Can anyone stop the fairytale story that is the Western Sydney Wanderers? Who would have thought the new A-League franchise would be leading season eight with four rounds left to play?
The Central Coast Mariners and Western Sydney Wanderers played a gripping contest in front of an amazing attendance of 18,721 fans in horrible conditions.
Although each match is important in its own respect, this match had a little bit more significance as first place was on the line and the Premiers Plate was being hotly contested.
Wanderers would finish this match the victors with an 81st minute goal that silenced the Mariners faithful but sent the estimated 6,000 supporters of the Wanderers into raptures – though half of them didn’t see it, but they acted as though had.
We are fast approaching the finals and debate continues to rage about the new structure of the finals system but with the Premiers Plate still not decided we are in for one of the closest finishes since the 2008-2009 season. Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United finished equal on 38 season points and an equal goal difference that season, but due to Victory’s superior goals for they would be crowned the Premiers that season.
Who would have thought that Western Sydney Wanderers, under the tutelage of Tony Popovic, would be creating such hysteria?
Even as the season nears its end, Wanderers continue to receive interest in foundation memberships and ticket sales continue selling.
The round 26 fixture of Wanderers versus Sydney FC is already sold out and as each round finishes the next round provides another vital clash to each teams aspirations for finals qualification and hopes of Premiers Plate success.
I have sat idly by watching with interest as the continual success of the Wanderers continues to roll on.
I have always found statistics and facts a more appealing aspect to develop my opinions on and the Wanderers continue to surprise me even after winning eight matches in a row – and I can no longer sit idly by.
The current off-field influences on the club continue to be well documented with attendances increasing, merchandise sales not able to meet demand and memberships being viewed as a necessity for many fans.
In time these off-field influences will have created and solidified a strong and stable football club within the Western Sydney community, essentially Parramatta.
Wanderers fans who continue to spruce how good their team have every right to and as success continues to unfold, the expectations will continue to rise.
I know all too well about this as my beloved Brisbane Roar produced phenomenal on-field success, thus creating the feeling within most fans that we can continue to raise the standard of football in Australia, reaching out to the local community to continue the upward trend that was attendances, memberships and corporate support: all vital aspects to the longevity of Brisbane Roar within Brisbane.
When your club isn’t fulfilling the expectations of fans and board staff, it’s when you are able to distinguish the fickle supporters (bandwagoners) to the core supporters (life and blood of the club).
Perhaps the fickle nature is ingrained into the DNA structures of Australian sporting fans?
As the fans sit there in the stands you’re always hoping for a great turn out as you know the significance hit has on the club you love, but this is also the reason why some supporters can become frustrated by the fickle support that trickles in as the winning trend continues.
The Wanderers are yet to experience the hardships of many other A-League clubs, but when it does of occur we will be able to identify how much of the Western Sydney community is willing to contribute to the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Ultimately it comes down to the on-field success that aids in the continuation of support, but then off-field aspects of ticket prices, community engagement and marketing are also vital to the stability of a club.
It may be the Wanderers’ first season and having not won a piece of silverware is what probably the only thing in-between the completion of the fairytale story, but whatever the end result the Wanderers have already added etched their name in the history books of the A-League.
Their off-field success has been well documented so I’ll look to dissect their on-field achievements, some that already make previous achievements look like cannon fodder when you remember this is only the Wanderers first season.
Currently the Wanderers are on an eight-game winning streak and have equaled the record set by Melbourne Victory back in 2006.
The Wanderers will face Wellington at ‘Wanderland’ this weekend and with Phoenix attempting to qualify for their fourth successive finals campaign, they will look to give the Wanderers hell.
If the Wanderers are to win, they will officially own the record of most successive wins in the A-League, with nine.
What is more impressive is the other accomplishments along the way. If the Wanderers win or draw this weekend they will sit equal eighth on the list of longest undefeated streak and also jump into fourth for most points collated in a season, which will be shared with Adelaide United on 50 points for the season of 2010-2011.
