Forty-Seventh edition season 2015/16 Round 9 VS Brisbane Roar

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

FEATURES FORTY-SEVENTH EDITION SEASON 2015/16 ROUND 9 VS BRISBANE ROAR

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Playing Happy 8 Derby Day Revenge 18 The Wanderer A return to has brought a new lease Our Westfield W-League side aims to The views in this publication are not necessarily the views of of life for Dario Vidosic level the score the NRMA Insurance Western Story by Jacob Windon Story by Domenic Trimboli Wanderers FC. Material in this publication is copyrighted and may only be reproduced with the written permission from the Club. Regular Columns Advertising Open Letter: Volunteer Today’s Match 16 Guardian Funerals For all advertising enquiries Tom Daniels 5 Wandercrew member of in The Wanderer or questions Fox Football Fix 20 the Week: Ahmed Habib about partnership with the club please contact the Warm Up 6 and Matthew Webbey 26 Corporate Partnerships team SLAV’S Spot the [email protected]. Five Things 11 Difference 22 In the Community: Macarthur Helping PHOTOGRAPHY Players To Watch: Corporate NEWS: Football Soar 27 All photography courtesy of Redmayne vs Young 13 Recognition of Wanderful Ali Erhan, Daniel Boud, Getty Images, Parramatta Melita Volunteering 23 Wanderers Shop 29 Eagles and Steve Christo. Fox Football Focus with Kate Cohen 15 Take Five with Andreu 25 Our Partners 30

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Back to Contents Page Open Letter

From the Volunteer Life as a Guardian Funerals Wandercrew Member

y name is Tom Daniels and I are lifelong and they see first-hand the rewards am a PDHPE teacher at that volunteering has without the need Katoomba High School by day of a financial reward in return. A HELPING HAND Mand in my down time I volunteer as part of the Volunteering gives you a sense of self-worth as Tom Daniels Guardian Funerals Wandercrew. you know that you are giving up your free time to is part of our My role within the Wandercrew is Hub Leader help others. Before any home game it is amazing Guardian Funerals of pre-game promotions: I am one of the guys who how many people seek us out for their match day Wandercrew gives you your match day program before the program: it has become an integral part of their game. My crew consists entirely of Western Sydney match day experience and we get to give it to them. residents who love our club and give up their time As well as the programs our role is to assist in any each game day to enhance the enjoyment of all of enquiry about the day, no matter how big or small. you. We are a team made up of labourers, office On behalf of the pre-game promotions workers, tradies and students. volunteer team, especially my students, Being a volunteer is a fantastic way to give back I wish to say a sincere thank you to our to my community. It gives me an opportunity to beloved Western Sydney Wanderers for the combine my loves of football and teaching. On any opportunity to play a small part of the match given home game you will see up to a dozen of my day experience. I would also like to thank the school students in their blue Guardian Funerals Wandercrew sponsors Guardian Funerals. Wandercrew uniform. These kids range from Year 8 The Wanderers give us so much; it is easy to give a to Year 12 and when they finish their schooling they little bit back. Who do we volunteer for? still volunteer for the Wanderers. Guardian Funerals and NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers have shown these kids Tom Daniels what it is like to be part of something special. The Wandercrew Member lessons they learn along their volunteering journey WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS FC

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WHAT DOES THE FOXE SAY With

he feeling in the squad is obviously have nothing to fear about them as we fear T very positive after some great results. no one. We want to concentrate on what we We have been no different in the way we can do with the ball and focus on what our have approached our previous games and structure is, no matter what the opposition. we have kept the same structure since However, we know that the season the very first round of the season. is long and we need to maintain this The players have been in great form and standard of performance for the this has been shown by their performances remainder of the campaign. If we on the park. Already there have been some can keep playing the football we are comparisons to history in season one and I producing at the moment for the whole ON THIS DAY would love to be able to look into a crystal of the season we know we will be at the Courtesy of Andrew Howe ball and tell you “yes, we will win the title right end of the table come finals time. @AndYhowe_statto and repeat the efforts of the first season From day one our goal has been to win, and and hopefully do one better.” we have a great attitude and winning mentality arramatta FC, formerly Melita We are definitely heading on the right within the squad to ensure we keep winning. PEagles, enjoyed the biggest win track that has been set by They will be a tough team to break of its seven year national league and it’s hopefully a sign of great things down as they have also had a strong existence with a 4-0 hammering of to come for not only the squad but the start to the season and have some great Newcastle Breakers on this day in greater Wanderers community. players. We will approach the game the 1993. Two of Melita’s best known In today’s match we take on Brisbane same way as we have approached the first strikers, Marshall Soper (3 goals) Roar and they also play a possession-based eight of the season with hopes that we can and Joe ‘Spitfire’ Spiteri, scored game of football similar to ourselves. We continue on this successful run tonight. for Parramatta in the match played in front of 3116 at Melita Stadium. Match Day Partner Fixtures & Results It had been a good start to the We’d like to thank our match day 1993/94 national league season for Scan the QR code below for all score partner for tonight’s match against Eagles who had won the (pre- updates across our Hyundai A-League, Brisbane Roar. season) national cup final a few Westfield W-League and Foxtel weeks earlier with a 2-0 victory over National Youth League matches. Sydney United, giving the club an impressive W8-D3-L1 start to the season including cup games. The goal feast against Newcastle was the last for a while however as the Rale Rasic-coached Eagles followed with a six-match goalless streak, the club eventually limping to tenth on the NSL final ladder.

