Success of the West allows fans’ dreams to wander
By rselvage7, 3 Feb 2013 rselvage7 is a Roar Rookie
- Tagged:
- A-League, FFA, football, Western Sydney Wanderers
The Western Sydney Wanderers FC's Shinji Ono and Michael Beauchamp. AAP Image/Paul Miller
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The rapid development of the Western Sydney Wanderers is unparalleled in the Australian sporting context.
Encroached firmly in the A-League’s top four, the question now beckons: can the Wanderers really challenge for the title?
As it stands now few would dare to bet against them – and with valid reasoning.
The Wanderers have consistently posted home crowd attendances higher than that of the rival codes sharing the sporting heartland that is Sydney’s west.
Well-established teams, not least the Parramatta Eels and the Penrith Panthers in the NRL, average home attendances both lower than that of the new boys.
The general interest as well as week-in week-out quality of football has significantly improved since the side’s inception.
The measure of such a rise is evident for all to see with global kit supplier Nike (who also are the kit sponsor of Manchester United and Arsenal) unable to keep up with the demand for supporter apparel.
Despite this the on-field journey towards an A-League title (albeit in a maiden year) becomes increasingly realistic and possible as the season progresses.
Claiming the scalp of then fifth-placed Melbourne Heart outfit last week, while playing a man down for 83 of 90 minutes, clearly assured fans that anything is possible regardless of their recent initiation into the competition.
The Wanderers will today take on Adelaide United, who too have a lot to prove following the resignation of coach John Kosmina midweek.
A win away from home against the Reds will add further credentials towards a debut-season championship and prove once more they can match it with the top sides come the season’s climax.
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February 3rd 2013 @ 9:08am
TC said | February 3rd 2013 @ 9:08am | Report comment
2nd para should say “ensconced” not “encroached”
February 3rd 2013 @ 11:26pm
Ahem said | February 3rd 2013 @ 11:26pm | Report comment
“The rapid development of the Western Sydney Wanderers is unparalleled in the Australian sporting context.”
For soccer I assume?
Ever heard of the West Coast Eagles and Adelaide Crows, these clubs are that successful they get stadiums built.
As always soccer is going to be HUGE, blah blah.
Whatever became of Northern Spirit?
February 4th 2013 @ 1:06am
Brick Tamlin of the Pants Party said | February 4th 2013 @ 1:06am | Report comment
Not sure if the Eagles and Crows were pushing for a minor premiership or very much in contention to reach a Grand Final in their first season.What have the Northern Spirit got to do with anything?
February 4th 2013 @ 1:36am
kellett_1992 said | February 4th 2013 @ 1:36am | Report comment
This constant need for comments that have protruded a defensive barrier towards others respective sports is completely irrelevant. You can not even begin to make comparison for the achievements that eventuated in different sports as there are different elements that will both positively and negatively affect the progression of any footballing codes sides.
The think that has provided these uneducated and ill thought arguments is the poor effort placed on this article in an effort to appease football fans! Of course people’s chains will yanked when statements such as these follow:
“The rapid development of the Western Sydney Wanderers is unparalleled in the Australian sporting context.”
” The Wanderers have consistently posted home crowd attendances higher than that of the rival codes sharing the sporting heartland that is Sydney’s west.”
A poor effort in trying to convey a message that aims to glorify achievements thus far, when success is measured not in steps but strides!
February 4th 2013 @ 1:46am
Brick Tamlin of the Pants Party said | February 4th 2013 @ 1:46am | Report comment
“The rapid development of the Western Sydney Wanderers is unparalleled”-to me on the pitch to have a side very much a chance to win silverware after being in existance for less than a year must be pretty close to unparalleled.IF they win anything it will be a first but lets see.
“The Wanderers have consistently posted home crowd attendences higher than that of rival codes”-that statement is wrong.
February 4th 2013 @ 12:05pm
kellett_1992 said | February 4th 2013 @ 12:05pm | Report comment
To you on the pitch! Well on the pitch it’s not unparalleled!
Overall? Maybe but not in terms of the points made within the article
February 4th 2013 @ 12:53pm
Brick Tamlin of the Pants Party said | February 4th 2013 @ 12:53pm | Report comment
A professional Australian sporting team,who has only exhisted for under a year, has been in the running to win a title in the past?
February 4th 2013 @ 1:07pm
kellett_1992 said | February 4th 2013 @ 1:07pm | Report comment
Melbourne storm 1998, finished 3rd.
Gold coast united in first season of football 3rd.
Western Sydney Wanderers… Currently 3rd.
If they win this year, then unparalleled for sure! I would rate overall success of this season unparalleled both on field and off. But in regards to the content of this article and comments that have eventuated, unparalleled is not my word of choice for this form of discussion. Just for, the mean time.
