Thirty-NINTH edition • season 2014/15 round 21 | VS Victory PROUDLY brought to you by

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INSIDE THIS edition SpirAnovic vs Delpierre • A Tale of two medals Ronald McDonald House • A Hat-Trick of awards PLUS OUR DUBIOUS CONVERSATION WITH This match This match

05 From Our Charity Partner 08 06 Warm UP 08 The Formative Years 13 Players to Watch: Spiranovic vs Delpierre 14 A tale of two medals 18 Vision for the Future 20 today's match 22 Ronald McDonald House 26 Slav's Spot the Difference 27 Castle Hill Hyundai a Platinum Dealership 29 take five with Nikolai Topor-Stanley 30 Guardian funerals 14 22 Wandercrew member of the week: Cam Littler 31 A Dubious Conversation with John Aloisi 32 In the running for a hat-trick of awards 34  Searching in the Champions League 37 the archive 38 our partners

The views in this publication are not necessarily the views of the NRMA Insurance Western Wanderers FC. Material in this publication is copyrighted and may only be reproduced with the written permission of the NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers FC. All photography courtesy of Getty Images, Steve Christo, Jarred Stedman, Ali Erhan and Sebastian Giunta.

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From Our charity partner

n behalf of all the families, Santalab as our amazing Ronald Visit www.buildinglove.org.au to volunteers and staff at Ronald McDonald House Westmead Ambassador find out how you can help Ronald OMcDonald House Westmead we who goes above and beyond in supporting McDonald House Westmead and are very excited to be a charity partner our house and what we do for the families. with the ongoing support from the for the Western Sydney Wanderers. Their Every time he visits our house the children Wanderers we are a step closer. ongoing support is invaluable to all of our light up to see one of their football heroes Thank you for your ongoing support kids and their families that stay with us spending time with them and making their and good luck tonight. from all over NSW, interstate and overseas. day a little bit brighter. Come on you Wanderers! Ronald McDonald House Westmead Unfortunately we cannot accommodate is a ‘home away from home’ for everyone and are constantly turning seriously ill children and their families families away – we have launched our Mike Thomas while they are being treated at the Building Love campaign where we need to Executive Officer Children’s Hospital at Westmead. raise $30m to build a new house three times Ronald McDonald House We are honoured to have Brendon the size – but we need everyone’s help. Westmead 05 Stay connected | follow @wswanderersfc Warm up

In the sheds With Ian Crook @chippycrook63

oday we’re celebrating and Gold Coast where there’s a question mark promoting the good work done over how much the clubs put back into Tby Ronald McDonald House their community. They didn’t end up Westmead. It’s important that the lasting long whereas here the club wants Wanderers back community charities nothing but to make a positive difference such as RMH Westmead because the in Western Sydney. community and our fans are the lifeblood If there’s one thing this club has done of this club: we don’t run without them. well since day is its association with I’ve had experience with community the community and it’s something we work overseas especially with Norwich need to continue. It’s important for the On this day and its tight-knit community – you work players to get involved too, as Santa Courtesy of Andrew Howe hard to build the community up and in has done as Ambassador of Ronald @AndyHowe_statto turn they build the club up. McDonald House Westmead, as it’s the If you don’t commit to the community players that the community link to and ost nation was caught then the community won’t commit to make heroes of. up in U20 World Cup excitement you and eventually there won’t be a club. It means everything to us to Hon this day in 1993 with a Quarter Look at examples like North QLD and support local charity. Final confrontation against Uruguay in . With the likes of Western Sydney players Aaron Holst from Marconi We are on the line FIXTURES & RESULTS and Sydney Croatia pair & Ante Moric playing for the Young You may have noticed these odd Scan the QR code below for all score Socceroos, the match was tied at 1-1 after looking barcodes (see below right) updates across our Hyundai A-League, 90 minutes before Anthony Carbone throughout this edition of The Wanderer. Westfield W-League and Foxtel National scored a golden goal winner for Australia To get the best experience simply follow Youth League matches. in extra-time. Carbone’s goal was the first these three easy steps: official match anywhere in the world to be STEP 1 Download a QR scanner app on won with a golden goal where the match your smart device concluded with the extra-time goal. The STEP 2 Open the app and scan each golden goal was abolished by FIFA in QR code in The Wanderer 2004. Australia eventually finished fourth STEP 3 Enjoy your interactive in the 1993 U20 World Cup. Wanderers content

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06 Round 21 | Wanderers FC vs Melbourne Victory Warm up

#HASHTAG Every edition we’ll publish the best tweets and Instagram pics you guys tag us in. Field reporter With Dean Heffernan @heff35

t is very important that as a footballer emphasizes this. They are not only we must somehow give back to the brightening up a child’s day but they Icommunity through charitable works. are also trying to present positive role The local communities of football clubs models to not the future of Western give so much by supporting us, it is only Sydney and the future of Australia. fair then that we support them when they The Club is in a very lucky position frankiesanabria Saturday #derby are in need. due to their popularity to give back #date night #WSW @eymieprieto During my time in the A-League to charitable organisations and by @frankiesanabria and particularly my time at the doing this they raise awareness about Wanderers all players were involved in a variety of issues that many fans may charitable works to raise awareness of not have heard about. issues in the region. The Red & Black’s involvement The club’s involvement with many with Ronald McDonald House charitable organisations further is certainly something that the cements the fact that they are a players are passionate about and I community club and their involvement call upon all Wanderers fans to be with Ronald McDonald House the same. WSWの公式Twitterの写真に自分発 見!! この間のACLの時のだね★ We have had #WSW Match Day partner @_eemmy_

