SEVENTEENTH edition • 2013/14 vs united

INSIDE THIS ISSUE : ONE YEAR ON Topor- Stanley vs Jeronimo SANTA's IN TOWN GET TO KNOW MARTY Lo Wander women are back

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THIS WEEK ...

05 From the chairman 23 W elcome UWS A message from Lyall Gorman. Wanderers welcome our newest corporate partner.

07 News AND VIEWS 25 gEtting to know Marty Lo RBB raise funds for the victims of Get to know our stars of the future and current the recent bush fires in NSW. Foxtel National Youth League players.

08 Mark Bridge: one year on 26 Spot the Difference Celebrate Bridgey's momentous goal. Can you spot the five differences this week?

13 Players to watch 27 Wander Women are Back Nikolai Topor-Stanley and Jeronimo The Westfield W-League is about to kick Neumann head-to-head. off and check out our new look team ready to challenge for the title. 14 Santa's in town Look back at Santa's . 28 #W anderTweet What you wore to the Derby last weekend. 16 t oday's Match Brought to you by Amart Sports. The views in this publication are not necessarily the views 19 R ound reviews of the NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers FC. Material in this publication is copyrighted and may only Catch up on our latest results. be reproduced with the written permission of the NRMA 20 B eauchamp’s century Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers FC. All photography courtesy of Getty Images, efsco media and Quarrie Sports a real captain's knock Photography. Our Captain joins the exclusive Hyundai A-League 100 club. Visit wswanderersfc.com.au for all your news and views.

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Hydraulic FROM THE Distributors CHAIRMAN For custom design, engineering and system installation. There is a code we live by at the Wanderers. A Power Packs Pumps Motors code that we aspire to and that every day we • • • work to live up to. It often goes unwritten but acts • Valves • Cylinders • Hose & Fittings as a guiding purpose for our Club, a Club that • Oil • Filters • Gauges • PTO’s • Hoists exists of and for the people of Western Sydney. From concept to commissioning to after sales While the code is innate, its principles are simple: service. CALL HYDRAULIC DISTRIBUTORS NOW. Belief – Preparation – Discipline – Professionalism – Commitment. This is what drives us and how we move forward, with purpose and zeal. As I have said so often, we stand on the shoulders of those many pioneers of football in Western Sydney. Those that have come before us and worked so hard to create the platform we are both humbled and privileged to build on today. Our commitment to them and to all of you is to honour our promise to Western www.hydraulicdistributors.com.au Sydney. To make you proud, be competitive while tragic, show what community means to 27 Altair Place, Penrith T: 02 4721 5544 and stand up for the people of the west. Western Sydney Wanderers fans. Within days of An Australian Owned Company We strive to strengthen the future of our great the fires breaking out, your Red & Black Bloc raised Club. The building blocks we have put in place in an amazing $14,859 for those most affected and our community are designed to grow the game today they will present that cheque to the Salvation at all levels and enrich the lives of all involved. Army to use where most needed. As usual the It is with this in mind that I can confidently say strength of our football family’s commitment to that our Club’s community and fan engagement our community took the incredible work of the programs are second-to-none across any sport RBB to another level, with both our naming rights in Australia. In the past 12 months we have partner NRMA Insurance and broadcast partner connected with and touched the lives of over matching the RBB dollar for dollar in 200,000 members of the Western Sydney their donations. An incredible contribution! community through our schools program, clinics, Today however is the day we all come together multicultural and fan engagement events. This as a community, in our sea of Red, Black and is a remarkable achievement and a credit to White, to support, sing, cheer and chant for our the work done by our wonderful staff who have NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers. made a commitment to enriching the lives of Today is a special day – it’s match day and so many through the relentless passion and while the work we do begins well before a ball enthusiasm they bring to our club each day. is kicked and long after the full time whistle, Our community however stretches far beyond the 90 minutes ahead is a time to celebrate a single vision. Our corporate family continues and reflect on the power that comes from the to grow at a rapid rate with new partners people of Western Sydney through the common becoming a part of our family each week and in bond that binds us together – football. so doing committing to share our vision for the Enjoy today’s match and continue to be a part proud people that live in the western Sydney of the most amazing fan group in sport in our region – a vision to be a true community asset country. A benchmark for all to follow and one and make a real difference in everything we do. which each of you should be incredibly proud. However, our most remarkable building block is you, our fans –the 17,000 of you that have Sing Loud! become members, supporters and the soul of our Sing Proud! club. The sea of celebration and colour every time we play is astounding. The pride and passion you We Are Wanderers give this football club and our region shows that our future is bright and we continue to grow taller Lyall Gorman and stronger with each step we take together. Executive Chairman The recent bushfires affecting Western Sydney, NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers FC

