v PER

#WSW TH EDITION 24 FEBRUARY 2019 24 FEBRUARY BRILLIANT 95 VS ROUND 20 SEASON 2018/19 SEASON BONEVACIA 02

REGULAR COLUMNS THIS THE LETTER 05 MATCH WARM UP 06 FIVE THINGS 11

PLAYERS TO WATCH 13 Brought to you by Turner and Freeman THE WANDERER FEATURES TODAY’S MATCH 16 The views in this publication are not necessarily the views of the Western Sydney BRILLIANT BONEVACIA 08 JUNIOR WANDERER ZONE 18 Wanderers FC. Material in this publication is back to his best for the is copyrighted and may only be reproduced Red & Black TAKE FIVE 25 with written permission from the club. Brought to you by Turner and Freeman THE LOCAL LAD 14 ADVERTISING Keanu Baccus is raring to go for his next IN THE COMMUNITY 27 For all advertising enquiries for three seasons at the Wanderers The Wanderer or partnership with the CORPORATE NEWS 29 club contact the Corporate Partnerships MOURDOUKOUTAS ON SOLID GROUND 20 Team by sending an email to Young defender Tass Mourdoukoutas has OUR PARTNERS 31 [email protected] or paved a way for himself in the Wanderers visit corporate.wanderland.com.au Hyundai A-League team PHOTOGRAPHY SOTIRIO SHINING 22 All photography in The Wanderer is courtesy Jaushua Sotirio on his journey of self-belief of Ali Erhan, Getty Images, Kellie Lemon and and his love for the Red & Black Steve Christo.

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21012019_WSW Magazine Artwork_Wi-FI.indd 1 12/02/2019 3:56:57 PM 05

Control the Season Heat Your Way

Good evening and welcome to tonight's Round 20 Hyundai A-League clash against Glory at Spotless Stadium. What a rollercoaster of a season it has been for the Red & Black. It has been heartbreaking at times, but there are definitely brighter days ahead as we've seen in the results of our last two matches. The player's hard work and season-long efforts are finally starting to pay off and it's been awesome to see them secure two vital wins on the trot - a feat we haven't had in the last 12 months. There are many positives to take though from this season with the player's mentality improving and many CONTROL* Mitsubishi Electric, proudly supporting youngsters from the Wanderers Academy getting the call-up to the senior team. Tonight's match against the Glory will no doubt be a close one with former Managers and Heroes coming back into town. Emotions will be running high as the boys will #WSWvPER *Optional upgrade adapter required per unit The Western Sydney Wanderers FC. be looking not only to secure three points against the league-leaders but also prove a very important point of pride. So get behind our boys tonight as they look to make it three wins in a row! Come on you Wanderers! Catherine Cannuli,  Wanderers Ambassador and Westfield W-League Assistant Coach.

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21012019_WSW Magazine Artwork_Wi-FI.indd 1 12/02/2019 3:56:57 PM 06

