SEVENTY-SECOND EDITION | 2017/18 | ROUND 1 VS PERTH GLORY

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FEATURES SEVENTY-SECOND EDITION | SEASON 2017/18 | ROUND 1 VS PERTH GLORY

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THE WANDERER The views in this publication are AN ODE TO POPA 8 WANDERERS TAKE RISDON BACK IN THE not necessarily the views of the The only leader the OUT NPL HONORS 14 GREEN & GOLD 20 NRMA Insurance Western Wanderers have ever known It was a season to remember From Perth to Western Wanderers FC. Material in this has said goodbye but his for the Red & Black’s U20s Sydney to Russia? publication is copyrighted and may legacy will live on still. and U18s sides. only be reproduced with the written permission from the Club.

ADVERTISING REGULAR COLUMNS For all advertising enquiries for The Wanderer or partnership with the OPEN LETTER 5 TODAY’S MATCH 16 IN THE COMMUNITY 27 club please contact the Corporate Partnerships Team by sending an email WARM UP 6 JUNIOR WANDERER ZONE 18 CORPORATE NEWS 28 to [email protected]

FIVE THINGS 11 FOX FOOTBALL FIX 22 OUR PARTNERS 29 PHOTOGRAPHY All photography in The Wanderer is PLAYERS TO WATCH TAKE FIVE courtesy of Ali Erhan, Getty Images Brought to you by Turner and Freeman 13 Brought to you by Turner and Freeman 25 and Steve Christo.

2 THE WANDERER ROUND 1

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WANDERERS CEO JOHN TSATSIMAS ON THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA FOR THE CLUB

that Western Sydney determination, pride and commitment today without a doubt. We take this opportunity to thank for his enormous contribution to the club since inception which will forever be noted with the pinnacle obviously being the amazing 2014 Asian Champions League success. I’m sure you will all join me in wishing him all the very best with the Big Enough to Feed the Red and next chapter of his football career and we will watch with pride as this club provided the platform for him to prove himself on a global stage. Black Army this Season! The club has shown from its Board of Directors down a strength, stability and structure which will allow a new head coach to hit the ground running and I can assure you that as we embark upon this season - the team is ready, the club is ready. We hope to have news with respect to a new appointment fairly soon. In the meantime everything will be done to ensure that the new man at the helm of this team will be the right one for the club and its fans. Mitsubishi Electric proudly supporting With this stable environment, a new stadium and training facilities on the horizon, the best Western Sydney Wanderers FC. elcome to the first game of the youth academy in the country and the best fans 2017/18 season as we take on Perth in the league, the club has already attracted some Glory here at Spotless Stadium. outstanding candidates from across the globe. WMatches against the Glory have always been tough Nothing less than what a club of this stature and entertaining affairs and there is no suggestion deserves. today’s match will be any different. Until a new coach is announced it is business as Obviously our lead-in to this match has been usual at Wanderland as we look forward to a great ME Fridge Finder rather unusual to say the least and unexpected for season ahead. all concerned. Notwithstanding this, the club and its Want to see how this fridge will members and fans have always exhibited resilience John Tsatsimas look in your kitchen? and robustness in our relatively short history and Chief Executive Officer the club through the playing group will demonstrate NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers

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Here’s tonight’s match day playlist:

BACK IN BLACK AC/DC

BECAUSE I LOVE YOU MONTAIGNE

BEST OF YOU FOO FIGHTERS 7 CATFISH AND THE BOTTLEMEN

TEENAGE KICKS ootball is finally back! Academy technical director THE UNDERTONES F The wait is over as the Wanderers following the departure of inaugural kick off their Hyundai A-League head coach Tony Popovic. YOU’RE THE VOICE 2017/18 season against Perth Glory Nothing else changes for the Red JOHN FARNHAM today at Spotless Stadium. & Black though, having begun their

SINCE I LEFT YOU It’s set to be an interesting clash tonight preparations for the Hyundai this season AVALANCHES with a number of familiar faces now calling some fifteen weeks ago. Perth home including , Scott There could be two competitive THE WANDERER Neville, Andreu and Liam Reddy. débuts for the Wanderers today with DION After a watershed week in the club’s marquee man Álvaro Cejudo and history, Hayden Foxe will be at the helm defender Raúl Llorente still yet to make NO GOOD KALEO today with the assistance of Wanderers their first appearances in Red & Black.

