By: Jeremy Magan

When asked about their objectives for the upcoming NPL1 season, Gungahlin United’s coach and captain answered in unison: “win everything”.

Both Marcial Munoz and Jack Green are determined that there is no premiership hangover in 2020, intent on securing back-to-back NPL1 titles.

The club’s 2019 season had all the makings of a Hollywood blockbuster.

After starting the season at minus six points, Gungahlin United obliterated Tigers FC 5-0 in the NPL1 Grand Final – the biggest margin in a decider in nine years – capping off one of the more remarkable seasons the competition has witnessed.

Winning as underdogs was challenging enough but being the team to beat is a completely different story.

“We are the Champions and we would like to retain our title,” Munoz said adamantly. “We need to approach games respectfully and understand that every team will try and knock us off. We will have to be a bit more alert.

“We have flown under the radar in the previous years. We may not have the budget that other teams have but we have proven on the field that we are at least a top-four team in the league.”

Green will have a special target on his back, having been awarded last year’s Player of the Season, but the defender is just taking it in his stride.

“I honestly did not expect to win it,” Green said humbly. “It is an award traditionally going to the striker who scores the most goals.

"I am here to help the team and I am not in it for individual accolades. I can only do my best to help the team reaching their goals.”

Both coach and captain are confident after a successful off-season.

“The quality of the players we brought in (Adams, Gulevski, Milicevic) shows our ambition,” Green said.

“We brought these talents because they would add to the team,” Munoz agreed. “They needed to adjust slowly to how we do things, and they have understood our culture and the expectations we have, not only as a footballer but also as a human being.”

The culture, values and principles of Gungahlin United are evident in every word Munoz and Green say. Humility, commitment and sacrifice are key for the Chilean coach.

“Our culture is highly inclusive and highly competitive,” Munoz said. “We lead to serve others. Our objective is to leave the place in a much better state than it was when we found it.”

Green agrees.

“Every single person has a part in victory: staff, players, the whole community,” he said. “We are making sure everybody is playing the part, and that they know their part is valued.”