MATCH Davidson and bookended the scoring with a goal apiece in a one-sided PREVIEW affair at HBF Park. The final scoreline was Perth's largest winning margin against Brisbane and amiliar faces turn into foes tonight completed their maiden clean sweep of the as the Wanderers host Perth Glory at Queensland club. FSpotless Stadium. Tonight's match will mark the third time the The Wanderers head into the match with two Wanderers and Glory have met this season. wins on the trot after a gritty display against The first match saw the sides share the Adelaide United last week. spoils in the opening match of the season An inspired Roly Bonevacia led the Wanderers whilst their most recent meeting in Round 13 to secure all three points and will no doubt saw the Glory edge the Wanderers 4-3. be looking to continue his form against the There's no doubt that the Wanderers will be Glory tonight. looking to continue their winning streak and Having delivered the free-kick for 's exact revenge on some familiar foes. 12th-minute opener, star man Bonevacia returned to restore the visitors' lead following 's equaliser and then supplied the (Left to right) Mitchell Duke being pass for Abraham Majok to confirm Western put through his paces at training; Sydney's first victory over the Reds in eight keeps focused on attempts in the Hyundai A-League. the ball Kitto had spared Craig Goodwin's blushes following the Adelaide talisman's failure to beat Vedran Janjetovic from the spot but their fightback fizzled out after the restart as the Reds missed a chance to extend their two- point gap to fifth-placed Melbourne City. League leaders Perth Glory will be similarly heading to the match filled with confidence after an emphatic 4-0 victory over Brisbane Roar at HBF Park. struck a brace on his return to the starting XI while standout pair Jason DAY ON THIS (2014–2016), Sydney FC(2016–2018)andthen Western Sydney Wanderers in2018. two premiership medalswithherhometown clubbefore moving ontoNewcastle Jets (2010–2014) where shemadeher Westfield W-League debutaged16. Georgia won the nationalschoolgirlsteamin2010. Shewasthenpicked upby Canberra United A schoolgirlinternational player, Georgia toured ChinaandtheUnitedKingdomwith Wanderers andMatildasforward Georgia Yeoman-Dale wasbornonthisday in1994. upcoming Encyclopedia of Matildas, now available for pre-order from fairplaypublishing.com.au. Andrew Howe @AndyHowe_statto isAustralia’s leadingfootball statistician. Heisco-authorof the COURTESY OFANDREW HOWE  @ANDYHOWE_STATTO REPORTER FIELD W the upcominggrassroots football seasondosonow! You won't regret it. So ifyou haven't registered your attendancefor thefree Wanderers clinicsorfor and meet fellow Wanderers. playing football tocometogether tolearnnew skills, improve theirconfidence This clinicisagreat opportunityfor boys andgirlsnew tofootball orcurrently clinics inthemonth of February priortoall theirhomematches. As partof Play Football Round, the Wanderers have beenhostingfree football for football hasonly gotten stronger. I haven't stoppedloving football andsincetransitioning into coaching, my love friends andlearningsomegreat skills. Some of my favourite memorieswere playing football asajunior, makingnew that represent thegrassroots community. the HyundaiA-League and Westfield W-League withthemums, dadsandkids Play Football isaninitiative thatbridgesthegapbetween players in better way tocelebrate thanregistering toplay football thismonth. e're celebratingPlayFootball inthemonth of February andthere's no CATHERINE CANNULI  @CANNULI_13 07 FOLLOW US @WSWANDERERSFC      #WSWvPER WARM UP 08 09 BRILLIANT BONEVACIA

ROLY BONEVACIA IS BACK TO HIS BEST FOR THE RED & BLACK

STORY BY JESSICA CSASZAR  @JESSICACSASZAR

The dynamic midfielder has kept the Wanderers season afloat boasting six goals and four assists. A product of the famous Ajax youth academy, the 25-year-old has enjoyed stints with NAC Breda and Roda JC in the before arriving to the Hyundai A-League in 2014 with Wellington Phoenix. The talented midfielder scored 15 goals during his four season stint at Phoenix, featuring in 102 matches. t's been a year of transition for the Following his tenure at the Nix, Bonevacia Wanderers but Roly Bonevacia has proven made the switch to the Red & Black this

Ito be a fantastic spark for the Red & Black season and it hasn't been without it's fair #WSWvPER this season. share of criticism.  WATCH WSWTV WSWTV WATCH FEATURE 10

Head coach Markus Babbel's comments at the While the first half of the season seemed to "For my personal confidence it feels good. start of the season about Bonevacia's ability be an adjustment period for the midfielder, the "For the team, it's been good for us in moving may have been unorthodox, but it certainly has Ajax youth player has become the man of the forward and improving to make sure we don't looked to have lit a fire underneath Bonevacia. hour at the back-end of the Wanderers season, throw the season away. A positional change by Babbel has seen stepping up to lead both on and off the field. "Like we are down but have proven we will Bonevacia playing a wider and more forward Bonevacia confidence has gone from continue fighting and working hard." role at the Red & Black, allowing for a more strength to strength and this was shown Like many of the Wanderers senior players adventurous form of attacking football that in the Red & Black's recent match against this season, Bonevacia has openly spoken has allowed him to take more risks. Adelaide United where Bonevacia got on the about the importance of playing for pride Bonevacia has been reaping the rewards of scoresheet and provided an assist. on both a personal and club level. this positional change having been involved "It felt good to score a goal and for the team "It's not only all about playing for the in 40% of the Wanderers goals scored this as well, it's great to win games and go back- jersey but also for your own pride," season, higher than any other Wanderer. to-back," said Bonevacia. said Bonevacia. ” 11

