Forty-sixth edition season 2015/16 Round 7 VS Wellington Phoenix

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This Match We’ve packed this issue of the Wanderer with everything you need for This Afternoon's Match

FEATURES FORTY-SIXTH EDITION SEASON 2015/16 ROUND 7 VS WELLINGTON PHOENIX

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La Masia to Parramatta 8 Carpenter Building a Name The Wanderer The three amigos leading Western for herself 18 The views in this publication are not necessarily the views of Sydney’s revolution The rise and rise of Ellie Carpenter the NRMA Insurance Western Story by Jacob Widon Story by Domenic Trimboli Sydney Wanderers FC. Material in this publication is copyrighted and may only be reproduced with the written permission from the Club. Regular Columns

Open Letter: White Today's Match 16 Guardian Funerals Advertising For all advertising enquiries Ribbon Ambassador Wandercrew members in The Wanderer or questions Nathan Hindmarsh 5 Fox Football Fix 20 of the Week: Our about partnership with Promotional the club please contact the Warm Up 6 SLAV'S Spot the Ambassadors 26 Corporate Partnerships team [email protected]. Difference 22 Five Things 11 In the Community: PHOTOGRAPHY Corporate NEWS: Let's End Violence All photography courtesy of Players To Watch: Blacktown Workers Against Women 27 Ali Erhan, Daniel Boud, Getty Castelen vs Bonevacia13 Leads the Way 23 Images, Jarred Stedman, Wanderers Shop 29 Laurie Schwab collection - Deakin University Library Fox Football Focus Take Five with and Steve Christo. with Kate Cohen 15 Scott Neville 25 Our Partners 30

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Open Letter

From the White Ribbon Ambassador Nathan Hindmarsh says no to Domestic Violence

elcome to Wanderland, a venue around me. It could be a neighbour, a team mate, where I spent many happy years, in a friend. It does not discriminate, it doesn’t matter a region I am proud to call my home. your background, your education or how much Stand Up, Speak Out WToday is a special day in the Wanderers’ money you have in your wallet. When people are Violence against calendar as it marks their annual White Ribbon scared to speak up and others are scared to speak women is not to match, now in its fourth year. out we will never make a change. be tolerated Throughout my playing days I have always I played football until I was 12 before switching to been associated with the White Ribbon campaign league, my kids play football but what I have found and now with my roles at NRL and on Fox Sports through working with White Ribbon is that we are all WHITE I get to continue being an active advocate for part of the solution. Our voice and our actions will help RIBBON social change in this area. change the cycle and today as a proud member of the Scan the QR The White Ribbon campaign is an easy thing Western Sydney community I stand up and speak out. code below to be a part of. It is about not staying silent on So on this day, take the pledge with me. to visit the the issues of domestic violence, specifically men’s Stand up, speak out and help prevent men’s website violence against women. If people sitting here today violence against women. in the grandstand or watching on TV at home can For more information visit www.whiteribbon.org.au take the time to simply think about the issue then at least a small part of our job is done. While I’ve never personally known domestic NATHAN HINDMARSH violence, that doesn’t mean it hasn’t happened WHITE RIBBON AMBASSADOR

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WHAT DOES THE FOXE SAY With Hayden Foxe

pon reflecting on our current We return back to Wanderland Uthree wins from three matches, today after a couple of away there have not been many changes matches and it will be great to in the way we have been playing or play in front of the best fans in the approaching games. In the first few league. You are all very vocal and rounds we were playing some great supportive during both good times football and have worked on the final and bad. We have had such great ON THIS DAY details in the front third. support over the past few weeks From the final pass to the with the Sydney Derby feeling Courtesy of Andrew Howe moment leading into goal scoring like a home game, the fans taking @AndYhowe_statto opportunities these are all elements over Newcastle and we even had significant anniversary for of our game that we have recently some travelling supporters in A Australian football as the capitalised on. The biggest lesson we last week. men’s national team played its have learnt with these victories is that This gives the players a huge very first qualifying match for a we must continue to play the way we boost and we expect no different in FIFA World Cup 50 years ago. want to play and the results will come today’s White Ribbon match against Following a short pre-match naturally. Wellington Phoenix. All the causes camp in Cairns, the lack of I believe the players have continued the club supports are very important international experience for the to adapt to our new style and not panic and we have to provide a voice for part-time Aussies (who only had and stress about final scores as they these causes. I am very proud that an international suspension lifted knew the results would eventually we are able to partake in a game by FIFA a couple of years earlier) start coming through. that supports White Ribbon. showed with a 6-1 loss to North Korea in a very hot and humid Match Day Partner Fixtures & Results Phnom Penh. Sydney Prague player Les Scheinflug scored We’d like to thank our match day Scan the QR code below for all score ’s only goal, a 70th minute partner for tonight’s game against updates across our Hyundai A-League, penalty. Australia lost the second Wellington Phoenix. Westfield W-League and Foxtel leg 3-1 against the rampaging National Youth League matches. North Koreans who went on to defeat Italy at the 1966 World Cup in England. Many lessons were learnt in the 1965 play-off defeat – Australia’s first of many drama- filled qualifying campaigns – that almost got the Socceroos to the World Cup at their next attempt four years later.

