership, Matt Menser up top as well," Matowe said.
"I feel like it's not just me, I feel like the whole team is really coming together towards the back end of the season. We're playing good football and everyone understands their role."
Matowe, who is studying his HSC at Kildare Catholic College, says he never let himself get too down when he found himself out of a starting position.
"It was from little injuries and things like that. I wasn't really too worried because it's a whole team effort, I was still apart of it, I still went to training and stuff like that," he said.
"I never felt like I wasn't apart of the team. I went down to 23s for a bit, their coach Dave (Leonard) had a good set up and for me, it was more about playing football. So I had a couple of games down there.
"Obviously everyone wants to be playing ones, so when I got the call up it was good."
It was injury that saw Matowe miss the trip to Griffith to face Yoogali.
He has respect for his Griffith opponents but also has confidence that the Wanderers have what it takes to bring them down.
"That was the game I was injured so I haven't played against Yoogali but I definitely feel like I've got a chance and we've got a red hot go," he said.
"Everyone's saying they're the most in-form team in the comp, but so are we. No one thought of us coming from fourth and getting to the grand final.
"It's one game, 90 minutes, possibly more, to show what we've got, I'm really excited and looking forward to it."
Babic's message to his group has been to enjoy grand final week and not be overawed by the occasion.
It is one that sits with Matowe, who believes it is necessary for the Wanderers to take the game on come Sunday.
"The key to winning on Sunday is just structure I reckon. Structure on and off the ball," he said.
"Playing our type of football and the tempo, and just being brave, going at them and not sitting back.
"And just enjoying it, because this is a historical moment for our club so we just want to enjoy it and have as much fun as possible."
READ MORE