"You play for your family, your wife and your "I hope we can hurt them this time as kids for example." we have been close twice. (Left to right) Bonevacia staring "Players have their own reasons to play for and for me, "I would really love to win tonight's game". down the competition against you have to prove what you are capable of as a team. On the brink of one of his best Perth; Bonevacia provides an assist "And as an individual player, you need to personal seasons, Bonevacia will be against the Mariners prove your ability so playing for pride is eager to put his best foot forward as important for every player." he looks to surpass his season high kids and your wife your family, your for play You Bonevacia will be looking to star again in tonight's at Wellington. “ match against Perth having scored in both of the With six matches after tonight still to play #WSWvPER club's previous fixture's against the side this season. for there is without doubt a change in the air "It was a good feeling scoring in both our for the Red & Black who will look to the likes  previous matches against Perth Glory this of Bonevacia to help end their season on a season," said Bonevacia. positive note. VISIT WANDERLAND.COM.AU WANDERLAND.COM.AU VISIT FIVE THINGS Our team’s goal is to win your case

For over 60 years Turner Freeman has been turning workers’ lives around by fighting and winning compensation claims against big corporations and insurance companies.

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7119_TF_WSW_Mag_A4_6.indd 1 25/9/17 12:50 pm 13 KEY PASSES KEY

A Barcelona native, Riera developed 12 at the famed FC Barcelona La

#9 FORWARD Masia Academy before playing in Barcelona C and B teams as well as a single match for the senior team in the Copa Del Rey in 2003. After departing Barcelona Riera has played in the and Segunda teams including Deportivo de La

RIERA Coruña, Celta de Vigo, Osasuna

as well as a season with Wigan DUEL SUCCESS RATE Athletic in English Championship. A proven goalscorer noted for his

finishing, aerial ability, and strong 36.5% Our team’s goal physical presence, Riera joined the Wanderers as a marquee player in July 2017. That same season Riera smashed the previous record for KEY PASSES KEY is to win your case 17 most goals scored in a season by a Wanderer across all competitions. For over 60 years Turner Freeman has been turning TOTAL SHOTS TOTAL workers’ lives around by fighting and winning compensation 43 claims against big corporations and insurance companies. DUEL SUCCESS RATE 52.1%

HOW WE CAN HELP YOU: Asbestos claims 52 Workers compensation claims HOW WE MAKE IT EASY: SHOTS TOTAL Road accident claims No win, no fee* Public place accidents Home and hospital visits available Medical negligence Obligation-free consultation Ireland international Keogh has Conveyancing Free case assessment established himself as one of the Hyundai A-League's most prolific Family law National strength – local focus strikers since first arriving at Glory in 2014. His tally of 34 goals Employment law *Conditions apply in some cases has seen him become the club's record A-League scorer and allied #WSWvPER Wills & probate PLAYERS to his hard-working, abrasive style, greatly endeared him to the    Will disputes nib Stadium faithful. His tally of  34 goals has seen him become TO WATCH  the club's record A-League scorer and allied to his hard-working, SYDNEY abrasive style, greatly endeared #9 FORWARD PARRAMATTA him to the nib Stadium faithful. KEOGH 13 43 63 WE TURN PENRITH proud supporter and legal partner CAMPBELLTOWN turnerfreeman.com.au of the western sydney wanderers fc LIVES WOLLONGONG AROUND NEWCASTLE FOLLOW US @WSWANDERERSFC US @WSWANDERERSFC FOLLOW WATCH TO PLAYERS