6 The Wanderer Round 7 WARM UP

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+20 +100 Field Reporter POINTS POINTS With Adam D'Apuzzo @AdamDapuzzo

ince retiring from the Wanderers Tony Popovic this season have been SI have been working in accounting fulfilling their role in the team. +500 for PWC and supporting the club from From the Spaniards executing the new POINTS + the sideline. What many people may style of play to Dario Vidosic and Mitch 5000 not know is that I recently made a brief Nichols providing some creativity and the POINTS comeback to play for the Wanderers spark and our new defensive signings that + Heritage XI against the Kings School. have stopped leaking as many goals, everyone 7000 POINTS Despite a loss it was a fun event and it is playing their role and doing a great job. was great to touch base with some old Today’s match is a very important one @dk5177  faces and friends from the Wanderers. as it is our White Ribbon match. Everyone I no longer play professional football should be aware of these issues in the but I still enjoy going out and kicking the community and I firmly believe violence ball around. I am still a very passionate against women should not be part of supporter of the club and have been society at all. Clubs with profiles like the impressed by the team’s performances so Wanderers should be supporting such far in the season despite the results not causes like this to both raise awareness and going our way in the first few matches. ensure that people feel comfortable talking Recently the team has been reaping about these issues and seeking help.  the rewards of their hard work, their new I encourage all fans to get behind the @KARAMCHAN style of play and taking their chances: cause and the Wanderers campaign to overall doing a great job. All the new create a voice for women suffering in players that have been brought in by silence and prevent future abuse. WSWREWARDS doWnload the aPP today!  turn to page 28 now to see how you can win the @kholmie ultimate Members derby experience. Plus you Can earn 100 Bonus Points* for entering the code ‘WsWRnd7’ into the app!

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Story by JACOB WINDON @JacobWindon La Masia to Parramatta

The three Amigos leading Western Sydney's revolution

owadays, there’s something “For me, it’s the best youth academy in the irrefutably exciting about the arrival world”, he says. of a Spanish footballer down under: so “They create footballers from a very young age. A different Nmuch so that ‘Spanish flavour’ has quickly become In my situation, I played one game with the first Flavour one of the buzz words of Australian football. team and played with players like Iniesta and Messi”. Alberto, Andreu The arrival of new assistant coach Andres Andreu would come through the ranks at La and Dimas have Carrasco, versatile defender Alberto and a Masia between 1993 and 2002, a time where the breathed new pair of deep-lying playmakers in Andreu and academy’s production line hit the proverbial jackpot: life into the Dimas signalled a significant period of Spanish generating a plethora of world-class talent led Wanderers transformation in Western Sydney. principally by the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Messi. With three out of four arrivals sharing roots with Although Dimas spent his academy years at Barcelona, the Wanderers had acquired the services local club Gramenet – a twenty minute drive away of a special breed of footballer: players with genuine from Barcelona’s facilities the 32-year-old was also European pedigree and experience along with a destined for La Masia. He arrived there in 2007 healthy dash of culture and style, the like of which during a momentous time for the club no less: the had never been lodged before in Parramatta. appointment of Pep Guardiola as head coach of It’s why there’s a very different feel about the the Barcelona B team. Wanderers this season in so many ways – largely Guardiola inherited an extremely talented but down to the impact of three Spanish recruits. raw, young and inexperienced B team, comprised For the Catalonia-born Andreu and Dimas, this predominantly of players as young as 16 and 17. One of difference begins back in their homeland: at La Masia de his first moves was to supplement these starlets (which Can Planes: the revered youth academy of FC Barcelona. included the likes of Sergio Busquets and Pedro) with a Both players are graduates in the art of total selection of older, more experienced players. football with Andreu spending nine years at the These players were to provide support and fabled training facility. experience for La Masia’s next crop of world-

