EIGHTY-THIRD EDITION | SEASON 2017/18 | ROUND 26 VS BRISBANE ROAR

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FEATURES EIGHTY-THIRD EDITION | SEASON 2017/18 | ROUND 26 VS BRISBANE ROAR

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THE WANDERER The views in this publication are ON A KNIFE’S RISDON’S WORLD WANDERERS not necessarily the views of the EDGE 8 CUP DREAM 14 FINDING THEIR NRMA Insurance Western Season 2017/18 is coming right An impressive showing for the FEET IN NPL 2 20 Wanderers FC. Material in this down to the wire as the race for Socceroos last week has Josh The young Wanderers are publication is copyrighted and may the finals reaches its climax Risdon eyeing a spot in Russia starting to hit form in NPL 2 only be reproduced with the written permission from the Club.

ADVERTISING REGULAR COLUMNS For all advertising enquiries for The Wanderer or partnership with the OPEN LETTER 5 TODAY’S MATCH 16 IN THE COMMUNITY 27 club please contact the Corporate Partnerships Team by sending an email WARM UP 6 JUNIOR WANDERER ZONE 18 CORPORATE NEWS 28 to [email protected]

FIVE THINGS 11 FOX FOOTBALL FIX 22 OUR PARTNERS 29 PHOTOGRAPHY All photography in The Wanderer PLAYERS TO WATCH TAKE FIVE is courtesy of Alan Delic, Ali Erhan, Brought to you by Turner and Freeman 13 Brought to you by Turner and Freeman 25 Getty Images and Steve Christo.

2 THE WANDERER ROUND 26

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With the values of the modern age, the ability to increase the participation of women in the sport provides increasing he passion, excitement and opportunities of success and fairness for all. entertainment that flow from the Our partnership with the Western game of football see the sport Sydney Wanderers and Football Tbreaking barriers every single day. Federation utilises the sport of Football fosters connections between football to build on community strengths families in a positive and healthy and aspirations, a goal that has been at the environment as an avenue to engagement core of the operations of Western Sydney and integration. MRC for the past thirty-nine years. The spirit of competition and fair This has resulted in outcomes far play melds the past with the future and greater than anticipated within our creates ties between different cultures, refugee and migrant communities, with unifying the people of Western Sydney increased general strengthening in social Cheering with the Red and Black Army as one community. cohesion amongst families, improvement These connections formed nurture in leadership skills and stronger a global sense of belonging through settlement outcomes evident. a collective enthusiasm cultivated by Football offers a profound the sport. contribution to a socially inclusive » Fruit and Vegetable Drawer » Sliding Chilled Case » Freezer Drawer Such bonds are vital within our society, paving the way to shared refugee and migrant communities, experiences that help shape the lives of » Automatic Ice Maker » 2-Way Flexi Glass Shelf » 3.5 Star Energy Rating particularly amongst our young the communities we serve. people, that thrive when provided with opportunities to form Rassem Asmar relationships and interact with others Western Sydney in an impassioned atmosphere. Migrant Resource Centre (MRC)

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Onyx Black Glossy Red energyaction.com.au | 1300 553 551 For more information on our products Phone:1300 280 625 please visit www.mitsubishielectric.com.au VISIT WANDERLAND.COM.AU  5 WARM UP MATCH PREVIEW inals football is at stake tonight here at ANZ Stadium as the Wanderers Fwelcome Brisbane Roar to Western Sydney for the penultimate round of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season. It’s the definition of a do-or-die clash for the Wanderers who know that a loss Celebrating diversity for tonight will signal the end of their finals Harmony Day! football hopes. I LOVE MY HISTORY Last week, Brisbane took advantage of CULTURE QUEEN the Wanderers’ 3-1 defeat to Melbourne THE COLOUR OF THE EARTH Victory at AAMI Park, leapfrogging the PJ HARVEY Red & Black into sixth spot on the ladder after a 1-0 win against Central Coast ONE WORLD Mariners at Suncorp Stadium. DIRE STRAIGHTS ’s men now hold a two- THE WORLD IS A CIRCLE point buffer over Josep Gombau’s side BURT BACHARACH and will be keen to keep the Wanderers IMAGINE at bay ahead of a tricky away trip to JOHN LENNON Perth on the final day of the season. The Wanderers will return here to OVER THE RAINBOW ANZ Stadium next Sunday for their ISRAEL KAMAKAWIWO’OLE season closer against United WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD but will no doubt be looking no further LOUIS ARMSTRONG than tonight’s challenge.