24individual goal scorers Thank you @Matt_Spiranovic - class since our on & off the field... Two very happy 2 boys! @wswanderersfc formation 4 @chofi1910 merch hot line 0451 750 560 Text your name, bay and seat number from Kick-off to the 80th MInute and one of our friendly staff members will stop by and take your order Show your membership card to receive 10% off Your purchase

07 Stay connected | Watch WSWanderersTV the formative years

08 Round 21 | Wanderers FC vs Melbourne Victory the formative years

Story BY Christian Layland @Layles89

t’s the battle of the football powerhouses. The biggest club of Ithe opening decade of the Hyundai A-League against the club that threatens to become the biggest one in the next. With strong membership numbers, passionate fan bases, great crowds and a healthy trophy cabinets, it’s no surprise that fans and media often enjoy debating the merits of each club against the other. The truth is that the stories of the two clubs are very similar, especially in the formative years of each team. A club formed in a strong footballing region that engages the community, encourages active support and is the envy of their neighbours across the city. Sound familiar? It should do, as it rings true for both of tonight’s combatants. Melbourne Victory were established in the inaugural Hyundai A-League season to fanfare and expectations and while results didn’t go their way – finishing as the bottom Australian club – their average crowd was a healthy 14,785.

09 Stay connected | visit wswanderersfc.com.au 10 Round 21 | Wanderers FC vs Melbourne Victory Outgrowing their venue Olympic Park, they moved to Docklands Stadium (now Etihad) and by the end of their second season they saw a crowd increase of 112%. This coincided with improved performances on the pitch where the Victorian outfit walked away with the Hyundai A-League Premiership and Championship. Their fans are passionate, demanding of success and until the Wanderers came around, acknowledged as the best in the league. Comparable with the Victory’s early years, the Wanderers also had a healthy crowd in their inaugural season and followed that up with huge growth in the second. An increase of Membership of 141% for the Wanderers saw Pirtek Stadium packed for the majority of matches in the second season. The Red & Black also finished their second season with two trophies in the bank. An unlikely Hyundai A-League Premiership in their inaugural season was followed by an even more incredible AFC Champions League title – a feat that Victory are yet to come close to even after ten years. It is perhaps no coincidence that both Wanderers and Victory held onto their Foundation Coach for an extended period of time; more than can be said for most clubs. Perhaps it is representative of each club’s culture of stability, success and style of play that has allowed each to flourish. The next step for the progression in terms of player development will be the establishment of the Western Sydney Wanderers Academy that will see an entire coaching and scouting network set-up to identify and nurture the region’s talent. A fully fledged academy has been the wish of A-League fans for many years and it will become a reality with the Red & Black having teams from U12s all the way through the age groups to play in the state-wide National Premier Leagues competition. While tonight’s result will give an indication of the short-term on-field fortunes of the clubs – as well as a full off-season hold bragging rights between fan groups – the similarities between the two in terms to stability and long-term planning are staggering. Whether programs like the academy and success in Asia will see the Wanderers surpass Melbourne Victory over the next ten years will remain to be seen but what is certain is that both clubs will continue to learn off each other, compete with each other and help grow the sport of football in Australia. 11 Stay connected | follow @wswanderersfc Our team’s GOAL is to WIN your case Over the past 60 years Turner Freeman have earned the reputation for being one of Sydney’s leading law firms. They fight for the rights of ordinary Australians and make sure their clients receive maximum compensation on all negligence and compensation claims in the following areas:

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SPIRANOVIC DELPIERRE

MAJOR TROPHIES 3

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GRAND FINAL GOALS

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PASSES

503

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NATIONAL CAPS

26 0

Matthew Spiranovic Defender Defender Spira first tasted success when he won the German Cup and has Played in U18, U20 and U21 youth team levels and made one ‘B’ kept up the trophy-winning exploits this season claiming the AFC level international appearance. Australia is his fourth nation after Asian Cup and AFC Champions League. playing in , and Netherlands.

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13 Stay connected | Watch WSWanderersTV A Tale of Two Medals

14 Round 21 | Wanderers FC vs Melbourne Victory A Tale of Two Medals

StorY BY Brad Hutchings @BradHutchings_

hey say in life that all things years ago that could’ve had a different fans with stunning displays between the happen for a reason. In the case ending had circumstances not have sticks, much like in the same fashion he Tof Western Sydney Wanderers gotten in the way. has here at the Wanderers. goalkeeper it’s a sentiment Before joining the Wanderers as the The former Socceroo was a shining light that could not ring any truer. club's inaugural goalkeeper, Covic had in what was a bleak season for the club. In While Covic is now celebrated for his just completed what turned out to be his the background of the hype and hysteria part in not only the Wanderers meteoric only season at Melbourne Victory, the that was Victory’s year in the wake of the rise as a club but also his exploits in ill-fated 2011/12 campaign. massive coup of signing the Club’s memorable AFC Champions Covic landed at Victory just days coupled with multiple managerial changes, League triumph of last season, it was a before the commencement of the season Covic was the standout and was even totally different story just a few short and immediately won over the club's judged the club's best player for that year.

