Forty-first edition • season 2014/15 round 24 Vs City PROUDLY brought to you by

A SCIENTIFIC METHOD

INSIDE THIS edition kalmar vs Paartalu • a special reflection for SHAYNE D’CUNHA spotlight on Andy Waite • kalmar chameleon PLUS A DUBIOUS CONVERSATION WITH David villa This match This match

05 From the CEO

06 Warm UP 08

08 A SCIENTIFIC METHOD

13 players to watch: kalmar vs Paartalu

14 kalmar chameleon

16 today's match

18 SPOTLIGHT ON ANDY WAITE

20 Slav's Spot the Difference

21 we’re loving it

23 take five with

24 AFC champions league: a love story 14 18 25 A Dubious Conversation with David villa

26 Guardian funerals Wandercrew member of the week: alicia Kotsiopoulos

27 a special reflection for sHayne D’Cunha

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, Eric Berry, Chris Hyde, Brendon Thorne, Mark Dadswell, Graham Denholm, Ali Erhan, Bradley Kanaris, Chung Sung-Jun, Matt King and Cameron Spencer.

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From the CEO

omorrow marks the three year anniversary since a new club Trepresenting Western Sydney in the Hyundai A-League was announced in Glenwood by then Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Three years, for a journey that has witnessed the creation of a club that truly represents our region, our attributes and what it means to be from Sydney’s West. This period has been one of tremendous growth, one that has experienced the full spectrum of extremes on and off the pitch. To continue to grow our belief is that we need to explore further than our own backyard to realise the full potential of this club and this region. Over the past two weeks our Chairman Paul Lederer and I have embarked on a comprehensive visit to some of world football’s top clubs; clubs synonymous with success, ingenuity and changing the face of football both on and off the pitch. A focus on training facilities, player amenities, academy structures, commercial operations and what it means to be an internationally renowned football club were the core elements of our venture. Over the course of 12 days we visited many clubs in Spain, , and the Netherlands and learned, listened and discussed with clubs including Borussia Dortmund, Borrusia Mönchengladbach, Reading, Brighton & Hove Albion, Arsenal, Manchester of Australian football in a home that Three years from no name, no United, , Ajax, AZ Alkmaar, from the owners to our members and culture, no staff and no players to Utrecht, Barcelona and Real Madrid. fans we want to make greater. the path we find ourselves on. While This was an opportunity to see the It also served as a valuable there will always be hiccups and various models at play, best practice opportunity to observe a number periods where we rightly only focus models at clubs where only the best is of players outlined by our football on the now, a step back will show a accepted and arguably where modern department to enable us to witness first much brighter picture. football was born and nurtured. hand potential additions to the squad Our future is one of opportunity to This was a best practice expedition, for next season. be the best. Most importantly our future one with learnings that will drive our What excited me most was the way focuses our energy on being the pride football club into an even brighter these clubs welcomed us with open of Western Sydney. I hope today we can future; one that will continue the arms, with a knowledge of our club make that pride count on the pitch. building process that will make and our achievements. Enjoy the match and let’s prepare for the Western Sydney Wanderers the It was incredible to see our another incredible three years ahead. strongest football club in . Champions League success recognised Welcome to Wanderland This is by no means an arrogant by some of the biggest clubs in statement, this is a statement of intent European football. It indicates without John tsatsimas that we have embarked on together, question that we are on our way to CEO and said from the beginning is our achieving our goal of being a globally NRMA INSURANCE western goal. Western Sydney is the heartland recognised and respected football club. Sydney wanderers 05 Stay connected | follow @wswanderersfc Warm up