WHERE IS THE LOVE? Heading into this fixture, the history of the THE BLACK EYED PEAS two sides is split straight down the middle.

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE THE BEATLES CHAIRMAN'S AWARD 2018 LOVE TODAY MIKA ou can nominate an individual from the Western Sydney community who You can listen to our Female hasY shown generosity, compassion, a Football Week playlist here selfless act or ongoing commitment to a spoti.fi/2I8feNJ cause that supports and positively affects our region to win the Chairmans Award at the Wanderers Medal 2018. Three finalists will receive tickets to the event on 17 April at Waterview in Bicentennial Park with the winner announced on the evening by Wanderers' Chairman, Paul Lederer. Visit wanderland.com.au/ chairmansaward to nominate.

6 THE WANDERER ROUND 26 WARM UP

In the 21 league meetings between the pair, both sides have won seven games a piece to accompany the seven draws between the clubs. The two teams can’t even be separated in the goals category, with both having scored 35 goals against one another. It’s a theme that’s extended to this season, with the Roar claiming a 2-0 away win here at ANZ Stadium in the first meeting before it was the Wanderers’ turn to notch up a 2-0 away win at Suncorp Stadium in the second. Last season, the Wanderers were knocked out of the finals by the Roar after a nail-biting penalty shootout and the Red & Black faithful will be desperate to extract a bit of revenge by denying the Queenslanders a spot in this seasons finals series. All in all, it sets up a tantalising blockbuster tonight that promises to be as high- pressured as any match we’ve seen so far this season.

ON THIS DAY COURTESY OF ANDREW HOWE  @ANDYHOWE_STATTO

ormer Socceroo and inaugural Brisbane Roar patron Gary Wilkins was Fborn on this day in 1945. Wilkins played for local side Redbank before moving to Hollandia (later Brisbane Lions) from 1964 to 1974, where he later held administrative roles. Brisbane (then Queensland) Roar was effectively created in 2005 as an offshoot club from the Lions. His prominent Andrew Howe @AndyHowe_statto is Australia's leading role with the Roar is acknowledged by the football statistician. Keep an eye out for Andrew's naming of the club’s annual men’s player of upcoming book 'Encyclopedia of Socceroos', now available the year award, the Gary Wilkins Medal. for order from  fairplaypublishing.com

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8 THE WANDERER ROUND 26 FEATURE

ON A KNIFE’S EDGE SEASON 2017/18 IS COMING RIGHT DOWN TO THE WIRE AS THE RACE FOR THE FINALS REACHES ITS CLIMAX.

Conversely, a win for Josep who extracted revenge, being Gombau’s men in front of crowned Champions after a their home fans here at ANZ dramatic 2-1 extra-time win Stadium will well and truly put against the Wanderers at them in the box seat for the Suncorp Stadium. coveted sixth place spot. In season 2015/16, the It’s an equation that sets Wanderers regained bragging up a mouth-watering clash rights and once again secured between two sides who are a place in the Grand Final, no strangers to meeting each this time in spectacular fter seven months other in high-pressure games. fashion in the now famous of football, it all In fact, on each of the four 5-4 extra-time win at boils down to this. occasions that the Wanderers . AThere’s no room for error, have made the finals, they’ve And just last year, the no room for complacency faced off against the Roar. two sides met once again and quite simply, no room In the 2012/13 season, in the finals series, with the for defeat. the Red & Black’s inaugural Roar coming out on top in A loss tonight at the season in the Hyundai the Elimination Final after hands of Brisbane Roar and A-League, the Wanderers a nerve-wracking penalty the Wanderers will miss bested the Roar 2-0 at shootout win at Suncorp. out on the finals for just the Parramatta Stadium to book While tonight may not be a second time in their short their ticket to the Grand Final. finals football match, it promises but proud history. A year later, it was Brisbane to have just as much feeling.