15 Stay connected | visit wswanderersfc.com.au You too can be fuelled by Herbalife... For more information visit www.herbalife.com.au TODAY! WithWith thethe VictoryVictory MedalMedal stillstill danglingdangling ForFor Covic,Covic, despitedespite thethe contrastingcontrasting hadhad toto buildbuild thosethose thingsthings upup asas well;well; fromfrom hishis neck,neck, CovicCovic waswas unceremoniouslyunceremoniously historyhistory ofof thethe clubs,clubs, therethere areare alsoalso obviousobvious we’vewe’ve setset aa foundationfoundation thatthat isis veryvery goodgood discardeddiscarded fromfrom thethe clubclub withwith thethe arrivalarrival ofof similaritiessimilarities inin howhow bothboth operateoperate andand alsoalso andand willwill onlyonly improve.improve. AngeAnge PostecoglouPostecoglou toto thethe headhead coachcoach role.role. wherewhere thethe WanderersWanderers wishwish toto head.head. “We“We areare aa clubclub thatthat wantswants toto achieveachieve ClublessClubless andand withwith hishis careercareer atat aa “There“There areare similaritiessimilarities inin whatwhat bothboth thethe highesthighest ofof thethe highs.highs. InIn timetime I’dI’d likelike crossroads,crossroads, fatefate intervenedintervened bigbig timetime withwith clubsclubs wantwant toto achieve.achieve. We’reWe’re inin ourour toto thinkthink thatthat wewe willwill bebe upup therethere andand bebe thethe establishmentestablishment ofof thethe Wanderers.Wanderers. NotNot infancyinfancy rightright nownow atat thethe WanderersWanderers thethe biggestbiggest andand bestbest clubclub inin AustraliaAustralia onlyonly diddid CovicCovic havehave hishis muchmuch sought-sought- andand VictoryVictory havehave thethe benefitbenefit ofof havinghaving andand II thinkthink that’sthat’s thethe ambitionambition ofof everyevery afterafter lifeline,lifeline, itit waswas toto bebe thethe startstart ofof aa tenten yearsyears behindbehind them.them. StartStart therethere oneone atat thethe club.”club.” journeyjourney notnot eveneven thethe bigbig manman himselfhimself fromfrom dayday oneone andand I’mI’m suresure itit wouldwould IfIf thingsthings dodo happenhappen forfor aa reason,reason, itit waswas couldcould dreamdream up.up. havehave lookedlooked veryvery differentdifferent thenthen toto nono doubtdoubt aa specialspecial reasonreason forfor AnteAnte Covic.Covic. “When“When II leftleft MelbourneMelbourne VictoryVictory II whatwhat itit doesdoes now.now. TheThe pathpath betweenbetween winningwinning thethe VictoryVictory waswas disappointeddisappointed butbut II knewknew thatthat itit “I“I knowknow MelbourneMelbourne VictoryVictory inin termsterms MedalMedal andand anan AFCAFC ChampionsChampions LeagueLeague wasn’twasn’t overover forfor me.me. TheThe WesternWestern SydneySydney ofof facilitiesfacilities theythey havehave forfor playersplayers andand thethe medalmedal isis aa storystory toto behold,behold, oneone thatthat justjust asas WanderersWanderers gotgot formedformed soonsoon afterafter andand workingworking environmentenvironment forfor thethe staff.staff. TheyThey easilyeasily couldcould nevernever havehave happened.happened. thatthat waswas anan opportunityopportunity II neededneeded andand I’veI’ve provedproved thatthat inin thethe twotwo andand halfhalf seasonsseasons I’veI’ve beenbeen here,”here,” saidsaid Covic.Covic. “It“It waswas aa blessingblessing inin disguise.disguise. I’veI’ve wonwon aa ChampionsChampions LeagueLeague withwith thethe WanderersWanderers andand hadhad II stayedstayed atat MelbourneMelbourne thatthat wouldwould notnot havehave happened.happened. “My“My timetime overover there,there, II leftleft probablyprobably whenwhen II didn’tdidn’t wantwant toto leave.leave. AllAll thatthat beingbeing saidsaid itit thrustthrust meme toto WesternWestern SydneySydney andand whatwhat I’veI’ve achievedachieved atat thethe WanderersWanderers youyou can’tcan’t buy.”buy.” DespiteDespite thethe mannermanner ofof hishis departure,departure, CovicCovic holdsholds nono animosityanimosity towardstowards victory.victory. “I“I can’tcan’t saysay manymany negativenegative thingsthings aboutabout MelbourneMelbourne Victory,Victory, itit waswas aa goodgood timetime forfor me.me. TheThe seasonseason wasn’twasn’t thethe bestbest onon thethe parkpark tabletable wise,wise, aa littlelittle bitbit likelike wewe areare experiencingexperiencing thisthis year.year. “The“The clubclub setssets aa highhigh benchmarkbenchmark forfor everybodyeverybody onon howhow thethe placeplace isis run.run. TheThe facilitiesfacilities theythey havehave andand thethe standardsstandards ofof theirtheir fans.fans. BetweenBetween themthem andand us,us, wewe havehave thethe twotwo bestbest fanfan basesbases inin Australia.Australia. TheyThey areare aa clubclub thatthat hashas beenbeen strongstrong sincesince dayday one.”one.” You too can be fuelled by Herbalife... For more information visit www.herbalife.com.au

