FORTY-SECOND EDITION • SEASON 2014/15 ROUND 26 VS UNITED MEMBER THANK YOU MATCH PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY

THE TASK AHEAD

INSIDE THIS EDITION YUSUKE VS ELRICH • THE OUTSTANDING CAREER OF MEMBERSHIPS SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS • FOSTERING FOOTBALL IN OUR REGION PLUS A DUBIOUS CONVERSATION WITH DEXTER ROSALES THIS MATCH THIS MATCH

05 FROM A FOUNDATION MEMBER 08 06 WARM UP 08 THE TASK AHEAD 13 PLAYERS TO WATCH: YUSUKE VS ELRICH 14 AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUNDHOG TUESDAY 16 TODAY'S MATCH 18 MEMBERSHIPS SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS 20 SLAV'S SPOT THE DIFFERENCE 21 KEEPY-UPPY APPEARANCES UNCOVERS EXTREMELY TALENTED FANS 23 TAKE FIVE WITH STEVE KUZMANOVSKI 24 THE OUTSTANDING CAREER 14 18 OF MARK BRIDGE 25 A DUBIOUS CONVERSATION WITH DEXTER ROSALES 26 GUARDIAN FUNERALS WANDERCREW MEMBER OF THE WEEK: KATELYN NEY 27 FOSTERING FOOTBALL IN OUR REGION 29 THE ARCHIVE 30 OUR PARTNERS

The views in this publication are not necessarily the views of the NRMA Insurance Western Wanderers FC. Material in this publication is copyrighted and may only be reproduced with the written permission of the NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers FC. All photography courtesy of Getty Images, Steve Christo, Jarred Stedman, Ali Erhan, Atsushi Tomura, Daniel Kalisz, Ryan Pierse, Ashley Feder, Cameron Spencer, Hagen Hopkins, Brendon Thorne, Daniel Berehulak, Morne de Klerk, and Football NSW. STAY CONNECTED VISIT WSWANDERERSFC.COM.AU FOLLOW US @WSWANDERERSFC WATCH WSWANDERERSTV PROUD SUPPORTERS OF

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FROM A FOUNDATION MEMBER

was born, bred, raised and educated Andrew Johns jerseys but these days I’m when I brought my dad to a game. I told in Western Sydney and now I live seeing kids wearing Wanderers jerseys him that he had to see what the fuss was Iand work in Western Sydney. I with their favourite players’ name on all about. At his first game there was a became a Member because for the their back. Kids are getting involved moment just before kick-off where he first time since the inception of the now as they have local football players stood up and took a look around and A-League I felt a connection to a club. which they can aspire to be like and that soaked up all of the atmosphere and I am proud to be a member of the makes them proud to be from the west. noise. He watched and listened to the Western Sydney Wanderers. My wife, When I was younger I would watch RBB and had tears in his eyes. I’ll never parents and brothers are also members. overseas football on TV and would forget that moment. I’m proud to wear my colours and it’s see the crowd, would see people The Wanderers epitomise Western not just me, it’s my family, my friends supporting their teams fanatically and Sydney. We started off as underdogs; and people everywhere too. I would be envious because we didn’t people from the outside didn’t I love talking to complete strangers have that in this country. expect much of our club. What they at the local shops where I buy my I would hear about thousands of didn’t realise was that we had high morning coffee where we discuss, agree people marching to a stadium and expectations of ourselves and in the first and debate about all things Wanderers. supporters singing for the entire duration year we became Premiers and by our The Wanderers have brought such a of a match and I just accepted that third year we’d played two Grand Finals diverse community together; people because I live in something like and been crwoned Champions of Asia. from different religions, cultures and that would never happen in my life time– Even when things aren’t going backgrounds have united and come only in my wildest dreams. our way….win or lose, we will together to support one team. No other When I went to my first game I always follow you! sport or club has been able to achieve this. realised that this was no longer a dream Growing up I saw kids walking but a reality. DEVRIM HUSEYIN around the street with Terry Lamb or One of the greatest moments was FOUNDATION MEMBER 6018 05 STAY CONNECTED | FOLLOW @WSWANDERERSFC WARM UP