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NEWS AND VIEWS

RBB BUSH FIRE APPEAL Story by Michael Turner @atbwsw he pre-season included a two week tour of will be presented to the Salvation Army tonight. and as we leave tonight's match against Inspired by our fans and the Western Sydney Adelaide, win draw or loss the euphoria of our community, Naming Rights Partner NRMA Insurance Tteam won't be shared for some in our community. and Host Broadcaster Fox Sports have also matched Fires have ravaged the Blue Mountains, the Central the Red and Black Bloc’s contribution dollar-for-dollar. Coast and the South West shaking the lives of many. With an extra $3,000 raised by the RBB’s inaugural Most of us here know a friend, family member or a home pub, the Woolpack Hotel, the total amount of friend of a friend who have been rocked by this tragedy. money raised for the victims of this tragedy is $48,000. With such a large number of people in need the The NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Red and Black Bloc took it upon themselves to make Wanderers would like to thank all who donated, a difference, starting a collection at our match against gave their time and organised the collection. Wellington Phoenix, raising a total of $15,000 which A truly moving example of selflessness.

Western Sydney WANDERERS have remained On this day undefeated IN Wanderers Assistant Coach played his 60th match on 1 November 1995. Starting for Sydney United, Milicic played 89 minutes as the Western Sydney club ran out 1-0 winners over Strikers thanks to a 77th minute strike by Thursday FC co-host . A 21-year-old also featured in the Round 3 match, playing 90 minutes at the Sydney 16 United Sports Centre in front of 2,579 spectators. successivE This was United’s first win of a mini form run of 3 REGULAR SEASON league MATCHES wins that would see them defeat powerhouses Marconi, Won 13 | Drew 3 Sydney Olympic and Knights for top position in the early stages of the 1995/96 NSL season.

WSWANDERERSFC.COM.AU 08

"You ask any footballer growing up and they always want to play for their local club."

WANDERERS FC VS Adelaide United 09 MARK BRIDGE: ONE YEAR ON

Story by Stan Uzunov @stanuzunov

The NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers opened the season with an undefeated October and last week’s domination of Sydney FC was a fitting way to meet the club’s first anniversary of its maiden Hyundai A-League goal and win.

aturday 28th October 2012 will forever be “It was good for me because I’ve been a Western entrenched in the club’s folklore as a lone Mark Sydney boy my whole life. I was born and raised here Bridge goal at Suncorp Stadium handed the and all my family and friends are still here,” says Bridge. SWanderers not only a first goal but a first taste of victory. “You ask any footballer growing up and they A year on from that historic night in Brisbane always want to play for their local club. – the first of four wins against the Roar last “I was unlucky the Wanderers wasn’t around season – the memory of Mark Bridge’s 19th when I was coming up so I had to leave home to minute header proudly occupies fans’ mental go to Newcastle and then back to Sydney FC. show reel of a dream debut season. “Even at Sydney FC I was still looking at an hour It came moments after an drive travel from Western Sydney so it wasn’t really home. ricocheted off both posts – an indication that the “Now all the people of Western Sydney and heavens might be turning their backs on the Red all the players have something to aim for and I and Black yet again – but there was light soon couldn’t be happier being a part of this club.” enough as a 288 minute wait for a goal was over Bridge would go on to net a total of 11 goals when Bridge had the ball in the back of the net. on the road to the Grand Final, contributing to the “The whole team was a bit relieved because the unprecedented 13-match winning streak. Missing out pressure was suddenly off us,” remembers Bridge. on the ultimate prize was painful but it ensures no “Until that point everyone was at us complacency is present at the start of season two. because we hadn’t scored our first goal yet “Obviously we have got our own team expectations and wondering would the goal come. and what we are aiming for and I’m sure the “We were unlucky in the first three games not to public has expectations of us to achieve similar to grab any goals but we knew we were playing some what we achieved last season,” says Bridge. good football and once we had scored the first “What’s different is we’ve worked harder one that we’d roll on with it and have a successful and teams aren’t going to be as surprised season and that’s exactly what happened.” by us as they were at the beginning. That first Hyundai A-League win was Since stepping out for Newcastle Jets in 2005, accompanied by a first victory at Parramatta Bridge has scaled the heights of the Hyundai A-League Stadium a week later against Melbourne Heart. and also endured his fair share of frustrations. Two Like a Corvette along the M4, momentum took Premierships and Grand Final goals later, he is finally the team from strength to strength; switching at home and repaying Tony Popovic’s faith in him. through gears and mauling over speed bumps. “I felt that I was becoming very complacent in my No annihilation surpassed the one Wanderers football and I needed to leave Sydney FC,” says Bridge. handed out in today’s respective fixture last year. “I still had a year left at Sydney but it wasn’t smart Popa’s boys turned the style on against Adelaide, for me to stay there as I believed it wasn’t good treating the ever-growing home faithful to a 6-1 goal for my career. fest. Mark Bridge bagged a hat-trick that day in a “Luckily enough the Western Sydney opportunity homecoming he had craved for throughout his career. came up, I spoke with Popa and the rest is history.”