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1717 SSTAYtay connecCONNECTEDted || followFOLLOW @w@WSWANDERERSFCswanderersfc Vision for the Future The Foxtel Youth League has recently finished so The Wanderer catches up with coach Trevor Morgan to chat about the program

The Wanderer: What are the objectives of serious about unearthing young talent and Apart from the AIS program we’re the the NYL program? promoting them when deserved. youngest team in the league. In season one our average age was 19 and we had Yianni Trevor Morgan: Our objective is to TW: How well did we achieve the Perkatis earn a first-team contract and find young talent and put them into the objectives? debut. Now two years later our average age toughest competition possible over the is 17 and we’ve had five boys on contracts summer period. We establish a training TM: We’ve been successful in terms of and two make their debut. program parallel to the first team to what the Club is trying to do. expose them to a higher level of football Popa has included five of the boys TW: Did anything fail to reach your with a view to seeing who can step up. from this season’s NYL squad into the expectations? In simple terms we’re in search of Club’s Champions League squad with someone who can be a top player for the both Liam Youlley and Tom Heward-Belle TM: Realistically, no. With the different first team by the time they’re 19 or 20. traveling to Japan two weeks ago. Michael age groups we’re playing against every We’re making important steps in the Trajkovski and Steve Kuzmanovski have weekend the boys need time to adjust right direction and sending a message that also made their first-team debuts this to that as they’re being tested by that. when the Club’s academy starts we’re very season at the age of 17. At times in matches the boys were

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18 Round 21 | Wanderers FC vs Melbourne Victory Vision for the Future The Foxtel Youth League has recently finished so The Wanderer catches up with coach Trevor Morgan to chat about the program

Story BY Jessica Csaszar @JessicaCsaszar

phenomenal and they got fantastic results 16-year-olds on the pitch. We didn’t an academy which will give us all age against older teams and at other times dominate for the full 90 minutes but we groups right through from U12s in the they failed to win because experience performed very well in that match. NPL. There’s going to be tremendous from an older opposition player paid off. That comes with youth and as they gain developments there because we will set up The best way to look at it is in two or more experience their excellence in spurts an entire coaching and scouting network three years time when we can compare will turn into dominating matches. that will be broader in the younger years. how many of our boys are playing first We will have more people out there team football compared to the players in TW: Where to from here? looking for talent and we’ll take lessons the teams we played against. While there we’ve learnt from the past three seasons and are no guarantees, our boys certainly have TM: We need to keep casting our make small modifications to the program. a lot more time up their sleeve. net as wide as we can across Western The bottom line is we’re doing things. A perfect example was when we Sydney to unearth the best talent who This season every contracted player in the played against Brisbane in Brisbane are age eligible for us and stick to our NYL team trained with the first team several where their average age was about 19 philosophy. times and when the academy happens the and they had three overage players It’s going to be a very exciting time same knock-on effect will be there too. Where who are in their twenties. We had five for the Wanderers soon as we begin there is a young talent they will be promoted.

19 Stay connected | Watch WSWanderersTV Western Sydney wanderers fc

SQUAD S B ¨ ¨ 01 Ante COVIC Goalkeeper ¨ ¨ 03 Yusuke TANAKA Defender ¨ ¨ 04 Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY Defender ¨ ¨ 06 Antony Golec Defender TODAY's ¨ ¨ 07 Labinot HALITI Forward ¨ ¨ 08 Mateo POLJAK Midfielder Score ¨ ¨ 09 Tomi JURIC Forward ¨ ¨ 10 Yojiro tagahagi Midfielder ¨ ¨ 12 Forward ¨ ¨ 13 Defender ¨ ¨ 14 Kerem bulut Forward SUBSTITUTES MAGrab a pen andT write dCown yourH ¨ ¨ 15 Yianni PERKATIS Midfielder OFF own record of the game ¨ ¨ 16 Jaushua Sotirio Forward ¨ ¨ 17 Romeo Castelen Forward Ladder* *Ladder correct at completion of Round 20 ¨ ¨ 18 Midfielder Club P W D L F A GD PTS ON ¨ ¨ 19 Forward 01 PERTH GLORY 20 10 7 3 33 25 08 37 ¨ ¨ 20 Dean Bouzanis Goalkeeper 02 WELLINGTON PHOENIX 20 11 3 6 37 23 14 36 ¨ ¨ 21 Martin Lo Midfielder 03 SYDNEY FC 20 9 8 3 35 25 10 35 OFF ¨ ¨ 22 Nick Ward Defender 04 MELBOURNE VICTORY 19 9 7 3 40 25 15 34 ¨ ¨ 23 Jason TRIFIRO Midfielder 05 ADELAIDE UNITED 20 10 3 7 34 23 11 33 ¨ ¨ 25 Sam Gallaway Defender 06 BRISBANE ROAR 18 7 4 7 24 24 00 25 ON ¨ ¨ 31 Alusine FOFANAH Forward 07 MELBOURNE CITY FC 19 6 6 7 25 30 -05 24 ¨ ¨ 32 Daniel ALESSI Defender 08 CENTRAL COAST MARINERS 20 4 7 9 18 33 -15 19 ¨ ¨ 33 Nick KALMAR Midfielder 09 NEWCASTLE JETS 20 1 8 11 16 41 -25 11 OFF ¨ ¨ 36 Liam YOULLEY Midfielder 10 WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS 18 1 5 12 15 28 -13 08 ¨ ¨ 37 Jonathan ASPRopotamitis Defender LEGEND ¨ ¨ 38 Steve Kuzmanovski Forward ON P Played W Wins D Draws L Losses F Goals For A Goals Against GD Goal difference PTS Points ¨ ¨ 39 Shayne D'CUNHA Defender