IN THE SHEDS WITH @CHIPPYCROOK63

remember reading before the season Wanderers such a special club for so many started that the Wanderers had sold more people. Ultimately, we want to be a part of the Ifull memberships than any other football community here and I think that’s what we club in Western Sydney – that’s including are – when we look up at the stands and see rugby league and AFL – and it makes me thousands of people wearing Red & Black, proud to work at a club that has done so singing for the boys and trying to help them much to raise the profile of football in the across the line we know that everyone – the region and across Australia, backed by the players, the coaches, the supporters – plays ON THIS DAY most dedicated supporters in the country. their part of the success of this club. COURTESY OF ANDREW HOWE We now have over 18,700 members The Western Sydney Wanderers have @ANDYHOWE_STATTO here which is a real testament to the come a long way in just three years and passion that the people of Western we’re proud of the way our supporters have n eastern was held on Sydney have for the game. been with us for every minute of every Wednesday 18th April, 1990, at the Western Sydney is one of the most game, even when times have been tough. ASydney Croatian Sports Centre in culturally diverse regions in Australia but As the season comes towards a close we’re the city’s west as Sydney Olympic defeated St everyone speaks the language of football. hoping that we can keep giving crowds George 2-0 in a deferred late season game. I think that’s part of what makes the something to cheer about. A recent ‘big wet’ had rendered all other grounds unplayable. The match was significant as it kicked-off a six- WE ARE ON THE LINE FIXTURES & RESULTS match undefeated streak for Olympic – who at the time were not even in the top You may have noticed these odd Scan the QR code below for all score five – that ended in the ultimate glory. looking barcodes (see below right) updates across our Hyundai A-League, Olympic scraped into the final five throughout this edition of The Wanderer. Westfield W-League and Foxtel National at season’s end the week after, then won To get the best experience simply follow Youth League matches. four from four sudden-death finals these three easy steps: series matches to take out its first NSL STEP 1 Download a QR scanner app on Championship Grand Final, defeating your smart device Marconi 2-0 at in STEP 2 Open the app and scan each May. It was the only time a team had QR code in The Wanderer won the Grand Final after finishing STEP 3 Enjoy your interactive fifth (or below) on the final ladder. Wanderers content

06 ROUND 26 | WANDERERS FC VS ADELAIDE UNITED WARM UP

#HASHTAG Every edition we’ll publish the best tweets and instagram pics you guys tag us in. FIELD REPORTER WITH DEAN HEFFERNAN @HEFF35

e are so fortunate to be able to The enthusiastic support meant so have over 18,700 members in much to me when I pulled on the Red Wthe Wanderers family for the & Black as it does to all the players each 2014/2015 season. Integral in everything week. There is no comparison around we do on a daily basis, the members are the league to our supporters who remain YAY FOR @MSPIRA COMING a massive part of this club that push us as loyal to us this season, supporting us BACK FROM INJURY. players, coaches and staff to achieve what week after week despite results having #CCMVWSW #WSW we can for this football club. not fallen our way as regularly as we @DARENOTHOPE When I think about what the club expect from ourselves. has done on the field in the last couple Our members understand football. of seasons I have no doubt the success They love the game and they love the is a direct reflection to the support the Western Sydney region. They appreciate members provide. Our members and the efforts of the players and deserve fans have been behind us from day one our recent success. All in the Wanderers as a concept on a piece of paper growing family are grateful for their continued together to reach two Grand Finals and the support and we will strive to grasp amazing AFC Champions League win. again the success that they deserve. WENT TO MY FIRST WANDERERS GAME LAST NIGHT! SUCH A FUN TIME, I LOVE THE ATMOSPHERE OUR MOST COMMON MATCH DAY PARTNER RESULT IS A @ASHLEIGHBERIN 1-0 WIN WHICH WE HAVE ACHIEVED 14 TIMES IN THREE THAT WAS THE BEST TRIP I’VE EVER BEEN ON #WSW #WANDERERSFAMILY 1SEASONS4 @JOHNNY_CARLTON

07 STAY CONNECTED | WATCH WSWANDERERSTV THE TASK AHEAD STORY BY MATT DORMAN @MATT11DORMAN

TONIGHT’S MATCH AGAINST ADELAIDE UNITED IS A CHANCE TO FINISH THE SEASON ON A HIGH. YOUNGER PLAYERS WILL BE GIVEN OPPORTUNITY TO SHINE AND ONE VETERAN MIGHT CELEBRATE HIS 200TH HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE APPEARANCE. BUT WHERE TO NEXT?