WSWANDERERSFC.COM.AU “Bring us your cargo, we’ll bring you the world” 11

"Our fans have been there from day one and they are our extra player."

Home for Mark Bridge is about more than simply turning out at Blacktown Sportspark day in-day out. It is difficult to avoid being engulfed by the community spirit that has made the club it is today and why would you? “We are very lucky where we had a lot of Western Sydney people dying for a Western Sydney club,” says Bridge. “Our fans have been there from day one and they are our extra player. “Not just at home at Parramatta but also at games in Central Coast or Newcastle – they turn it into a home game for us. “We couldn’t thank them enough for all their support and I’m sure it’s going to continue for plenty of time yet.” They say a lot can change over a year in football and the Wanderers are a testament to that. Reputation, respect and growth are all on the Red and Black horizon. A year on from the club’s first goal and win in the Hyundai A-League, the foundation laid by the people of Western Sydney continues to be built upon.

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13 PLAYERS TO WATCH Proudly brought to you by

Nikolai Topor-Stanley Forward Jeronimo Neumann Defender Story by Christian Layland @Layles89 Story by Sam McInerney @Sam_JFMc

owering centre back Nikolai Topor-Stanley rgentine Jeronimo Neumann has firmly established will be a key player for the Wanderers himself as Adelaide's leading front man since this week as he and his partner Michael joining from Club Sol de America in August 2012. TBeauchamp attempt to defuse Jeronimo AJeronimo's uncanny ability to be in the right Neumann and the Adelaide United attack. place at the right time, coupled with his ability to Signing with the Wanderers as a Foundation use his head or either foot to find the net makes him Player, Topor-Stanley played every minute a threat to any Hyundai A-League opponent. of the Hyundai A-League 2012/13 season Initially on loan to United, the Argentine made firmly establishing his reputation as one of an immediate impact scoring less than a minute the best centre backs in the competition. into his AFC Champions League debut. Forging a strong partnership with teammate Neumann's introduction off the bench showed the Beauchamp, the pair were the backbone of the Adelaide faithful his capability to influence a match and Hyundai A-League’s stingiest defence, conceding he went on to find the net seven times last season. a mere 21 goals in 27 regular season matches The 27-year-old has started season 2013/14 on on the way to winning the Premiership. fire, scoring a brace in the Reds' opening game A mobile and technically sound defender, of the season against before a poacher's Topor-Stanley’s performances last season saw the effort against the Victory a week later. former Sydney FC, Perth Glory and Newcastle Jets Earlier this year Jeronimo signed a contract player selected in the inaugural Foxtel A-League extension with United until 2015 and he looks to be All-Stars team to take on United. repaying the faith of the Reds' hierarchy, notching It was just reward for -born lad who three strikes from his first two games of the season. won the Wanderers Members’ Player of the Year The fan favourite's new deal will ensure Adelaide's fox-in- in 2013 adding to his Socceroo and Olympic the-box will be around to give the league's best defenders Games appearances on his honour role. plenty of sleepless nights for the seasons to come.