February 4th 2013 @ 1:18pm
Brick Tamlin of the Pants Party said | February 4th 2013 @ 1:18pm | Report comment
The WSW are playing both of their major rivals for the Premiers Plate in the MV and CCM away in the next few weeks,MASSIVE games in respect to the Premiers Plate,add to that the dogfight for the last spot in the finals and we’re in for a very exciting finish to the season.Im just bummed my club isn’t really involved in any of it !
February 4th 2013 @ 9:49am
Kickass Koala said | February 4th 2013 @ 9:49am | Report comment
“soccer” does get stadiums built ….
Spirit were a semi professional team not a pro team.
Eagles ? Well AFL is played by how many countries ? can i count them on one hand, OH wait, one finger, MY MIDDLE ONE!
February 4th 2013 @ 12:08pm
kellett_1992 said | February 4th 2013 @ 12:08pm | Report comment
https://usafl.com/
You may require another finger.
February 4th 2013 @ 2:12pm
Kickass Koala said | February 4th 2013 @ 2:12pm | Report comment
you call that a pro league ? I know high school kids who could beat those guys.
If i create a sport with a ball and 4 posts and give the ball to a kenyan kid does that mean its a pro sport in kenya too ?
My damn luck i didint think of this earlier, i could create a world game just by putting an AFL ball in every country. What was i thinking!
February 4th 2013 @ 2:52pm
kellett_1992 said | February 4th 2013 @ 2:52pm | Report comment
I don’t call it pro. I just didn’t know what extent you wanted me to go into in regards to professionalism. Still played in another country, is it not?
February 4th 2013 @ 3:54pm
Kickass Koala said | February 4th 2013 @ 3:54pm | Report comment
yeah i know, all sports started in a single country at some point …. you never know, we may even get an american football league happening here …
February 3rd 2013 @ 10:38am
langou said | February 3rd 2013 @ 10:38am | Report comment
Welcome back TC – good to have you around
I don’t see how WSW “are unparalleled in the Australian sporting context”.
There have been plenty of sporting teams around Australia who have had bigger crowds in their first season and WSW are yet to reach the heights of Gold Coast as far as on field success
February 3rd 2013 @ 1:26pm
Reynoldsinski said | February 3rd 2013 @ 1:26pm | Report comment
Exactly, but we aren’t interested in facts. This is football in Australia, and hyperbole is message that we prefer to deliver.
February 3rd 2013 @ 1:36pm
Fussball ist unser leben said | February 3rd 2013 @ 1:36pm | Report comment
@ langou
Are you honestly comparing GCU – a team financed by a billionaire, who had a private jet flying the players overseas for practice matches; to WSW, a team financed with meagre FFA funds & didn’t have a full playing squad 3 months before the season kicked off!??!
Wow.. some folk just hate to give any credit to the FFA or AUS football.
February 3rd 2013 @ 1:53pm
Reynoldsinski said | February 3rd 2013 @ 1:53pm | Report comment
So how are they unparalleled then, just because they have had a bit less money? Melbourne Storm finished 3rd in their first season, so what WSW is doing isn’t that remarkable.
February 3rd 2013 @ 2:11pm
Fussball ist unser leben said | February 3rd 2013 @ 2:11pm | Report comment
Weren’t you ALLEGEDLY backpacking across London when MelbStorm played its inaugural season?
From what I understand, Storm continues to be financed by News Corp, which is one of the biggest corporations in the world & they used cheating tactics to circumvent the salary cap & hire the best RL players in the world.
February 3rd 2013 @ 2:34pm
Reynoldsinski said | February 3rd 2013 @ 2:34pm | Report comment
I wasn’t, but I’m not sure what my abode has got to do with it. If you think putting a winking face at the end of your sentences makes you look funny and clever, then you are mistaken.
The author doesn’t allude to the financial factor at all, it is only you that is doing that.
February 3rd 2013 @ 3:10pm
Punter said | February 3rd 2013 @ 3:10pm | Report comment
Hey’s Johnny again!!! What has the A-League done to you, to get a lover of all sports so upset with every little thing. You really need a cup of tea.
February 3rd 2013 @ 3:14pm
Fussball ist unser leben said | February 3rd 2013 @ 3:14pm | Report comment
@Reynoldsinski
I don’t know what industry you’re involved with but, you don’t need a Harvard MBA to understand that …
…creating a successful entity, with limited resources; is far more attractive than creating a successful operation, using unlimited resources.
I’m sure, even the kid selling lemonade on the sidewalk understands this basic business concept; but, surprisingly, it eludes you.