6 The Wanderer Round 9 Back to Contents Page WARM UP

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ecently you may have seen me The change in the squad has certainly Ron the sidelines as a pundit for rejuvenated the club this season and I +500 interviewing players and genuinely believe that Tony Popovic has POINTS + coaches since departing from the nailed the squad selection. 5000 Wanderers two seasons ago. The fact we still have players like POINTS It has been great watching the Brendon Santalab and + Wanderers from the sidelines and to make a massive impact on the game 7000 POINTS despite it being only Round 9 there has keeps the past legacy alive along with been a lot to like about the season so Nikolai Topor-Stanley who has been @CarlosMiKhael  far. We have some great players in some standing tall and leading the squad. key places and even when you look Today’s match sees us come face-to-face five players deep on the bench we have with our Round 1 opponents Brisbane some serious quality. Roar and they have also been looking good We have been looking really this season. This match will be a real test sharp and I have enjoyed watching for the squad heading into the Christmas the team play some exciting period to see where they stand on the table. and creative attacking football: The Central Coast Mariners last the Spaniards have been really weekend made it difficult for the squad  awesome and I have especially to play their normal game but I think @ScubaInstructr loved watching Mitch Nichols play that the squad today will be too good for as he’s been on fire for the Red & the Roar and they will be able to make it Black this season. six from six. WSWREWARDS doWnLoad the app today!  turn to page 28 now to see how you can win the @The_travel_cam ultimate+20 members+100 derby experience. PluSPOINTS you canPOINTS earn 500 bonuS PointS* for entering the code ‘WsWRnd9’ into the app!

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Story by JACOB WINDON @JacobWindon Playing Happy

After spending weeks in hospital with a crippling virus, facing the ire of a tyrannical club president and training for 13 weeks with a posterior cruciate tear after being misdiagnosed twice, it’s no surprise that Dario Vidosic leaves training these days with a smile on his face

t’s been a long and fascinating story so far football and they taught us the lessons they had for the Croatian-born Socceroo but there’s learnt themselves,” recalled Vidosic. no trace of remorse or reprisal in his account, Vidosic is philosophical about his time with Lessons Ionly gratitude, which has been informed by the the Bavarian club. He had successfully settled Learned former Brisbane and man’s consummate into a foreign country but had witnessed players Vidosic's time professionalism and diligence. attempting to get coaching staff sacked. He had been in Europe was Almost 10 years ago, a 19-year-old Vidosic burst relegated to the second division in his first season but colourful to say onto the scene in the 2006/07 season with Queensland played a major role in the club’s promotion back to the least Roar. Coming off the bench in Roar’s opening round the to following campaign. fixture against Perth Glory, the slender, fair-haired “If I could go back again I’m not sure I would forward scored one and made another in a 3-0 rout. have gone to a club like Nurnberg where I had three Although he was only 20, Vidosic’s ambition and other Australian players. I perhaps would’ve gone potential as one of Australia’s next big names was to another club so I could have gone through the underscored after just 17 games when Bundesliga’s whole adaption process on my own.” FC Nurnberg came calling in 2007. Vidosic’s four-year stint with Nurnberg ended in The bedding-in period at Der Altmeister was 2011 with Adelaide United offering made smoother by a generous smattering of international a route home where he played 51 established Australians at the Bavarian club where matches, scoring 15 goals. , Matthew Spiranovic and Michael But it wasn’t long before his ambitious side came Beauchamp would all eventually ply their trade to the fore once more when Vidosic returned to together for the 2006/07 season. Europe for a second time with FC Sion. Arriving “I had two older brothers in Beauchamp and as one of the league’s most highly regarded players, Josh Kennedy, and Matt who was closer to my age. Vidosic quickly rose to the challenge and his impact We had a great balance where the two older guys catapulted Sion up the table in a hugely successful taught us the ropes. They had played professional opening to his Swiss journey.