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20 Round 21 | Wanderers FC vs Melbourne Victory Melbourne Victory

SQUAD S B ¨ ¨ 01 Goalkeeper ¨ ¨ 02 Jason Geria Defender TODAY's ¨ ¨ 04 Defender ¨ ¨ 05 Midfielder ¨ ¨ 06 Midfielder Score ¨ ¨ 07 Guilherme Finkler Midfielder ¨ ¨ 08 Forward ¨ ¨ 09 Forward ¨ ¨ 10 Forward MAGrab a pen andT write dCown yourH SUBSTITUTES ¨ ¨ 11 Connor Pain Forward own record of the game OFF ¨ ¨ 13 Andrew Nabbout Forward *Ladder correct at completion of Round 20 Ladder* ¨ ¨ 14 Forward Club P W D L F A GD PTS ¨ ¨ 15 Defender ON 01 PERTH GLORY 20 10 7 3 33 25 08 37 ¨ ¨ 16 Rashid Mahazi Midfielder 02 WELLINGTON PHOENIX 20 11 3 6 37 23 14 36 03 SYDNEY FC 20 9 8 3 35 25 10 35 ¨ ¨ 17 Matthieu Delpierre Defender OFF 04 MELBOURNE VICTORY 19 9 7 3 40 25 15 34 ¨ ¨ 18 Dylan Murnane Defender 05 ADELAIDE UNITED 20 10 3 7 34 23 11 33 ¨ ¨ 20 Goalkeeper 06 BRISBANE ROAR 18 7 4 7 24 24 00 25 ¨ ¨ 21 Midfielder ON 07 MELBOURNE CITY FC 19 6 6 7 25 30 -05 24 ¨ ¨ 22 Jesse Makarounas Midfielder 08 CENTRAL COAST MARINERS 20 4 7 9 18 33 -15 19 ¨ ¨ 23 Defender 09 NEWCASTLE JETS 20 1 8 11 16 41 -25 11 ¨ ¨ 24 Defender OFF 10 WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS 18 1 5 12 15 28 -13 08 ¨ ¨ 26 Jordan Brown Midfielder LEGEND P Played W Wins D Draws L Losses F Goals For A Goals Against GD Goal difference PTS Points ON

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22 Round 21 | Wanderers FC vs Melbourne Victory Ronald McDonald House

Story BY Ronald McDonald House @RMHCAustralia

onald McDonald House is raised through donations from supporters, They can form relationships with other an independent non-profit volunteers and sponsors. parents who are going through same or Rorganisation that provides a range of Ronald McDonald House Charities similar experiences and staff and volunteers support to seriously ill children and their began in the USA in 1974 named after will provide care and support throughout families when they need it most the Ronald McDonald character who’s the stay, no matter how short or long. With They were set up in memory of Ray Kroc, always smiling and full of happiness. 18 rooms of various sizes in the House and the founder of McDonald's, who believed The houses represent a place where five units located on Redbank Rd, RMH in charity as a way of putting something children and families can feel safe Westmead can cater to many families’ needs. back into the community. The first Ronald and supported away from the clinical McDonald House in Australia opened in hospital environments. 1981 and since then one in eight Australians The cornerstone of their work, Ronald have been helped by or know someone who McDonald Houses, are attached to major has used one of their programs. women or children’s hospitals and provide McDonald's Australia pays all a 'home-away-from-home' for seriously ill administration and management costs children and their families. as well as being a generous donor. This At Ronald McDonald House Westmead, means that 100 cents from every dollar they provide guests with a warm, light filled You can find out more about raised goes towards the children and homely place to stay. Together families specific programs learn how they families supported by Ronald McDonald give each other the moral and emotional provide vital support for families House. The rest of the essential funds are support to get through their child’s illness. with sick children