7119_TF_WSW_Mag_A4_6.indd 1 25/9/17 12:50 pm 14

THE LOCAL LAD

KEANU BACCUS IS RARING TO GO FOR HIS NEXT THREE SEASONS AT THE RED & BLACK

"I started at Parklea SFC when I was about four and my brother also started playing when he was young, he's about seven years older than me. "So it was good to follow in his footsteps." Like most juniors who have started playing football for the very first time, Baccus started as a striker because he just loved to score goals. "When I was really young, I started as a striker," explained Baccus. "When you're young all everyone wants to do is score goals. "The biggest role Parklea played in my junior development was making sure that I had fun playing football when I was young." Following seasons at both Parklea and Fairfield Hotspurs, Baccus had a brief spell at Blacktown Spartans before a move to Blacktown City came calling. orn in South Africa, Keanu Baccus and his family It was from here that Baccus was called into the Wanderers migrated to Australia in the early 2000s settling in the Academy system, making his debut in the club's Foxtel BWestern suburb of Kings Park. Y-League 2014/15 season against Melbourne Victory in Round 4. Inspired by his older brother, Baccus began his football Baccus quickly made waves in the Academy system and journey at Parklea SFC where he played up until U9s before co-captained the National team in their making the switch to Fairfield Hotspur. inaugural season. 10 years on, Baccus still lives in the heart of Western Sydney The highly regarded youngster went on to make his Hyundai and down the road from the very first ground he played at. A-League debut in Round 13's clash against Perth, where he "I still come have a kick around at Morgan Power Reserve, it's joined older brother Kearyn on the field for the very first time. only five minutes down the road," said Baccus. Ying and yang, Keanu was thrown into the depths as a right- "If my little brother plays, I come watch his team. back in the match - a position he also plays. what's tocomefromwhat's theKingsPark local. season, theRed &Blackfaithful shouldbevery excited for And withBaccusjustgoingfrom strength tostrength this there's noplaceI’drather bethanattheRed &Black." "With thenew facilities andnew stadiumopeningsoon, the next three years attheclub. and I'mreally looking forward tocontinuing todevelop over beenareally"It's exciting journey sofar for meattheclub come from. getting onto thepitchandrepresenting where you have hometown teamandthere's nobetter feeling for methan "Growing upin Western Sydney, the Wanderers are my Wanderers first teamfrom the Academy thisseason. a new dawn of Wanderers whohave beenbreaking into the Humbled by theopportunity, Baccushasbeen asymbolof of the2021/22season. club by signingathree-year contract extension until theend One of theclub'sown, Baccusre-affirmed his loyalty tothe season before lockingdown astartingspot withthisseason. time withthefirst teamtowards theback-end of the 2017/18 The following season saw the20-year-old earnconsistent game of the Year at Wanderers Medal2017. Y-League squadandwasvoted by hisfellow peers asPlayer Baccus continued hisstellar performances intheFoxtel Slowly Baccusmadetheshifttoadefensive midfielder. the sidelinesatANZStadium ball inAdelaide; Keanu dartsdown (Top tobottom) Baccuscontrols the 15 WATCH WSWTV  #WSWvPER FEATURE 16 SCORE TONIGHT'S MATCH

SQUAD S B # NAME POSITION SPONSOR ¨ ¨ 1 Danijel NIZIC Goalkeeper Centuria ¨ ¨ 4 Joshua RISDON Defender Pepper Money ¨ ¨ 5 Brendan HAMILL Defender Vaccaro Group ¨ ¨ 6 Kosta GROZOS Forward G.P.P. Skip Bins LADDER ¨ ¨ 7 Nick FITZGERALD Forward McDonald's ¨ ¨ 8 Jordan O'DOHERTY Midfielder JD Sports CLUB P W D L F A GD PTS ¨ ¨ 9 Oriol RIERA Forward Mitsubishi Electric 1 PERTH GLORY 19 14 4 1 42 17 25 46 ¨ ¨ 10 Alex BAUMJOHANN Midfielder Aqualand 2 MELBOURNE VICTORY 19 11 4 4 41 24 17 37 ¨ ¨ 11 Bruce KAMAU Forward Castle Hill Hyundai ¨ ¨ 12 Mitchell DUKE Forward 3 SYDNEY FC 19 11 3 5 33 22 11 36 ¨ ¨ 13 Tass MOURDOUKOUTAS Defender Hertz 4 ADELAIDE UNITED 19 8 6 5 27 24 3 30 ¨ ¨ 16 Jaushua SOTIRIO Forward ¨ ¨ 17 Keanu BACCUS Midfielder Best Signs 5 MELBOURNE CITY FC 19 8 4 7 23 22 1 28 ¨ ¨ 18 Mark TOKICH Midfielder Pronto Cloud 6 WELLINGTON PHOENIX 19 7 7 5 26 26 0 28 ¨ ¨ 19 Forward Turner Freeman Lawyers 7 NEWCASTLE JETS 19 6 4 9 24 25 -1 22 ¨ ¨ 20 Vedran JANJETOVIC Goalkeeper Joe Black ¨ ¨ 21 Defender Transport for NSW 8 WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS FC 19 4 4 11 29 41 -12 16 ¨ ¨ 22 Rashid MAHAZI Midfielder Club Marconi 9 BRISBANE ROAR FC 19 2 6 11 23 43 -20 12 ¨ ¨ 23 Lachlan SCOTT Forward 10 CENTRAL COAST MARINERS 19 1 4 14 19 43 -24 7 ¨ ¨ 24 Raúl LLORENTE Defender Access Fire ¨ ¨ 27 Forward P PLAYED W WINS D DRAW L LOSS F GOALS FOR A GOALS AGAINST GD GOAL DIFFERENCE PTS POINTS ¨ ¨ 28 Roly BONEVACIA Midfielder Multiquip ¨ ¨ 32 John ROBERTS Forward ¨ ¨ 33 Defender ¨ ¨ 34 Patrick ZEIGLER Defender Wet'N'Wild ROUND 20 MATCHES ¨ ¨ 40 Nicholas SUMAN Goalkeeper ¨ ¨ 49 Abraham MAJOK Forward Western Sydney University VS VS COACH ASSISTANT COACHES SCORE SCORE Markus BABBEL Jean-Paul DE MARIGNY Arthur DILES Davide DEL GIOVINE SUBSTITUTES OFF ON