WSWANDERERSFC.COM.AU 14

SANTA'S IN TOWN

Story by Michal Roucek @Roucek

Both the NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers and have a fine goal scoring record against Adelaide United that club and player will be looking to extend tonight.

he Wanderers played Adelaide three times in their inaugural season and despite an early set back in Round 2 going down 1-0, TTony Popovic’s men responded in sensational fashion; winning 6-1 at home and 4-2 away. In the course of the club record 6-1 victory Mark Bridge scored an effervescent hat trick inside 60 minutes while Youssouf Hersi had a hat trick of assists against his name by the final whistle. Those who were at Wanderland recall it as the match the Wanderers showed Australian football that they had come to the party and were making an impact in a big way. 2013/14 recruit Brendon Santalab also has fine memories of encounters against Adelaide United. The Wanderer caught up with the

WANDERERS FC VS Adelaide United 15

31-year-old marksman to discuss his own in training this week then it will be a great battle.” goal scoring exploits against the Reds. The experienced Australian’s career has taken him Way back in December 2007 Santalab scored to parts of the world that only football makes possible. the Hyundai A-League 2007 Goal of the Year in Santalab has tasted success in Belgium, Hungary a match against United at the . and China at clubs such as K.V. Oostende, Sint Truiden, Santalab received the ball down the left Ujpest FC, Chengdu Blades and Chongqing Lifan. hand flank. With his back to goal, he turned However, he has hailed the effect of the Red Adelaide legend Richie Alagich inside out and Black Bloc and the unparalleled match day before unleashing a shot from well outside the experience that they provide every single week. box to beat Socceroos goalkeeper Eugene “The RBB and the Wanderers are world class,” Galekovic in the top right hand corner. he said. “It was a big moment for me,” said Santalab. “The fan base the club has established is “I had scored another one in the second round phenomenal and it’s a massive lift for the team of the same season against Adelaide again. every home game. There’s something about me and Adelaide.” “It’s great to play in front of them.” Despite his past success against the South It is immediately apparent that Santalab Australian club, the sharpshooter is experienced is excited when he talks about the RBB. enough to know not to treat the Reds with any And he rates the effect of Wanderers’ coach disrespect. Santalab is quick to credit Adelaide Tony Popovic every bit as much as the RBB coach Josep Gombau’s influence on the Reds confirming the former Socceroos defender as one new look, quick possession based style of play. of Australian football’s brightest coaching talents. “Adelaide is a great team, they’ve strengthened “Playing under Popa is a different level,” he said. their squad and obviously they’ve got a very good “As a player he was a true professional. He’s taken coach so they’re going to be hard to beat. that onto his coaching career now – he works us hard. “In saying that, if we play to our potential and “He’s a leader. He guides the boys. have the same intensity on the pitch as we have had He is the rock of our club.” 16

Full Time Score

Proudly Brings you

SQUAD S B ¨ ¨ 01 Goalkeeper ¨ ¨ 02 Shannon COLE Defender ¨ ¨ 03 adam D’APUZZO Defender ¨ ¨ 04 Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY Defender ¨ ¨ 05 Defender ¨ ¨ 06 Jerome POLENZ Defender ¨ ¨ 07 Forward ¨ ¨ 08 Mateo POLJAK Midfielder ¨ ¨ 09 Forward ¨ ¨ 10 aaron MOOY Midfielder ¨ ¨ 11 Brendon SANTALAB Forward ¨ ¨ 12 Tahj MINNIECON Forward ¨ ¨ 13 Defender ¨ ¨ 14 Kwabena APPIAH Forward ¨ ¨ 15 Yianni PERKATIS Midfielder ¨ ¨ 16 Josh BARRESI Midfielder ¨ ¨ 17 Youssouf HERSI Midfielder ¨ ¨ 18 Defender ¨ ¨ 19 Mark BRIDGE Forward ¨ ¨ 20 Jerrad TYSON Goalkeeper TODAY'S MATCH ¨ ¨ 21 Midfielder Grab a pen and write down your own ¨ ¨ 22 Defender record of the game. ¨ ¨ 23 Jason TRIFIRO Midfielder Ladder* *Ladder correct at completion of Round 3 Club P W D L F A GD PTS 1 Brisbane Roar 3 2 0 1 6 2 4 6 2 Western Sydney Wanderers 3 1 2 0 4 2 2 5 COACH ASSISTANT COACHES 3 Central Coast Mariners 3 1 2 0 4 3 1 5 4 Melbourne Victory 3 1 2 0 3 2 1 5 Tony POPOVIC Ante MILICIC 5 Adelaide United 3 1 1 1 5 4 1 4 Ron CORRY 6 Perth Glory 3 1 1 1 2 3 -1 4 SUBSTITUTES 7 Sydney FC 3 1 0 2 2 6 -4 3 8 Melbourne Heart 3 0 2 1 2 3 -1 2 OFF OFF OFF 9 Wellington Phoenix 3 0 2 1 2 3 -1 2 10 Newcastle Jets 3 0 2 1 0 2 -2 2 ON ON ON LEGEND P Played W Wins D Draws L Losses F Goals For A Goals Against GD Goal difference PTS Points