BORN TO RUN BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN VALE TONY BONELLO MEMBER #5167 SOMETHING I SAID THUNDAMENTALS AND NATASHA GADD MEMBER #9462

Visit our spotify channel ur deepest condolences go out Natasha loved and lived for her sport. wswanderersfc and collaborate on to the families of Members Tony She started playing soccer from the age of the “For the Fans” playlist OBonello and Natasha Gadd. 13 and fell in love. She played state league Tony was the best husband, father, this season with St George and was just grandfather and fan of football. Forty asked to sign for NPL2 in 2018. She was a years ago he was a coach for his son’s dedicated Wanderers fan and was always team. When a team player was asked to excited for game day. Natasha loved the describe Tony he replied. “Only the very adrenaline rush of supporting the boys best coaches taught you life skills for from the RBB. She would attend both use beyond football. He was hard yet so home and away games and wasn’t shy to likeable that you strived to win for him.” paint her face to show her support.

6 THE WANDERER ROUND 1 WARM UP

The ‘King’ Mark Bridge is also ready to make his return to the league after a season abroad while Wanderers fans will be hoping striker Oriol Riera can continue his sparkling pre-season form in front of goal. The Red & Black will be without though after he was recently selected in ’s 23-man squad for the Socceroos’ mission against Syria. Together with Club Marconi, the Wanderers will today be highlighting the work of the Heartbeat in football organisation who have done immense work in the sporting community and raising awareness of the importance of having life-saving equipment on the field at all sporting events. The Red & Black will also be paying We raise funds to tribute to Popovic, assistant Andrès Carrasco and goalkeeping coach Zeljko work with amateur Kalac as they prepare to make their football clubs to mark in Europe. educate, train and It’s an exciting time to be a Wanderer equip participants as the club looks to write another chapter in order to reduce in an already colourful history. And it all starts today! the risk of heart related deaths on the football field. ON THIS DAY

he Socceroos took on one of its biggest rivals Israel in the FIND OUT MORE Tintimidating cauldron of Tel Aviv on this heartbeatoffootball.com.au day in 1985, in the qualifying campaign for the 1986 World Cup. Adelaide lads David Mitchell and both Proudly Supported by scored to earn the Socceroos a vital 2-1 win in a typically tough encounter against the Israelis: Australian coach Frank Arok was sent to the sidelines, goalkeeper Terry Greedy was stretchered off following a collision and Ken Murphy was red-carded late in the game.

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FOLLOW US @WSWANDERERSFC      7 FEATURE

STARTING THE “CLUB FROM ZERO, TO SEE WHERE THE CLUB IS NOW AFTER FIVE YEARS… IT’S HARD TO TAKE, IT’S A TOUGH ONE TO LEAVE ”

8 THE WANDERER ROUND 1 FEATURE

AN ODE TO POPA

STORY BY DOM TRIMBOLI  @DOM_TRIMBOLI

THE ONLY LEADER THE WANDERERS HAVE EVER KNOWN HAS SAID GOODBYE BUT HIS LEGACY WILL LIVE ON STILL

n distant years to come, when people look back on the history books of Western Sydney Wanderers Football Club, it’s fair to say that the Iname Tony Popovic will feature more than most. The Red & Black’s best days are ahead of them still and there are plenty of big names yet to walk through the doors at Rooty Hill, though they’ll all have their work cut out if they hope to match the contribution that Popovic has made in the last five years.