WATCH WSWTV  9 FEATURE

It comes after what can of players with big game best be described as a curious experience and will no doubt season for both sides, who look to draw on that tonight. have experienced a somewhat The Wanderers however mirrored trajectory so far. will be looking for a repeat It was the Wanderers who of the last meeting between began the stronger, enjoying the two sides, a 2-0 win for a run in the top four for as the Red & Black at Suncorp much as the first seven weeks Stadium back in Round 14. of the season. It’s been a long time Though since that opening between drinks for Josep stage, the Red & Black have Gombau’s men of late, having only replicated glimpses of that picked up their last win early season form and have nearly a month ago, a 4-1 win struggled for real consistency. against Wellington Phoenix Meanwhile, the Roar were at Spotless Stadium. rooted to the bottom of the The Red & Black looked ladder for the first six rounds. sharp against the Victory And although they haven’t last week in the opening hit any glittering heights since, stanza but came undone as Roar boss John Aloisi will be the game progressed. pleased with how his side have The Wanderers know slowly turned things around. they have the quality and the The Roar were much firepower to compete with maligned at the start of the the best in the completion but season for having assembled will need to string together an ageing squad, though their two halves of football if they old boys have shown that they hope to walk away with a still have plenty of life in them. result tonight. Led by 38-year-old striker And so with that the stage Massimo Maccarone, who is set for the biggest and has netted nine times this perhaps most unpredictable season and exciting French match of the season. winger Éric Bauthéac, Buckle up Western the Roar have a number Sydney, we’re in for a ride.

10 THE WANDERER ROUND 26 FIVE THINGS FIVE THINGS FIVE KEY THINGS THE WANDERERS NEED TO DO TO CLINCH A FINALS SPOT

4. STRONGER SECOND 1. GIVE RIERA SERVICE HALF The big number 9 has been far and away The Wanderers have scored nearly half the Wanderers’ biggest final-third threat of their goals in the opening 30 minutes but needs the right support to be able to of game time, the most of any team, do his best work. though need to work towards putting things to bed.

3. GIVE VEDRAN LESS TO 5. DRAW ON HOME 2. MORE GOAL SCORERS DO SUPPORT Riera alone has accounted for nearly half Janjetovic has made the most saves of Playing the last two matches of the regular of the Red & Black’s goals this season any goalkeeper in the competition this season in front of a vocal home crowd is a and the rest of the attacking third will season and needs more protection from luxury few will enjoy and the Wanderers want to up their return. his men in front. should focus in on harness that support. Maximise return with minimum stress!

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7119_TF_WSW_Mag_A4_6.indd 1 25/9/17 12:50 pm PLAYERS TO WATCH

PLAYERS TO WATCH

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

RISDON’S WORLD CUP DREAM

AN IMPRESSIVE SHOWING FOR THE SOCCEROOS LAST WEEK HAS EYEING A SPOT IN RUSSIA

After another solid display sixth international cap when in Green & Gold in the latest he took to the field in the international break, defender 0-0 draw with Colombia at Josh Risdon is putting . himself in prime position to An unused substitute in t’s the ultimate stage in secure a coveted spot on the the 4-1 loss to Norway days football and if all things plane to Russia. earlier, Risdon was one of go to plans, the Western Having been named as one only five players to play the ISydney Wanderers could well of the 26 players in new boss full 90 minutes in , see one of their own at the Bert van Marwijk’s inaugural putting in an energetic shift World Cup this June. squad, Risdon earned his on the right side of defence.

14 THE WANDERER ROUND 26 FEATURE

With van Marwijk a World Cup so it's a big thing less than three months away, having made the switch to get you going,” says Risdon. Risdon says being able to realise from predecessor Ange “It’s been a big part of the end of that journey would Postecoglou’s back three to what’s getting me through this be something very special. a back four, the door is now season, just focusing on that “It would be massive, it’s “It was a great result for open for Risdon to press his end goal.” definitely something I want to us, I thought we defended claim for a starting berth. Risdon made his Socceroos tick off my list in my career, to very well and it’s positive that And the 25-year-old is debut back in 2015, during a play in a World Cup. we kept a clean sheet against doing his cause no harm, World Cup qualifying match “It’s something I’ve dreamt such a good opposition,” said having been one of the against Bangladesh. about as a little kid and to Risdon after the match. Wanderers’ standout Two years on, at the back be able to say you’ve played “I felt very comfortable out performers this season. end of last year, Risdon at a World Cup will be an there, playing against some “Playing well each week at helped the Socceroos clinch awesome achievement. world football heavyweights, the Wanderers is in the back a qualifying spot against “Hopefully I can do all so it was a really good of my mind knowing that if I Honduras in Sydney. the right things to be there experience.” do well hopefully I can get to With the World Cup now in Russia.”