8 The Wanderer Round 9 Back to Contents Page FEATURE

…I was Going to be “ Successful And nothing Was going To stop me”

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“It was a phenomenal first six months. I was very “You don’t ask for a set up like Barcelona or Real headstrong going over, I was playing well, I had it Madrid but you want it to be professional like we in my mind that I was going to be successful and have at the Wanderers. Back for more nothing was going to stop me.” “You think when you’re going to Europe you Vidosic is raring However things can change very quickly expect much better but it doesn’t always work out to light up the in football and through a combination of that way and I can vouch for that”. A-League once extraordinary bad fortune and incompetent Although he stresses that he made the most of again management, his time with Sion would take his tumultuous period in Switzerland, Vidosic is several turns for the worse. disappointed with how the move played out. But After falling sick in preseason of 2014, he was he acknowledges he’s become better for it. He’s hospitalised with a mysterious virus that left him always looking forward and says his best years are with a facial rash. Raimondo Ponte, the third of ahead of him. seven managers to take charge of Sion during “I’ve learnt a lot, I’ve been through experiences Vidosic’s time, astonishingly accused him of saving that make you stronger as a person so when things himself for the upcoming 2014 World Cup. like an illness, a bike, or the president who’s doing “It was unheard of. I was treated as if I didn’t care about all sorts of crazy things like picking the team, it the club and was just using it to get into the national team. I makes me appreciate what I have here now. Read More went purple, they rushed me to hospital. It really took the life “Maybe it was all meant to be that way for Scan the out of me and took a while for me to recover from all that.” me, for me to come here to the Wanderers and QR code to Vidosic would go on to be branded a ‘tourist’ by to finally get what I feel any footballer deserves: the right to Sion’s fifth manager, Frederic Chassot. a good environment around them and coaching read the full Following a freak bicycle accident and a double staff that demand the best from you and can teach story misdiagnosis, he was made to train with a posterior you every day. cruciate tear for 13 weeks despite raising concerns with “It’s a phenomenal set up we have here the fitness staff on several occasions. To make matters with great coaches and great people. We feel worse, Vidosic was ostracised from the first team. everyone is together, including the NYL and the “You leave a lot behind when moving abroad and W-League, all striving with the same success. I’m the one thing you want when you go over there is coming to training and leaving training with a for things to be the way they should be. smile on my face.”

10 The Wanderer Round 9 Back to Contents Page Five Things

FIVE THINGS Best Vidosic Moments

3. Dario returns down 5. First Wanderers goal 1 under with Adelaide He might have missed another pre- Vidosic returned to the Hyundai season but it didn’t take long for A-League in 2011 as Adelaide United’s Vidosic to make an impact for the Australian marquee. He scored 14 goals in Wanderers. Vidosic scored his first 51 appearances for the Reds to cement his Wanderers goal in his first full 90 status as one of the league’s finest players. minutes, sweeping past on 4. National debut the edge of the box. Dario has made no secret of his pride when pulling on the national jersey and he made his debut in Australia’s 4 World Cup qualifier against Japan in 2010. Vidosic has scored twice in 23 appearances for the green and gold.

2

1. Hyundai A-League debut Dario took the league by storm on debut, 3 5 scoring one and setting up another in Brisbane’s 3-0 win over Perth in Round 1 of the 2006/07 season. Vidosic came off the bench to set up a goal for Simon Lynch before firing home a tap-in with ten minutes remaining.

2. Vidosic fires Nurnberg back to the Bundesliga After struggling with injury in the early parts of the 2008/09 season, Vidosic spectacularly returned to the Nurnberg first team and was the hero in their return to the Bundesliga, scoring three times in 12 matches. Nurnberg defeat Energie Cottbus 5-0 in their two-legged promotion play-off.