08 ROUND 26 | WANDERERS FC VS ADELAIDE UNITED THE TASK AHEAD

09 STAY CONNECTED | VISIT WSWANDERERSFC.COM.AU You too can be fuelled by Herbalife... For more information visit www.herbalife.com.au TODAY! here to now? This was the Four teenagers all clocked considerable It won’t be easy against the Reds question posed by Fox minutes in Gosford as part of preparations whose high aspirations can’t account for a WSports’ Tara Rushton of for next term. Central defender Jonathan continuation of last weekend’s home loss Wanderers winger Romeo Castelen after Aspropotamitis again proved his quality to Brisbane Roar. Adelaide’s discussion last weekend’s match away to Central of composure. It didn’t go unnoticed. solely concerns the present; no more time Coast Mariners. Evidently the expression “Jonathan Aspro, take out that first can go to waste after two straight exits at was lost on him as the Netherlands 10 minutes, he was so calm and assured the first stop in finals. Experienced stars international accepted it as an awkward in the second half which was really , and conclusion to the interview. Or perhaps he pleasing,” coach Tony Popovic said after must deliver. just knew a chuckle was needed after 90 the Central Coast game. Opposition excellence however minutes spent toiling without reward. “Alusine Fofanah played. Steve won’t excuse any young Wanderer from No appropriate answer would have Kuzmanovski played. Shayne D’Cunha performing to their potential. been especially ground-breaking gets a debut.” “It’s difficult to say a kid has a good anyway. Thoughts clearly turn to “There are a lot of positives moving game and now he’s going to make it Adelaide United today and Kashima forward for next year, but we still want in football,” Popovic said after the Antlers on Tuesday night. Castelen will to finish the season on a high in the Mariners match. be crucial to those chances. A-League – and we will do the best we can “It doesn’t go like that, we all know At 31 though the lively attacker won’t be – and we have a huge game on Tuesday.” that. We certainly hope the kids we are around forever. ‘Where to’ framed further into Expect to see more of their type today. bringing through can be the backbone the future becomes more intriguing. While Two matches remain in the Hyundai of our club one day.” members continue to be the established A-League and leapfrogging Newcastle Jets Making two final Hyundai A-League backbone of Western Sydney Wanderers, on is the primary objective. Youth will again fixtures truly count will help ensure the pitch a new spine is being formed. be counted on to get the job done. that day arrives soon. You too can be fuelled by Herbalife... For more information visit www.herbalife.com.au TODAY!

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YUSUKE TANAKA DEFENDER DEFENDER Joining the Wanderers in January, Yusuke has stormed onto the One of the most likable players in the league, Elrich has scene with impressive attacking and defensive performances played for three clubs and through brother Ahmad is one of showing he is one of the best right backs in the A-League. only nine sets of brothers to represent the Socceroos.

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STORY BY MATT DORMAN @MATT11DORMAN