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WATCH WSWTV  15 TODAY'S MATCH WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS FC SQUAD S B # NAME POSITION ¨ ¨ 1 Jerrad TYSON Goalkeeper ¨ ¨ 3 Jack CLISBY Defender TODAY'S ¨ ¨ 4 Josh RISDON Defender SCORE ¨ ¨ 5 Defender ¨ ¨ 6 Midfielder ¨ ¨ 7 Steven LUSTICA Midfielder ¨ ¨ 8 Roly BONEVACIA Midfielder MATCH ¨ ¨ GRAB A PEN AND WRITE DOWN YOUR SUBSTITUTES 9 Oriol RIERA Forward ¨ ¨ 10 Álvaro CEJUDO Midfielder OWN RECORD OF THE GAME OFF ¨ ¨ 11 Brendon SANTALAB Forward ¨ ¨ 15 Kearyn BACCUS Midfielder LADDER ¨ ¨ 16 Jaushua SOTIRIO Forward CLUB P W D L F A GD PTS ON ¨ ¨ 18 Chris IKONOMIDIS Forward 1 SYDNEY FC 25 18 4 3 60 22 38 58 ¨ ¨ 19 Forward 2 NEWCASTLE JETS 25 14 5 6 49 33 16 47 OFF ¨ ¨ 20 Vedran JANJETOVIC Goalkeeper 3 MELBOURNE CITY FC 25 12 4 9 39 31 8 40 ¨ ¨ 21 Marc TOKICH Midfielder 4 MELBOURNE VICTORY 25 11 5 9 41 35 6 38 ¨ ¨ 22 Jonathan ASPROPOTAMITIS Defender 5 ADELAIDE UNITED 25 10 6 9 33 33 0 36 ON ¨ ¨ 23 Lachlan SCOTT Forward 6 BRISBANE ROAR FC 25 9 5 11 30 35 -5 32 ¨ ¨ 24 Raúl LLORENTE Defender 7 WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS FC 25 7 9 9 33 44 -11 30 ¨ ¨ 25 Chris HERD Midfielder 8 PERTH GLORY 25 9 2 14 33 47 -14 29 OFF ¨ ¨ 32 John ROBERTS Forward 9 CENTRAL COAST MARINERS 25 4 8 13 26 40 -14 20 ¨ ¨ 33 Defender 10 WELLINGTON PHOENIX 25 4 6 15 28 52 -24 18 ¨ ¨ 34 Kosta GROZOS Midfielder ON LEGEND ¨ ¨ 40 Nicholas SUMAN Goalkeeper P PLAYED W WINS D DRAW L LOSS F FOR A AGAINST GD GOAL DIFFERENCE PTS POINTS ¨ ¨ 42 Keanu BACCUS Midfielder ¨ ¨ 49 Abraham MAJOK Forward OFF COACH ASSISTANT COACHES Josep GOMBAU Delfin FERRERES ON Davide DEL GIOVINE

16 THE WANDERER ROUND 26 TODAY'S MATCH BRISBANE ROAR SQUAD S B # NAME POSITION ¨ ¨ 1 Michael THEO Goalkeeper ¨ ¨ 3 Luke DE VERE Defender TODAY'S ¨ ¨ 4 Daniel BOWLES Defender ¨ ¨ 5 Defender ¨ ¨ 6 Avram PAPADOPOULOS Defender SCORE ¨ ¨ 7 Thomas KRISTENSEN Midfielder ¨ ¨ 8 Jacob PEPPER Midfielder MATCH ¨ ¨ 9 Massimo MACCARONE Forward GRAB A PEN AND WRITE DOWN YOUR ¨ ¨ 10 Forward OWN RECORD OF THE GAME ¨ ¨ 11 Corey GAMEIRO Forward SUBSTITUTES ¨ ¨ 12 Dane INGHAM Forward OFF ¨ ¨ 13 Defender Ladder correct as of Round 25 ¨ ¨ 14 Forward CLUB P W D L F A GD PTS ¨ ¨ 16 Mitchell OXBORROW Midfielder ON 1 SYDNEY FC 25 18 4 3 60 22 38 58 ¨ ¨ 17 Matthew MCKAY Midfielder 2 NEWCASTLE JETS 25 14 5 6 49 33 16 47 ¨ ¨ 18 Joe CALETTI Midfielder 3 MELBOURNE CITY FC 25 12 4 9 39 31 8 40 ¨ ¨ 19 Jack HINGERT Defender OFF 4 MELBOURNE VICTORY 25 11 5 9 41 35 6 38 ¨ ¨ 20 Shannon BRADY Forward 5 ADELAIDE UNITED 25 10 6 9 33 33 0 36 ¨ ¨ 21 Goalkeeper ¨ ¨ 6 BRISBANE ROAR FC 25 9 5 11 30 35 -5 32 22 Éric BAUTHEAC Forward ON ¨ ¨ 24 Connor O'TOOLE Defender 7 WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS FC 25 7 9 9 33 44 -11 30 ¨ ¨ 26 Nicholas D'AGOSTINO Forward 8 PERTH GLORY 25 9 2 14 33 47 -14 29 ¨ ¨ 27 Adam SAWYER Midfielder OFF 9 CENTRAL COAST MARINERS 25 4 8 13 26 40 -14 20 ¨ ¨ 28 Emilio MARTINEZ Midfielder 10 WELLINGTON PHOENIX 25 4 6 15 28 52 -24 18 ¨ ¨ 31 Brendan WHITE Goalkeeper ¨ ¨ 33 HENRIQUE Forward LEGEND ON ¨ ¨ 34 Aaron REARDON Defender P PLAYED W WINS D DRAW L LOSS F FOR A AGAINST GD GOAL DIFFERENCE PTS POINTS ¨ ¨ 35 Jay BARNETT Midfielder Proudly brought to you by ¨ ¨ 37 Bryce BAFFORD Forward OFF ¨ ¨ 77 Defender COACH ASSISTANT COACHES John ALOISI Jason KEARTON ON