February 3rd 2013 @ 3:29pm
Qantas supports Australian Football said | February 3rd 2013 @ 3:29pm | Report comment
No owner means a drain on the FFA funds and less money for grass roots football… This barnacle club needs to start standing on its own two feet… Why on earth this has not happened yet is a great concern for the FFA..
February 3rd 2013 @ 7:31pm
Sean said | February 3rd 2013 @ 7:31pm | Report comment
Would it shock you to hear Wanderers are on track to at worse break even this season? Bear in mind the cost of a start up club.
Record sponsorship signing (NRMA) , record merchandise sales and healthy crowds, coupled with minimal expenditure.
Stop being a bitter, jealous, short sighted whinger.
How you can call the club a ‘barnacle’ and wonder why it hasn’t been sold yet (in it’s 1st year after FFA clearly said they want to establish the club and look at selling after 2/3 seasons) shows your lack of knowledge and chip on your shoulder. Let me guess, your either a North Qld or Gold Coast supporter.
February 3rd 2013 @ 8:00pm
Qantas supports Australian Football said | February 3rd 2013 @ 8:00pm | Report comment
SFC supporter…. We have an owner and major sponsorship .. GCU and the Fury don’t exist anymore, or didn’t you know?
February 3rd 2013 @ 10:19pm
Evan Askew said | February 3rd 2013 @ 10:19pm | Report comment
@ Sean, He was a Gold Coast supporter till they folded and has being a massive critic of the FFA in regards to the Wanderers since.
February 4th 2013 @ 9:53am
Kickass Koala said | February 4th 2013 @ 9:53am | Report comment
Give them a minute or two brother!
February 3rd 2013 @ 3:07pm
langou said | February 3rd 2013 @ 3:07pm | Report comment
I am not taking anything away from WSW but simply pointing out that what they are doing isn’t “unparalleled” in Australia sport. It is not even unparalleled in the A-League. With a salary cap in place, a rich owner cannot buy championships like they can in Europe so Gold Coast’s achievement in its first year deserves to be recognised .
February 3rd 2013 @ 3:28pm
Punter said | February 3rd 2013 @ 3:28pm | Report comment
Read the 4th paragraph, when did GCU get crowds measuring up to other codes in their area?
They are doing very well in a competition that most expected them to be running last, they did not have Palmer’s money like GCU nor News Ltd backing like Melbourne Storm.
The are doing this on a shoestring budget (apart from money on Shini Ono) most others were A-league leftovers or players not wanted O/S. You don’t see their players being offered big deals to play overseas like in some of the other high flying clubs.
They have generated a following after only 6 months in existence (after a couple if very public failings to set up a club in West Sydney) that is very good by A-League standard & also very good in comparison to a couple of expanded AFL clubs like the West Sydney Giants & Gold Coast Suns, not too mention RL clubs in the area with very large histories. This was done with no FTA TV or massive marketing budget that the AFL has.
I think Ian, you must admit this is pretty special. I’m a SFC & hate them, but even I’m impressed.
February 3rd 2013 @ 3:35pm
Qantas supports Australian Football said | February 3rd 2013 @ 3:35pm | Report comment
Be careful Punter, WSW supporters want to kill off SFC and you are supporting this with your comments..
February 3rd 2013 @ 3:39pm
Punter said | February 3rd 2013 @ 3:39pm | Report comment
QSAF, you need to know who the true enemy are & you are starting to shoot at your own men lately because of your anger at the demise of the Gold Coast.
February 3rd 2013 @ 3:44pm
Qantas supports Australian Football said | February 3rd 2013 @ 3:44pm | Report comment
No…. WSW are taking aim at SFC—-are you reading what their supporters have been writing of late? I guess not…
February 3rd 2013 @ 4:13pm
langou said | February 3rd 2013 @ 4:13pm | Report comment
When you put it like that it does sound pretty impressive.
Great comment.
February 3rd 2013 @ 7:53pm
Punter said | February 3rd 2013 @ 7:53pm | Report comment
Thanks Ian. Another win tonight!!! It is a great story.
February 3rd 2013 @ 3:32pm
Qantas supports Australian Football said | February 3rd 2013 @ 3:32pm | Report comment
Well said…
February 4th 2013 @ 9:58am
Kickass Koala said | February 4th 2013 @ 9:58am | Report comment
i know many footballers at other clubs may be jealous of the wanderers, Visconte even said turning up to training alone blew him away.
As for the AFL guy, why are afl managers, coaches and players watching the team train ?
Just wondering ….
February 4th 2013 @ 10:19am
Qantas supports Australian Football said | February 4th 2013 @ 10:19am | Report comment
You are asking me…??? Better get an AFL guy to answer your question, because I have no idea what you’re talking about..