WATCH WSWTV  9 FEATURE

Though even Popovic would’ve been pleasantly surprised by the manner in which his side stormed to the Premiers Plate that season, as the resilient Wanderers broke records and captivated Western Sydney and the Hyundai A-league all the same. Retrospectively, it was a season that would define Popovic’s reign at the club—overcoming the odds, the never-ending pursuit for perfection, an unwavering self-belief—and as we all know now, it would be just the start of a glittering half-decade for the Wanderers. Popovic would take the Wanderers to two more Having this week announced his departure from Grand Finals to add to the appearance the club he helped build, Popovic leaves having and Premiers Plate of the 2012/13 season, yet achieved what not many would’ve thought was his crowning glory was indisputably 2014’s AFC possible when he was named head coach of the club Champions League triumph—a feat that stands on 17 May 2012. tall as one of Australian history’s greatest sporting On that day, Popovic took charge of a club accomplishments. with no name, no colours, no home ground and In five seasons, Popovic was able to actualise no players. what most coaches would be content on achieving “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to coach in an entire career, yet it was arguably the way he the new club in Western Sydney and I’m really went about his business that set him apart from his excited about the mission ahead of us,” said Popovic. contemporaries; the way he brought out the best in his “I know the region has a great passions for the players, the way he crafted a now famous club culture. game, fantastic junior ranks and thousands of life- The circumstances surrounding the day Popovic long fans. These are the ingredients that can help announced he would be leaving the Wanderers make our club a success.” speaks volumes about the impact he had on the game. Despite the furore surrounding the new kids on On a long-weekend Sunday, just hours before the block, expectations of the Wanderers heading the rugby league grand final, a press conference was into the Hyundai A-League 2012/13 were still called at extremely short notice out in Rooty Hill; naturally tame. yet media from all corners of Sydney dropped what Those expectations were somewhat confirmed they were doing to hear Popovic’s departing words. after the first three weeks of the season, as the “Starting the club from zero, to see where the Wanderers were rooted to the bottom of the ladder club is now after five years… it’s hard to take, it’s a having failed to find the net in more than 270 tough one to leave,” said Popovic that day. minutes of football. “For five years I’ve given my heart and soul for Few could’ve imagined the next six months this football club. unfurling the way they did—Tony Popovic will “It’s been an amazing five years. I leave with a lot tell you that it was the plan all along. of amazing memories.”

10 THE WANDERER ROUND 1 FIVE THINGS FIVE THINGS

TONY POPOVIC’S TOP FIVE ACHIEVEMENTS

1. Named head coach of the 4. FIFA Club World Cup club, 17 May 2012 appearance, December 2014 The Wanderers may not have had a The Wanderers represented Australian name but Popovic was taking charge of football on the big stage in Morocco, a club that was about to cause a stir in becoming the first Hyundai A-League Australian football. team to take part in the tournament.

2. Winning the Premiers Plate, 3. Winning the AFC 5. Third Grand Final 29 March 2013 Champions League, appearance, 1 May 2016 Popovic and the Wanderers sealed a 1 November 2014 It might’ve been a heartbreaking result remarkable first place finish with a 3-0 “Yesterday we were called a small club… but the match marked Popovic and the win against the Jets in Newcastle. today we are the biggest in Asia.” Wanderers’ third time in the big dance in four years.

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EVERY MATCH WE GIVE YOU THE HEAD-TO-HEAD Our team’s goal STATS ON TWO OPPOSING PLAYERS is to win your case For over 60 years Turner Freeman has been turning 17 workers’ lives around by fighting and winning compensation 4 25 claims against big corporations and insurance companies. ROLY SHOTS ON TARGET KEY PASSES BONEVACIA GOALS #8 | MIDFIELDER

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7119_TF_WSW_Mag_A4_6.indd 1 25/9/17 12:50 pm FEATURE WANDERERS TAKE OUT NPL HONORS

IT WAS A SEASON TO REMEMBER FOR THE RED & BLACK’S U20S AND U18S SIDES.