8 The Wanderer Round 7 FEATURE

La Masia to Parramatta

…The Wanderers had acquired The services of a special Breed of footballer

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beaters, fostering a supportive environment without infringing on their development prospects. And so a 23-year-old Dimas, whose prospects Immediate of breaking into the Barca first team appeared Impact slim at best, was drafted into Guardiola’s first The trio have all ever side from Gramenet. shown their class Dimas remembers Guardiola’s fledgling days in the opening in charge. He originally wondered whether six rounds Guardiola’s famous reputation as a player would translate into success off the pitch. “It was his first year as a manager”, Dimas recalls. “He was a great, incredible player – one of the most famous players in Barcelona’s history – so it was a shock that he was coaching us.” But even in his first managerial post Dimas felt there was something special about the current Bayern Munich boss. He says that Guardiola’s unwavering ability to believe in himself and his project has been a key part in the Spaniard’s rise to the very top. In their time traversing the Spain’s top division, Andreu, Alberto and Dimas have amassed almost 150 La Liga appearances between them. During this time the three Spanish Wanderers were pitted against some of the finest players ever to grace to pitch – the likes of Zidane, Iniesta, Ronaldinho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo and of course, Messi. It’s against these types of superstars and their respective mega-clubs, Barcelona and Real Madrid, that Andreu, Dimas and Alberto have tested their collective mettle. They all relished the challenge. “You get extra motivation for those kind of games”, says Alberto, who was involved in one of the greatest upsets in recent Spanish football Read More history when his Getafe side dismantled Barcelona Scan the QR in the Copa Del Rey. code below Having conquered some of world football’s to read the household names, the Hyundai A-League is the next full story challenge for the three newly anointed Wanderers. With Andreu and Dimas orchestrating play from midfield, and Alberto offering experience and poise at the back, the three amigos have embodied the new era at the Wanderers. They are the face of Tony Popovic’s newfound preference for possession football.

10 The Wanderer Round 7 Five Things

FIVE THINGS Alberto, Andreu and Dimas have all come up against their fair share of superstars in their glittering footballing journeys. Here’s their pick of the bunch

3. Ronaldinho 4. The original Ronaldo 1 One of Catalonia’s favourite sons, Ever wondered what it would feel like former three-time World Player of the to face El Fenomeno at his unbelievable Year winner Ronaldinho consistently best? Let Alberto inform you. dumbfounded crowds with his outrageous “It was very difficult”, says the centre- skillset and ability to make the crowd back, who played against the three-time smile. He came across the three World Player of the Year winner when the Wanderers during his five-year stint in Brazilian icon was tearing the opposition Spain, most notably against Alberto’s to pieces with Real Madrid. Getafe in their 2007 rout. “You had to foul him.” Meanwhile, Andreu compared facing the ex-Barcelona and Real Madrid man on 2 3 the pitch to fighting a lion.

5. Zinedine Zidane Widely regarded as the greatest player of the pre-Messi generation, the three-time World Player of the Year winner faced Alberto’s Getafe with his star-studded Real Madrid side. With Zizou and Ronaldo spearheading the Galacticos’ attack, they managed two victories, a draw and a defeat against Alberto’s side.

5

1. Lionel Messi Considered by many as the greatest player of all time, the four-time World Player of the Year winner has played on the same side as Andreu and come up against all three Spanish Wanderers. In fact, Dimas and Alberto belong to a rare crop of players: 4 those who can proudly say they’ve beaten Messi’s Barcelona! Dimas was on the scene with Recreativio when they felled the Catalans 1-0 on the opening day of the 2008/09 La Liga season whilst Alberto’s Getafe blitzed Frank Rijkaard’s side 4-0 in the 2nd leg of Copa Del Rey 2006/07.

2. Andres Iniesta A member of the Barca team bested by our current Wanderers on both these occasions and arguably Spain’s greatest of all time, Iniesta enjoyed one game alongside Andreu at La Masia whilst all three have been pitted against the Barcelona man in La Liga: Dimas with Numancia, Andreu with Sporting Gijon and Alberto with Getafe.

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Players To Watch

PLAYERS TO WATCH EVERY MATCH WE GIVE YOU THE HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS ON TWO OPPOSING PLAYERS

Castelen Bonevacia Chances created per match

1.3

3.9

Successful take-ons per Match

2.1

5.2

Pass completion rate

79.2% 77%

Minutes between shots 29 37 Romeo Castelen Forward Roly Bonevacia Forward Romeo Castelen joined the Wanderers Fellow Dutchman Roly Bonevacia is a last season after successful stints in product of the revered Ajax Academy, the Netherlands with Den Haag, having made his debut in the and Hamburger SV. PROUDLY at just 18. Like Castelen, Bonevacia brought to The winger has so far made 30 you by came to Australia last season and has appearances for the Red & Black, quickly established himself as the scoring four goals. Phoenix’s leading man.