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thecoffeeemporium/australia www.thecoffeeemporium.com.au 17 TONIGHT'S MATCH SCORE

SQUAD # NAME POSITION S B 1 Goalkeeper ¨ ¨ 2 Alexander GRANT Defender ¨ ¨ CORRECT AS OF ROUND 19 3 Defender ¨ ¨ 4 Defender ¨ ¨ CLUB P W D L F A GD PTS 5 Defender ¨ ¨ 1 PERTH GLORY 19 14 4 1 42 17 25 46 6 Defender ¨ ¨ 2 MELBOURNE VICTORY 19 11 4 4 41 24 17 37 7 Forward ¨ ¨ 8 Midfielder ¨ ¨ 3 SYDNEY FC 19 11 3 5 33 22 11 36 9 Andrew KEOGH Forward ¨ ¨ 4 ADELAIDE UNITED 19 8 6 5 27 24 3 30 11 Forward ¨ ¨ 5 MELBOURNE CITY FC 19 8 4 7 23 22 1 28 13 Defender ¨ ¨ 6 WELLINGTON PHOENIX 19 7 7 5 26 26 0 28 14 Chris HAROLD Forward ¨ ¨ 15 Brandon WILSON Midfielder ¨ ¨ 7 NEWCASTLE JETS 19 6 4 9 24 25 -1 22 16 Tomislav MRCELA Defender ¨ ¨ 8 WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS FC 19 4 4 11 29 41 -12 16 17 Diego CASTRO GIMENEZ Midfielder ¨ ¨ 9 BRISBANE ROAR FC 19 2 6 11 23 43 -20 12 19 Christopher IKONOMIDIS Forward ¨ ¨ 10 CENTRAL COAST MARINERS 19 1 4 14 19 43 -24 7 20 Jake BRIMMER Midfielder ¨ ¨ 21 Jacob ITALIANO Forward ¨ ¨ PLAYED WINS DRAW LOSS GOALS FOR GOALS AGAINST GOAL DIFFERENCE POINTS P W D L F A GD PTS 22 Fabio FERREIRA Forward ¨ ¨ 23 Scott NEVILLE Defender ¨ ¨ 24 Callum TIMMINS Midfielder ¨ ¨ 25 Walter SCOTT Defender ¨ ¨ 27 Juan De Dios PRADOS LOPEZ Midfielder ¨ ¨ 33 Goalkeeper ¨ ¨ VS VS COACH ASSISTANT COACHES SCORE SCORE Tony POPOVIC Hayden FOXE Danny MILOSEVIC SUBSTITUTES OFF ON

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thecoffeeemporium/australia www.thecoffeeemporium.com.au WANDERLAND.COM.AU VISIT TONIGHT'S MATCH 18

Can you spot the five differences below?

his week’s Junior Wanderer is Cruz! Cruz was lucky Tenough to bump into the players at the airport and got the chance to meet his heroes Roly Bonevacia and Jaushua Sotirio. 1. Which two Wanderers 3. How many times after were named in the today's match have ARE YOU A JUNIOR Hyundai A-League the Wanderers played WANDERER? team of the Week? Perth this season?  Snap a photo and tag @wswanderersfc on 2. Name the Wanderer 4. Which Wanderer Instagram to feature in who scored in both recently signed a the next issue of The of the club's previous three-year extension Wanderer. matches against Perth at the club? Glory this season.