14 ROUND 26 | WANDERERS FC VS ADELAIDE UNITED fter four matches of last season’s AFC Champions League debut AWestern Sydney Wanderers sat level on points with Kawasaki Frontale, narrowly trailing leaders Ulsan Hyundai. It’s an almost identical story at the same stage this term. Last matchday’s 1-1 home draw with FC Seoul leaves the side behind the second-placed South Korean club on goal difference head-to-head. The result would have been more palatable had opportunities not been lost; Labinot Haliti dragged one shot and headed another chance wide while Kerem Bulut could have dashed any comeback immediately after Mauricio Molina rattled the crossbar. Eventually both were forced to settle for a point and a finely poised Group H. Tony Popovic has called for his AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE team to be more clinical all season and that issue will be at its most pressing on Tuesday night. Kashima Antlers advancing seemed as far-fetched as the Japanese outfit beating Guangzhou GROUNDHOG Evergrande last round until Hiroyuki Takasaki made it happen in stoppage time. Points are at a premium. Mark Bridge was the difference against TUESDAY Kashima in February, scoring once and setting up another in a 3-1 away win. The attacker who netted twice in the 2014 group stages hopes for a repeat of the opening 45 minutes against FC Seoul. if we can play like the first half we can “They’re both very good teams,” “The first half we played some get those three points and put ourselves Bridge acknowledged. incredible football,” Bridge said. in a position where we can progress,” “Guangzhou over there is going to “We really tore them apart but the reigning tournament MVP said. be very difficult. It’s a very close group, they showed how good they are in the Tuesday night signals the arrival of anything can happen with two games second half and it sort of became an an Antlers side growing in confidence to go. If we get a good result against end-to-end battle.” after upsetting Guangzhou, albeit at Kashima which we all want it will put likewise called for more of home. Bottom spot might belong to us into a good position going into the STORY BY MATT DORMAN the same in the penultimate matchday. the seven-time J-League winners but last AFC Champions League matchday.” @MATT11DORMAN “We come up against a good side in Wanderers will need to be on song for Six points ensued from this same situation Kashima but we’re playing at home and their final fixtures. last year; three will be a start in 72 hours.

15 STAY CONNECTED | VISIT WSWANDERERSFC.COM.AU WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS FC

SQUAD S B ¨ ¨ 01 Ante COVIC Goalkeeper ¨ ¨ 03 Yusuke TANAKA Defender ¨ ¨ 04 Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY Defender ¨ ¨ 06 Antony GOLEC Defender TODAY'S ¨ ¨ 07 Labinot HALITI Forward ¨ ¨ SCORE 08 Mateo POLJAK Midfielder ¨ ¨ 09 Forward ¨ ¨ 10 Yojiro TAKAHAGI Midfielder ¨ ¨ 12 Forward ¨ ¨ 13 Defender SUBSTITUTES ¨ ¨ 14 Kerem BULUT Forward MATCHGRAB A PEN AND WRITE DOWN YOUR OFF ¨ ¨ 15 Yianni PERKATIS Midfielder OWN RECORD OF THE GAME ¨ ¨ 16 Jaushua SOTIRIO Forward LADDER* *Ladder correct at completion of Round 25 ¨ ¨ 17 Romeo CASTELEN Forward CLUB P W D L F A GD PTS ON ¨ ¨ 18 Midfielder 01 VICTORY 24 12 8 4 50 29 21 44 ¨ ¨ 19 Mark BRIDGE Forward ¨ ¨ 20 Dean BOUZANIS Goalkeeper 02 SYDNEY FC 25 12 8 5 46 31 15 44 ¨ ¨ 03 PERTH GLORY 25 12 8 5 40 33 7 44 OFF 21 Martin LO Midfielder ¨ ¨ 23 Jason TRIFIRO Midfielder 04 ADELAIDE UNITED 25 13 4 8 42 29 13 43 ¨ ¨ 25 Sam GALLAWAY Defender 05 WELLINGTON PHOENIX 25 13 4 8 41 31 10 43 ¨ ¨ 31 Alusine FOFANAH Forward 06 MELBOURNE CITY 25 9 8 8 34 34 0 35 ON ¨ ¨ 32 Daniel ALESSI Defender 07 BRISBANE ROAR 24 9 4 11 39 39 0 31 ¨ ¨ 33 Nick KALMAR Midfielder 08 CENTRAL COAST MARINERS 25 5 8 12 23 44 -21 23 ¨ ¨ 36 Liam YOULLEY Midfielder 09 NEWCASTLE JETS 25 3 8 14 19 49 -30 17 OFF ¨ ¨ 37 Defender 10 WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS 25 3 6 16 26 41 -15 15 ¨ ¨ 38 Steve KUZMANOVSKI Forward LEGEND ¨ ¨ 39 Shayne D'CUNHA Defender ON P Played W Wins D Draws L Losses F Goals For A Goals Against GD Goal difference PTS Points ¨ ¨ 42 Adrian MADASCHI Defender