In the sheds With @chippyCrook63

onight’s Hyundai A-League game meant that in the eight games between at Wanderland for this season is us City have only won one. Ta chance to prepare for the AFC A huge positive for the team is that Champions League fixture on Tuesday. new signing Kerem Bulut has found Looking forward to a win over FC Seoul form early in his time here. The striker will be much easier with three points from is now the club’s top goal scorer for the tonight’s match with Melbourne City. A-League season with five to his name in We were unfortunate not to take anything as many appearances. On this day from last weekend’s trip to Perth however I’d like to again thank you for your Courtesy of Andrew Howe the football we played against Glory as well support throughout the season. It’s @AndyHowe_statto as a few days before against Roar leaves us in always a pleasure to walk out the tunnel good stead to finish the season on a high. at Parramatta to see and hear what ormer NSW state league side It’s only been three weeks since we makes our club truly special - the fans. Western Suburbs played its first last faced City at Wanderland and in Whilst we won’t play finals football in Fnational league match on this day that match we managed to have all the the Hyundai A-League this year we are in 1977, taking on Mooroolbark from answers. Twice coming from behind and aiming to defend our title as the Champions Melbourne at the Sydney Sports Ground then an injury-time goal to Rukavytsya of Asia in the AFC Champions League. and winning comprehensively 5-0. Joining the inaugural season with expectations We are on the line FIXTURES & RESULTS well below the glamour clubs of Marconi Fairfield, South Melbourne You may have noticed these odd Scan the QR code below for all score Hellas and City Juventus, looking barcodes (see below right) updates across our Hyundai A-League, Wests won their first five national throughout this edition of The Wanderer. Westfield W-League and Foxtel National league matches and eventually finished To get the best experience simply follow Youth League matches. the 1977 season in fifth place. these three easy steps: Despite reasonable on-field STEP 1 Download a QR scanner app on performances the Magpies couldn’t your smart device quite pull in the crowds nor compete STEP 2 Open the app and scan each financially on the national stage and QR code in The Wanderer were effectively taken over by APIA STEP 3 Enjoy your interactive Leichhardt for the 1979 NSL season. Wanderers content

06 ROUND 24 | Wanderers FC vs Melbourne city Warm up

#HASHTAG Every edition we’ll publish the best tweets and instagram pics you guys tag us in. Field reporter With Catherine Cannuli @cannuli_13

he boys looked like a new team Hyundai A-League - it can be tough to last week against Brisbane Roar stay mentally and physically ready. T and even against Glory a few days The good thing is that after several later they were sharp. Unfortunately weeks of no respite we’ve had a full seven we didn’t take our chances in Perth but days to prepare for tonight’s match, with RBB TOUR OF DUTY!! there were numerous opportunities no midweek fixtures for AFC Champions #awaytrip #perthglory created and we can certainly take League or catch-up games. #coyw #Wsw positives away from the game. Despite being out of finals football, @churrothedoggy There’s no excuses for conceding late any player will tell you that winning is and coaches will always say you need the goal when you take the field. There is to concentrate for the full 90 however no better feeling than coming away with travel will have taken a toll on the lads a win after a hard-fought 90 minutes. and mistakes do happen. One player who you can tell enjoys The life of a professional footballer winning is Kerem Bulut. He’s a freak. A typical now involves a great deal of traveling striker who is hungry for the three points and a lot of games which means if you every time he plays. I’m looking forward to have a small squad - as is the case in the watching him against Melbourne tonight. Another one done and dusted!! #wsw #cake #jersey Match Day partner The wanderers win @nat_bake_create percentage against Melbourne city/heart is

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07 Stay connected | Watch WSWanderersTV 08 ROUND 24 | Wanderers FC vs Melbourne city A SCIENTIFIC Method Story by matt Dorman @matt11dorman

09 Stay connected | visit wswanderersfc.com.au You too can be fuelled by Herbalife... For more information visit www.herbalife.com.au TODAY! he Scientific Method requires experimentation to prove a Thypothesis. Even if circumstances have forced his microscope to engage more data than is desirable, there’s no doubt will have plenty of answers come the end of the season. Few coaches could be convinced to undergo the stress of replicating his experimentation. It doesn’t require Dr. Frankenstein to stitch together a handy starting side from Western Sydney Wanderers’ treatment room. All the ingredients are there. Socceroos starters, reliable midfielders, creative attackers. Cruel luck has impeded the success of the recent past but at least presented a model for improvement. Education can be drawn from misfortune but lessons must be learned or else it’s all an elementary waste. So from a season of unease what have been the discoveries? In recent weeks alone there have been findings to influence the future. At just 18, Jonathan Aspropotamitis has already illustrated the kind of poise which earned fellow young central defender Daniel Alessi plenty of plaudits. An own goal in Brisbane is his opportunity to examine techniques for avoiding a recurrence. The local product has a perfect sounding board in the shape of his senior coach. February. The striker now has five goals in achieved with present resources. Casting eyes further forward might five appearances in the Hyundai A-League Further allocation of funds to their have previously found a Tomi Juric-sized and doesn’t look like letting up. Australian outpost will be decided by the hole in attack, but not now. That 4-1 win Tonight’s match against Melbourne earliest analysis of post-season data. over reigning champions Roar exhibited City might not be as straightforward but it That too will be sought after by the clinical skills of others. Labinot could be more instructive. Popovic to aid decision-making regarding Haliti reminded all of his abilities while The visitors are testing theories of their contracts and targets. , Romeo Castelen and own. Finals hopes hinging on results have Gears are already turning in view of Kerem Bulut combined to devastating necessitated more trusted on-field formulas next season while Tuesday night’s visit of effect at Suncorp Stadium. but away from it the higher-ups are watching FC Seoul could well and truly animate Bulut has been a revelation on the with interest. City Football Group is trying the AFC Champions League title defence. field since debuting for the Wanderers in to prove – or indeed disprove – what can be Conclusions aren’t far from being drawn.