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Fox Football

Story by Kate Cohen @KateCohenKCS Fox Football Focus Fox Sports will analyse one part of the opposition for every home match

oy Krishna and were the deadly duo up front for Wellington Phoenix last season, putting in 22 goals between Rthem. Burns was the one who won the majority of the plaudits, including the Johnny Warren Medal, but since his move to the J.League it is Krishna who has had to step up to the mantle of main man, aided by new foreign signing Jeffrey Sarpong. Krishna is one of the beneficiaries of Phoenix’s system, playing up front in a narrow 4-4-2 diamond which promotes quick runs in behind opposition defences. Immediately, it’s easy to see why this kind of system, introduced under Ernie Merrick, suits the lightning quick Fijian. When Phoenix are at their best, Krishna is able to start in the areas in between the opposition centre back and fullback before making a diagonal dart in behind when the likes of Roly Bonevacia and Michael McGlinchey receive facing forward in midfield. These kinds of runs were cottoned onto towards the latter stages of last season when Wellington’s form waned, but Merrick has kept faith in similar attacking patterns. It isn’t just going forward where Krishna is important. Because Wellington play a narrow formation – with no recognised wide players – Krishna and whoever partners him upfront have an important role off the ball. This is particularly evident when Wellington press high up the pitch, something you can expect to see against the newly styled Western Sydney side. Here, Jet-Heeled Krishna has proved dangerous applying pressure The Wanderers on the centre back in possession while attempting backline will need to block a pass out to the fullback in space. to keep a close Lose possession in these areas and his pace in eye on the pacey transition makes Krishna deadly. Krishna

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Stay Connected VISIT Wanderland.com.au  15 Today's Match Western Sydney wanderers fc SQUAD S B # Name Position ¨ ¨ 1 Dean Bouzanis Goalkeeper ¨ ¨ 2 Shannon Cole Defender TODAY'S ¨ ¨ 3 Defender Score ¨ ¨ 4 Nikolai Topor-Stanley Defender ¨ ¨ 5 Brendan Hamill Defender ¨ ¨ 6 Midfielder MATCH ¨ ¨ 7 Romeo Castelen Forward Grab a pen and write down your own SUBSTITUTES ¨ ¨ 8 DIMAS Midfielder ¨ ¨ 9 Federico Piovaccari Forward record of the game ¨ ¨ 10 Dario Vidosic Midfielder LADDER Ladder Correct at completion of Round 6 OFF ¨ ¨ 11 Brendon Santalab Forward ¨ ¨ 12 Scott Neville Defender CLUB P W D L F A GD PTS ¨ ¨ 14 Golgol Mebrahtu Forward 1 BRISBANE ROAR FC 6 4 1 1 11 5 6 13 ON ¨ ¨ 15 Kearyn Baccus Midfielder 2 Sydney FC 6 3 2 1 8 6 2 11 ¨ ¨ 16 Jaushua Sotirio Forward 3 MELBOURNE VICTORY 5 3 1 1 10 5 5 10 ¨ ¨ OFF 17 ALBERTO Defender 4 WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS FC 6 3 1 2 8 6 2 10 ¨ ¨ 18 ANDREU Midfielder 5 NEWCASTLE JETS 6 3 1 2 8 7 1 10 ¨ ¨ 19 Forward 6 WELLINGTON PHOENIX 6 3 1 2 11 11 0 10 ON ¨ ¨ 20 Goalkeeper 7 MELBOURNE CITY FC 6 2 1 3 12 13 -1 7 ¨ ¨ 21 Jacob Pepper Midfielder 8 CENTRAL COAST MARINERS 6 1 2 3 8 12 -4 5 ¨ ¨ 22 Jonathan Aspropotamitis Defender OFF 9 GLORY 5 1 0 4 6 8 -2 3 ¨ ¨ 23 Shayne D'Cunha Defender 10 UNITED 6 0 2 4 6 15 -9 2 ¨ ¨ 31 Alusine Fofanah Midfielder Legend ON ¨ ¨ 32 Daniel Alessi Defender P Played W Wins D Draw L Loss F For A Against GD Goal Difference PTS POINTS ¨ ¨ 33 Josh Macdonald Forward ¨ ¨ 36 Liam Youlley Midfielder OFF Coach Assistant Coaches Tony Popovic Hayden Foxe ON Andrés Carrasco