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VISIT WANDERERSHOP.COM.AU I month of February! our free clinicsduring the many junior Wanderers at t ' s

been

so

cool meeting so and stream. available live through broadcast all Hyundai A-League games with Play Football Round with sure you tune andget involved celebrate Play Football, somake play the beautifulgame! new skillsandmostimportantly you get to make new friends, learn for their local football club. encourage everyone to register Play Football Celebrations which That's not the onlynotThat's the way to Playing football isgreat because The clinicsare partof our W 4.  3. 2. 1. school's back!  prevent backproblems. backpack to right Choose the ensuring that you stay healthy. enough sleepisacrucialpartof Sleep! Makingsure you get classroom andplayground. prevent the spread of illnessin the properlywash yourto hands Make sure you know how to school. foodsvitamin-rich to Eat the alphabet, make sure you take and active now that how you canstay healthy e ’ ve

got

some

great tips on greaton tips Spot the Difference: 1. The ® is missing from the Harvey Norman sign 2. 'Land' is missing from the Aqualand logo on the back of Tass Mourdoukoutas' Mourdoukoutas' Tass of the back Aqualand logo on the from is missing 'Land' 2. sign Norman Harvey the from The ® is missing 1. the Difference: Spot 5. Mariner's jersey Mourdoukoutas' Tass from missing The hoops are 4. his jersey the back of from name is missing Graham's Sam shorts 3. Mariner Baccus 4. Keanu Three 3. Bonevacia 2. Roly Russell Tate and Risdon Josh 1. answers: Quiz Junior leg is missing. Kennedy's Ben Goalkeeper 19 FOLLOW US @WSWANDERERSFC      #WSWvPER JUNIOR WANDERER ZONE 20 MOURDOUKOUTAS ON SOLID GROUND

YOUNG DEFENDER TASS MOURDOUKOUTAS HAS PAVED A WAY FOR HIMSELF IN THE WANDERERS HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE TEAM

After a number of call-ups for the Young Socceroos and consistent performances in the Academy, Mourdoukoutas made his Hyundai A-League debut in Round 16 against Wellington Phoenix coming on as a substitute in a 1-1 draw. rowing up in Sylvania Waters, It wasn't long then before Mourdoukoutas Mourdoukoutas started playing was snatched up by the first team with the Gfootball at the Football NSW youngster getting some vital senior football Institute before moving to Sydney under his belt. Olympic's youth team in 2016. Mourdoukoutas has been one of the shining From Sydney Olympic, Mourdoukoutas was lights on a challenging campaign for the Red scouted for the Wanderers Academy where & Black and has played a role in each of the he played in both the club's NPL 2 first matches the Wanderers have won this season grade side and Championship-winning with the centreback believing this season has Foxtel Y-League team. been fundamental for his development. is humbledby theopportunitiesgiven tohim. Academy hasbeenproducing suchtalent andhe For Mourdoukoutas, it is nosurprisethatthe guidance of headcoachMarkus Babbel. been thrustinto first teamactionunderthe of Wanderers Academy players thathave Mourdoukoutas hasbeenpartof agroup from that." all reacted really"They've well andwe learn can learnfrom how they react. players goingthrough thissituationwithyou discouraged, because Ithinkwiththeolder experiences tobegained, more sothan "I actually thinkthere's beenalot of good anything yet. younger boys becausewe still haven't proven looking tomake theirmark, especially us in theremaining weeks. Everyone isstill "But Ithinkthere's alot of positives tocome really hadaseasonlike we have thisseason. "I thinkeven more experienced players haven't explained Mourdoukoutas. heading into thefinalstages of theseason," to winandithasgiven ussomemomentum positive light ontheseason, always it's good "(The wins)have definitely shedamore person, whichisthemost important thing." "And keep growing asafootballer anda so thatwe cankeep learningevery day. keep working, especially usyounger players "We've justgot tokeep ourheadsdown and time hepulls ontheRed &Blackhoops. determined tocontinue working hard each Looking tothefuture, Mourdoukoutas is week andthewholeseason." really helpedusbeprepared throughout the coaching staffandseniorplayers whohave "And beenthrough that's great guidanceby really taken ourchances. we've earnt ourchance, alot of boys have "Whether thathasbeenoutof necessityor boys achance. boss Markus Babbelfor givingusyoung "Obviously, alot of praise goestothe into thefirst team," saidMourdoukoutas. onlyso it's natural thattheseplayers progress Academy andplenty of players comingthrough of Wanderers, aswe have agreat Wanderers "You couldsay there's awholenew generation 21 WATCH WSWTV  #WSWvPER FEATURE 22