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16 ROUND 26 | WANDERERS FC VS ADELAIDE UNITED ADELAIDE UNITED

SQUAD S B ¨ ¨ 01 Eugene GALEKOVIC Goalkeeper ¨ ¨ 02 Defender TODAY'S ¨ ¨ 03 Defender ¨ ¨ 04 Dylan McGOWAN Defender ¨ ¨ 05 Midfielder SCORE ¨ ¨ 07 Pablo SÁNCHEZ Forward ¨ ¨ 08 Isaías Midfielder ¨ ¨ 09 Sergio CIRIO Forward ¨ ¨ 10 Marcelo CARRUSCA Midfielder MATCHGRAB A PEN AND WRITE DOWN YOUR SUBSTITUTES ¨ ¨ 11 Bruce DJITE Forward OWN RECORD OF THE GAME OFF ¨ ¨ 12 Mark OCHIENG Defender *Ladder correct at completion of Round 25 LADDER* ¨ ¨ 13 Dylan SMITH Midfielder CLUB P W D L F A GD PTS ¨ ¨ 14 Cameron WATSON Midfielder ON 01 MELBOURNE VICTORY 24 12 8 4 50 29 21 44 ¨ ¨ 15 Ben WARLAND Defender 02 SYDNEY FC 25 12 8 5 46 31 15 44 03 PERTH GLORY 25 12 8 5 40 33 7 44 ¨ ¨ 16 Craig GOODWIN Defender OFF 04 ADELAIDE UNITED 25 13 4 8 42 29 13 43 ¨ ¨ 17 Midfielder 05 WELLINGTON PHOENIX 25 13 4 8 41 31 10 43 ¨ ¨ 18 Jimmy JEGGO Midfielder 06 MELBOURNE CITY 25 9 8 8 34 34 0 35 ¨ ¨ 19 Miguel PALANCA Forward ON 07 BRISBANE ROAR 24 9 4 11 39 39 0 31 ¨ ¨ 20 Goalkeeper 08 CENTRAL COAST MARINERS 25 5 8 12 23 44 -21 23 ¨ ¨ 21 Tarek ELRICH Defender 09 NEWCASTLE JETS 25 3 8 14 19 49 -30 17 ¨ ¨ 23 Defender OFF 10 WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS 25 3 6 16 26 41 -15 15 ¨ ¨ 24 Midfielder LEGEND ¨ ¨ 30 John HALL Goalkeeper P Played W Wins D Draws L Losses F Goals For A Goals Against GD Goal difference PTS Points ON ¨ ¨ 32 Nathan KONSTANDOPOULOSMidfielder

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18 ROUND 26 | WANDERERS FC VS ADELAIDE UNITED 8,706. Not the number of people enjoying another issue of The 1 Wanderer but the amount of individuals who have pledged their commitment to Western Sydney Wanderers. The members. That count sits at an all-time high – a beacon of optimism amidst tougher times on-field. Only Melbourne Victory are backed by more members with a head start of seven seasons. Sydney FC are over 7,000 shy despite the same advantage. Population density alone isn’t enough to account for the immediate adoption of the Hyundai A-League’s youngest outfit. For Western Sydney Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas the answer is in the roots. From the beginning the club has belonged to its people. “Members have come aboard and supported the concept of a Western Sydney team that represents the region and themselves,” Tsatsimas says. “Certainly it’s an integral part of what early strides, but it’s no less an walks of life in every sphere but no we do at the Wanderers because without extraordinary feat to already lead more so than the Western Sydney the members’ support there is no club, no membership figures of all football codes region,” Tsatsimas says. foundation and no ongoing hope for football in the area. Tsatsimas, however, isn’t “Our demographic and our cultural lovers in the Western Sydney region.” distracted by external opposition. fabric at a game is multi-layered. They Return on emotional investment “We never focus on other codes,” all become one on matchday and we’re was as comprehensive as it was swift. he explains. “We try to run the best certainly proud to be able to facilitate Eventually the peak had to plateau. Now club and provide the best platform that and to say our members are when they are needed most it is time to for members to enjoy themselves on without exception the most unique and celebrate the support of members. matchday, to ensure they continue to the best in the league.” “Even in our toughest moments they are understand it’s their club, it belongs to turning up and supporting the team and the the fans, and it belongs to the Western club,” lauds Tsatsimas. “It’s a credit to them Sydney region.” and the community that they commit to the That region is like no other, and season and the team notwithstanding the providing common ground for the diverse results and where we sit on the table. We supporter base behind the Red & Black are certainly very fortunate to have those juggernaut has quickly become a point of members supporting us.” pride of Western Sydney Wanderers. Football’s extensive history in “There’s people that come from DISCOVER MORE ABOUT BECOMING A Sydney’s west suggested significant different backgrounds and different MEMBER AND JOIN US AT WANDERLAND