For the U20s, the Grand Final win was a sweet reward after having just narrowly missed out on taking the Minor Premiership from Northern Tigers. The Tigers were second best on Grand Final day though as doubles from Kosta Grozos and Oliver Puflett, and strikes from Samuel Silvera and Zachary Duncan sealed a deserved win for he future of Western Sydney looks the Wanderers. bright after the Wanderers’ U20s and U18 Despite Northern Tigers taking the lead after just teams both took out their NPL 2 Grand four minutes and the scores being level 1-1 at half- TFinals last month. time, the Wanderers romped home in the second The U20s clinched the title in emphatic period with five unanswered goals. fashion, thumping Northern Tigers 6-2 while the The win was all the more impressive when one U18s put Central Coast Mariners to the sword in considers the fact that the Tigers were coming into an incredible 8-1 victory. the match on the back of 15 consecutive wins.

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Meanwhile the Wanderers’ U18s were simply irresistible in their 8-1 win against the Mariners. Although Central Coast finished nine points clear of the Wanderers in the regular season, the Mariners were simply no match for a barnstorming Red & Black outfit. Dylan Ruiz-Diaz netted a fine hat-trick, while Alexander Lopez, Bailey Rule, Yousef Sawalha, Anthony Vastag and Callum Watt all got their names on the scoresheet. With the scores locked at 1-1 in the 16th minute, the Wanderers would go ahead through Lopez in the 21st minute before storming home with five goals in the second period. The win marked the club’s second consecutive victory in the NPL 2 U18s Grand Final, following on from the 2-1 victory over Sydney FC in the 2016 decider.

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WATCH WSWTV  15 TODAY'S MATCH WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS FC SQUAD S B # NAME POSITION ¨ ¨ 1 Jerrad TYSON Goalkeeper ¨ ¨ 3 Jack CLISBY Defender TODAY'S ¨ ¨ 4 Josh RISDON Defender SCORE ¨ ¨ 5 Defender ¨ ¨ 6 Jacob MELLING Midfielder ¨ ¨ 7 Midfielder ¨ ¨ 8 Midfielder MATCH ¨ ¨ GRAB A PEN AND WRITE DOWN YOUR SUBSTITUTES 9 Oriol RIERA Forward ¨ ¨ 10 Álvaro CEJUDO Midfielder OWN RECORD OF THE GAME OFF ¨ ¨ 11 Brendon SANTALAB Forward ¨ ¨ 14 Jumpei KUSUKAMI Midfielder LADDER ¨ ¨ 15 Kearyn BACCUS Midfielder CLUB P W D L F A GD PTS ON ¨ ¨ 16 Jaushua SOTIRIO Forward 1 BRISBANE ROAR FC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ¨ ¨ 18 Robert CORNTHWAITE Defender 2 MELBOURNE VICTORY 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 OFF ¨ ¨ 19 Mark BRIDGE Forward 3 SYDNEY FC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ¨ ¨ 20 Vedran JANJETOVIC Goalkeeper 4 CENTRAL COAST MARINERS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ¨ ¨ 21 Marc TOKICH Midfielder 5 WELLINGTON PHOENIX 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ON ¨ ¨ 22 Jonathan ASPROPOTAMITIS Defender 6 NEWCASTLE JETS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ¨ ¨ 23 Lachlan SCOTT Forward 7 ADELAIDE UNITED 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ¨ ¨ 24 Raúl LLORENTE Defender 8 MELBOURNE CITY FC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 OFF ¨ ¨ 25 Chris HERD Midfielder 9 WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS FC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ¨ ¨ 30 John HALL Goalkeeper 10 PERTH GLORY 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ¨ ¨ 33 Defender ON LEGEND ¨ ¨ 40 Nicholas SUMAN Goalkeeper P PLAYED W WINS D DRAW L LOSS F FOR A AGAINST GD GOAL DIFFERENCE PTS POINTS ¨ ¨ 42 Keanu BACCUS Midfielder ¨ ¨ 49 Abraham MAJOK Forward OFF COACH ASSISTANT COACHES Hayden FOXE Ian CROOK ON Davide DEL GIOVINE