VISIT WANDERLAND.COM.AU  17 JUNIOR WANDERER ZONE SPOT THE DIFFERENCE Can you spot the five differences below?

Answers from Issue 82: 1. The speakers are missing from the ceiling; 2. The star is missing from Wanderers ur Junior Wanderer of the logo on the player mascot’s tee-shirt; 3. The ‘1’ is missing from the number on Chris Ikonomidis’ shorts; 4. Match today is 3-year-old The Nike logo is missing from the player mascot’s shoe; 5. The Nike tick on Chris Ikonomidis’ jacket is white. OAmelia. Amelia's favourite players are Brendon Santalab and Kearyn Baccus. Her favourite moments JUNIOR QUIZ on match day are meeting Sunny Answers to the quiz can be found in the next issue of The Wanderer and Wesley Foxe, celebrating 1. How many games are left this season 5. Name two Wanderers Academy goals and getting high fives from after today? players that have made their the players after the game. A-League debut this season? 2. What was the Wanderers last result when they played against Brisbane Roar? 6. Where is Wanderers headquarters located? ARE YOU OUR NEXT 3. Who were the goalscorers in that fixture? JUNIOR WANDERER OF 7. Can you name the Wanderers 4. Which Wanderer has played in the most THE MATCH? E-League Team. Take a photo and tag @wswanderersfc games for the club across all competitions? on the gram to feature in the next issue of The Wanderer. Don't forget to tell Answers from Issue 82: 1. Jada Whyman; 2. Round 22; 3. Delfin Ferreres; 4. Wally Van Gool for Male us a little bit about yourself!  Champion of the Year and Linda Cerone from Nepean Football Association for Female Administrator of the Year; 5. Four; 6. Melbourne City; 7. Six

18 THE WANDERER ROUND 26 JUNIOR WANDERER ZONE

t’s sad to think that this is our second last game With the weather set to cool of the season! down, we’ve got a list of some of IWe’ve had an awesome the best foods to help boost your time so far and we’ve loved immune system during the colder every minute of being a part months and keep you healthy. of the Wanderers family. Hopefully we can grab 1. Leafy Vegetables such as the win tonight and push on cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, into the finals! broccoli, tomatoes and other At today’s match, we’re leafy vegetables help fight also celebrating Harmony against infection. Day, which recognises all 2. Root vegetables like potatoes, the wonderful cultures and carrots and potatoes work communities that make up with strengthening your Australia. respiratory system. We have lots of friends from so many different 3. Capsicum is a rich source of backgrounds and we love Vitamin C that helps fight learning about all kinds colds and flu. of nationalities – plus the yummy food is a big bonus! HAVE A HEALTH TIP? As always, don’t forget Send an email to to say hi to us if you see us [email protected] around at the game today! for it to be featured in the next issue 

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FOLLOW US @WSWANDERERSFC      19 FEATURE

