A hat-trick, a trophy and the national stage: Tigers roared again

There was already plenty of history between Tigers FC and Canberra Croatia.

Since the start of 2025, the two ACT powerhouses have shared almost every major honour available.

Croatia lifted the NPL title and Federation Cup last year. Tigers responded with Grand Final glory and this season's Charity Shield.

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On Saturday, another trophy was on the line and Tigers made sure it was heading home with them.

Spencer Barber produced a cup final masterclass, scoring a hat-trick as Tigers crushed Canberra Croatia 5-1 in the Federation Cup final to secure silverware and book their place in the Australia Cup Round of 32.

The Canadian import has been one of the competition's most influential attackers this season. In the biggest game of the campaign so far, he delivered his biggest performance.

Barber's treble proved the difference as Tigers overwhelmed a Croatia side that has set the benchmark in Capital Football over the past 18 months.

The emphatic result also shifts momentum firmly back towards Tigers in one of Australian football's most compelling rivalries.

These are the two dominant forces of the ACT game.

Now Tigers have another trophy and thanks to Barber's brilliance, a shot at the national stage awaits.