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16 THE WANDERER ROUND 1 TODAY'S MATCH PERTH GLORY

S B # NAME POSITION TODAY'S ¨ ¨ 2 Alex GRANT Defender ¨ ¨ 3 Marc WARREN Defender

¨ ¨ 4 Defender SCORE

¨ ¨ 5 Jacob POSCOLIERO Defender MATCH ¨ ¨ 6 Mitch NICHOLS Midfielder GRAB A PEN AND WRITE DOWN YOUR ¨ ¨ 7 Joel CHIANESE Forward OWN RECORD OF THE GAME SUBSTITUTES ¨ ¨ 8 Xavi TORRES Midfielder OFF ¨ ¨ 10 Andy KEOGH Forward

CLUB P W D L F A GD PTS ¨ ¨ 13 Nick FEELY Goalkeeper ON 1 BRISBANE ROAR FC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ¨ ¨ 14 Chris HAROLD Forward 2 MELBOURNE VICTORY 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ¨ ¨ 15 Brandon WILSON Midfielder 3 SYDNEY FC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 OFF 4 CENTRAL COAST MARINERS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ¨ ¨ 16 Joseph MILLS Defender

5 WELLINGTON PHOENIX 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ¨ ¨ 17 Midfielder 6 NEWCASTLE JETS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ON ¨ ¨ 18 Andreu MAYORAL Midfielder 7 ADELAIDE UNITED 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ¨ ¨ 8 MELBOURNE CITY FC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 19 Joseph KNOWLES Midfielder OFF 9 WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS FC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ¨ ¨ 20 Jake BRIMMER Midfielder

10 PERTH GLORY 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ¨ ¨ 22 Adam TAGGART Forward

LEGEND ¨ ¨ 23 Scott NEVILLE Defender ON P PLAYED W WINS D DRAW L LOSS F FOR A AGAINST GD GOAL DIFFERENCE PTS POINTS ¨ ¨ 33 Liam REDDY Goalkeeper Proudly brought to you by COACH ASSISTANT COACHES OFF Kenny LOWE Andrew ORD

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VISIT WANDERLAND.COM.AU  17 JUNIOR WANDERER ZONE SPOT THE DIFFERENCE Can you spot the five differences below?

eet Jacob, the Wanderers fanbassador. Jacob is Tune in next issue to find out the answers! Mfrom the south-west of Sydney in Minto and plays football at his local grassroots club Minto Stingers. Jacob loves listening JUNIOR QUIZ to AC/DC and is a proud Answers to the quiz can be found in the next issue of The Wanderer Wanderers Member. One day, 1. In what season did we sign 5. Who is the tallest player in the Jacob hopes to strap on the Brendon Santalab? Hyundai A-League team? boots for the Red & Black. 2. Who is the Wanderers leading 6. Who our are our Westfield goal scorer? W-League goalkeepers? ARE YOU OUR NEXT JUNIOR WANDERER OF 3. In what country did Mark Bridge 7. Which current Westfield W-League THE MATCH? spend last season abroad? player has won the Wanderers Take a photo and tag @wswanderersfc Medal before? on the gram to feature in the next issue How many Spanish players do the of The Wanderer. Don't forget to tell 4.  us a little bit about yourself!  Wanderers have in their team this 8. Who is the Wanderers W-League season? Can you name them all? leading all-time goalscorer?

