Article: Jeremy Magan
Photo: Anthony Caffery Photography

Rhiannon Daisley was taken aback when she was reminded the match against the Blue Devils last weekend would be her 100^th for Tuggeranong in first grade.

“I was home, sick all week, and I was made aware thanks to a Facebook post that the club put up,” Rhiannon said with a smile.

“From there on, I focused all my energy on recovering as much as possible for the game!”

If you know Tuggeranong United, you know the Daisley sisters; Rhiannon, Sarah and Chloe now all appear in NPLW week in week out.

Rhiannon started playing in 2003 in the U8 team, while Sarah started playing when she was 8 and Chloe began when she was 4.

It makes for healthy competition and good banter around the dinner table on Sundays.

“Chloe is probably the best, but she does not work quite as hard!” Rhiannon said, laughing. “It’s all good. We push each other, we help each other growing.”

In the 99^th game of the 24-year-old’s career, she scored a screamer from 35 meters away at the Riverside Football Stadium, not that it was a surprise to the goalscorer.

“I have scored from there once or twice before but I suffered an ankle injury early this year, so I was not sure I could get the distance with my ‘fixed’ ankle,” Rhiannon said.

She did find the back of the net, winning Tuggeranong United their only point this season.

“I am disappointed with our season so far,” Rhiannon confessed. “We lost a few players before it started, mainly to injuries.

“We will keep working to better ourselves no matter what. We talked about what went wrong so hopefully, we can now cause some upsets.”

Her team did not play this weekend, because of the BYE, yet they made the news, announcing the signature of Westfield W-League player Emma Stanbury, a welcome addition in the Valley.

“We have talented players, but not with her kind of experience,” Rhiannon said. “Being in such a young squad – I have been one of the oldest players in the team for the past two years, so she will help mentor the younger players.

“It is great for the team to see the intensity the professional level requires on, and especially off the field.

“We don’t necessarily see these things when we watch games, but we will learn them with someone in our team with that experience and knowledge.”

When asked about what her plans when her 200^th game comes along, Rhiannon chuckled.

“I might be a little old! I would love for someone younger to have taken my spot by then. I love to be challenged, to have to earn my spot in the starting 11 every week.

“If that means getting players better than me, I am ok with it, because I want Tuggeranong to win a trophy.”

Match Details |
NPLW Round 5
Gungahlin United vs Tuggeranong United   
Kick-off 3pm, 16 August 2020
Gungahlin Enclosed