WANDERERS FINDING THEIR FEET IN NPL 2

THE YOUNG WANDERERS ARE STARTING TO HIT FORM IN NPL 2

The club has continued to an early strike from Scott, that Wanderers with Hills fighting build a strong squad filled with saw the Wanderers take a 3-1 back and prevailing 3-2. local talent from the Western lead in the second half. The Red & Black’s Sydney region, featuring However, North Shore unfortunate run of results players with first team recovered and eventually continued with the first grade ooking to build on experience such as Abraham snatched all three points after side falling 4-2 to St George FC. their results last season, Majok and Lachlan Scott. an 83rd minute winner from A double from Kosta which saw the first The youngsters had a rocky Marquin Smith. Grozos fell short as St George Lgrade side finish seventh on start to their season, suffering Wanderers duo, Majok and striker Juan Carlos Romero the ladder after winning 11 out defeat in their opening match Scott, continued to impress and netted a hat-trick, adding to of 26 matches, the Wanderers against North Shore Mariners. in the team’s next match got Raul Romero’s lone goal. have embarked on their third The match had promise after onto the scoresheet once again. The tide finally turned for season in the NPL 2. a double from Majok, as well as Yet it wasn’t enough for the the Wanderers in Round 4

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20 THE WANDERER ROUND 26 FEATURE

WANDERERS FINDING THEIR FEET IN NPL 2

where the Wanderers earned Silvera ensured a comfortable A number of chances for Silvera finally got the third their first win of the season after win for the Red & Black who Fabian Monge and Kosta goal that the Red & Black defeating Rydalmere Lions. dominated the contest from Grozos went close to doubling had deserved, beating two Scott was the hero on the the opening whistle. the Wanderers lead but it defenders before smashing he night, scoring a goal in each The Wanderers opened was early in the second half ball into the top corner. half to lead the Red & Black the scoring in the 37th minute that the Red & Black pushed The win marked another to victory. after Daniel Wilmering won themselves further in front. solid performance for the The Wanderers went the ball on the edge of the Grozos started a sweeping Wanderers in the NPL 2 as on to make it back-to-back penalty area and found Scott, counter attack with both Scott the team now look forward to wins in the NPL 2, defeating who did brilliants to hold off and Majok combining to set their next challenge against Mounties 3-0. a defender before slotting the up Adam for a tap in. Blacktown Spartans at Goals from Scott, ball past Shaw for his fifth goal In the final minutes of Sydney United Sports Centre Mohamed Adam and Samuel of the season. second half stoppage time, next Sunday.

FOLLOW US @WSWANDERERSFC      21 MATCHFOX FOOTBALL PREVIEW FIX

FOX FOOTBALL FIX

STORY BY ADAM PEACOCK  @ADAMPEACOCK3

NO SPORT DOES HARMONY QUITE LIKE FOOTBALL WRITES ADAM PEACOCK

See it every year with my kids, I got to go to my first to the next, some in comfort, who celebrate this day at school. one in 2014. I’d been to many in squalor, was the very It’s a damn good idea; getting into Olympics before, so was definition of an eye-opening the minds of the young about the expecting something similar. experience. Squeezing welcoming of diversity and amazing Wrong. So wrong. through alley ways no wider array of cultures that weaves its way The Olympics is special than your own shoulders on a into Australian society. in its own way, mainly from tour of a favela where families No sport does this like the point of view so many of eight live in one room, on football. Players with counties are competing at one mattress was confronting backgrounds of all kinds are once. And there’s a fair roll up and still vivid. Because they on show every weekend; and of visitors from all corners. could still smile, and their every weekend in other parts The World Cup though is football team (apart of the 7-1 of the world Australians are next level. semi loss to ) made part of football culture. Brazil was memorable for them smile. Which brings us to the so many reasons. Yeah the Hearing fernet-fuelled armony Day is biggest convergence of Socceroos didn’t win a point, Argentinians, campervans something that football culture - meaning but that wasn’t the point. parked all along the resonates with our cultures full stop - the world Learning to see how Brazil Copacabana promenade, Hfuture. Literally. can see. The World Cup. somehow gets from one day singing about Diego

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22 THE WANDERER ROUND 26 FOX FOOTBALL FIX