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23 Stay connected | follow @wswanderersfc spend some time with them. It is a great Making a experience for the kids to have when they are going through such a tough time.” Someone who has taken his Difference involvement to another level is Brendon hat Ronald McDonald House Santalab who is a frequent visitor. Westmead provides for “Brendon’s one of our most amazing Wfamilies is phenomenal and ambassadors we’ve had here at the house, the Western Sydney Wanderers link is he’s genuinely interested in all the families a special contribution where the Club and the kids and spends a copious amount helps them in any way they can whether of time with them when he comes to the that be through support and sending house,” said Woolford. players to the house or financially trying “He not only chats to them about to raise money. football but life experiences as well RMH Westmead provides a home away including why they are there and general from home for seriously ill children and everyday living. their families while they’re being treated at “Brendon comes at times when people the Children’s Hospital at Westmead. aren’t even aware that he’s coming. He just Marketing & Development pops in to see the kids – he goes above and Manager for RMH Westmead, Belinda beyond every visit that he’s here. Woolford, said that the house is important to the community. “Having a place like RMH Westmead where rural, interstate and overseas families can be close to the hospital means they have one less burden for them to worry about,” explained Woolford. “We provide accommodation at no charge and they can stay here from as long as one night upto months and years.” The Wanderers became involved with RMH Westmead about 12 months ago with Woolford saying It was an important step. “A lot of the kids and families that stay here only get to see their sporting heroes on TV so getting to meet them and have face-to-face time with them is invaluable. “It brightens up their day and gives them something to look forward to when they know players are coming to

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24 Round 21 | Wanderers FC vs Melbourne Victory Above BEyond

estern Sydney Wanderers their spirits and I try my best to help them forward is a in any way I can. Wproud ambassador for Ronald “I definitely see a positive outcome, McDonald House& Westmead having made when you’re sick the hardest thing to do is the partnership official in 2014. smile and every time I walk into the house The Club had already established and play with the kids we have a good time a relationship with RMH Westmead and they smile and that for me is the biggest when Santalab was approached to bonus to see the kids who are so sick and ill become an ambassador and he jumped actually smile and enjoy their time.” at the opportunity. There’s one child in particular who has “I’m very proud and honoured to be an had quite an effect on Santalab. ambassador for Ronald McDonald House “I’ve become very good friends with a Westmead,” said Santalab. little boy called Sam in the house and we “The RMHW is a very special place, I chat on Instagram. don’t think people realise and understand “Spending time with him and seeing what families go through with their sick how happy he is as we enjoy our time little ones and what the little ones go together has really touched me; he’s a little through with their treatment.” fighter, they all are in there and with Sam As well as rostered visits, Santalab he continues to be so strong and he’s a true often surprises the kids in the house and inspiration to me. attempts to pop-in as often as he can. “I want to continue the ambassador role “I go into Ronald McDonald House with RMH Westmead well beyond my playing Westmead as often as possible to visit the years – they’ve touched my heart and any way little kids and mingle with them, try to lift I can help I’m very happy to do that.”

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25 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 match official's flag is all orange 2. The player mascot's sock only has one stripe 3. One of the This is Wanderland sign stripes is shorter 4. A fan's scarf is missing in front of the Pirtek sign 5. Fan's white shirt is now red

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26 Round 21 | Wanderers FC vs Melbourne Victory Castle Hill Hyundai a Platinum Dealership hen the Western Sydney “I’m extremely proud of the Wanderers and used car sales, service bookings or the Wanderers was formed in and equally proud of our own team at supply of spare parts and accessories.” WApril 2012 the team at Castle Castle Hill Hyundai in achieving Platinum “We invite all Wanderers members Hill Hyundai was also being formed, status in our first two years,” says Brett. and supporters to judge us on our trading from temporary premises while To receive a Platinum Award the performance,” says Brett. their state of the art showroom and service dealership must achieve excellence across Castle Hill Hyundai is the Official Car centre was under construction. sales, service, parts and customer satisfaction. Park Sponsors of the WSW which means And just like the Wanderers, Castle The Hyundai Platinum Dealer Program members and supporters can be part of the Hill Hyundai has scored some impressive was launched in 2013 to promote the WSW Free Parking Competition. wins in its early years. continuous improvement of the quality and The local dealership, a strong processes of Hyundai dealerships in Australia. corporate supporter of the Platinum dealerships are measured Wanderers since foundation, has against targets in a number of key areas, recently been recognised with including customer satisfaction, dealership Hyundai’s elite “Platinum” status for facilities, service and parts. the second successive year. “The end result is an assurance that our Dealer principal Brett Harrison customers enjoy the highest of standards at every says the recognition reflects his team’s interaction with the dealership,” says Brett. To score free parking to the next commitment to excellence in customer “We can promise Wanderers members home game, simply scan and service at every level. and supporters the very best deals on new complete the entry form

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Our captain sits down to answer the Take Five questions.

In the movie of your life who would What was your favourite TV show as a What don’t you find amusing? play you? child? Losing Denzel Washington as he is the most Seinfeld handsome black man out there What do you find amusing? What is your most treasured Eddie Murphy in his prime If you were stranded on an island what possession? would be your three essential items? Material things can be replaced If you were to go to Maccas, what is Fishing rod, solar-powered boat and your usual order? my girlfriend What is your favourite holiday I haven’t been to Maccas in a long time destination? but if hypothetically I went I would get What would you buy with your last $50? I’m hoping that I haven’t found that out yet as a large McChicken meal and a double I need ink for my printer so I would I’m a keen traveller so hopefully I discover more cheeseburger probably buy that What is your favourite band/musician? If you were on X-Factor what song When you were growing up who or what The Kooks would you audition with? did you want to be? Amazing Grace A race car driver but soon found out it What is your favourite film and actors? wasn’t for me as it was too scary Too many films but I loved Eddie Murphy before he sold out as all his early movies Your earliest memory of WSW is? were classics for me The phone call from Tony Popovic asking me if I was interested in joining the What kind of things do you like to do Western Sydney Wanderers when you’re not training or playing football? Who was your favourite player to watch Fishing when you were growing up and why? The original Ronaldo as he was just Your signature meal is? unstoppable in his prime A Mauritian curry

