Hyde relishing Victory opportunity
A dream, a fairy tale, a fantasy….The reality, no matter how surreal it feels, is that Tom Hyde will lead his Men’s State League 1 side Balmain Tigers FC out onto Leichhardt Oval to take on the Hyundai A-League Premiers and Champions of Australia on Tuesday the 4th of August in the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32.
Just taking part in the Cup on the national stage is an outstanding achievement, but to have the opportunity to take on an opponent like Melbourne Victory is simply amazing for the lowest ranked club involved in the knockout competition.
In his fifth year in the yellow and black kit, Tom Hyde will captain his side in the biggest match of most of the boys’ careers.
“It’s incredible for me on a personal level and for the club as a platform to get onto the national stage.
“It feels like a dream to be honest.”
The Tigers are the lowest ranked club in this season’s Westfield FFA Cup, currently sitting inside the Top 5 in the NSW Men’s State League 1, the states third tier competition.
So when the smallest team in the draw, meets the biggest and best, what does that mean for the brave Tigers?
“I think it’s the definition of David vs Goliath, Hyde said.”
The fearless Tigers from Balmain, having got to this stage of the Cup, only had eyes for opponents from one competition.
“We were definitely hoping for a Hyundai A-League club, it’s obviously the marquee draw.
“Just to be involved is great and we had a great run.
“Especially how the lead up draw worked out for us, but we had to execute it and we did.
There were some amazing scenes when the Tigers’ players found out who they would be facing in the Round of 32.
Hyde’s teammates are now eagerly anticipating the fixture in the coming weeks.
“The atmosphere is pretty euphoric with the way the draw panned out.
“When we realised we were going face a Hyundai A-League club it was a great feeling and when the reigning Premiers and Champions of Australia were pulled out, it was doubled.”
The Tigers right-back knows what this means to his teammates and the club and wants them to revel in the spotlight.
“We know it’s going to be a big challenge but we just want to enjoy the experience and the exposure for the club.
“It’ll give us an opportunity on a personal level to test ourselves against professionals and the best team in the country.”
Arriving from England, where the oldest cup competition in the world is played namely the FA Cup, to Australia where the FFA Cup is in only it’s second year, Hyde commends the idea and what clubs, like Balmain get out of it.
“Growing up, watching the FA Cup is the staple of English childhood, to see it replicated in Australia I think it’s fantastic and gives clubs such as ours the ability to get some exposure on the national stage.
“It’s the fairy tale of the cup, the lowest ranked team pulled out the highest and we’re going to enjoy every second of it as well as doing State League 1 proud.
“I think it’s important for us to put up a good showing as well as enjoying the spectacle of the draw.”
The well-deserved spotlight has been shone on the Tigers and Hyde believes this can help the club grow in the future.
“It will give us not only a platform to push the club forward, the funding, sponsorship and exposure will allow to build the club and give us a bit of stability.
“Also, to get some fans back to Balmain and put us in a position to kick on as a club in the next couple years.”
With Hyde possibly considering hanging the boots up soon, this game means a lot to him on a personal level.
“For myself and others nearing the end of their careers it’s a great way to go out on a high.
“It’s just fantastic.”
Balmain Tigers FC v Melbourne Victory FC (A-League)
Tuesday August 4, 7.30 pm at Leichhardt Oval
To pre purchase tickets for this match click here
-By Nikola Pozder