Maradona stuffing over Brazil a great scene on the eve of Nigerians the day after and so at previous World Cups at Australia v Chile. Hundreds on and so on. 3am still rings in the eardrums. of Chilean fans had converged Sure, who get the feeling Walking out of the on Red Square before the odd moron will take it upon stadium at Porto Alegre taking the train to the game. itself to start some trouble, and being applauded by Dutch Drums and rhythm and noise you’ll see and hear about that fans because the Socceroos bounced off the stony walls at (especially when about 547 gave them an almighty the heart of Soviet and now Russian army officers jump fright; that was cool too. Russia authority and you on it in 2.1 nanoseconds). Tune in to Just for Kicks Thursdays Sure, we had bugger all to felt as alive as possible just But guarantee for every from 8:00pm do with our performance, witnessing it. Locals jumped incident like that, there’ll be  Channel 501 but it was nice anyway. in, the odd Australian too. 10000 unreported moments of Just three short moments, Sadly the Chileans won’t happiness and hilarity. out of hundreds. be there in a few months, An event like this actually Will Russia allow such having failed to qualify, but serves to display what harmony? that’s not to say Red Square humanity can be if it just Well last June at the wont be full of Swedes one managed to enjoy itself a bit Confederations Cup there was day, Peruvians the next, more. Harmony at its best.

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JOSH RISDON SPEAKS ABOUT HIS RECENT PERFORMANCE FOR THE SOCCEROOS AGAINST COLOMBIA AND WHAT THE FEELING WAS LIKE IN CAMP UNDER THE NEW COACH

I enjoyed the match and the atmosphere, it was a really good experience. The result is massive for our confidence. It’s games like these where you want to test yourself against the best and it’ll be no different when it comes to the World Cup. It was a good hit out for us and to know we can match a side like Colombia is unreal and we can push forward from that. The team has really thought the result benefited from this week against Colombia was together as everyone has great and we defended been buzzing and the vibe Ireally well. has been really good. It was very positive that It was very positive, we’ve we kept a clean sheet against learnt a lot in these ten days such a good country with the and come May when we are players they have got. together for quite a long I felt very comfortable time before the World Cup out there on the pitch. The I think we can progress Proudly brought to you by people I had around me Mile, more. Millsy and Lecks made it a It’s an exciting time lot easier as they were always and one I’m happy to be talking to me. involved in.

FOLLOW US @WSWANDERERSFC      25 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 IN THE COMMUNITY Who do we slow for? Slow down for Wanderers. A HARMONY DAY GIFT

CELEBRATING DIVERSITY IN FOOTBALL

The membership on offer With a large proportion of gives the groups, made up of the memberships being directed new arrivals and migrants across to the Blacktown, Fairfield and Western Sydney, access to the Liverpool LGAs the program Wanderers’ final two matches of will help support the large the season at ANZ Stadium and numbers of new arrivals settling also includes a membership hat, in Western Sydney’s heartland. scarf and free train travel to and The Mayor of Blacktown from the matches. City, Stephen Bali MP Wanderers CEO John said the offer to Blacktown Tsatsimas said that the pilot showed the strength of the program is part of the club’s relationship the Wanderers commitment to creating have with their home base. he NRMA Insurance an inclusive community in “We have been partners with Western Sydney Western Sydney. the Wanderers since day one Wanderers have “The role football can play in and this is just another example Ttoday announced that they creating a socially inclusive society of why they are so rightly called will be continuing their is profound,” said Tsatsimas. Western Sydney’s community annual tradition of celebrating “The capacity for football club,” said Mayor Bali. Harmony Day at their Round to engender social capital and “The integration and 26 home match against create community is enormous support Council provides Brisbane Roar on 7 April. and we are committed to through our CALD (Culturally In an effort to continue to continuing to play our part by And Linguistically Diverse) promote inclusivity and unity creating strong relationships community programs is hugely for new arrivals and migrants with these groups in a sport important for our City. in Western Sydney the that they are familiar with in “Having this opportunity to Wanderers are working with an environment that is and will bring groups together for the a number of Western Sydney always be one of inclusivity. amazing match day experience resettlement and migrant “The simple opportunity that only the Wanderers can FIND OUT MORE ABOUT advocacy groups to distribute of coming to a match and deliver is a great initiative and OUR HARMONY DAY 1000 memberships as part of creating a wider sense of fully complements our plans ACTIVITIES a pilot program supported by social inclusion within the for building a cohesive and  wswanderersfc.com.au Blacktown City Council. community is compelling.” harmonious community.”

