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The Western Sydney Wanderers will confirm one of two things this Sunday afternoon. The first, is their status as the A-League Champions. The second, is the unwanted tag as the A-League ‘chokers’.
Tony Popovic’s men have been the most consistent side across the league following their inception in 2012, taking out the Premier’s Plate at the first offering before going down to the Mariners in last season’s championship decider.
And while Western Sydney finished this regular season in second place, the side was not at its destructive best on the counter in the opening rounds.
The last time the Red and Black ventured to Suncorp Stadium, they were met by a ruthless and creative midfield, conceding twice inside the first 20 minutes as they were torn apart.
On that occasion, the Wanderers looked sapped of energy and offered very little going forward. Their defensive fragilities were exposed by the brilliance of Brisbane’s – and the A-League’s – best player, Thomas Broich.
The Wanderers will have to be at their best for the full 90 minutes to overcome Brisbane. Although that might sound a cliché, Brisbane proved in 2011 that a champion side must compete from the first whistle until the very last.
Having only entered the competition some two years ago, it may sound strange to say the Wanderers’ ‘premiership window’ could be close to ending. But it is.
Marquee import Shinji Ono will depart the A-League at the end of this game, as fellow stars Aaron Mooy and Youssouf Hersi relocate to Melbourne and Perth, respectively.
Still yet to confirm replacement signings for next season’s campaign, Tony Popovic’s dynamics are sure to change when he loses two influential attacking midfielders in Ono and Mooy
It will be challenging to find new recruits who can fit this mould without detracting from the side’s natural game also.
Losing one grand final is one thing. Losing consecutive finals is another.
And while the old adage ‘You have to lose one before you can win won’ may ring true come Sunday, the away side may again be empty handed come full time at Suncorp if the demons from last season’s decider creeps into their minds.
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