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Back to Contents Page Players To Watch

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

Redmayne YOUNG Clean Sheets

3 3

Saves

14 16

Catches

7

13

ANDREW REDMAYNE GOALKEEPER GOALKEEPER Having played for the Mariners, Roar Young returned to Australia and Melbourne City, Redmayne appears last year after more than 10 years to have finally found a home at the playing abroad in the UK. With three Wanderers. The big man from has PROUDLY clean sheets already this campaign, brought to pulled off a number of big saves in recent you by the Australian-born U20 weeks and will be looking for back-to-back international is close to matching his clean sheets for the first time this season. five clean sheets from last season.

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Back to Contents Page Fox Football

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

ow the mood has changed from three down style while also adding a desire to construct months ago when Western Sydney attacks from the back and use their creative, Wanderers last hosted Brisbane Roar. direct forwards to devastating effect. Refreshing HWhile concerns about Western Sydney’s past At the same time, Aloisi’s Roar have been able has been defensive errors carried into the new season, to similarly improve their pressing game while instrumental in Roar, under new manager , flew out of the additions of Corona in midfield and Jamie the Roar's early the blocks. But they’ve not only been caught but Maclaren up front have added new dimensions season success overtaken as Western Sydney’s good form extended in attack. Corona has won over neutrals and to five straight wins against Central Coast Mariners. pundits with his technical style, often the first This won’t just be a clash of two teams in form player to receive the ball from the back before and striving for the top of the table, it will also be shifting it forward for the likes of Thomas between two teams that play exciting, attractive Broich, who has again struck up a formidable football. Under Tony Popovic, Western Sydney understanding with Matt McKay, and Brandon have been able to reinvent themselves, re- Borrello who is relishing coming in off the right establishing their high pressing, difficult to break touchline and using his pace in behind.

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Stay Connected VISIT Wanderland.com.au  15 Today's Match Back to Contents Page Western Sydney wanderers fc SQUAD S B # Name Position ¨ ¨ 1 Dean Bouzanis Goalkeeper ¨ ¨ 2 Shannon Cole Defender TODAY'S ¨ ¨ 3 Defender Score ¨ ¨ 4 Nikolai Topor-Stanley Defender ¨ ¨ 5 Brendan Hamill Defender ¨ ¨ 6 Mitch Nichols Midfielder ¨ ¨ MATCH 7 Romeo Castelen Forward ¨ ¨ 8 DIMAS Midfielder Grab a pen and write down your own SUBSTITUTES ¨ ¨ 9 Federico Piovaccari Forward record of the game ¨ ¨ 10 Dario Vidosic Midfielder

¨ ¨ 11 Brendon Santalab Forward LADDER Ladder Correct at completion of Round 8 OFF ¨ ¨ 12 Defender CLUB P W D L F A GD PTS ¨ ¨ 14 Golgol Mebrahtu Forward 1 MELBOURNE VICTORY 7 5 1 1 14 7 7 16 ¨ ¨ 15 Kearyn Baccus Midfielder ON 2 WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS FC 8 5 1 2 12 7 5 16 ¨ ¨ 16 Jaushua Sotirio Forward 3 BRISBANE ROAR FC 8 4 3 1 13 7 6 15 ¨ ¨ 17 ALBERTO Defender 4 SYDNEY FC 8 3 4 1 8 6 2 13 OFF ¨ ¨ 18 ANDREU Midfielder ¨ ¨ 19 Mark Bridge Forward 5 NEWCASTLE JETS 8 3 3 2 9 8 1 12 ¨ ¨ 20 Goalkeeper 6 MELBOURNE CITY FC 8 3 2 3 18 15 3 11 ON ¨ ¨ 21 Jacob Pepper Midfielder 7 WELLINGTON PHOENIX 8 3 2 3 12 13 -1 11 ¨ ¨ 22 Jonathan Aspropotamitis Defender 8 CENTRAL COAST MARINERS 8 1 2 5 9 16 -7 5 OFF ¨ ¨ 23 Shayne D'Cunha Defender 9 PERTH GLORY 7 1 1 5 7 13 -6 4 ¨ ¨ 31 Alusine Fofanah Midfielder 10 ADELAIDE UNITED 8 0 3 5 7 17 -10 3 ¨ ¨ 32 Daniel Alessi Defender Legend ON ¨ ¨ 33 Josh Macdonald Forward P Played W Wins D Draw L Loss F For A Against GD Goal Difference PTS POINTS ¨ ¨ 34 Mario SHABOW Forward ¨ ¨ 36 Liam Youlley Midfielder OFF Coach Assistant Coaches Tony Popovic Hayden Foxe ON Andrés Carrasco