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Kalmar Paartalu

Minutes per goal

236

529

Touches per shot

21

42

Passing accuracy

77%

80%

Assists

1 1

Nick kalmar midfielder Eric Paartalu midfielder Known for his ability from the deadball, Kalmar has been the Paartalu was instrumental at Brisbane Roar during their infamous picture of consistency across the park since signing for the unbeaten streak of 36 games. His pinpoint passing accuracy has Wanderers as injury cover. been the benchmark of the league ever since.

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13 Stay connected | Watch WSWanderersTV Kalmar chameleon

Story by matt Dorman @matt11dorman

14 ROUND 24 | Wanderers FC vs Melbourne city ick Kalmar has enjoyed a wonderful transformation Nsince arriving at the Western Sydney Wanderers. And it’s happened quickly. Within two weeks of signing the midfielder had scored his first goal. On AFC Champions League debut he featured for 80 minutes in a 3-1 win in Japan. It’s unsurprising the Melburnian is keen to make up time. Born to Croatian parents, Kalmar bypassed conventional pathways to professional football by joining Melbourne Heart at age 22. His first-up effort was impressive for a young state league signing – making 17 starts in 29 appearances. What should have been the chance to truly establish himself at Hyundai A-League level was soon lost as his sophomore season was scuppered by a stress fracture in his back in 2011. Opportunities were scant across the next two seasons and, after five years as an inaugural squad member, Kalmar was cut loose by the re-branded Melbourne City. Snapped up almost immediately by Western Sydney Wanderers, the 27-year-old’s incentives to impress remain unaffected despite tonight’s visit of City. “I don’t think I have a point to prove to anyone except to myself,” Kalmar says. “I definitely wanted to come on board His earlier injury troubles have already “I still don’t think I’ve fulfilled what I and obviously with what the club achieved afforded Kalmar time to consider a future think I can do in the league. For me it’s I wanted to be part of it. Being part of beyond football. Interviewing teammates about working hard and proving to myself some of the ACL games has been a real eye in front of the camera proved painless in what I can achieve and what level I can get opener for me and a great experience. It was Melbourne, though tonight those same players to. I’m very grateful Popa and the club have an easy decision and I’m happy to be here.” will be little other than opposition. Whether given me another opportunity to do that.” Though a danger in advanced areas, it’s former colleagues, career options or just Kalmar originally joined on a short- the 190cm man hopes an improving the top corner in his crosshairs, Kalmar won’t term deal but the Wanderers’ full fitness base will enable more minutes allow his focus on performing to be blurred. treatment room has allowed a former as a box-to-box schemer. His two goals “I’m just enjoying playing my football injury victim to prolong a move he was already in Red & Black – the first a finish again,” he says. delighted to make. speared into the bottom corner, his “The boys have been really good and I “I’ve had my fair share of injuries second curled direct from a free-kick have learned a lot from Popa so far. Staying so hopefully I can steer clear of that,” – underscore the weaponry of a well- fit and healthy is key. All that is going well Kalmar says. spoken player. at the moment so I’m really happy.”