18 THE WANDERER ROUND 1 JUNIOR WANDERER ZONE

taying healthy and fit is really important so that you have Senough energy to hang out with your friends, focus in school and play football on the weekend. We’ve compiled some really important tips you need to know to make sure that you are looking after yourself. TIP ONE Play sport! Going outside and playing sport helps with your development and well- being. Not only do you get to spend time with your friends but you also help get fit. TIP TWO Drink lots of water! Water is the best way to quench your thirst and doesn’t come with any added sugar. TIP THREE Eat more fruits and vegetables! Aim to try and eat two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables every day. TIP FOUR Switch off your screen and get active. You should spend no more than two hours on small screen i, we’re Sunny and Wesley the new entertainment and try to break Wanderers mascots. Thanks to kids up any long periods when using in schools across Western Sydney technology. and the Wanderers junior Members, we’ve been H TIP FIVE Eat fewer snacks and if you introduced to help entertain and represent many do, try choosing healthy alternatives. of the club’s values. Foxes are nomadic and Healthy snacks help you meet your resilient creatures. Their natural instinct is to daily nutritional needs. cohabit in warrens to look after their family. Foxes are smart animals, known for their cunning ways and will to survive and adapt to any landscape. HAVE A HEALTH TIP? Foxes are also known as the underdog - a similar Send an email to theme for the Wanderers and Western Sydney. [email protected] for it to be featured in the next issue  Make sure you come say hi to us when you see us in the precinct or at the game!

FOLLOW US @WSWANDERERSFC      19 FEATURE

RISDON BACK IN THE GREEN & GOLD

FROM PERTH TO WESTERN SYDNEY TO RUSSIA?

Just four months after leaving Perth The Bunbury boy made his debut for the Glory—where he was the club’s most Socceroos in a 2018 World Cup qualifying capped player in Hyundai A-League match against Bangladesh in November 2015, history—the right-back has earned himself going on to make a further two appearances a recall to the Socceroos. in Green & Gold: in another World Cup Risdon was one of five fresh faces to qualifier against Jordan in March 2016 and be named to Ange Postecoglou’s 23-man in a friendly against England in May 2016. squad for this month’s crucial 2018 FIFA With Risdon’s inclusion in the squad World Cup Qualifiers against Syria. hinting at a possible formation change Although the Socceroos’ fell short of from Postecoglou, the 25-year-old now e may have only played three automatic qualification to Russia in the has a fantastic opportunity to solidify his competitive games in Red & last stage, it’s proved to be a blessing in spot in the national team set-up. Black but it seems the move disguise for Risdon who’ll now have the It’s an opportunity Risdon says he’s Hto Western Sydney is already proving chance to add to his three caps for the been working towards ever since he fruitful for Josh Risdon. national team. decided to move to the Wanderers.

20 THE WANDERER ROUND 1 FEATURE

“I think the coaching here has helped me a lot, I’ve learnt so much this pre- season already,” Risdon said. “I’ve been here three months and I think my game’s going to that next level. “I think I’ve been doing all the right things.” Although Risdon is unavailable for today’s clash against his former side as a result of his recall, he’s proven his worth in pre-season so far and has already claimed two assists in the Wanderers’ run to the Westfield FFA Cup semi finals. Wanderers fans will be hoping to see the number 4 back in Red & Black for Round 2’s clash against the Mariners before Risdon gets the chance to play in his first Sydney Derby in Round 3. Risdon and the Socceroos will hope to take a further step towards Russia when they when they return to Sydney for the second leg against Syria on October 10.