16 The Wanderer Round 9 Back to Contents Page Today's Match Brisbane Roar SQUAD S B # Name Position ¨ ¨ 01 Goalkeeper ¨ ¨ 03 Shane Stefanutto Defender TODAY'S ¨ ¨ 05 Defender ¨ ¨ 06 Jerome Polenz Defender Score ¨ ¨ 07 Corona Midfielder ¨ ¨ 08 Steven Lustica Midfielder MATCH ¨ ¨ 09 Forward Grab a pen and write down your own ¨ ¨ 10 Henrique Forward SUBSTITUTES record of the game ¨ ¨ 11 Jean Carlos SoloRzano Forward ¨ ¨ 13 Defender ¨ ¨ 14 Daniel Bowles Defender Ladder Correct at completion of Round 8 ¨ ¨ OFF CLUB P W D L F A GD PTS 15 James Donachie Defender ¨ ¨ 16 Devante Clut Midfielder 1 MELBOURNE VICTORY 7 5 1 1 14 7 7 16 ¨ ¨ 17 Matt Mckay Midfielder 2 WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS FC 8 5 1 2 12 7 5 16 ON ¨ ¨ 19 Defender 3 BRISBANE ROAR FC 8 4 3 1 13 7 6 15 ¨ ¨ 20 Shannon Brady Midfielder 4 SYDNEY FC 8 3 4 1 8 6 2 13 ¨ ¨ 21 Jamie Young Goalkeeper OFF 5 NEWCASTLE JETS 8 3 3 2 9 8 1 12 ¨ ¨ 22 Midfielder 6 MELBOURNE CITY FC 8 3 2 3 18 15 3 11 ¨ ¨ 23 Forward ON 7 WELLINGTON PHOENIX 8 3 2 3 12 13 -1 11 ¨ ¨ 26 Nick D'agostino Forward 8 CENTRAL COAST MARINERS 8 1 2 5 9 16 -7 5 ¨ ¨ 27 Mitch Hore Midfielder 9 PERTH GLORY 7 1 1 5 7 13 -6 4 ¨ ¨ 28 Brandon Borrello Forward OFF 10 ADELAIDE UNITED 8 0 3 5 7 17 -10 3 ¨ ¨ 31 Matthew Schmidt Defender Legend ¨ ¨ 32George Lambadaridis Midfielder ON P Played W Wins D Draw L Loss F For A Against GD Goal Difference PTS POINTS ¨ ¨ 33Luke Devere Defender ¨ ¨ 37Abrahim Yango Forward ¨ ¨ 39Thomas Bilic Goalkeeper OFF PROUDLY brought Coach Assistant Coaches to you by John ALOISI Jason KEARTON ON

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Story by Domenic Trimboli @dom_trimbolI Derby Day Revenge

After coming away empty handed from this season's first , the Western Sydney Wanderers Westfield W-League side will be eager to level the score

t was barely a month ago that Sydney dropped to sixth place after a 4-1 loss to Granted, Boardman’s Wanderers, FC came to town and stole three points the ever-impressive Canberra United. while earmarked by budding prodigious from a spirited Wanderers outfit. Yet heading into the Round 8 talent, is a team that is without much of IOn a warm afternoon in clash, only two points separate the the big-game experience that a seasoned Parramatta, the Red & Black were pair on the ladder and Boardman unit like Sydney FC is able to boast. left ruing a slow start and some is confident that his group will be Still, Boardman insists that he’ll avoidable errors, eventually yielding better prepared than they were for be keeping the faith with his crop of to a narrow 2-1 loss. the November encounter. generation next. Though come Sunday at Lambert Reflecting on that meeting, Boardman “We have a lot of youngsters in the side Park, Norm Boardman’s troops will feels that his fledgling young side was this year and it’s quite exciting for our club. have a unique opportunity to extract perhaps taken aback by the occasion. “We brought these girls into the some swift payback in enemy territory. “Sydney FC were very much squad for a reason and we’re certainly The two sides are coming off focused on the importance of the making sure they get every opportunity contrasting weekends: the Sky Blues derby,” said Boardman. to perform as well as they can.” jumped into the top four with a 1-0 win “I think some of our girls might’ve Boardman will need all hands on over Adelaide United, while the Wanderers lost that in the bright lights.” deck to combat Daniel Barrett’s stout

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18 The Wanderer Round 9 Back to Contents Page FEATURE

Sydney FC line-up, who will be hoping to welcome back star forward Kyah Simon from Matildas duty. Bragging The Red & Black rearguard will right's also need to keep a close eye on veteran The Wander Leena Khamis, whose brace provided the Women will be difference the last time the two sides met. aiming to level Irrespective of however Sunday’s the score game eventuates, Boardman feels that his team is heading in the right direction. “I’m very confident in this side. My staff and I have a lot of belief about what we can do this year. “No matter what happens, we’re going to keep working towards the overall picture.”