SOTIRIO SHINING

JAUSHUA SOTIRIO ON HIS JOURNEY OF SELF- BELIEF AND HIS LOVE FOR THE RED & BLACK

ne of the most familiar faces in Wanderers history, But it has been arguably in one of the Wanderers toughest youngster Jaushua Sotirio has been in the Wanderers season's in history that Sotirio has shone through, growing in Odevelopment system since day one. leaps and bounds. Growing up in the inner west around Summer Hill and Ashfield, The second-half of the 2018/19 season has been about pride Sotirio played his junior football with Five Dock and Leichhardt in the Wanderers and there's no player that has more faith in before moving onto Marconi Stallions. the Red & Black than Sotirio. The forward made his Hyundai A-League debut against "It's been a bit of a crazy season and one that I've never Newcastle Jets in Round 10 of the 2013/14 season. experienced before actually," said Sotirio. The exciting attacker continued to grow and soon found "We've played some good football in patches but we've just himself on the pitch in the AFC Champions League victory been unlucky with not getting the result and it's been hard on over FC Seoul and scored his first goal in Red & Black soon the boys. after against Perth Glory in Round 6 of the 2014/15 Hyundai "It's been hard on morale, we've been a bit down but we've A-League season. been trying our best. Sotirio's breakthrough season came in 2015/16 as he became "We always give our 100% in every game, so we've just gotta a first team regular, playing in 22 first team matches and play for pride and give it all back to the fans and ourselves." scoring one goal. Such year of growth for Sotirio has come from a mix of self- 23

belief and guidance from senior players and experienced This was backed up by another spectacular performance by coaching staff. Sotirio against the Mariners where he helped secure a crucial (Right to left) Sotirio celebrates "I've been here for a while now at the club and I've won the win for the club. his goal against Central Coast Asian Champions League as well so it means the world to me," "The goal against the Mariners, you know it was a very Mariners;, Sotirio goes for a run reflects Sotirio. important game - an important game for the whole club, the "It's been my only Hyundai A-League club so you know I've players, for everyone," said Sotirio. always given my all and I always will give my all. "We've had a big rough patch and that win was an important win. "You know I'm still learning every day, especially with the "You know I did that celebration, it was just a bit of banter with foreigners, they've been at the highest level so I'm still the crowd. learning everyday off them. "Because I cop a lot of negativity and criticism and you know "You know on things like how I can improve my game, you it's just a way of saying you know keep talking and I'll just know they're giving me pointers and tips on how I can make prove myself on the field." better runs or have better movement." And prove himself he has with things only looking up for Sotirio Sotirio's hard yards at the Red & Black have been paying off if he continues to apply himself the way he has. Either way, the with the 23-year-old's goal against Melbourne City being voted youngster will be forever remembered as one of the most loyal by the Hyundai A-League as Goal of the Month for January. and faithful to have ever worn the Wanderers hoops. #WSWvPER  VISIT WANDERLAND.COM.AU WANDERLAND.COM.AU VISIT FIX FOOTBALL FOX

25 TAKE FIVE

RIERA ON TONIGHT'S MATCH AGAINST GLORY

think when you are not in a good situation Without the ball we have been trying to be a it's about how many games we have left lot better and in the past weeks we've been Iand how we can beat the opponent. trying to prove ourselves. After having two weeks where we have won Tonight's match against Perth is massive two matches in a row, we have another big game with three points that we have to get. game tonight and it's all about giving 100%. We will face some of our old friends like Santalab It's all about mentality, it has not been easy (Brendon Santalab) and Chris (Ikonomidis) and it this season with everything that has happened, will be a very emotional game. I got injured and spent some time sidelined. But it will be a good fight and a battle for us. We also had a lot of unlucky results which We know we have to get three points and just for such a young squad is not easy to accept try to put our best foot on the field. so I think these last few games will be a lot about mentality. It's just about trying to the control the things we can control. After having back-to-back wins our mentality is much better and we are a lot more confident in ourselves.

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HIGH HOPES PANIC! AT THE DISCO FEEL IT STILL YOUNG BLOOD 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER HIGHER HILLTOP HOODS BE ALRIGHT DEAN LEWINS READY FOR IT? TAYLOR SWIFT RISE JONAS BLUE SOMETHING JUST LIKE THIS COLDPLAY IN MY BLOOD SHAWN MENDES GET LUCKY DAFT PUNK #WSWvPER   

 FOLLOW US @WSWANDERERSFC US @WSWANDERERSFC FOLLOW FIVE TAKE Who do we slow for? Slow down for Wanderers.