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SQUAD S B ¨ ¨ 01 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 Tomi JURIC Forward ¨ ¨ 10 Yojiro taKahagi Midfielder ¨ ¨ 12 Nikita Rukavytsya 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 23 ¨ ¨ 17 Romeo Castelen Forward Club P W D L F A GD PTS ON ¨ ¨ 18 Midfielder 01 Wellington Phoenix 23 13 3 7 41 28 13 42 ¨ ¨ 19 Forward ¨ ¨ 20 Goalkeeper 02 Melbourne Victory 22 11 8 3 47 28 19 41 ¨ ¨ 03 Sydney FC 23 11 8 4 43 30 13 41 OFF 21 Martin Lo Midfielder ¨ ¨ 23 Jason TRIFIRO Midfielder 04 Perth Glory 23 11 8 4 38 30 8 41 ¨ ¨ 25 Sam Gallaway Defender 05 Adelaide United 23 12 4 7 39 26 13 40 ¨ ¨ 31 Alusine FOFANAH Forward 06 Melbourne City 23 9 6 8 33 33 0 33 ON ¨ ¨ 32 Daniel ALESSI Defender 07 Brisbane Roar 22 7 4 11 30 36 -6 25 ¨ ¨ 33 Nick KALMAR Midfielder 08 Central Coast Mariners 23 4 8 11 21 38 -17 20 ¨ ¨ 36 Liam YOULLEY Midfielder 09 Western Sydney Wanderers 23 3 5 15 25 39 -14 14 OFF ¨ ¨ 37 Jonathan Aspropotamitis Defender 10 Newcastle Jets 23 2 8 13 18 47 -29 14 ¨ ¨ 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 Defender

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16 ROUND 24 | Wanderers FC vs Melbourne city Melbourne city FC

SQUAD S B ¨ ¨ 01 Goalkeeper ¨ ¨ 03 Robbie WIELAERT Defender ¨ ¨ 04 Defender TODAY's ¨ ¨ 05 Erik PAARTALU Midfielder ¨ ¨ 06 Midfielder ¨ ¨ 07 Iain RAMSAY Midfielder Score ¨ ¨ 08 Massimo MURDOCCA Midfielder ¨ ¨ 09 Harry NOVILLO Forward ¨ ¨ 10 Robert KOREN Midfielder ¨ ¨ 11 Damien DUFF Forward MATCHGrab a pen and write down your SUBSTITUTES ¨ ¨ 13 Jonatan GERMANO Midfielder own record of the game OFF ¨ ¨ 14 James BROWN Forward Ladder* *Ladder correct at completion of Round 23 ¨ ¨ 15 David WILLIAMS Forward Club P W D L F A GD PTS ¨ ¨ 16 Josh KENNEDY Forward ON 01 Wellington Phoenix 23 13 3 7 41 28 13 42 ¨ ¨ 17 Jason HOFFMAN Defender 02 Melbourne Victory 22 11 8 3 47 28 19 41 ¨ ¨ 18 Paulo RETRE Midfielder 03 Sydney FC 23 11 8 4 43 30 13 41 ¨ ¨ 19 Ben GARUCCIO Midfielder OFF 04 Perth Glory 23 11 8 4 38 30 8 41 ¨ ¨ 20 Goalkeeper 05 Adelaide United 23 12 4 7 39 26 13 40 ¨ ¨ 21 Stefan MAUK Midfielder 06 Melbourne City 23 9 6 8 33 33 0 33 ¨ ¨ 22 Defender ON 07 Brisbane Roar 22 7 4 11 30 36 -6 25 ¨ ¨ 23 Mate DUGANDZIC Forward 08 Central Coast Mariners 23 4 8 11 21 38 -17 20 ¨ ¨ 24 Defender 09 Western Sydney Wanderers 23 3 5 15 25 39 -14 14 ¨ ¨ 25 Midfielder OFF 10 Newcastle Jets 23 2 8 13 18 47 -29 14 ¨ ¨ 26 Marc Marino Forward LEGEND ¨ ¨ 27 Kew jaliens Defender P Played W Wins D Draws L Losses F Goals For A Goals Against GD Goal difference PTS Points ¨ ¨ 29 Safuwan BAHARUDIN Defender ON

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17 Stay connected | follow @wswanderersfc Spotlight on Andy Waite Story BY matt Dorman @matt11dorman