WANDERERS FC VS Adelaide United 17

Full Time Score

Proudly Brings you

SQUAD S B ¨ ¨ 01 Goalkeeper ¨ ¨ 03 Nigel BOOGARD Defender ¨ ¨ 04 Jonathan MCKAIN Defender ¨ ¨ 05 Midfielder ¨ ¨ 06 CASSIO Defender ¨ ¨ 07 Jeronimo NEUMANN Forward ¨ ¨ 08 isaias SANCHEZ Midfielder ¨ ¨ 09 Sergio CIRIO Forward ¨ ¨ 10 Midfielder ¨ ¨ 11 Bruce DJITE Forward ¨ ¨ 12 antony GOLEC Defender ¨ ¨ 13 Steven LUSTICA Midfielder ¨ ¨ 14 Cameron WATSON Midfielder ¨ ¨ 15 Jacob MELLING Midfielder ¨ ¨ 16 daniel BOWLES Defender ¨ ¨ 17 awer MABIL Midfielder ¨ ¨ 18 Michael ZULLO Defender ¨ ¨ 19 Jake BARKER-DAISH Midfielder ¨ ¨ 20 Goalkeeper TODAY'S MATCH ¨ ¨ 21 Defender Grab a pen and write down your own ¨ ¨ 22 Fabio FERREIRA Midfielder record of the game. ¨ ¨ 23 Jordan ELSEY Defender ¨ ¨ 24 Brent McGRATH Forward Ladder* *Ladder correct at completion of Round 3 Club P W D L F A GD PTS 1 Brisbane Roar 3 2 0 1 6 2 4 6 2 Western Sydney Wanderers 3 1 2 0 4 2 2 5 3 Central Coast Mariners 3 1 2 0 4 3 1 5 COACH ASSISTANT COACH 4 Melbourne Victory 3 1 2 0 3 2 1 5 Josep GOMBAU Peter BLAZINCIC 5 Adelaide United 3 1 1 1 5 4 1 4 6 Perth Glory 3 1 1 1 2 3 -1 4 7 Sydney FC 3 1 0 2 2 6 -4 3 SUBSTITUTES 8 Melbourne Heart 3 0 2 1 2 3 -1 2 9 Wellington Phoenix 3 0 2 1 2 3 -1 2 OFF OFF OFF 10 Newcastle Jets 3 0 2 1 0 2 -2 2 LEGEND ON ON ON P Played W Wins D Draws L Losses F Goals For A Goals Against GD Goal difference PTS Points

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Round 2 ROUND REVIEWS Wellington Phoenix, Pirtek Stadium