16 The Wanderer Round 7 Today's Match Wellington Phoenix SQUAD S B # Name Position ¨ ¨ 1 Goalkeeper TODAY'S ¨ ¨ 2 Manny Muscat Defender ¨ ¨ 3 Justin Gulley Defender ¨ ¨ 4 Roly Bonevacia Midfielder Score ¨ ¨ 5 Troy Danaskos Defender MATCH ¨ ¨ 6 Dylan Fox Defender Grab a pen and write down your own ¨ ¨ 7 Jeffrey Sarpong Midfielder ¨ ¨ SUBSTITUTES record of the game 8 Alex Rodriguez Midfielder ¨ ¨ 10 Michael McGlinchey Midfielder

Ladder Correct at completion of Round 6 ¨ ¨ 11 Kwabena Appiah Forward OFF CLUB P W D L F A GD PTS ¨ ¨ 12 Blake Powell Forward 1 BRISBANE ROAR FC 6 4 1 1 11 5 6 13 ¨ ¨ 13 Albert Riera Midfielder 2 Sydney FC 6 3 2 1 8 6 2 11 ¨ ¨ 14 Midfielder ON 3 MELBOURNE VICTORY 5 3 1 1 10 5 5 10 ¨ ¨ 15 James McGarry Midfielder

4 WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS FC 6 3 1 2 8 6 2 10 ¨ ¨ 16 Defender OFF 5 NEWCASTLE JETS 6 3 1 2 8 7 1 10 ¨ ¨ 17 Vince Lia Midfielder 6 WELLINGTON PHOENIX 6 3 1 2 11 11 0 10 ¨ ¨ 18 Defender ON 7 MELBOURNE CITY FC 6 2 1 3 12 13 -1 7 ¨ ¨ 19 Tom Doyle Defender 8 CENTRAL COAST MARINERS 6 1 2 3 8 12 -4 5 ¨ ¨ 20 Lewis Italiano Goalkeeper 9 PERTH GLORY 5 1 0 4 6 8 -2 3 ¨ ¨ 21 Forward OFF 10 ADELAIDE UNITED 6 0 2 4 6 15 -9 2 ¨ ¨ 22 Defender Legend ¨ ¨ 23 Matthew Ridenton Midfielder ON P Played W Wins D Draw L Loss F For A Against GD Goal Difference PTS POINTS ¨ ¨ 24 Logan Rogerson Forward ¨ ¨ 30 Oliver Sail Goalkeeper OFF Coach Assistant Coaches PROUDLY brought to you by Ernie Merrick Jonathan Gould ON

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Story by Domenic Trimboli @dom_trimbolI Carpenter building a name for herself

After only a handful of games in the Westfield W-League, 15-year-old Ellie Carpenter has forced her way into the national team set-up.

f the last month is anything to go by, Westfield the nation’s capital as part of their preparations for W-League defender Ellie Carpenter is riding a February’s Olympic qualifiers. roller-coaster that only goes up. Born and raised in the country town of Cowra, more IAfter a series of impressive performances in her than 300km southwest of Sydney, Carpenter moved to debut season, Carpenter received a call-up to the Sydney just a few years ago to chase the round ball dream Westfield Matildas for a four-day training camp in and it’s a move that’s beginning to pay real dividends. Canberra last week. Looking back on her experience with the Carpenter was the youngest and sole uncapped Matildas, the Westfield Sports High School student player named in Alan Stajcic’s squad who were in says it was a proverbial dream come true.

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18 The Wanderer Round 7 FEATURE

“I was definitely surprised and nervous about going in “Our opening results possibly should have gone but all the girls made me feel welcome,” says Carpenter. our way but we’re really starting to turn it around.” “Having the opportunity to train with players Blessed with speed, aggression and maturity One to like Lisa De Vanna, who’s been with the Matildas well beyond her years, Carpenter is the archetypal RemeMber for years, was great. modern day defender and has proved to be Carpenter has “It was really good to just have that taste of one of the most valuable pieces in coach Norm made a storming the next level.” Boardman’s youthful side. start to her Carpenter could’ve been forgiven for feeling Although most comfortable at right back, W-League career a little overwhelmed by the call-up but she’s no Carpenter has also shown her versatility this season stranger to puling on the green and gold, having by filling in at the centre of defence following an represented the national team at U16, U17, U19 injury to captain Caitlin Cooper. and U20 levels. After last week’s 3-0 win against Melbourne Victory, Her Matildas reward came on the back of a in which Carpenter played a starring role, the Wander strong start to her debut season in the Westfield Women sit third on the ladder and it’s a position the W-League, where she’s played every single minute youngster feels the team can only improve on. of the Wanderers’ first five games. “We all think that we can go on to bigger and better “We’ve done pretty well so far,” Carpenter says. things. We’re starting to build a real winning attitude.”