February 3rd 2013 @ 4:35pm
rselvage7 said | February 3rd 2013 @ 4:35pm | Report comment
that was the inferred message.
February 4th 2013 @ 12:24am
kellett_1992 said | February 4th 2013 @ 12:24am | Report comment
@Fuss,
Going off the two points you make about GCU and WSW respectively, you say “a team financed by a billionaire, who had a private jet flying the players overseas for practice matches” well he may been a billionaire but besides forking out own money for the teams licence and playing costs what does his billionaire status have anything to do with it, pretty sure he didn’t do much to make them thrive? In regards to a private jet which he owned, why would he pay money for another plane when he could use his? That is called saving money.
Then you proceed by saying “to WSW, a team financed with meagre FFA funds & didn’t have a full playing squad 3 months before the season kicked off!??!”
Meagre funds? Who’s paying for Shinji Ono and the whole entire salary cap?
I thought FFA were.
So who is denying credit?
And what did FFA do for GCU? Dumped them on their behind due to poor decision to provide a team in the first place.
February 3rd 2013 @ 4:46pm
rselvage7 said | February 3rd 2013 @ 4:46pm | Report comment
In terms of the speed in which they found their feet – from being granted a license to finding success and working with the resources they have – i would definitely say they are unparalleled.
February 4th 2013 @ 1:43am
kellett_1992 said | February 4th 2013 @ 1:43am | Report comment
Would have been greatly appreciated in the article to prevent meaningless discussion that has no conclusion or end in sight!
Also would like to ask how you define consistency?
Because going off my definition, Parramatta win the consistency battle! Whatever battle there was?
February 17th 2013 @ 11:35pm
Dave said | February 17th 2013 @ 11:35pm | Report comment
Northern Spirit had bigger home crowds than WSW. The question is why are WSW less popular than them, considering soccer was once very popular in Western Sydney.
February 3rd 2013 @ 11:38am
Matt said | February 3rd 2013 @ 11:38am | Report comment
I have been very impressed with the passion & knowledge of the WSW crowd, you get the feeling they are football fans, not curious sports fans checking out a new product. This is the benefit of putting a team in the sports heartland, instead of trying to convince someone to like your sport. Just shows what a hard gig it is for teams like GWS & Melbourne Storm & if they do get a foothold what an enormous job they have done.
February 3rd 2013 @ 5:13pm
Reynoldsinski said | February 3rd 2013 @ 5:13pm | Report comment
If they are so passionate about football, then why weren’t they following SFC in previous years? Maybe passionate as long as they don’t have to travel too far.
February 4th 2013 @ 10:01am
Kickass Koala said | February 4th 2013 @ 10:01am | Report comment
hahahahaha
wow, your response shows exactly why some people dont follow sydney fc.
World revolves around the SFS doesnt it ?
February 3rd 2013 @ 11:55am
NUFCMVFC said | February 3rd 2013 @ 11:55am | Report comment
One thing I think has been good is that from the very first day there was a strong red and black colour to the crowd, which heavily suggests to me as an outsider from melburnian that there was some real keenness there. Have added something to the comp
Are doing well but one feels they need a Smeltz type out and out striker, interesting to note they have joint conceded the least amount of goals before todays game along with CCM, but have the 3rd lowest goals scored – can certainly tell tehy are coached by a defender
Is good that their crowds are more than competitive againt NRL teams. Is worth bearing in mind there are a fair fw. Will be fascinated to see what the crowd will be like when they play at Campbelltown stadium. Would be interesting to see if they mixed home venue up a bit mroe next season, play some in penrith for example right on the western edge this way they can really claim to be quite diverse, as Parramatta seems to be in the ‘near west’ to an outsider, geographically anyway (usually midfielder is good at dissecting the inner workings of western sydney to us Victorians)
Only reason I say this is that usually a team mostly plays at one stadium exclusively for a season, but Melbourne Victory do quite well by splitting their games between Dockalnds/Etihad and Swan Street/AAMI Park, so this raises the question that other teams may be able to do it. Goes against the ethos of a club who own their own stadiums but have to remember A League teams are technically ‘franchises’ so perhaps there is a bit more leeway for it.
Would be interested to see if Wellington based their matches in other parts of NZ as well, yesterdays match at Eden Park was a good change as Dunedin will be in a few weeks time
Does anyone well informed know if Western Sydney are big in certain areas of the west, eg big in parramatta and a little less so in other areas of the west, or are they genearlly big all over, because I was curious to know what the impact of being almost exclusively based in Parramatta would be
February 3rd 2013 @ 1:59pm
ciudadmarron said | February 3rd 2013 @ 1:59pm | Report comment
When the forums were held earlier in the year it was noted that depending on where each forum was held there was a bit of support for the games to be held there – eg, Campbelltown, Penrith. However the overiding opinion in each forum was that Parramatta was the best choice, because of it’s centrality and transport links. The supporters were most vocal about not playing at Homebush also. Parrammatta is the geographic heart of Sydney and to get there from most places in the west is not difficult, especially when you look at average travelling times from all over. And while no information has been released on where members hail from anecdotally there are fans from all over the west – from the blue mountains to the inner west (and beyond); from richmond to the hills; from campbelltown to liverpool and bankstown – they are coming from all over.