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Name Cam Littler Your earliest memory of WSW is? First What is your most treasured possessions? Position Membership home game at Wanderland vs Mariners Signed Ryan Giggs MUFC shirt In the movie of your life, who would play Who was your favourite player to watch You can see the Guardian Funerals you? Brad Pitt when you were growing up and why? Wandercrew at all our matches and If you were stranded on an island, what David Beckham because he was a right around the training ground in their blue would be your three essential items? A winger with a great cross who played for shirts and jackets. football, iPod, sunscreen lol my favourite team If you’d like to help the Club and When you were growing up who or what What was your favourite TV show as a join the Wandercrew, please email did you want to be? Sports journalist child? The Simpsons [email protected]. A Dubious conversation WITH John Story by Kyle Chandler Aloisi @kylechander14

o-one wanted to talk to Dubious 2006 World Cup. Or maybe from the time chance of winning away from their home. Conversations this week. We kept I played for your football club for just Have fun, Victory! Nhearing “Our client is busy”, “Stop long enough that you started to like me wasting our time” or “Why do you keep before leaving for your rivals. Yes, I will DC: Is that all you think? calling us weeping and talking gibberish?” certainly come to your TV show, football Who in world football would give some club or any appearance as long as you JA: You get what you pay for in this of their precious time to talk to us? Who meet my conditions. Free hair gel, access industry. I sense that you are not going is desperate enough or prolific enough to to emergency spray tan and at least ten to shell any money out for my time here answer the phone? Who would stoop to that? designer suits to choose from. so I am going to give you some analysis proportionate to your outlay. Nothing. *ring ring* Dubious Conversations: Sorry sir, we just want to have a chat about the Wanderers v DC: Alright, we better let you go then. Answering machine: Hello, you have Melbourne Victory game. called John Aloisi, former Australian JA: Good. Although I doubt you are footballer. My prolific scoring JA: Victory, my hilarious new home! I am allowed within 50 metres of him, next time achievements are only bettered by South Australian-born and have played you see Popa tell him that the Wanderers my Australian record for television for Sydney and Melbourne Heart. What are next. He needs to start clearing a desk appearances. Dial one for a redirect to a perfect troll of Victory fans I am! They for me. Oompa Loompa Tans, make sure you hate me for all the big goals I scored against mention John Aloisi for a discount, we go them and wins I managed and now they *click* way back. Dial two for media appearances/ pay my salary! LOL! It is only temporary, I product promotions, like any self- will phantom to Adelaide or you guys first DC: Ouch. Still no interview to publish. I respecting former Australian sportsman or chance I get to keep the troll going and might call Muscat again, surely when he woman, there is nothing I won’t appear on to break Isaka Cernak’s record for most said that something terrible would happen or product I won’t hawk for cash! A-League teams. He has more clubs under to me and my family if I ever thought his belt then I have in my golf bag. about ringing him again he was just *beep* joking. Right? DC: No thoughts for the game? John Aloisi: Hello, John Aloisi here, *knock, knock, knock* you might remember me for single- JA: Well based on my statistics, clubs that handedly taking the Socceroos to the give me a coaching role have a 0.00% DC: …right?

CHOOSE AND TAG YOUR SEATS Tag your seat for each game on the Reserved Seating/General Admission interactive seat map

WITH THE INTERACTIVE SEAT MAP Ticketmaster.com.au/wanderers

31 Stay connected | Watch WSWanderersTV In the running for a hat-trick of awards

e are in the running to win As a club run for the people of The Wanderers provided support Community Club of the Year Western Sydney, being in the running for for charities such as Disability Services Wfor a third straight season in Community Engagement Club of the Year Australia, White Ribbon, Youth Off The the FFDU Awards – Australia’s biggest fan- is a huge honour. Streets Outreach, Ronald McDonald voted sports awards. Throughout the past year we have House Westmead, Starlight Children’s As well as that, we have also been been involved in a variety of community Foundation and the YMCA. nominated for a number of other categories programs to give back to the region Support has also been shown – including Print Publication of the Year – by making a difference in the Western through the Wanderers unity and in the fifth year of the annual awards. Sydney community both in a football and attendance at many multicultural Having won both Community Club of a societal sense. events like the Africultres Festival the Year and Best Stadium Experience in In 2014 we were involved in over 800 2014, Club Marconi Italian our first two seasons, we have a chance to community events and appearances at local Republic Day, Blue Mountains claim an unprecedented hat-trick in two schools, council initiatives and fundraisers Refuge Support Group, Arab Bank separate categories but we need your vote. for grassroots and elite clubs in the area. Australia Cup and Fiesta Kultura.

