Three finals against their biggest rivals. Tigers FC won them all

Tigers FC were crowned NPL Capital Football champions for the second successive year after outclassing premiers Canberra Croatia 3-0 in Sunday’s Grand Final.

Golden Boot winner Aidan Milicevic capped a brilliant first season back in Canberra with another influential performance, scoring inside two minutes before playing a role in both of Tigers’ late goals.

Milicevic had done his homework on Canberra Croatia goalkeeper Jampel Dorji and noticed his tendency to anticipate free-kicks. Given an early opportunity, he caught him out with a superb strike to hand Tigers the perfect start.

The contest remained 1-0 until the 78th minute, when Milicevic’s initial effort was saved before Augustine Bangura converted to double the advantage.

Four minutes later, Milicevic was involved again, breaking in behind and squaring for David Owusu to put the Championship beyond reach.

Canberra Croatia’s frustration boiled over late as Lasse Olrik and Lemar Katawazai were both sent off.

The victory completed a remarkable season against their biggest rivals. Tigers had already beaten Canberra Croatia in the Charity Shield and Australia Cup Qualifying Final before doing it again with the Championship on the line.

For Milicevic, it capped an impressive homecoming after leaving Canberra at 16 to pursue his football career in Sydney.

The former Central Coast Mariners Academy and Sydney United player returned this year partly for the opportunity to play alongside younger brother Joshua.

He finished his first season back with the Golden Boot and a Championship medal, while Tigers finished it as back-to-back champions.