FOLLOW US @WSWANDERERSFC      21 MATCHFOX FOOTBALL PREVIEW FIX

FOX FOOTBALL FIX STORY BY ADAM PEACOCK  @ADAMPEACOCK3

PRE-SEASON PREDICTIONS? IT’S ANYONE’S GUESS, WRITES ADAM PEACOCK

to decipher if playing in the Greek League is better than the Polish and/or Saudi and / or Spanish second division. And then deal with the odd curveball, like the ripper thrown by Tony Popovic last Sunday morning. So much has been written and spoken about Popovic’s decision to bail to Turkey in the past week, with the most important side-effect – how the team responds – about to play out in front of us. No point in saying IT WILL little confession. or IT WON’T hinder chances Seriously, a 10 team comp Not going to go through Pre-season until we know more of the with a salary cap and imports each team one by one predictions. Um, man coming in. More pressing coming from every part of the because really, Wanderers reallyA we (the media) don’t… is finding the answer to how world is a recipe for complete are all you care about. ahh… really know. Shock, ay. professional the players are. and utter confusion. Recruitment? Looks We try to pick apart each So where Wanderers fit in Pick the top six? Bloody good on paper, which squad, look at last year, look this edition of the Hyundai hell, don’t ask me. I’m just makes it the first piece of an at the draw, factor in the AFC A-League has been clouded keen to see the season evolve. unsolvable puzzle. Champions League for the further. And it was nowhere Sure, it’s an educated (not a Depth? They’ve as much lucky/unlucky few, and try near clear in the first place. high level of education) guess. as the Mariana Trench.

22 THE WANDERER ROUND 1 FOX FOOTBALL FIX

Twenty players in the squad For one player this season platform to take more steps in have played decent minutes is vital for not only himself the right direction. at Hyundai A-League or in but his club. Playing this possession a high-level league… 20! He’s not a marquee, import based style, he’ll be on the ball Melbourne Victory have 13. or played for his country at a lot, and be expected to get So, like Vinnie Chase at a senior level. creative with it, driving forward house party, whoever the new Kearyn Baccus. Hard to into space, then joining in again. boss is has options, so many think he’s 26. He’d surely still Time and time again last season, damn options. have to show ID. Wanderers’ attacking players Pre-season has been solid, On a football pitch, last were isolated, surrounded by TUNE IN TO JUST FOR KICKS which indicates the squad has season was his best and it was packed defences. Baccus can THURSDAYS FROM 8:00PM gelled, though the image of no coincidence Wanderers break that open.  Channel 501 Blacktown City causing a litany had their best spell when he So. There is a prediction! of problems in the second part of and Terry Antonis combined If Kearyn Baccus has his best their Westfield FFA Cup Quarter in midfield. Young legs year, chances are Wanderers Final epic is hard to unsee. propelled the side forward. will have a good season. Just an aberration (not With Antonis going back No guarantees, of course. too bad, they did win! to Europe, and the talented We got another reminder last Or worrisome signs? All Chris Herd looking to Sunday morning they don’t exist guesswork, really. rescue a career, Baccus has a in the Hyundai A-League.

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TAKE FIVE

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MICHAEL THWAITE IS IN THE HOT SEAT FOR THIS EDITION OF THE WANDERERS TAKE FIVE

Job if you weren’t a footballer? Favourite band or artist? PE Teacher Michael Jackson

If you were an animal, what Best player you’ve played with? would you be? Giraffe Toughest player you’ve Describe yourself in one word played against? Different Álvaro Recoba

Football team you supported If you could play any other growing up? sport, what would it be? Liverpool Cricket

TV show you’re watching at Your favourite place on Earth? the moment? Cairns Shark Tank What’s one thing you can’t If you were down to your live without? last $50 what would you My wife spend it on? Proudly brought to you by Toys for my kids Best thing about being a footballer? Person you’d most like to meet? Getting paid to keep fit, travel Brazilian Ronaldo the world and do what I love

FOLLOW US @WSWANDERERSFC      25 Lives lost on NSW roads. Our goal is zero.

TowardsZero.nsw.gov.au

EA ATE ATE IN THE COMMUNITY

LET THE GAMES BEGINS STORY BY JESSICA CSASZAR  @JESSICACSASZAR THIS MONTH SEES THE START OF A FUN NEW COMMUNITY INITIATIVE

Lives lost on NSW roads. he Western Sydney Wanderers have launched a Tbrand new community Our goal is zero. program to provide an exciting new pathway to explore the game of football and experience all the enjoyment, pride and power of the Red & Black. The Wander Games have been designed to celebrate everything that makes the Wanderers’ match day experience the most FIND OUT MORE memorable in the country.  wswcommunity.com.au Players will experience The Wander Games are The games will also be lead  1300 139 938 the thrill of playing on a a non-competitive 5-a-side by Western Sydney Wanderers  [email protected] top quality synthetic field matches where any player from Community Coaches who will be at Blacktown Football Western Sydney can register to providing guidance and assistance Park, their very own be part of the experience. to all players, helping facilitate Western Sydney Wanderers Teams will be randomly their football development. Community Training Jersey selected each week to The Wander Games kick TowardsZero.nsw.gov.au with all sounds and songs ensure a fun, fair and off on October 20th with from the club being played exciting environment for all limited places left so register throughout the arena. players involved. your interest today.