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Story by Kate Cohen foxsports.com.au Fox Football Fix Kate Cohen casts her eye over the Wanderers start to the season

Leading the Way Popovic’s new style is starting to bear fruit

T was fate that Western Sydney in an upturn in results. But the Perth game, was also quick to stress they will “maintain Wanderers got their first Hyundai games before and games since, showcase the core values that are so important to A-League win of the season a year to the work that has been done to evolve the this Club – the discipline, hard work, Ithe day since they won the AFC Champions Wanderers’ playing style. hunger and winning mentality.” League. A lot has changed at Western Tony Popovic, in an open letter to the With a good chunk of games Sydney since that success – not least to the fans, said the club “made the decision … already played, we are better able to playing squad and new backroom staff – to take the next step in our evolution (… assess what has changed and what and those changes didn’t immediately result which) includes our playing style,” and characteristics remain.

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20 The Wanderer Round 7 Fox Football

THE POST-ACL WOES the changes that made to the build-up the back. If the opposition’s midfield There was hardly worse preparation for and going forward. This isn’t exactly a stays narrow to prevent this pass, the the two-legged ACL final. Two weeks radical change. To use some overseas easy option out to the advanced right prior to hosting Al Hilal, the Wanderers analogies, they haven’t exactly gone from back, Scott Neville, is on who then were decimated by a rampant Melbourne Tony Pulis’ Stoke to present day Bayern often looks to bounce a one-two with Victory. A loss in the Sydney Derby Munich in one off-season. Vidosic to get in behind. followed. In total, seven goals were Instead, what we’ve seen so far is the On the left, if Nichols takes a similar conceded in the first two rounds of next step of steady progression. Even position to Vidosic to receive off the A-League 2014-15. last season during the difficult periods, centre back, left winger Jaushua Sotirio It’s hard to address the progress it was evident Western Sydney looked looks to move high up the pitch and run made without bringing up where it’s to be more patient in possession with in behind. If Sotirio comes short, Nichols being made from. Having been so used wingers Nikita Rukavytsya and Romeo breaks forward into space. to seeing a compact, tough to beat Castelen dropping between the lines Western Sydney, suddenly Sydney and to create overloads in midfield. Now SAME OLD QUESTIONS Victory were able to draw forward the the Spaniards – Alberto, Dimas and OF CONCERN Wanderers’ midfield duo before playing Andreu – as well as Aussie duo Mitch It’s impossible to exclusively wax lyrical in behind them and isolating the fullback Nichols and Dario Vidosic have helped about the evolution of the Wanderers – areas with devastating effect. the progression further. results have been mixed and the changes It was the culmination of an off-season From the back it’s noticeable the are still being bedded in – but there are of taking on the best teams in Asia. There, centre backs are under instruction to try clear signs of change and progression. One Popovic’s men sat back and soaked up and play out wherever possible – even point that will continue to frustrate fans pressure. Suddenly when the players taking up positions closer to the byline and manager is the ongoing trend of failing attempted to apply pressure higher up the rather than the corners of the penalty to take chances. This is a problem that has pitch in the Hyundai A-League, as they box to receive from the goalkeeper. been constant during their short existence. had done so with great success in seasons But Western Sydney are by no Even with improved defensive prior, they were disjointed and picked off. means robotic in their possession. stability and new verve going forward, Subsequent fixture pileups, dips Instead the centre backs, and the central Western Sydney have to take their in confidence and fatigue took its midfielder dropping deep, look to face chances if they want to get back to what toll and defensive lapses became a far and play forward at all times. Vidosic Popovic wants, even from day one: too common sight. (or Castelen when fit) on the right still “internally the ambition was to always This is one clear area of change to start comes inside to look for possession from challenge for honours.” the current season. While errors against Brisbane Roar brought back a familiar bad feeling, the Wanderers have since W-League & A-League conceded just three times (an own goal, an offside goal and a late derby winner) double-header: in four games. The compact 4-4-2 block Sundays LIVE which hunts in packs and forces turnovers in dangerous areas is back. The haunting from 2.00pm EDT record of no clean sheet in 16 Hyundai A-League games has been broken and Australia’s best male and female the return of this defensive stinginess has footballers will be on show every taken pressure off the attackers. week with up to three LIVE matches including a blockbuster W-League THE SPANISH EVOLUTION and A-League double-header But the main focus of change hasn’t across seven hours of LIVE action. been on the defensive front, rather

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WITH Slavisa Djukic @Slavisa28 Sl av's Spot the Difference Can you find the five differences between both photos?