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Story by Adam Peacock @adampeacock3 Fox Football Fix Fox Sports’ Adam Peacock traces the trajectory of the two men in charge tonight

half the games in Brisbane as he did in Melbourne in a fraction of the time. He is a football nut, fascinated with its workings. His coaching apprenticeship was spent all over Europe as a player, from Belgium to Italy to England and Spain. Learning from his then-managers, both what to do and what to avoid. Javier Aguirre, his former club boss in Spain, who was at the Asian Cup as Japan boss, played an early contributing role. His Spanish connections also opened doors at Barcelona, a former team-mate now on the staff of this generation’s best club side. A recent trip to the Catalan giants emphasized what a lie it is to accuse Barcelona’s superstars of being effortlessly brilliant. They work harder than anyone, Leo Messi and his insatiable need to avoid failure a prime example. His time spent away from the Hyundai A-League was spent soaking up information, tactics and traits, in a similar vein to , who also waited on the Fox Sports couch en years and three weeks ago, Australian before getting a call to take over in Brisbane. football took a turn for the better. Aloisi has been able to ride out the rumblings of History Maker Uruguay. 2005. Second leg, 32 years of discontent over Brisbane’s shoddy ownership, and still It's been a roller- Twait exterminated once and for all. John Aloisi and top up a good squad with good players. Fair comeback. coaster of a Tony Popovic were integral parts of the group of Tony Popovic is also going through his decade for Aloisi men who rid the Socceroos of its curse. reincarnation, though without having to go through Tonight they are pitch-side in suits, trying to the grim reaper of phone calls from the club chairman. outsmart each other, the path taken since 10 years ago The big question for Popovic this season was ‘he can as different as their roles on that unforgettable night. build, but can he renovate?’ Five in a row has gone a Aloisi, his golden left boot having made him the long, long way to answering that question. Like Aloisi, face of 10 years ago, has done incredibly well to just a start, but certainly better than the alternative. bounce back from his first big job, which ended in Ten years ago, Popovic was meant to be no hope of disaster at Melbourne Heart. He has already won being a part of the squad for Uruguay.

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20 The Wanderer Round 9 Back to Contents Page Fox Football

He copped a filthy tackle from Bastian Schweinsteiger at the Confederations SHOOTOUT Cup, wiping out his ankle. Sundays LIVE from 7:00PM EDT Lesser beings would have accepted fate. Not Popovic. Tenacious desire to Once the final whistle on Sunday sounds, Tara Rushton get us to a World Cup meant he put settles in to host Shootout at 9.00pm alongside Mark himself through months of rehabilitation, Bosnich, and John Kosmina. Each week, the undertaken with a meticulous attention team unpack the action from the previous round and to detail. He wouldn’t accept being take a look at the lighter side of the game. physically hindered. A familiar trait when it comes to preparing his sides. And he didn’t mind taking himself out of his comfort zone to be where he is, firstly leaving Sydney FC to be assistant at Crystal Palace. He will never forget his first day in , arriving at Heathrow to go straight to the training ground. He sat in a meeting and bang, was hit with it – plan a part of that day’s session. Jetlag, Shmetlag. Be ready. Then leaving Crystal Palace to set standards at a place that didn’t exist. So many sporting clubs have popped up across Australia over the last decade. Few if any set non-negotiable standards and a threshold of success as quickly as Wanderers. A decade on from Uruguay, both men have moved on, well beyond those unforgettable scenes as Aloisi sprinted, twirling his shirt down the Olympic Stadium touchline. Both speak highly of the man who guided And when Hiddink hauled Popovic off in the Australia to a World Cup, , in awe second leg in Sydney after 30 minutes, he didn’t of his ability to man manage and manipulate a care about his feelings. Sure he knew Popovic Boss Man situation with a player to get what was required was cooking, but Hiddink knew the enormity of Popovic's for the team. the situation far outweighed any sense of self-pity. meticulous When Hiddink realised Aloisi knew he’d be Popovic himself knew that minutes after sitting down. managerial style left out of the starting line up in Montevideo, Hiddink isn’t the messiah for either man. Both mirrors the way he responded with a bet – hit the ball with the have crafted their own style. he approached his crossbar. Hiddink, freakishly won. Aloisi had But they are the only two so far to have graduated own career to buy an expensive bottle of red wine. When from that squad to be senior club coaches. And he handed it over, Hiddink gave it back, and maybe, tonight is the start of a wonderful rivalry. let the senior players have a glass each, 2 days before the first leg, totally taking any tension Adam is the author of That Night: The story of out of the situation. Australian Football’s Greatest Night - Out now.