19 STAY CONNECTED | WATCH WSWANDERERSTV SLAV'S SPOT THE DIFFERENCE WITH SLAVISA DJUKIC @SLAVISA28

KIT MAN SLAVISA DJUKIC IS OUR RESIDENT SPOT THE DIFFERENCE CREATOR THIS SEASON. CAN YOU FIND THE FIVE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BOTH PHOTOS?

KEEPY-UPPY APPEARANCES

LAST ISSUE’S ANSWERS: 1. A crane is missing from the background 2. The line near the home technical area is a different shape 3. There is a beam missing from the glass barrier 4. One person is missing from the UWS Wander & Kick 5. There is a line of text missing from the old scoreboard

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20 ROUND 26 | WANDERERS FC VS ADELAIDE UNITED KEEPY-UPPY APPEARANCES UNCOVERS EXTREMELY TALENTED FANS

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5 Chicago Ave, Blacktown NSW 2148, Australia 23 t: +61 2 9676 7207 | w: www.universalledlighting.com.au STAY CONNECTED | FOLLOW @WSWANDERERSFC THE OUTSTANDING CAREER OF MARK BRIDGE STORY BY MATT DORMAN @MATT11DORMAN

n ever-present figure in the the At certain stages it appeared as go on to win the ACL the following year, competition since inception, Mark if Bridge wouldn’t enjoy the same they’re definitely top of my list.” ABridge knows a thing or two – or 200 trajectory in his career. A self-confessed “An Australian team winning the – about playing in the Hyundai A-League. slump at Sydney FC might have meant Champions League was something I The 29-year-old established early a premature end. Instead the attacker didn’t think I’d ever see but to be part of potential at Newcastle Jets, grew into a is now a rare 10-year veteran with a that special moment is definitely at the Grand Final hero, became an Australian resume matched by few others. top for me.” international and is now on the cusp of Wherever the Hyundai A-League While admitting it’s an opportune his 200th Hyundai A-League appearance. has been, Bridge has planted the flag. time to consider aspirations beyond Should he appear today it will be The 2012/13 All-Star has amassed two football – a life hard to picture after fitting for Bridge’s major milestone – premierships, two Grand Final wins – concentrating on the game since his achieved by just eight others before scoring in both – and was Wanderers’ teenage years – Bridge believes his him – to be adorned in Red & Black on maiden Player of the Year recipient. post-career years can also be reserved Members’ Day. Add in two Socceroos caps and a for weighing on achievements like his The Wanderland wall of noise has been meeting with Lionel Messi’s Argentina upcoming milestone. the soundtrack to the Blacktown-born at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and “Once I finish my career and I look attacker’s career resurgence since signing the field is wide for choosing a most back the 200th will be something that with the club as a foundation player. memorable moment. definitely stands out,” he says. “It’s amazing for a club that’s still “Scoring in the two Grand Finals is “It’s definitely incredible but I haven’t in its infancy,” Bridge says of the ever- amazing – it’s something I’m proud of,” really stopped and thought about it yet. swelling membership. Bridge says. It’s one of those things where when I sit “It’s going to be crazy to see how big the “But that run we went on when nobody down and look back over my career it Wanderers can take it in five years’ time. It’s gave us a chance at the Wanderers is will be an achievement that I’m going to just going to keep getting bigger and better.” something you just can’t describe. Then to be very proud of.”

