Yaya Dukuly says belief, freedom and trust have been key to the most creative season of his career, as the Reds prepare for Friday night’s sold-out Semi-Final second leg against Auckland FC at Coopers Stadium.
After producing his seventh assist of the campaign in the first leg in Auckland – a career high – Dukuly says he is embracing the responsibility to impact games in any way he can, whether that means creating chances, getting on the scoresheet, or working hard in a deeper role for the team.
“It’s a mixture of everything,” Dukuly said. “Ultimately, it’s just the belief I have in myself at the moment.
“There’s an expectation for me this year to help the team as much as I can from whatever position I play. If that means assisting or getting on the scoresheet, then that’s what I’ll do.”
The 23-year-old was electric during the first leg in New Zealand, constantly driving at defenders and creating danger every time he surged forward.
His dazzling run and assist for Harry Crawford’s goal proved a major turning point in the contest – a moment that perfectly summed up the confidence and freedom currently flowing through his game.
“I think delivering the ball is one of my strengths,” Dukuly said. “I knew if I put it across the face, all we needed was a tap in.”
That freedom, Dukuly says, has been strengthened under Airton Andrioli and the coaching staff, who have encouraged him to play aggressively and trust his instincts in attacking areas.
“It’s something we’ve worked on,” he said. “When I get the ball in space, it’s about getting at defenders as quickly as I can.”
While Dukuly has spent more time in a deeper role in recent weeks following injuries to Ryan Kitto, he insists little has changed about his mentality.
“Jonny [Yull] and I have done a lot of defending all year anyway,” he said. “So it’s not really anything new for me.
“I still have the freedom to go forward and get involved in attack.”
That balance between hard work and attacking freedom has become one of the defining features of United’s season. A young group, playing fearless football and a team willing to attack games no matter the occasion.
And now, with a Grand Final spot on the line, Dukuly says the squad is embracing the moment rather than fearing it.
“There’s a relaxed mood around the group,” he said. “We’re humble, but we just want to prove ourselves.”
Friday night’s sold-out Semi-Final will also give the Reds the chance to reach their first Grand Final in ten years – something Dukuly admits has been sitting in the back of his mind all week.
“It’s honestly a dream,” he said.
“When I remember that 2016 Grand Final, I would’ve been really young. “I just want to experience that moment as well.”
But while the occasion is massive, Dukuly says the mentality inside the group has remained consistent all season. No fear. No outside noise. Just proving people wrong.
“All year everyone spoke about the bigger clubs,” he said. “But we’re just enjoying the journey. “We love proving everyone wrong.”
And on Friday night, in front of a packed Coopers Stadium, the Reds will have another chance to do exactly that.