Words by Christian Layland @Layles89

he newly renamed Pirtek Stadium at Parramatta was a mantle of red and black as far as the eye could see for the opening game of the home Sydney FC 0 Tseason for the Western Sydney Wanderers as they Western Sydney took on the visitors from across the Tasman. Wanderers FC 2 Perched high up in the grandstand was Football (La Rocca 11, Ono 26) Federation Australia royalty. Frank Lowy, David Gallop and Luke Casserly all observed proudly from a box just to the right of halfway, a show of Round 3 pride and gratitude to the Wanderers and their supporters for their contribution to the success Sydney FC, Allianz Stadium of the A-League over the past 12 months. The game itself against Wellington Phoenix was Words by Joe Russo an entertaining one. The Wanderers were all over the Phoenix in the first half, much to the delight of the he NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers 16000+ spectators in attendance and it was Jerome came away from the first of Polenz who broke the deadlock at the quarter hour. the season with a comfortable 2-0 win in A poorly cleared corner was met with such Tfront of a record crowd at Allianz Stadium. ferocity by Polenz that Glen Moss was unable The Wanderers dominated from the outset and made to hold on to the ball as it slid into the net. their pressure count with first-half goals to Iacopo La However, after the break Wellington Rocca and Shinji Ono giving them a deserved victory. came out with a single strategy; throw the Earning their first clean sheet of the season, kitchen sink at ‘em. And it worked. the Red and Black limited the home team to just a Not only did the New Zealand team equalise single shot on target throughout the 90 minutes. through but they could well have gone After back-to-back draws to open the season, the further ahead thanks to a myriad of close chances Wanderers certainly deserved their breakthrough that were well saved by Ante Covic. The best was a win and showed the type of hunger and quality one-handed effort to prevent a glorious strike from which served them so well last season. Carlos Hernandez sneaking in under the crossbar. Ono was superb for Tony Popovic's side providing Late in the game referee Jared Gillett failed to award the cross for La Rocca's opener before producing two potential penalties to the Wanderers. They were a moment of magic for a goal of his own. both the proverbial “50/50 chance” as Brendon Santalab Ono’s performance was such that Popovic went to ground under challenges from . could not praise the midfielder any higher. Santalab almost grabbed a late winner hitting “Shinji’s goal tonight was special and something the post from long range after dispossessing a that we learn to expect from Shinji,” said Popovic. Phoenix defender but it was not to be as both “We know that he has that and all the big games teams finished the match with a point. from last year he was able to stand up and provided the magic and that’s why he is a special player.” After a typically frenetic start it was the Wanderers who settled better and they capitalised with La Rocca on hand to nod home the fourth goal of his Hyundai A-League career inside 11 minutes. The Wanderers were clearly the dominant side and they got their second on 26 minutes after another individual piece of brilliance from Ono. Receiving the ball just outside the box, the Japanese veteran tried a cheeky chip over the defence which Sky Blues defenders Sebastian Ryall and Tiago Calvano both failed to deal with. Western Sydney Wanderers FC 1 Ono controlled the loose ball on his Wellington Phoenix 1 thigh before steering it past Vedran (Polenz 15, Brockie 60) Janjetovic into the corner of the net.

WSWANDERERSFC.COM.AU 20 Beauchamp's century a real captain’s knock Matt Dorman @Matt11Dorman NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers FC is a club carved in its people’s image.

he two figures central to its ideology are one, the supporters, and two, the coach – Tony Popovic. Both shape what the Wanderers mean; from the Tmanner in which the squad competes to the degree of passion engendered in the name. Football at its finest. Popovic, the man best placed to ensure the two understand each other, last year hand-picked a former teammate to share the responsibility; his captain, Michael Beauchamp. The inaugural Wanderers skipper notched his 100th Hyundai A-League appearance in last round’s Derby win – a substantial achievement in an increasingly competitive league, not least considering he spent four seasons scaling the heights of European and World football. From a career beginning in Sydney’s west – he grew up in Wakeley – Beauchamp has lent his talents to the UEFA Champions League and consecutive World Cups. Three seasons of first-team experience between Marconi Stallions and Parramatta Power in the National Soccer League led to the true birth of the then 24-year- old’s footballing life with the 2005 launch of the Hyundai A-League. Before a ball had been kicked in the new fully-professional setup, former Socceroos captain , coaching at Beauchamp’s Central Coast Mariners, labelled him a national team prospect. It was a prophetic prediction from the 87-times capped defender. The now Hyundai A-League centurion would make 22 appearances in his first campaign, named the

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Mariners’ Player of the Year, earn a move to German The acquisition of Matt Spiranovic adds a third club FC Nurnberg, and win selection to Guus international to the club’s central-defensive stocks. Parallels Hiddink’s Australia squad for the 2006 World Cup. can be drawn between he and Beauchamp, just as they A ‘breakthrough season’, the pundits would say. exist between captain and coach. Spiranovic, now 25, has The guy who didn’t turn professional until age 24 was likewise tasted Germany and the Gulf, while his Hyundai suddenly one of two Hyundai A-League representatives at A-League career begins at an equal age to that of his the greatest show on earth and would spend two further 22-times capped senior. Zero down, 100 to go. He needn’t years in Germany with Nurnberg before moving on for a look far for a role model as they share the Brazilian dream. spell with three-time Danish Superliga Champions AaB. With two premierships, as many World Cups and the But football is a rollercoaster ride. Absences, form and privilege to lead his side into Wanderland, Beauchamp favouritism can all interrupt smooth sailing. In an instant is a contented figure. The skipper’s 100th marked a you can fall from the public eye to the periphery of the mazy journey, ignited and invigorated in the Hyundai UAE Pro League – only to rise again in front of the ultimate A-League on separate occasions. But there is more to audience, with 90 minutes in a spirited World Cup win. be done; more to be won. He will lead in the manner A post-South Africa 2010 return to the initial the masses demand, to a bright future as one. launching pad seemed sensible, although another two terms would come to pass before Michael Beauchamp came home in literal terms. Measured, thoughtful and experienced, the 31-year- old became the Red and Black’s first captain courtesy of a man whose international farewell he shared seven years prior. Beauchamp spoke on appointment about leading by example in training, about setting the standard. Extraordinary success resulted. He now leads in the Popovic mould; wholehearted, decisive, assured. As precise in the message as in the . Last season’s premiership dream was unsurprisingly flagged as a personal return to form. 22 HOLIDAY CLINICS oes your child love football? Does he or she want to have fun during the school holidays while developing their Dfootball skills? The Wanderers Holiday Clinics set a new standard in giving the best experience to your child in terms of enjoyment and development. With clinics at Blacktown, Parramatta, St Mary’s and Macarthur, Wanderers Holiday Clinics are of the highest quality with different levels to cater for all abilities – ensuring your future Wanderer is playing with and against others of a similar skill level. There are full time coaches at every clinic ensuring that players learn new skills, make new friends and keep healthy. For the advanced clinics there will be technical and tactical infusion with 11v11 gameplay for maximum tactical awareness. The clinics are held in January and with 400 participants each holidays it often sells out. To book please go to wswanderersfc. com.au and click on Community. 23