LAST ISSUE'S ANSWERS 1. The two Wanderers logos are missing from ‘This is Wanderland’ sign 2. The ‘Y’ is missing from the Wanderers banner 3. The Football is missing from the pitch 4. Andrew Redmayne’s sock and shoe are now green 5. The line on the pitch is missing

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22 The Wanderer Round 7 Corporate NEWS

Blacktown Workers Leads the way Preventing domestic violence in the community

lacktown Workers Club was recognised in events, such as City to Surf to raise funds for earlier this year for their efforts with the cause. This month Morgan will ride along with raising awareness and funds for White a group of police and civilians from Newcastle to Making a BRibbon during a industry awards night. However Blacktown to raise awareness and encourage the Difference through the dedication of the General Manager, community to take a stand against domestic violence. Blacktown Neale Vaughan and his team the Group has been Blacktown Workers will then host its Annual Workers Club is a recognised as the first Club nationally to obtain White Ribbon Breakfast, now in its third year, staunch supporter official accreditation as a White Ribbon workplace. to welcome the riders’ home on Monday 23 of White Ribbon With the rising incident rate of domestic November from 6:30am in a bid to raise funds for violence, the Blacktown area has seen first-hand the White Ribbon Foundation. the devastating impacts it has. It was the ground A White Ribbon Ambassador and Australian of the breaking work of Neale and his dedicated team Year, Rosie Batty will take to the stage to share with that established the Workers Group as the first the community a better understanding and knowledge Club to introduce the safe family support clause on how we as an individual can help make a difference. as part of the Enterprise Agreement. Blacktown Workers Club commitment to Both Neale and Operations Manager, Morgan the White Ribbon campaign is leading the fight Stewart are White Ribbon ambassadors who take to stop domestic violence against women. Our their plight outside of their workplace and participate pledge is to make difference.

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Stay Connected FOLLOW US @WSWANDERERSFC    23 SPEEDING HURTS US ALL TAKE FIVE

SPEEDING Take Five Wanderers defender Scott Neville takes HURTS US ALL some time out to answer our questions What is your favourite film and actor? Favourite films Shawshank Redemption and The Wolf of Wall Street. My favourite actor is Leonardo Di Caprio. What is your favourite holiday destination? Bora Bora What kind of things do you like to do when you're not training or playing football? I like to play golf, play poker, study and do pilates What is Your signature meal? Penne pasta with chorizo, mushroom, garlic, onion, sun-dried tomato paste and cream If you were to go to Maccas, what is your In the movie of your life amazing the fans were usual order? who would play you? Who was your favourite A McChicken on a steam bun in a large Mark Wahlberg player to watch when you What would you buy with were growing up and why? meal with 10 nuggets If you were on X-Factor your last $50? Steven Gerrard because he was an what song would you A lotto ticket exciting player to watch audition with? What did you want to be What was your favourite when you were younger? TV show as a child? Fast Car by Tracey Chapman A professional football player The Simpsons Your earliest memory of What is your most WSW is? treasured possession? My earliest memory was in season I don’t think I have one PROUDLY brought to one while I was playing at the Jets, it Who is your favourite you by was Round 3 and we were playing at musician? Wanderland and I couldn’t believe how Drake

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Stay Connected WATCH Western Sydney Wanderers TV  25

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Guardian Funerals Wandercrew member of the Week Congratulations to our Promotional Ambassadors from Katoomba High PROUDLY School. These guys help out each brought to match day to hand out the match day you by programme, provide help to Members and fans and help out at half-time and pre-match for any on-field activities.

If you’re interested in volunteering for the club send an email to [email protected] In the Community

Story by Jacob Windon @JacobWindon

Let's end violence against women Help make violence against women a thing of the past

n average, fifty-two women in Australia will be killed by their current or former partners each year.

OThat’s one woman killed every week as a result of intimate partner violence. Proud partners of the Wandercrew Furthermore, one in three women experience physical and/or sexual violence perpetrated by a person known to them and 40% of women have Plan your own goodbye with Australia’s leading experienced violence since the age of 15. These shocking stats remind us of the prepaid funeral plan. systemic oppression women face and the impact that male violence against women has on the

wider Australian community. It’s an issue that effects everyone. White Ribbon is Australia’s only male-led campaign to end men’s violence against women. guardianfunerals.com.au All areas 1300 662 172 White Ribbon day is held annually on 25th of November and observes the International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women. Sport is an important vehicle in spreading the message of White Ribbon and producing social change, and the Wanderers are committed to supporting the campaign through several ways. Tonight’s fixture against Wellington Phoenix is our annual game in support of the White Ribbon campaign, and players will be donning the traditional Red & Black home jersey with the White Ribbon logo in the centre. White Ribbons will be available for purchase in the stadium before the game whilst the White Ribbon pledge will be delivered by White Ribbon ambassadors. Wanderers players will also participate in At half-time, 52 Wanderers kids will enter the the Liverpool White Ribbon Walk to be held on field to represent the 52 women who die each year White Ribbon day. Show Your Support as a result of men’s violence against women. There are several ways you can get involved and Purchase a White Supporters are also encouraged to wear white to make a difference so stand up, speak out and act to Ribbon at today’s show their commitment for the cause. help end men’s violence against women. match