WANDERCREW MEMBER OF THE MATCH: ANGOK BOL

olunteer Angok is the ultimate Wanderers Ambassador. Angok is always the first at all Wanderers events including girlsV in sport, school visits, football gala days and disability events. Angok supports grassroots football and coaches his local football team. Keep smiling Angok!

SIGN UP TODAY TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE CLUB Visit wanderland.com.au/community/wandercrew  EA ATE ATE WATCH WSWTV  27 CORPORATE NEWS TOGETHER WE CAN SAVE LIVES STORY BY ANDY PASCHILIDIS  @ANDYPASCHALIDIS

founded Heartbeat of Football in 2016 after I lost a good friend to a ISudden Cardiac Arrest on the football field. Sadly, over the years, a number of players have been lost to Sudden Cardiac Arrests, but fortunately, many have also been saved because someone was there who knew what to do. Heartbeat of Football In partnership with awareness and funding for (HOF) wants to create an the Victor Chang Cardiac our cause. environment where everyone Research Institute and A big highlight was being can safely play the sport they Response for Life, HOF has the recipient of a $30,000 love for as long as possible. already started Heart Health donation with Victor Chang HOF is a charitable Assessment screenings as part of the Club Marconi organisation that raises at local Association and Team of the Century Gala funds to work with the Football NSW Tournaments Dinner this year. Club FIND OUT MORE amateur football community including the 2017 State Cup Marconi is not only a proud  heartbeatoffootball.com.au to educate, train and equip Finals at Parklea. Our team partner of the Western Sydney participants in order to will be there again for the Wanderers but also an active reduce the risk of heart Champions of Champions supporter of our mission. related deaths in football. Finals on October 22. All we ask is for the football Today’s opening round Since Heartbeat of community to embrace us and against Perth Glory is another Football’s launch in June help change the landscape of the great opportunity for us to 2016, we have staged a game to make it as comfortable raise awareness. variety of events to raise and safe for all participants.

121 - 133 Prairie Vale Road, Bossley Park NSW 2176 Ph 9822 3333 www.clubmarconi.com.au

/marconiclub clubmarconi @clubmarconi1958

28 THE WANDERER ROUND 1 OUR PARTNERS

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FOUNDATION PARTNERS

BUSINESS PARTNERS Access Fire Protection Energy Action JD Sports SKLZ Accor Hotels European Glass & Glazing JDC Prime Holdings Sound Agents Afford Event Cinemas Joe Black Stulz Apollis Health and Training Featherdale Wildlife Park Keith Prowse Travel Sydney Olympic Park Blacktown Workers Club Hertz Kwikfix Mechanical Authority City of Parramatta House With No Steps Multiquip Transport Triple M Code Red Laser Icons of Sport Podiatry One Wet‘N’Wild Sydney Cucina 105 InsideOut Football Sinclair Hyundai

CHARITY PARTNERS

VISIT WANDERLAND.COM.AU  29 SEMI FINAL

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TUESDAY 24 OCTOBER KICK-OFF 7:30PM CAMPBELLTOWN STADIUM MEMBERS PRE-SALE ON NOW GENERAL PUBLIC TICKETS GO ON SALE MONDAY 9 OCTOBER

 WANDERERS TICKETS SEMI FINAL

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TUESDAY 24 OCTOBER KICK-OFF 7:30PM CAMPBELLTOWN STADIUM MEMBERS PRE-SALE ON NOW GENERAL PUBLIC TICKETS GO ON SALE MONDAY 9 OCTOBER

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