32 Round 21 | Wanderers FC vs Melbourne Victory Who to vote for

Club Official

Community Club of the Year: Western Sydney Wanderers

Best Away Day Experience*: Western Sydney Wanderers

Print Publication of the Year: The Wanderer

A-League Footballer of the Year: Ante Covic & Tomi Juric

Club-Related

Supporters Club Event of the Year: RBB Nato Berthaly Fundraiser

Radio Station/Show: C91.3 Who Do We Sing For & Around the Bloc

Young Writer of the Year: Jessica Csaszar & Brad Hutchings

Other programs such as the Schools nominated in the Young Writer of the Writer of the Year (Digital): Cup, the Youth Asian Cup and the Year (Under 25) category. Brad Hutchings Wanderers Asian Community Cup were Last season's contributor to The designed to bring people from different Wanderer, Josh Bennett, took out Aus Supporter Website of the Year: backgrounds in Western Sydney together to Young Writer of the Year. westsydneyfootball represent their country in a game of football & redandblackbloc and battle it out for Cup glory. In other awards, Ante Covic and Podcast of the Year: Tomi Juric have been nominated Around the Bloc for A-League Footballer of the Year, this magazine has been nominated *Formerly known as Best for Print Publication of the year Stadium Experience while regular contributors Jessica Csaszar and Brad Hutchings are both Scan here to place your vote

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33 Stay connected | visit wswanderersfc.com.au SEOUL SEARCHING IN the champions league

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34 Round 21 | Wanderers FC vs Melbourne Victory ompetition in the AFC Champions past the Lucky Goldstars 2-0 much to the Guangzhou Evergrande in 2013, the two- League has certainly heated up delight of a packed Wanderland. time finalists will be looking go even better Cfollowing the last round of This matchup though will have a this time around. matches which saw the Western Sydney completely different dynamic as the While the match between the Wanderers defeated 3-2 in a marathon two teams will meet on Seoul’s turf with Wanderers and Seoul will only mark the match against Chinese powerhouse what is likely to be a far smaller crowd midway point of the Group Stage the Guangzhou Evergrande. after the home team managed just 5,790 result could prove telling in which team All eyes were on the fourth official against the Antlers. will progress out of what many have in the closing stages as he held up the Irrespective of crowd numbers Yong- nominated as the group of death. board reading 17 minutes added time soo’s men are not be underestimated and Both teams will no doubt be looking following an extended break in play have amassed an enviable record of five to take all three points and try to establish where Evergrande keeper Zeng Cheng K-League titles, ten domestic titles and themselves as outright second in the collided with one of his defenders leaving achieved the K-League and League Cup group giving themselves the best shot at the stopper with a broken cheekbone. double in 2010. progressing to the Round of 16. However, while the Red & Black faithful Seoul also have a proven track record Irrespective of the result the rivalry is were recovering from the five goal thriller of going deep into the Champions League set to go on between the two clubs as just Wanderers boss Tony Popovic’s attention and on the back of their semi-final over a fortnight after the match in South had already turned to the other Group appearance last season and finishing Korea both teams will again faceoff in the H match in which FC Seoul got their runners-up to follow group mates return fixture at Wanderland. campaign off the ground with a 1-0 win over . South Korean centre back Kim Jin-kyu was the hero for the home team with his 66th minute strike providing enough to give his team their first three point haul of the campaign following an opening match defeat at the hands of Guangzhou. Since formation in 1983 Seoul have become one of the most successful clubs in K-League history and look set to provide a stern challenge for the Wanderers when the two teams meet for Match Day 3 at the on 18 March. Both teams will be sitting equal on three points at kick-off but Western Sydney will take a psychological edge into the matchup as Seoul boss Choi Yong-soo and his troops will no doubt recall the Wanderers brushing past them on their way to the trophy last year. The two squads met in the semi-final last time around and goals to Mateo Poljak and Shannon Cole got the Wanderers

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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 21 | 19 January 2007 Newcastle Jets vs Melbourne Victory

n the Hyundai A-League’s second season, Another Vargas error early in the Durante 90’), Stuart Musialik, (Paul Round 21 was the last one before the top second half allowed Bridge to score a Kohler 79’), Mark Bridge, Ifour finals series and Melbourne Victory second before a hat-trick of errors for the had already sealed the Premiership. centreback saw slice Melbourne Victory Jets were sitting precariously in fifth through the defence for a third. Michael Theoklitos, Kevin Muscat place, needing a win to seal a finals position, With a near full house at what was then (Kristian Sarkies 82’), Mark Byrnes, Fred, but with only one win in their previous four EnergyAustralia Stadium, emotions were Danny Allsopp, Archie Thompson, Vince matches and facing a red hot Victory there high as the realisation of qualifying for finals Lia (Adrian Caceres 64’), Rodrigo Vargas, were doubts they were capable of taking the football was a reality. The crescendo reached Adrian Leijer, , Alessandro necessary three points. its peak when Joel Griffiths nabbed a fourth. That did not stop them from trying Jets went on to defeat Sydney FC in though as the home side opened the the first round of finals only to bow out to match by peppering the Victory goal Adelaide United on penalties who in turn and forcing Michael Theoklitos into a lost 6-0 to Victory in the decider. number of saves. They soon had the lead too after a Newcastle Jets blunder by Roddy Vargas allowed Mark Ante Covic, Steve Eagleton, , Bridge to steal possession in the final third Matt Thompson, Vaughan Coveny (Milton Watch the highlights of Newcastle’s and slot the opener. Rodriguez 64’), , (Andrew win by scanning here 37 Stay connected | Watch WSWanderersTV Our partners

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38 Round 21 | Wanderers FC vs Melbourne Victory

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