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

LAST ISSUE'S ANSWERS 1. A fence spike is missing from the background 2. The red part of Andreu’s shorts is black 3. Mark Bridge isn’t pointing his finger 4. The pole is a different colour 5. The tag is missing from Mark Bridge’s training top

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22 The Wanderer Round 9 Back to Contents Page Corporate NEWS

Recognition of Wanderful volunteering Thanking those who help make us tick

ach year on International Volunteer Day, partners to a great many worthwhile volunteer which is held on 5 December, the community groups across Western Sydney. has the opportunity to recognise the work Additionally, we are proud to be the founding Making a Edone by all those who give their time and contribute community partners of Angel Gowns Australia, difference positively to the people around them. a volunteer organisation that provides comfort to The Guardian With this international day in mind it is families that have lost a baby, infant or child. Funerals appropriate that Guardian Funerals, as sponsors We are incredibly proud of the community work done Wandercrew of the Wandercrew, reflects on all that has been by the Wandercrew each year as they promote the growth provide invaluable achieved in Western Sydney throughout 2015 as of Australian football talent right here in our very own assistance to well as what is coming in 2016. suburbs with the assistance they provide to all on game the Club Guardian Funerals is committed to supporting life day. One of the highlights for us at Guardian Funerals this in Sydney’s Western Suburbs with our sponsorship year was sharing the Centenary of Anzac with the Western of the Wandercrew and our passion for the Western Sydney Wanderers and the Wandercrew in April. Sydney Wanderers playing only a small part of this. We look forward to watching the continued We are members of local Rotary and Lions success of the volunteer work of the Wandercrew clubs, many other service organisations and into the future.

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Stay Connected FOLLOW US @WSWANDERERSFC    23 SPEEDING HURTS US ALL Back to Contents Page TAKE FIVE

SPEEDING Take Five Andreu is in the hot seat for this edition HURTS US ALL of the Wanderers Take Five

When you were What kind of things do growing up who you like to do when you’re was your idol? not training or playing My dad football? Your earliest Playing video games, watching movies memory of the and playing with my kids Wanderers is? Your signature meal is? The fans I have too many to choose from! Who was your If you were to go to favourite player to Maccas, what is your watch when you usual order? were growing up? I don’t go anymore, but it used to be a Pep Guardiola cheeseburger with fries What is your most If you were on X-Factor In the movie of your life treasured possession? what song would you who would play you? My kids audition with? Me What is your favourite Eye of the Tiger If you were stranded on holiday destination? an island what would be New York your three essential items? Who is your favourite musician? Mobile, water, a football A like a lot – but David Guetta PROUDLY brought to What would you buy with What is your favourite film? you by your last $50? The Lord of the Rings. The first one was Football Manager 16 my favourite.

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Stay Connected WATCH Western Sydney Wanderers TV  25

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Guardian Funerals Wandercrew member of the Week Congratulations to Ahmed Habib and Matthew Webbey. Ahmed and PROUDLY Matthew both helped out at the brought to White Ribbon March in Liverpool you by for White Ribbon Day.

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

Story by Jacob Windon @JacobWindon

Macarthur helping football soar The Macarthur region is a hotbed of football history