Too many lives are lost to speeding. So this season, dozens of young TooWanderers’ many lives fans are have lost cometo speeding. together So to this send season, a message dozens to ofall young road users. Wanderers’They want fans you slowhave down,come totogether protect to the send lives a messageof thier mothers to all road and users. fathers, Theysisters want and you brothers. to slow Who down, do to you protect slow for?the lives of their mothers and

fathers,Watch sistersthier passionate and brothers. chant Who on atdo facebook.com/TransportforNSW you slow for? Visit towardszero.nsw.gov.au/sponsorships/westernsydneywanderers For everyone on our roads, slow down.

TTN0010 - PrintAd_A4 v2.indd 1 18/12/17 4:22 pm Who do we slow for? 27 Slow down for Wanderers.

HELPING WANDERERS OUT This week’s Centuria Wandercrew Volunteer of HOST FREE CLINICS the Week is April! April has been a vital part of Westfield W-League volunteer group this season, helping with promotions and match IN FEBRUARY day. April was also part of the Wanderers Schools Cup earlier this year. s part of the Wanderers ongoing The Wandercrew is a fantastic way to make celebrations of Play Football, the new friends and meet like-minded people ARed & Black have been hosting free who all support the Red & Black and the football clinics prior to all their home work they do in the community. matches in February. So what are you waiting for? Join our Powered by Soccer Kickstart, these sessions Centuria Wandercrew today. will follow through on proven development systems which follow the Football Sessions are heavily focused on technique,  SIGN UP TODAY TO VOLUNTEER FOR Federation Australia curriculum. game understanding and improving confidence THE CLUB VISIT WANDERLAND.COM.AU/ Participants are guaranteed to have a great as well as providing a great experience. WANDERCREW time developing their football skills in a At the end of this clinic, the goal is to have dynamic high-quality session with fully participants comfortably perform all four qualified and highly experienced coaches. technical components of football - passing, BROUGHT TO YOU BY Too many lives are lost to speeding. So this season, dozens of young The clinics are aimed towards players who shooting, controlling the ball and dribbling. Too many lives are lost to speeding. So this season, dozens of young Wanderers’ fans have come together to send a message to all road users. are starting to enhance their football skills Wanderers’They want fans you slowhave down,come totogether protect to the send lives a messageof thier mothers to all road and users. fathers, in a dynamic high-quality session with the VISIT WANDERLAND.COM.AU TO FIND Theysisters want and you brothers. to slow Who down, do to you protect slow for?the lives of their mothers and experienced coaches. OUT MORE ABOUT OUR FREE CLINICS fathers,Watch sistersthier passionate and brothers. chant Who on atdo facebook.com/TransportforNSW you slow for? #WSWvPER Visit towardszero.nsw.gov.au/sponsorships/westernsydneywanderers  For everyone on our roads, slow down. WATCH WSWTV WSWTV WATCH IN THE COMMUNITY

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29

MCDONALD’S PROUD COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Players and staff also headed to the house Christmas saw the Wanderers take the full team for the fifth year in a row to cook meals for to visit The Children's Hospital at Westmead, families as part of the house's Meals from delivering gifts to seriously ill children. the Heart program. This was in line with the club's Christmas McDonald's also supported the Wanderers campaign with Foodbank, where members ogether, the wanderers and community traditions in hosting a White and fans were encouraged to bring non- McDonald's have been working for a Ribbon match at the start of the season perishable food to the Sydney Derby to be Tnumber of seasons to make an impact and a Harmony Day clash at the club's next donated for families in Western Sydney. on the community in Western Sydney. home game at ANZ Stadium. Throughout the month of February, the Last match day, the Wanderers held their The Wanderers new Migrant Program also Wanderers have also hosted free football annual Ronald McDonald House fixture to continues this Hyundai A-League season with clinics pre-match to celebrate Play Football raise awareness and support the incredible the club working with a number of Western Round while McDonald's continued to hand work Ronald McDonald House Charities in Sydney resettlement and migrant advocacy out free Wanderers jerseys to all first-time Greater Western Sydney do in supporting groups to distribute 500 memberships to clinic participants at Wanderers Weekly and families with sick kids. the migrant community. Holiday clinics.

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