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24 ROUND 26 | WANDERERS FC VS ADELAIDE UNITED A DUBIOUS CONVERSATION WITH DEXTER ROSALES

STORY BY MAX GRIEVE @MAXJGRI

n 2012, Adelaide United announced DR: Oh! Dexter Rosales! Yep – that’s me. you ever heard of the talent that is 34 year they had offered a trial to former Ajax old Samuel Surubaga? Iand Valencia player Dexter Rosales but TW: Dexter, I’ll get right to it. You were left red-faced when he failed to show disappeared off the scene after Adelaide TW: No, who’s he? up, eventually claiming that the whole United offered you a trial and you didn’t thing was in fact a hoax. show up – what happened? DR: He’s still kicking around in the Leading up to the game against the club he Nigerian lower leagues, but he’s a real might have played for, The Wanderer called up DR: Look, it’s not as straightforward as hotshot – royalty, too. He’s the son of a the man himself to hear his side of the story. people think. Don’t get me wrong – I’d Nigerian prince – we’ve had offers of up have loved to play for Adelaide United to $4.2m USD from generic mid-level The Wanderer: Dexter Rosales, hello! and would’ve turned up for the trial, European teams, but if you send us your honestly. There was just one thing that account information we’ll actually pay you Dexter Rosales: was letting me down. to take him from us! Does an offer that’s too good to refuse sound like something TW: Dexter! Dexter, are you there? TW: What’s that? the Wanderers might be interested in?

DR: Oh hey! Sorry, who are you DR: Well, I’m not real. I don’t have feet – you TW: Well that definitely sounds tempting. looking for? can’t kick a football if you don’t have feet. Give us a moment and we’ll ask around – don’t go anywhere. TW: American-born striker Dexter TW: You can’t argue with that. What are Rosales? River Plate, Ajax and Valencia you doing these days? DR: star Dexter Rosales? Phantom trialist and confirmed hoax at A-League club DR: Football wasn’t really working out for TW: Dexter? Dexter Rosales?! I think he’s Adelaide United, Dexter Rosales? me, so I moved into the agent game. Have gone. Or was never here at all.

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25 STAY CONNECTED | WATCH WSWANDERERSTV

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Name: Katelyn Ney Your earliest memory of WSW is? What is your favourite PRIMO Wandercrew Hub: Half-time Activations Round 3 in 2012, WSW vs Sydney FC on Smallgoods Product? Bacon In the movie of your life, who would the 20th of October You can see the Guardian Funerals play you? Drew Barrymore What was your favourite TV show as a Wandercrew at all our matches and If you were stranded on an island, what child? That’s So Raven around the training ground in their blue would be your three essential items? What is your most treasured possession/s? shirts and jackets. Matches, phone and clothes My electric and acoustic guitar If you’d like to help the Club and What would you buy with your last $50? What is your favourite band/musician? join the Wandercrew, please email Food and lollies Ed Sheeran [email protected].

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Proud partners of the Wandercrew OUR REGION STORY BY KYLE CHANDLER Plan your own goodbye with Australia’s leading @KYLECHANDLER14 prepaid funeral plan. he victory over Al-Hilal in the AFC The program consists of 90 minute and active while connecting them to Champions League earlier this sessions that give young children their football and their community clubs. The