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18 ROUND 24 | Wanderers FC vs Melbourne city ost football fans dream of pulling on their club’s kit and M competing with the pride and passion they demand of players. Andy Waite and his Western Sydney Wanderers Powerchair teammates have made those dreams a reality. Waite was the instigator behind aligning Powerchair Football – a sport for electric wheelchair users – to his beloved Wanderers in 2013. The team is now set to commence its third competitive season against the likes of Newcastle Jets, Central Coast Mariners and cross-town rivals Sydney FC. “Powerchair Football has been around the world for decades but is relatively new in Australia,” Waite explains. “It was introduced here in 2010 and the rest of the Wanderers team started then. I had other commitments with another sport, Electric Wheelchair Hockey (EWH), so I didn’t start until the following season. I was encouraged to join by my mates who were already playing the sport.” Waite and Powerchair Football in Australia have been mutual beneficiaries. A passionate football With fellow Wanderers Ben Keyte for us, something we have never ever fan, he represented his nation in EWH and Jacob Cross recently recognised by had at international level.” at the World Championships in Italy the Poweroos and pre-season experience Next Saturday’s season opener in Mt before making the switch. Within a away to Brisbane Roar, Waite has high Druitt promises to be another special matter of months he was part of the hopes for the season ahead. occasion for the Western Sydney Poweroos at an unforgettable 2011 More boisterous support from the Wanderers’ die-hard fans-turned-stars. World Cup in Paris. Red and Black Bloc can only help. “There are no Smurfs (Sydney FC “The experience was something we “To have 150 plus of the RBB come fans) in our force,” Waite quips. will always cherish,” Waite says. and surprise us at one of our matches “We’re all proud Wanderers “To be the first Australian team in this was surreal and an amazing experience,” fans sitting in the RBB each game, new sport to take on the world was a huge Waite remembers. supporting the team we have all grown honour. All the Wanderers team were “Powerchair Football is mainly to love over the past three years.” actually part of the squad and for some of attended just by family and friends Kick off in the first match against the the players it was also their first time heading of the players so to have such large Newcastle Jets is 3.00pm at Kevin Betts overseas so that was an experience in itself.” numbers turn up was something special Stadium, Mt Druitt.

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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?

Last issues answers: 1. The E in NRMADE BETTER is now an L 2. The man in the background has disappeared 3. The Nike logo from a kids jersey is missing 4. There is an extra fence post near the stairs 5. The lady’s iPhone is now green

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20 ROUND 24 | Wanderers FC vs Melbourne city We’re loving it From left to right: Mark Halford, Romeo Castelen, Patricia Russo, John Tsatsimas and Frank Meduri

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eing big fans of both the game and Wanderers to support RMHC, the be recognised for their efforts by being the Wanderers, they are passionate partnership enabled McDonald’s to add presented with the encouragement award. Babout helping local fans connect to the fan experience at home games by Licensees are excited to build a strong more with their favourite football team. winning tickets to the best seats in the partnership with a fantastic organisation The partnership has seen the house – the Macca’s sideline seats. The and look forward to continuing to Wanderers work closely with Ronald sideline seats give fans the opportunity work with the team to add to the fan McDonald House Charities (RMHC) to get up close and personal with all experience and support RMHC. to support the families of seriously ill the action on the field, from pre-game children in a time of need, in particular entertainment to when the full time those staying at RMH Westmead. whistle is blown. Wanderers’ star striker Brendon As part of McDonald’s commitment to Santalab has become an official the development of junior sport, members RMHC Ambassador and is working of the Wanderers junior clubs have the together with fans to raise funds for the opportunity to be recognised for their construction of a new Westmead House. efforts with a McDonald’s Encouragement Scan here to find out how you can In addition to working with the Award. 30,000 young aspiring players will win a Champions tee with Macca’s

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One of our young guns sits down with The Wanderer to go through Take Five

In the movie of your life who would play you? What is your favourite film and actors? Leonardo DiCaprio 21 Jump Street - Seth Rogen is a hilarious human being If you were stranded on an island what would be your three essential items? What kind of things do you like to Food, PlayStation and FIFA do when you’re not training or playing football? What would you buy with your last $50? Hanging out with friends and Souvlaki playing FIFA

When you were growing up who or what What is your favourite holiday destination? did you want to be? Greece A professional athlete Who is your Your earliest memory of WSW is? favourite The first season when the club won musician? the Premiership Chris Brown

Who was your favourite player to watch Your signature meal is? when you were growing up and why? Spaghetti Bolognaise Lionel Messi because of his skill and elegance on the ball If you were to go to Maccas what is your usual order? What was your favourite TV show as a child? Large Big Mac meal The Simpsons If you were on X-Factor what song What is your most treasured possession? would you audition with? My football Hey Brother