proud Western Sydney institution,” said Mr Gorman. WELCOME UWS “Wanderers have been committed to engaging the community of Western Sydney since day one and continually aspire to give back to the Wanderers FC and the University region that gives the Club so much support. “With the support of the University of Western of Western Sydney Unite in Sydney we can now do this on an even greater scale. “The University of Western Sydney does Community Partnership great things for our region and now that they have joined up with our community programs he Western Sydney Wanderers are proud to a greater reach of people will benefit.” announce the University of Western Sydney as UWS Vice-Chancellor, Professor Janice Reid, said the Community Partner for the next two seasons. University is delighted to partner with the Wanderers. TThe partnership, which was officially launched “The Wanderers and UWS share a common at the first home game of the season against commitment to Western Sydney. This partnership is one Wellington Phoenix, will see benefits for all which will see both parties engage with our community Wanderers community programs, including clinics, in new and exciting ways,” said Professor Reid. carnivals, school visits and player appearances. “We will work with the Wanderers to integrate The Wanderers and the University will work a strong university presence and educational together on programs which engage the community focus into their existing school and community and school students across the region with the projects, as well as collaborate on new initiatives importance of education and a healthy, active lifestyle. to make a positive difference within the region. UWS will feature on the front of the Wanderers “UWS looks forward to building a strong Westfield W-League jersey and will have a strong relationship with the Wanderers and cheering the involvement in the newly named University of team on for a successful 2013/14 season.” Western Sydney Community Precinct on the Southern Hill at Pirtek Stadium in Parramatta. With many University of Western Sydney students among the WanderCrew (Wanderers volunteer team) and players, such as Yianni Perkatis from the A-League team, studying at the University, the partnership will further strengthen the relationship between the two organisations. The Wanderers Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman said that this partnership will benefit the entire community. “We are proud to make another official link with a

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He must be doing something right as he and Get to know team mate Jake McGing were chosen by Tony Popovic to travel with the senior squad on the recent Wanderers pre-season trip of China and Japan. Marty Lo The experience of training and playing with the senior group has given him enormous confidence Words by James Clark @clarkies2340 and motivation to focus on his dream of playing in a Sydney Derby. Lo realises that he has a long way to go but with the advice of his coach Trevor Born and bred in Western Sydney, Morgan and Tony Popovic to do “simple things of the game perfectly” his dream will become a reality. 16 year old Martin Lo The Foxtel National Youth League (NYL) is a football talent on the rise. kicked-off in last weekend and is one of the nurseries and pathways for the rising junior talent striving to play in the Hyundai A-League. ince picking up the round-ball aged six, Lo has Lo’s Wanderers NYL prepared well over a lengthy achieved more than most kids his age and considers offseason and was pitted against their cross-city Sky- himself lucky to be living out his football dream at Blue rival in Sydney FC in the opening round last Sthe Western Sydney Wanderers. For Lo there could be no Sunday. It was the second of two classic Derby clashes better club to hone his craft and build on his skill base. in the Harbour City last weekend with Wanderers Born to Vietnamese parents who were happy to considering themselves very unfortunate to concede escape their war-ravaged country for a better life a late added time goal to lose the match 1-0. in Australia, Lo’s family has been a constant source Do yourself a favour and get down and support the of support and always encouraged his sporting Foxtel National Youth League and cheer on the young pursuits. His brother is an important part of his life Wanderers on show as it won’t be long before many of and will drive Lo to the many school and Foxtel these hopefuls get their opportunity to impress the Red National Youth League training sessions without and Black faithful at Pirtek Stadium on the big stage. question such is the commitment of the family. Martin Lo and his Wanderer’s teammates Their influence and inspiration is evident as play their opening home match of the season they have strived to stamp a cultural ethic of against Adelaide United this Sunday at “only hard work gets results” on their son. with kick-off at 2:30pm. After receiving an innocent school newsletter home when Lo was younger, the invitation to join the local Guilford McCredie Uniting Soccer Club was too big a temptation to ignore and with his parents’ permission sparked a love of the round ball that has never waned. He eventually moved into central midfield favouring the higher work rate and the added responsibility. Lo’s love of hard work paid dividends when he was selected to represent his country in the Australian U13 side that competed in Malaysia in 2010. A proud moment that he and his family will never forget. Considering himself very lucky to attend the renowned Westfields Sports High School Lo takes comfort in knowing that many before him took advantage of the fine sports program on offer and went onto greater sporting success. The likes of Socceroo and fellow Wanderers Mark Bridge and Aaron Mooy grace the honour board at the distinguished campus in Fairfield West.

