I watched the highlights of the final.. What an atmosphere. It would ajve been great for us to be a part of that. Not just for the club and the fans (I think we deserve it!) but for the players themselves. Exposure to big games brings experience and we could have benefitted as a football team. Let's s hope we continue to make the Cup a priority in the final season and that we go one better next year.
Nix only made it a priority after they bet the Western United kids, with a Weenix side in the Round of 32. And that was invaluable experience for the kids, as every starter in that game bar Mogg, has gone on to get some ALM minutes.
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2021/12/07/australia/ffa-cup/western-united/wellington-phoenix/3700134/
Next season I imagine it will again revert to a pre season comp, so Talay & Co may treat it differently again.