Part of this is the matchday experience at Parramatta. While I’m sure fans from Penrith would love to be able to pop down to a game, on their doorstep, I think most genuine fans would agree that Parramatta, with it’s options before and after games for food etc, and with the developing tradition of the RBB march through its streets, and even more with the way it has become a real home of football this summer and somewhere opponents are not getting much luck from – I think that most genuine fans would agree that Parramatta remains the best option.
February 3rd 2013 @ 2:05pm
ciudadmarron said | February 3rd 2013 @ 2:05pm | Report comment
Forgot to add, moving some Victory games across town…. by a few kilometres… is a very different proposition to moving Wanderers matches disances that in most places around the world could encompass entire cities.
Both venues in Melbourne are central and most areas of Melbourne have similar transport links to the city to enable fans to get there with comparative ease no matter where the match is. The same cannot be said of Sydney.
February 3rd 2013 @ 3:56pm
luke said | February 3rd 2013 @ 3:56pm | Report comment
To answer ur question in short. western sydney is the ethnic base of sydney.. I am of maltese background and grew up around fairfield. now i live in campeltown which is mostly anglo people. so to the answer is yes. inner west is more supportive of wsw and aleauge all together. campbeltown more so than penrith are more nrl based and i doubt will be so interested in wsw. But i still believe just based on the atmosphere it will cause some interest… west is best
February 3rd 2013 @ 1:02pm
Fussball ist unser leben said | February 3rd 2013 @ 1:02pm | Report comment
Many things impress me about how WSW continues to evolve organically – not by recruiting blokes, who can’t play the sport! – but, the way WSW has gone about embracing ‘old Soccer’ in the region is truly innovative & something for every A-league club to consider.
From: http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/wanderers-putting-down-roots/58227
“The Wanderers recently signed a number of non-exclusive agreements with seven of their local partner associations, Macarthur, Southern Districts, Bankstown, Granville, Blacktown, Nepean and Gladesville-Hornsby …
… (and) have allocated each association a bay at Parramatta Stadium to display their own colours and banners, and a corporate box for their own volunteers or fundraising.”
BRILLIANT!
February 3rd 2013 @ 4:15pm
j binnie said | February 3rd 2013 @ 4:15pm | Report comment
Fuss – Slightly surprised about you impression on how WSW have,or are,”evolving”.
On the playing side Tony Popovic has proved to be just as shrewd a character as he was in his playing days.especially in the recruitment of his “first ” squad. Not only did Tony take himself overseas for playing and coaching experience but he is obviously a past master at assessing players. The cynics laughed when he signed all these “other club cast offs” not realising that he was amassing a hell of a lot of HAL experience in doing so.That, allied to the quality imports he has added to his “cast off ” army has almost guaanteed, that with the correct man-management etc that comes with team – building, he has almost guaranteed himself a team that will perform at least reasonably well in the competition.
Off the field there is another battle raging and that is the war to win fans. Looking at their web-site they are making wonderful attempts to win over their potential fan base but in reality it is yet to show that it is bearing fruit for if one cares to remove their ADP affected local derby then their average crowd for the season is remarkably steady averaging around 10,000,The last few games v Victory,CCM & Heart have produced much better figures,around15,000 average so it can be hoped their work is finally getting the results they wish for. Meanwhile a job well done and deserving of some praise. jb
February 4th 2013 @ 10:09am
Kickass Koala said | February 4th 2013 @ 10:09am | Report comment
all crowds for wsw that ive seen published by fox sports during games have been over 10k bro
so ur average aint an average its a guess
February 4th 2013 @ 12:01pm
kellett_1992 said | February 4th 2013 @ 12:01pm | Report comment
Kick ass koala! When commenting on a sporting online forum, educate yourself before you do so!
Because you’re wrong BRO!
February 4th 2013 @ 2:18pm
Kickass Koala said | February 4th 2013 @ 2:18pm | Report comment
educate me then, because i see more than 10k at most games, atleast half i mean come on the crowds have gotten bigger match after match, the average would have to be beyond 10 …
February 4th 2013 @ 1:08pm
j binnie said | February 4th 2013 @ 1:08pm | Report comment
KK – here are my ‘guesses” in detail for your approval.