WANDERCREW MEMBER OF THE MATCH: FOXTEL Y- LEAGUE HUB LEADER, 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. STRETCHER BEARER AND Wanderers’They want fans you slowhave down,come totogether protect to the send lives a messageof thier mothers to all road and users. fathers, MEMBER SERVICES Theysisters want and you brothers. to slow Who down, do to you protect slow for?the lives of their mothers and ongratulations to Chris Baker for all his help across our CFoxtel Y-League and Hyundai A-League matches. fathers,Watch sistersthier passionate and brothers. chant Who on atdo facebook.com/TransportforNSW you slow for? Thank you Chris for volunteering for the club! Visit towardszero.nsw.gov.au/sponsorships/westernsydneywanderers SIGN UP TODAY TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE CLUB For everyone on our roads, slow down. Visit wanderland.com.au/community/wandercrew  WATCH WSWTV  27

TTN0010 - PrintAd_A4 v2.indd 1 18/12/17 4:22 pm CORPORATE NEWS WATCH PETER RABBIT AT EVENT CINEMAS

* Online booking fee applies. Vmax and 3D surcharges apply. Offer valid for Cinebuzz members only. Only valid for the following films: PETER RABBIT, EARLY MAN, SHERLOCK GNOMES and A WRINKLE IN TIME. Not valid on sessions after 5PM. Not valid in Gold Class. See website for full T&Cs. ^ Online booking fee applies. Offer valid for Cinebuzz members only. Offer only valid for the first Gold Class session of Peter Rabbit each day of the school holidays. 4 for $100 offer apply to 2 adults and 2 With a huge line-up of Plus, the kids are taking children or 1 adult and 3 children. his school holidays, family films hitting cinema over Gold Class! Treat your See website for full terms and bring the kids along screens, including Peter little ones and make the first conditions.. to Event Cinemas Rabbit, Early Man, Sherlock session of Peter Rabbit each Tto watch the biggest family Gnomes and A Wrinkle in day in Gold Class a special  eventcinemas.com.au blockbusters and get creative Time, Event Cinemas are family event. Event Cinemas with free arts and craft delighted to offer Wanderers are offering a special price to activities. The school holiday fans great family-value tickets, Cinebuzz members of $30^ program is an extravaganza with Cinebuzz tickets for each or 4 tickets for $100^. of film themed fun, rolling these films from $11* on all Simply visit eventcinemas.com. out at your local participating sessions before 5pm daily au and join Cine Buzz Rewards to Event Cinemas. during the school holidays. unlock these offers today!

28 THE WANDERER ROUND 26 OUR PARTNERS

NAMING RIGHTS & MAJOR PARTNER

SENIOR PARTNERS

OFFICIAL CATEGORY PARTNERS

FOUNDATION PARTNERS

BUSINESS PARTNERS Access Fire Protection Energy Action JD Sports Pronto Cloud Accor Hotels European Glass & Glazing JDC Prime Holdings Sinclair Hyundai Afford Event Cinemas Joe Black Sound Agents AGS Structural Featherdale Wildlife Park Keith Prowse Travel Stulz Alex&Co. First Phase Football M&J Chickens Sydney Olympic Park Australian Turf Club Four J’s Cleaning Services Multiquip Transport Authority Blacktown Workers Club Hertz National Projects & Maintenance UFC GYM Blacktown City of Parramatta House With No Steps myPlates Waterview in Bicentennial Park Cucina 105 Icons of Sport Podiatry One Wet‘N’Wild Sydney

CHARITY PARTNERS

VISIT WANDERLAND.COM.AU  29 ANYTIMETHE BEAUTIFUL GAME Castle Hill ISNOW FOOTBALL AVAILABLE TIME IN MORE PLACES

NRMA INSURANCE is hosting Open Goal events in Western Sydney M2 so you can enjoy more football in more places. ThereBaulkham are skill Hills clinics, games, foodBlacktown and the opportunity to meet your Western Sydney Wanderers heroes!

Seven Hills

Carlingford

North Parramatta

Parramatta Wet ‘n’ Wild

M4

Merrylands Sydney Olympic Granville Wetherill Park Park

Lidcombe Fairfield

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Bankstown

M5 NRMA INSURANCE OPEN GOALS

Goal locations shown on map are illustrative only. Find the next open goal event, visit nrma.com.au/opengoals

M&CS0005-17-18_IAG-NRMA_Wanderers-Map-Press-Ad_A4_(v4)_Final.indd 1 4/12/2017 1:43 PM

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MERCURIAL VAPOR