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he Macarthur Football Association is a provide the perfect model and pathway for the future valued organisation that makes the wider growth of the game in Western Sydney. Western Sydney community the heartland of The MFA’s success story is one of persistence, Footballing TAustralian football. commitment and unity, all principles that underscore Powerhouse Since the birth of the Macarthur District Soccer the philosophy of the Western Sydney Wanderers. The Macarthur Football Association in 1984, the Macarthur area has From the association’s inception in the late 1970’s Football been a committed player in fostering and developing and the arrival of a federation team in Macarthur Rams Association a productive, wholesome grassroots environment for in 1992,to the Rams’ entry to the NSW continues to be a Western Sydney footballers. in 2008 and taking the women’s game to a whole new big player in the In accordance with the club’s commitment level due to the hugely successful Macarthur Women’s Western Sydney to making a long-term difference in the local program in 1998, the MFA has flourished in its role as community community through the power of football, the a valuable member of the football community. Western Sydney Wanderers have long held a fruitful In keeping with their mission of “promoting and association with the Macarthur region, underlined developing the game of football in the Macarthur by our proud sponsorship of the MFA. District for the benefit of all within a framework With Westfield W-League coach Norm Boardman of sound and ethical practice”, the MFA deliver a a key figure in directing the development of the harmonious, inclusive base for the game of football association’s junior player and coaches, the MFA in Western Sydney to reach new heights.

LeaRn to pLay the WandeReRs Way holiday clinicS caLL 1300 139 938 to Book in

pRogRams staRt fRom Wednesday 13 JanuaRy 2016 Running thRough the summeR schooL hoLidays aLL acRoss WesteRn sydney

foR aLL the dates and Locations Visit WsWcommunity.com.au

Stay Connected VISIT Wanderland.com.au  27 WSWREWARDS Win the uLtimate memBeRs

the pRize enteR noW THE PRIZE • chauffeuRed Ride from your house for you and a mate# doWnLoad the app heRe • Lunch on us at the emporium with Vip guests • stadium touR and change Room expeRience at pirtek stadium • PeRsonaLised season 2015/16 Wanderers home jersey • tWo tickets to the amBassadoR’s Lounge pre-match function • Watch the match from the dug-out • excLusiVe access to the post-match press conference • PLUS much moRe

to enteR puRchase RaffLe tickets thRough the WsWreWardS app oR ReWaRds.WandeRLand.com.au one RaffLe ticket is WoRth 5,000 points*

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

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

LEFT Women's jersey $90; New Era Caps from $40 Right Men's Derby Tee $35 the pRize enteR noW THE PRIZE • chauffeuRed Ride from your house for you and a mate# doWnLoad the app heRe • Lunch on us at the emporium with Vip guests • stadium touR and change Room expeRience at pirtek stadium • PeRsonaLised season 2015/16 Wanderers home jersey • tWo tickets to the amBassadoR’s Lounge pre-match function • Watch the match from the dug-out • excLusiVe access to the post-match press conference • PLUS much moRe SHOP NOW Scan the QR code to visit to enteR puRchase RaffLe tickets thRough the online the WsWreWardS app oR ReWaRds.WandeRLand.com.au Wanderers Shop one RaffLe ticket is WoRth 5,000 points* The Womens Jersey Derby TEE - ONLINE ONLY PURCHASE The women’s cut jersey is now available in the The exclusive derby tee is now available to purchase Wanderers Shop. Featuring the gold star above the online ahead of our Round 15 fixture. Featuring the Wanderers badge and a round cut neck there’s no better ‘West Sydney’ wordmark on the front and the ‘We Run way to support your team then in the home jersey. Pair This Town’ slogan on the back of a white tee, it’s what it with the black New Era cap for a casual look. you’ll want to be in come Derby Day.

*term and conditions apply. there is no limit to how many times you can enter. Visit wanderland.com.au/ultimatematchdayexperience to see full terms and conditions. WandererS ShoP #the pick up and drop off address of the winner must be within a 50km radius of pirtek stadium. get #matchReady foR WandeRLand fRom hoodies to headWeaR incLuding aLL neW season youR step-By-step guide to doWnLoad the app to youR smaRt deVice stock We’Ve got you and youR famiLy coVeRed this season. Buy diRect fRom WandeReRsshop.com.au and SteP 1 SteP 2 SteP 3 SteP 4 SteP 5 ensuRe that 100% of the pRofits stay With the cLuB!

foR aLL the Latest WandeReRs geaR Visit WandeReRsshop.com.au search for 'Wanderers Rewards' need help? call the Login with your Visit the 'points' menu Visit the 'Redeem' menu and in the app store or google play membership services hotline 'my Wanderers' to see how you can use your points to claim and download - you can also during offi ce hours on account details start earning great prizes visit the desktop site (02) 8602 6424 Stay Connected FOLLOW US @WSWANDERERSFC    29 OUR PARTNERS Back to Contents Page

Naming Rights & Major Partner

Senior Partners

Official category Partners

Foundation Partners

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u n i t e d s p o r t s

HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE PARTNERS

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