6/10 v CCM crowd 10,458, 20/10 v Syd FC crowd 19,126, (largest crowd), 2/11 v Heart crowd 8,075, 10/11 v Jets crowd 9,011, 24/11 v Victory crowd 9,614, 9/12 v Roar crowd 6,755, (smallest crowd), 22/12 v Adelaide crowd 9,056, 1/1 v Victory crowd 13,659, 6/1 v CCM crowd 16,387, 26/1 v Heart crowd 14,624.
My factual “guesses” show 5 “gates “under 10,000,, and 5 “gates ” over 10,000 giving them an average over those 10 games of ———–11,676 Glad to be of service. jb
February 4th 2013 @ 2:15pm
Kickass Koala said | February 4th 2013 @ 2:15pm | Report comment
no idea where u get the stuff from, i just go off what fox sports sticks up in the top right corner during each match … if fox stuff it up, god help us all!
February 4th 2013 @ 2:48pm
kellett_1992 said | February 4th 2013 @ 2:48pm | Report comment
Fox don’t stuff it up, just you!
http://www.ultimatealeague.com you’ll find what you seek there!
February 4th 2013 @ 3:18pm
j binnie said | February 4th 2013 @ 3:18pm | Report comment
KK – May God come down and help us all ASAP.
If you want, ask my mates Midfielder or Kellett 1992,they will supply you with numerous web sites where you can get such information. JUST NOTICED KELLETT HAS ALREADY DONE SO. jb
February 4th 2013 @ 3:41pm
kellett_1992 said | February 4th 2013 @ 3:41pm | Report comment
Haha, where is the like button?
Damn it, not Facebook!
+1 to that Jb.
February 3rd 2013 @ 2:57pm
Johnno said | February 3rd 2013 @ 2:57pm | Report comment
The Brisbane Broncos entry into the NRL, in 1988 is the last time, I felt so much energy for a sports teams in OZ. The West Sydney Wanderer’s are eclipsing the Brisbane Broncos ,in hype and player pedigree already, and brand awarness and fan interest already, and have only been around for 6 months, shows just how much wanderers fans dream can wander, if they are eclipsing the 1988 Broncos, for class, fans interest, and quality of players on the roster, which the wanderers have a superior roster too and pedigree comparitvley speaking. And the sydney kings to when they were formed in the 1980′s.
February 4th 2013 @ 12:42am
kellett_1992 said | February 4th 2013 @ 12:42am | Report comment
Oh My God Johnno, I can’t believe you just typed that up. You are comparing apples and oranges, vast difference! football fans will not dispute what you wrote for most of them wouldn’t care to either follow or go to the extent of understanding the history of the Brisbane Broncos, but you’ve found someone who knows all to well about the Broncos. I shall leave it at that for apples and oranges require no comparison. But if I ever see such non sense and drivel ever again I’ll be sure to remind you not let the door hit you on the way out!
If you want me to continue then make sure you reply. But I seriously don’t want to waste a good argument no one will be able to follow on a football article. Once again the reason no one replied!
February 4th 2013 @ 11:35am
Ian said | February 4th 2013 @ 11:35am | Report comment
i’ll add to it.
where is johnno from and who does he support?
though this is a football forum and i love football moreso, but saying the wanderers have eclipsed the brisbane broncos for interest in 1988 ahd have a better playing roster is uttelery dumbfounding.
if i start to reply i won’t stop. the first Brisbane team in the NSWRL after the years of the best players leaving for sydney with half the QLD state of origin team in it, with the Emperor of Lang Park – wally lewis, with gene miles, greg dowling the list goes on – the level of marketing and statewide interest in the broncos far outweights the WSW. there is utterly no comparison.
eclipsing the broncos for fan interest and player quality???? oh jesus.
i’m am actually stoked for WSW and have huge respect for Poppa so i have no agenda against them – poppa should probably get coach of the year if they keep their form for the next 8 weeks – but this comparison is stupifying. i’ll type it just to shock myself again. – WSW have more player pedigree, class, hype and fan interest than the Brisbane Broncos in 1988.
*shocked face*
February 4th 2013 @ 11:59am
kellett_1992 said | February 4th 2013 @ 11:59am | Report comment
I’m glad you replied to that extent Ian because if I replied I could have written an article!
February 4th 2013 @ 12:03pm
Ian said | February 4th 2013 @ 12:03pm | Report comment
think i’ll leave it at that. the mind boggles at the comparison.
February 3rd 2013 @ 6:21pm
Tiger said | February 3rd 2013 @ 6:21pm | Report comment
Parramatta averaged over 16k last year, are the wanderers averaging more?