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23 Stay connected | follow @wswanderersfc AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE A LOVE STORY Story BY MATT DORMAN @MATT11DORMAN

omance must be the single most passed since Western Sydney famously Takahagi snatched a vital three points used term to describe what has ousted FC Seoul in the penultimate bout in Kashima to set the title defence in Rbecome The Wanderers’ Story. No of the 2014 AFC Champions League motion. Domestic ills have no place particular fault in that characterisation knock-out stages. Tuesday night will here; Western Sydney Wanderers are of fresh-faced upstarts to giant-slaying mark the second time the two teams Kings of Asia and will perform as such. machine should really be sought. It was have met since Mateo Poljak and Tonight’s visit of Melbourne City is spontaneous, electrifying, overwhelming. created a shot at history. of course at hand first. Staff and players What romance fails to fully capture The score is even after the first 90 will have prepared as much as time is the preceding perspiration. Only minutes just as it was then. allows. Yet in search of the warm light meticulous planning could have Wanderers again held the K-League ahead of the present dark tunnel, a look enabled the incredible events of the past club to a 0-0 draw in and the in equal parts at the past and 96 hours two seasons. Tony Popovic and his team return fixture should prove decisive again ahead can be forgiven. might instead argue for exertion as a as both teams enter the fixture equal on Romance in football is hard to more accurate if unglamorous account. points. Wanderers came closest to a handy ignore, and that’s why we love it. Overcoming Al-Hilal to be crowned winner in Seoul as Labinot Haliti, Kerem Asian Champions was of course Bulut and Romeo Castelen all had efforts the ultimate reward for that input scrambled clear. Even a single strike here – especially in consideration of the in Parramatta come Tuesday night could attritional second leg in . A all but book a return to the Round of 16 fitting finale. with Guangzhou Evergrande and Kashima Now as another continental campaign Antlers expected to bookend Group H. hangs in delicate balance it might well More magic has already been created Purchase tickets to the April 7 be time to reflect on the recent past for this term. Two late goals from Mark AFC champions league game at inspiration. Just over six months have Bridge and Japanese import Yojiro wanderland against fc Seoul

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24 ROUND 24 | Wanderers FC vs Melbourne city A Dubious conversation WITH David Villa

Story BY Kyle chandler @kylechandler14

ur reporter managed to fool a none of my clubs ever question it. Get friend. I don’t even know who he was. New York state college into giving the afternoon off every time! Said that he played against me in the early Ohim a scholarship for some sport 2000’s? He scared me a bit. that only Americans play. In the short time TW: Did you pull that trick at Melbourne City? before definite expulsion and deportation TW: I bet he told you about this one penalty due to a lack of ability in the said sport, DV: Melbourne who? he scored. Anyway. How do you think your our reporter bumped into someone seeing old team will go against the Wanderers? the New York sights. TW: Melbourne City. The team in Turns out he might also know a Australia you left last year? DV: Do they still have that ghost playing thing or two about disappointing an for them on the wing? He just disappeared eager sporting body and its fans before DV: Yes I did. I forgot about them. all the time, on and off the pitch. Damien I leaving early… They are all just “City” to me. We are think was his name. Pretty scary name for a just pawns for the City Corporation. ghost I think. If he isn’t in the team or they The Wanderer: Hey! You over there Rolled out wherever we are needed. are away from home they have more chance pretending to hold a torch next to the Internally, I am known as City #1422. I of winning the lottery than that game. Listen Statue of Liberty! Are you David Villa?! don’t answer to David very often. mate, I don’t get much time away from the City overlords, they might be watching now, David Villa: Please step out of my selfie. TW: Why did you leave the Melbourne can you leave me to take some photos? side of the empire? TW: Shouldn’t you be at training with Suddenly, our reporter was pushed aside as New York City? DV: I was needed elsewhere but I did three burly men with “CITY CORP” on their request the move first. They had this man long coats rushed past to seize Villa. Maybe DV: I told them that I was going to have always hanging around me, constantly there is a reason why Frank Lampard has Paella and a siesta. It worked a charm, talking Spanish, begging me to be his resisted the move for so long.