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the PRize enteR noW THE PRIZE • chauffeuRRed Ride from your house for you and a mate# doWnload the aPP heRe • lunch on us at the emporium with ViP guests • stadiuM touR and change RooM exPeRience at Pirtek stadium • PeRsonalised season 2015/16 Wanderers home jersey • tWo tickets to the aMbassadoR’s lounge pre-match function • Watch the Match from the dug-out • exclusiVe access to the post-match press conference • PLUS Much MoRe

to enteR PuRchase Raffle tickets thRough the WsWreWards aPP oR ReWaRds.WandeRland.coM.au. one Raffle ticket is WoRth 5,000 Points*

*term and conditions apply. there is no limit to how many times you can enter. Visit wanderland.com.au/ultimatematchdayexperience to see full terms and conditions. #the pick up and drop off address of the winner must be within a 50km radius of Pirtek stadium.

youR steP-by-steP guide to doWnload the aPP to youR sMaRt deVice

steP 1 steP 2 steP 3 steP 4 steP 5

search for 'Wanderers Rewards' need help? call the login with your Visit the 'Points' menu Visit the 'Redeem' menu and in the app store or google Play Membership services hotline 'My Wanderers' to see how you can use your points to claim and download - you can also during offi ce hours on account details start earning great prizes visit the desktop site (02) 8602 6424 Wanderers Shop WSWREWARDS Win the ultiMate MeMbeRs A Wanderers GIFT GUIDE You can Find something for every Wanderers fan at the Wanderers Shop this Festive Season PLUS MEMBERS RECEIVE 10% Off any Purchase

New Kids Range the PRize enteR noW We now have an extensive range of apparel for our THE PRIZE • chauffeuRRed Ride from your house for you and a mate# doWnload the aPP heRe littlest Wanderers fans. From Top Left Infant Hoody’s • lunch on us at the emporium with ViP guests $60; Youth New • stadiuM touR and change RooM exPeRience at Pirtek stadium Era Cap $40; Bib Twin Pack $15 • PeRsonalised season 2015/16 Wanderers home jersey Right New Era Caps • tWo tickets to the aMbassadoR’s lounge pre-match function from $40 • Watch the Match from the dug-out • exclusiVe access to the post-match press conference • PLUS Much MoRe BID NOW Scan the QR to enteR PuRchase Raffle tickets thRough code to register The White Ribbon Jersey at Wanderers the WsWreWards aPP oR ReWaRds.WandeRland.coM.au. The match worn jerseys from today’s game will Auctions one Raffle ticket is WoRth 5,000 Points* be auctioned off to raise funds that will help support the White Ribbon cause. The jerseys available each have the player’s number and name on the back and New Scarves feature the White Ribbon logo embellished on the Show your support in the TOP front. Exclusive to the Wanderers Shop you can stands with either the traditional Sing For Scarf $25 bid on any of the jerseys available by visiting banner scarf or the exclusive BOTTOM wanderersauctions.com.au. Wanderers chant scarf Banner Scarf $25

*term and conditions apply. there is no limit to how many times you can enter. Visit wanderland.com.au/ultimatematchdayexperience to see full terms and conditions. Wanderers shoP #the pick up and drop off address of the winner must be within a 50km radius of Pirtek stadium. get #MatchReady foR WandeRland fRoM hoodies to headWeaR including all neW season youR steP-by-steP guide to doWnload the aPP to youR sMaRt deVice stock We’Ve got you and youR faMily coVeRed this season. buy diRect fRoM WandeReRsshoP.coM.au and steP 1 steP 2 steP 3 steP 4 steP 5 ensuRe that 100% of the PRofits stay With the club!

foR all the latest WandeReRs geaR Visit WandeReRsshoP.coM.au search for 'Wanderers Rewards' need help? call the login with your Visit the 'Points' menu Visit the 'Redeem' menu and in the app store or google Play Membership services hotline 'My Wanderers' to see how you can use your points to claim and download - you can also during offi ce hours on account details start earning great prizes visit the desktop site (02) 8602 6424 Stay Connected VISIT Wanderland.com.au  29 OUR PARTNERS

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