February 3rd 2013 @ 7:38pm
cleary89 said | February 3rd 2013 @ 7:38pm | Report comment
How can I believe anything in this article when the first point they make is a blatant lie? Better luck next time kid.
February 4th 2013 @ 1:37am
Brick Tamlin of the Pants Party said | February 4th 2013 @ 1:37am | Report comment
I think the first point is actually pretty spot on,as far as “rapid development” they would be pretty hard to look past,particulary on the pitch.Saying they have gotten bigger crowds than other clubs in the area is wrong,i think they are ahead of the likes of Penrith,GWS but not Parramatta at this stage.Next season might be a different story.
February 4th 2013 @ 10:01am
Kylesy Sky Blues Fan said | February 4th 2013 @ 10:01am | Report comment
They are ahead of the Eels at Parra, that is the point. If they were to have moved both Sydney derbies to ANZ they would be out-averaging the Eels by a fair way. Eels had the ‘big’ game at the end of last year that pushed up their average. Although admittedly they did have a horrible season, their brand is far better entrenched into the bogan psyche.
February 3rd 2013 @ 8:22pm
db swannie said | February 3rd 2013 @ 8:22pm | Report comment
Good Question tiger.
Seems the Author took a few liberties with the truth.
Only article i could find online said 14k average (dated 26/1).
Todays crowd was 14K,so average wont go up.
February 3rd 2013 @ 9:20pm
Punter said | February 3rd 2013 @ 9:20pm | Report comment
Wanderers playing in Adelaide..Huh.. Facts not your strong point.
February 4th 2013 @ 12:41am
j binnie said | February 4th 2013 @ 12:41am | Report comment
cleary89 & other interested parties – After 10 home games (in their case their FIRST ten home games), the WSW are enjoying a match average of 11,676, their best gate being 19,126 in their “derby” v Sydney FC, their worst ,6,755 against Brisbane Roar. A pleasing feature for the club is that their last 3 home games has seen crowds of 13,650,16390,& 14,625 all well above their “average” figures so the average is actually on an upward trend, which in itself is unusual, for trends normally track downward over a longer period of time. Yours jb
February 4th 2013 @ 12:50am
kellett_1992 said | February 4th 2013 @ 12:50am | Report comment
J Binnie,
Following this section/thread of commenting and what was written in the article “The Wanderers have consistently posted home crowd attendances higher than that of the rival codes sharing the sporting heartland that is Sydney’s west.” This is just absolute nonsense and clearly an ill informed opinion based on no apparent facts.
“consistently posted home crowd attendances” goes to Parramatta and I reiterate the word consistently!
So as surprising as the “upward trend” is I wouldn’t suggest consistency is measured over the course of three games.
February 4th 2013 @ 1:23pm
j binnie said | February 4th 2013 @ 1:23pm | Report comment
kellett1992 – another lesson in basic analysis for you. “Trend” does not mean a “continuing occurrence” it is an indication of how figures are “panning out” at any given point in time.
WSW’s last 3 home games ,that is 30% of total,has “indicated” they may well be attracting more people to “normal” (no derby or ADP effect) games than what they have done in the previous 70% of their matches.
Indications are that they may have “jumped” their gates by around 4000 to 6000 in the month of January,but only time will tell us if this trend is continuing.Apart from that you are right in everything you say. jb
February 4th 2013 @ 2:10pm
kellett_1992 said | February 4th 2013 @ 2:10pm | Report comment
Jbinnie, that’s not what I said.
I know what ‘trend’ or “upward trend” means. I just said that consistency is measured over more than three games which was your example of “upward trend” which I whole heartedly agree with. I was not using the word of consistency in reference to what you said but to what was written in the article ” Wanderers have consistently posted home crowd attendances higher than that of the rival codes sharing the sporting heartland that is Sydney’s west.”
February 4th 2013 @ 3:27pm
j binnie said | February 4th 2013 @ 3:27pm | Report comment
kellett- sorry mate ,totally misunderstood. Early days yet but in a sample taken for analysis 30% of a total is an acceptable amount for going on with and those last 3 games definitely show what could be regarded as a “huge” upward trend of around 50% and yet there is nothing evident in the January games v Victory, CCM or Heart that would explain the reason for such an increase. Agree????? jb,
February 4th 2013 @ 3:39pm
kellett_1992 said | February 4th 2013 @ 3:39pm | Report comment
Absolutely agree with you Jb!
I don’t see a downward trend in the up and coming games either. Hopefully aids in sustaining the current average which I believe you said required 63,750k per round.
I can’t see this happening but if Brisbane continue this form reversal, victory charging towards premiers and finals, success of wanderers and Sydney’s renewed hope of a finals birth, we may just have enough luck left.