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Name: Alicia Kotsiopoulos Your earliest memory of WSW is? What is your favourite band/musician? Wandercrew Hub: Half-time Activations The season launch at Prince Alfred Park Ed Sheeran In the movie of your life, who would Who was your favourite player to watch You can see the Guardian Funerals play you? Sandra Bullock when you were growing up and why? Wandercrew at all our matches and If you were stranded on an island, what Lampard – an all round skilled player around the training ground in their blue would be your three essential items? What was your favourite TV show as a shirts and jackets. Water, food and matches child? Hannah Montana If you’d like to help the Club and When you were growing up who or what Your favourite things to do are? join the Wandercrew, please email did you want to be? An engineer Football and going to the beach [email protected]. A special reflection for SHAYNE D’CUNHA

Story BY Max grieve @maxjgri

rapidly growing and deeply The Wanderers players were just Before moving to the Western Sydney multicultural region, the Western a few of more than 25,000 people Wanderers Shayne played for Blacktown ASydney Wanderers are built on and who attended the event at Parramatta City FC, earning a call up to the Young celebrate this hugely diverse community. Park with people coming from across Socceroos on their 2014 tour of the Almost 70 per cent of ’ Australia for Indian food stalls, a rangoli United States of America. Indian Australian community reside in competition, and a burning of the effigy “Playing for youth team Western Sydney and a big number of those of the Hindu demon king Ravana. is definitely the best thing I’ve achieved in support the Red & Black. For Shayne D’Cunha, the festival has my career so far – every footballer wants Last October the Western Sydney a special significance. Born in Mumbai, to play for their country. I’m still waiting Wanderers were represented at the he moved to Sydney with his Indian-born for a chance in the first team at the Deepavali Fair by youth players Shayne parents when he was four. Wanderers – for now I just have to keep D’Cunha, Richard Darko and Keanu “We got out and played football with training hard week in week out. Baccus. The fair is now in its 16th year and kids in the park,” he says. “Australia has given so much to me – a is Australia’s largest annual celebration of “There was a great atmosphere.” new life that I don’t think I would have the traditional festival of lights. “Deepavali “It is great to see so many different got staying in . means rows of lights,” explains festival cultures represented in Western Sydney “It feels good to play in green and organiser Ashwani Sharma. and I’m very proud to represent the gold – it gives me the opportunity to “The festival symbolises the victory of region and all those cultures, especially give something back to the country that’s light over darkness, and good over evil.” India’s, by playing for the Wanderers.” provided so much to me.”

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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 24 | 22 January 2011 Melbourne victory vs Melbourne heart

t was the third Melbourne Derby and was to save the day for The somewhat light sentence not only featured two players who would later his side and scored a brace to level ended Muscat’s season but it was also the Icoach their respective sides, Kevin the game. The equaliser came early catalyst for him to consider retiring from Muscat and John Aloisi. in the second half after a header from professional football. Melbourne Victory A crowd of over 32,000 gathered at hit the woodwork concluded the season in fifth place while Etihad Stadium and they were not left and failed to clear the the Heart missed out on qualifying for disappointed as it had everything from a ball. This gave Beauchamp the perfect finals football, ending in eighth spot. sublime comeback, controversy and an opportunity to flick the ball directly to infamous red card. Aloisi who headed the ball right into Melbourne Victory There was also a Western Sydney the back of the net. , Kevin Muscat (sent off flavour with inaugural Wanderers club The Melbourne Derby ended on 81’), Mate Dugandzic ( captain fielded for the a sour note with Muscat receiving a 56’), (Matthew Foschini then named Melbourne Heart. straight red card for a late and high 78’), , Marvin Angulo Victory’s goals were both scored in tackle on Adrian Zahra that missed (Ricardo Weslei de Campelo 66’), Rodrigo the first half with the opener by Danny the ball completely. Zahra was carried Vargas, , Billy Celeski, Allsopp headed in on 11 minutes. Their off the field and would not be seen for Carlos Hernandez, Danny Allsopp second is still marred with controversy 12 months, sustaining a serious knee as Kevin Muscat deliberately shoved the injury as a result. Muscat had only just Melbourne heart wall across during Hernandez’s free- returned from suspension after another , Simon Colosimo, Michael kick which ultimately resulted in a goal. red card incident in Round 22 where Beauchamp, , , Melbourne Victory were up 2-0 after he struck a player with his elbow. The Wayne Srhoj, Alex Terra, John Aloisi, Aziz 30 minutes and it was uncertain if the defender received an eight match ban Behich (Rutger Worm 72’), , Heart could bounce back. for the horrid tackle. Adrian Zahra (Nick Kalmar 81’) 29 Stay connected | visit wswanderersfc.com.au Our partners

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30 ROUND 24 | Wanderers FC vs Melbourne city

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