Tseason was a somewhat unexpected first taste of football and are adaptable sequential program affords the chance for reward for the club and the Western to challenge older children with the children to develop over time with the guardianfunerals.com.au All areas 1300 662 172 Sydney community. It was a chance to programs catering to participants from program focusing on tactics and situational celebrate as a community a trophy that Kindergarten to Year 12. gameplay as well as technical skills. encapsulated the meteoric rise of the club The club has also developed the The results have been fantastic and the amazing support afforded by the WSW Soccer Intensive Program which with stronger results in inter-school football people of Western Sydney. takes place over four, eight or 40 weeks competition and more and more boys The community feel fostered from the in schools. One of the first schools to and girls taking up weekend football inception of the club has always been one implement the 40 week program is and being led into the Football NSW that works both ways as both club and the Metella Road Public School who has representative pathways. Western Sydney public reach out to each enjoyed over the past three years 100- The club continues with these programs other to spur on the Red & Black. 130 children in the WSW program. and other initiatives to foster football in the As part of the community focus Originally a school whose students Western Sydney region. The community of the club, the Wanderers work played a variety of sports, the school values of the club shine through with its extensively within the local region in now enjoys an identity in the local objectives to get more children playing schools performing programs to bring community as a football school, with football at grassroots level. football to the children. This season the Wanderers program giving amazing We are sure that one day a future the club has run over 150 WSW Soccer football benefits in terms of both Wanderers superstar will emerge in Schools programs free of charge in football skills and love for the game. who might just be taking their first the region to give all children of all The program was founded with the footballing steps in one of these backgrounds the chance to play. overarching aim to get children fit, healthy programs right now!

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STORY BY JESSICA CSASZAR @JESSICACSASZAR

IN CELEBRATION OF THE TENTH YEAR OF THE HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE WE’RE DIGGING DEEP INTO THE VAULT TO FIND THE BEST MOMENTS OF EACH ROUND ROUND 26 | 23 MARCH 2013 WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS VS SYDNEY FC

t was the third Sydney Derby and pride past Ivan Necevski’s reach setting the 1-1 draw against their new cross-city rivals was on the line with Sydney FC winning scene for an ultimate thriller showdown didn’t spoil the Wanderers’ season however. Ithe first derby of the season and the in the final minutes of the derby. A week later the club and over Wanderers taking all three points from the With the score now even and both sides 10,000 Red & Black fans travelled to second. Both teams in the third and final pushing for a last minute goal to claim Newcastle where they defeated the Jets matchup for the season fell to ten men in victory, came very close to and secured the silverware in their first WATCH THE what was a fiery affair. securing a win for Sydney but thankfully ever Hyundai A-League season. The scoring began following a ball for the Wanderers was again gifted from Nikolai Topor-Stanley to in the right place at the right time and WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS Sydney’s Italian marquee man Alessandro headed away the incoming threat. Ante Covic (GK), Nikolai Topor-Stanley, CHAMPIONS OF ASIA Del Piero. Il Pinturicchio capitalised The intense atmosphere was escalating Adam D’Apuzzo (Tarek Elrich 46’), DEFEND THEIR TITLE on the mistake and gave the away team as the game drew to a close with Iacopo Iacopo La Rocca, Mateo Poljak, Shinji the lead after a very tense and exciting La Rocca knocking with Ono (Labinot Haliti 55’), Jason Trifiro, opening 33 minutes of play. his elbow, resulting in La Rocca seeing Dino Kresinger, (Rocky Sydney FC’s luck did not last long red and the Western Sydney Wanderers Visconte 75’), Mark Bridge, Shannon Cole PARRAMATTA STADIUM however as was sent also being reduced to ten men. TUESDAY off in the second half for a studs-up The match concluded with both sides SYDNEY FC challenge on Shannon Cole. equal on all fronts with a somewhat Ivan Necevski (GK), Brett Emerton, Lucas The equaliser came shortly after the astounding eight yellow cards and two Neill (Adam Griffiths 46’), Sebastian 21 VS straight red card with Cole back in the reds handed out in 90 minutes. Ryall, Tiago Calvano, , Peter APRIL action and looking to cause heartache for The third Sydney Derby definitely lived Triantis, Terry Antonis, Alessandro Del GATES OPEN 6.00PM | KICK-OFF 7.30PM his former team. A signature free kick up to its hype despite the Wanderers not Piero, (Yairo Yau 77’), Joel from Cole curved around the wall and securing the Premiers plate on the night. A Griffiths (Joel Chianese 64’) *QUOTED PRICE IS FOR WHITE CATEGORY ADULT MEMBER 29 STAY CONNECTED | VISIT WSWANDERERSFC.COM.AU OUR PARTNERS

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30 ROUND 26 | WANDERERS FC VS ADELAIDE UNITED

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