February 4th 2013 @ 10:11am
Kickass Koala said | February 4th 2013 @ 10:11am | Report comment
a year into existance they probably are doing better than parra in its first year ….
compare on equal levels remember !
February 4th 2013 @ 11:58am
kellett_1992 said | February 4th 2013 @ 11:58am | Report comment
Kick ass Koala,
Don’t you start, you’re now comparing a team introduced in 1947 compared to 2012!
February 4th 2013 @ 1:57pm
Brick Tamlin of the Pants Party said | February 4th 2013 @ 1:57pm | Report comment
Interesting Kylesy pointed out WSW is getting a better crowd average than the Eels at Parramatta stadium.Don’t know if theres any stats to back that up.If WSW had moved their home derbies to ANZ you would expect a crowd closer to 40k than 20k,bumping up their home gate average by quite alot.
February 4th 2013 @ 2:28pm
kellett_1992 said | February 4th 2013 @ 2:28pm | Report comment
2012 Parramatta Eels
12 matches
Attendance average – 16,803
Season total – 201633
2013 Western Sydney Wanderers
10 matches
Attendance average – 11,677
Season total – 116,765
Wanderers could average more if they moved their matches to Allianz but it was established fans did not want this.
Ill give you some more stats though
Parramatta Eels two biggest games of 2012 were:
45,863 vs St. George Illawarra
28,214 vs Canterbury Bulldogs
Take these two matches out of average and total and you are left with:
127,551 with 10 games at an average of 12,755.
So if Wanderers had of played both matches against Sydney fc at Allianz they still may not meet the average of Parra.
Though it being first season I believe the Wanderers “could” eclipse Parra’s efforts in Sydney’s west.
February 4th 2013 @ 2:34pm
Kickass Koala said | February 4th 2013 @ 2:34pm | Report comment
Yes already established that parra get bigger crowds than wonderers …question is on momentum not current numbers.
If you want a better comparison your looking at GWS Giants v Wonderers ….They dont have 60 odd years behind them like the eels …
February 4th 2013 @ 2:56pm
kellett_1992 said | February 4th 2013 @ 2:56pm | Report comment
I was making my comparisons based on the information given in the article.
You’re more then welcome to compare GWS to WSW though
February 4th 2013 @ 2:23pm
Kickass Koala said | February 4th 2013 @ 2:23pm | Report comment
hahaha i love a good argument tho!
Granted in 1947 population would have been lower and who knows what the financial side of the economy was like.
Interesting thought tho, im thinking with less playstation 3 and wii and fox sports, kids would be running out to games back then.
At parra westfields what i saw with west sydney was something different, went to a few west tigers signings and they wernt like that. . Tho i know its probably a year one high. Plus crowds are different between codes, some louder and more organized than others.
February 3rd 2013 @ 10:20pm
Jack Russell said | February 3rd 2013 @ 10:20pm | Report comment
“consistently posted home crowd attendances higher than that of the rival codes”
They drew 6000 to a game less than 2 months ago. Their crowds have fluctuated wildly, mainly because they were losing games, now they’re winning games. No doubt if they lose a few on the trot again their crowds will drop.
February 4th 2013 @ 12:55am
j binnie said | February 4th 2013 @ 12:55am | Report comment
Jack – your observations are slightly exaggerated as well.You say the crowds “have fluctuated wildly”. Fluctuated they have but statistically “wildly” is not borne out by fact.
First game figure of 10,458 would be affected by the “novelty”attraction , Second crowd of 19,120 was of course the first “local derby” with Sydney FC and their huge attraction to football people, Alessandro Del Peiro.
The next 5 games saw a rather steady crowd number for 4 of those games in the 8000-9000 range with their worst crowd of 6755 occurring in that group to make up the 5.The last 3 games have attracted approx 14,000,16,000 &15,000 so there is no doubt, while on the increase, even these 3 crowds certainly could not be deemed to be wildly fluctuating , ok? jb.
February 10th 2013 @ 1:22am
westy born n bred who supports Wests Tigers & WSW's. said | February 10th 2013 @ 1:22am | Report comment
I think alot has been mentioned how western Sydney wanderers success has come from the areas strong migrant communities but what hasntt been spoken about as much is that the wanderers also have very strong backing from the thousands in western Sydney like myself, see I am Anglo/Caucasian Australian, born in Sydneys west and i have grown up watching and playing both RL and soccer/football. And even alot of tge more RL die hard supporters have a respect for this team because it is made up of people from western Sydney, some of us like myself even grew up and went to school with some of tge players. This team links all nationalities in the west together anyone who doesnt aggree is either kidding themselfs or not from this city, i stilk have emmense pride at how the national anthem was sung at tge wanderers Australia day match…