adium | Marconi St KICK-OFF 2.30PM | SUN 3 NOV | TES OPEN 2.00PM VS Adelaide UnitGedA

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SPOT THE DIFFERENCE Spot the five differences between these two photos. 27

Women’s Premier League, Carney recently picked up WANDER WOMEN both the Player of the Year and Golden Boot Awards. At the other end of the park, joins from Canberra United while Matildas vice- captain has left Newcastle for ARE BACK the new challenge Western Sydney brings. American Tori Huster has also been lured from the Words by Stephanie Brantz Hunter to bolster the Wanderers midfield and will be joined there by compatriot Shawna Gordon. Twelve months ago, I spoke to Matilda and goalkeeper Dimi Poulos join the contingent who have women’s coach Steve Roche at crossed town, with the latter likely to take the gloves in ’s absence. the launch of Westfield W-League The experienced heads of , Season 5. With round one just days and Teigan Allen return from season one, along with Sam Spackman, Linda O’Neill, Jessica away, he was still trying to finalise Seaman, Rachael Soutar, Georgia Rowntree and his squad. Jenna Kingsley - who makes her return from injury. The RBB were the talk of the women’s game ow, the Western Sydney Wanderers don’t mind last season when they swelled the crowd – and doing things the hard way. A club that was the noise in the W-League. Come down and join set up in a matter of months and produced them - these ladies will give you plenty to sing Nboth a premiership winning men’s team and a for maybe even a spot in the season decider! women’s side that narrowly missed the finals in their The Wanderers start their campaign on first year, know how to battle out of a tight spot. Sunday 10 November 2pm Marconi Stadium. But this year Roche hoped for a different story and a major recruitment drive in the past few months has secured some seriously impressive names. The piece de resistance was surely the poaching of Sydney FC Championship captain, - so her recent season-ending knee injury came as a massive blow to both her and her new side. When first choice goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold (ex Canberra United) suffered a freak accident requiring many stitches and a stint on the sidelines, Roche must have thought he’d trodden on a black cat. Fortunately, there were more than two targets on his hit-list. A plethora of talented players have wandered west, and for some it’s even a “welcome home”. for example, grew up kicking a ball in a western Sydney backyard. Her impressive CV includes stints in both the US and Europe - as well as a championship in Sky Blue, plus the small matter of 125 international caps. In the same backyard all those years ago, was fellow new signing Michelle Carney (yes, David’s sister) who has been on a three year hiatus from the W-League, but certainly not from football. As captain of the Illawarra Stingrays in the NSW

VS Adelaide United SUN 10 NOV VS BRISBANE ROAR KICK-OFF 2.00PM Marconi Stadium KICK-OFF 4.10PM

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WANDERERS FC VS Adelaide United SWEAR AN OATH FOR WHITE RIBBON JOIN ANTE COVIC our WHITE RIBBON SUPPORTER ON SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER AND SWEAR AN OATH to put a stop to violence against women VS melbourne victory Pirtek Stadium GATES OPEN 6.30PM | KICK-OFF 7.45PM WATCH Fox Sports 1 LISTEN ABC grandstand

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