What makes the achievement of most points collated in a regular season is the fact that in 2010-2011, each team played an extra three games, totaling 30.
Brisbane Roar own that record with a total of 65 points but if the Wanderers were to win their remaining four matches they would sit in second place on the all-time list for most points collated in a regular season which would stand at 59 points, six points behind Brisbane Roar but once again in their first season makes all these achievements all the more memorable.
Another record in which the Wanderers could wrestle away in their first season could be the most wins during a regular season.
Once again Brisbane Roar own that record with 18 wins in the 2010-2011 season, but as it stands the Wanderers have won 15 matches and already sit in equal third along-side Sydney FC (27-game season), Central Coast Mariners (27-game season) and Adelaide United (30-game season).
Four games to go and only three wins separating them from first place Brisbane Roar and it these statistics continue to astound those who believed the Wanderers would eventuate to nothing in their first season – personally I was one of these people.
To top it off, Simon Hill recently wrote for Fox Sports how Wanderers have re-invented the possession based theory, something which Brisbane Roar became renowned for during their back-to-back championships.
Despite the eight match winning streak, 15 wins in a regular season and Premiers Plate beckoning, the Wanderers have only out-possessed a team just once all season. It was the round eight fixture against Melbourne Victory, in which they lost 2-0.
Phenomenal in today’s footballing world as Barcelona have become the team associated with possession-based football.
It goes to show that football’s philosophies continue to develop further each season and coaches are being required to adapt and equip themselves with the knowledge required to find the winning formula.
Tony Popovic, Graham Arnold and Ange Postecoglou have been able to aid in the revolution that is quality football continuing its rapid rise in Australia.
The Wanderers despite the off-field efforts and on-field success can attribute much of their success to Tony Popovic and the philosophies he has engrained into his playing squad.
Popovic has already gone as far to say they will be even better next season and based on this year’s results you cannot doubt his confidence and ability as a coach.
Whatever happens for the Wanderers heading towards the end of the season, the A-League and its supporters are proud of what you have brought to Australian football. So thank you and congratulations to the Western Sydney Wanderers.
We are Football!
Brick Tamlin of the Pants Party
Guest
Glory's crowds?,Rubbish football,pretty much 8 years of rubbish football aside from a nice run a the back end of last season.It seems at times the club is cursed,we had a good turn out of 14k at Subi for the first game but couldn't capatalise on the feel good factor because of the stadium works,pretty much half the people that went couldn't attend the next game because of NIB's upgrade.There is abit of optimism around now but i would say Glory fans have become more pessimistic than anything.Not getting to play in Asia this season was another kick in the guts.I actually challenge any club in this league to have a much better crowd average with the Glory's A-League history,the Victory would maybe get a few thousand more.
Johnno
Guest
kellett-1992 I will add this on this subject, thank you for some facts, some myth vs realty stats there. I have forgotten that 1989 play off. Back in the old days, for and against was not counted for 5th spot, and if you on same points as 5th you have to have a play off, unfair I know, I remember that play off. Broncos of course had a good team would of shaken up the Raiders and Balmain and souths no doubt in that finals series, lucky Canberra lol. The myth that has always done the rounds was the Broncos were grossly underachievers in those first 2 years. Yes it was a 16 team comp very true, but those 2 initial Broncos years have always been treated harsher than what they actually were. 5 teams out of 16 in a finals series. And they beat the sharks on for and against anyway. Maybe in the 1st year 7th for such a good team could of been better for such talented roster, but most people forge the Broncos did finish 5th in there 2nd year only to lose in the playoff for 5th spot to make finals, as back then for and against for 5th and 6th spot meant nothing. good point Kellet-1992 I will concede the Broncos were treated harshly by critics in those first 2 years.
Jukes
Guest
I am a little unsure why the Perth crowds arent the same as they used to be. They used to get great crowds at the back end of the NSL and at the beginning of the A-league. I know they have capacity issues but once that Stadium is complete surely there crowds will pick up. I think Alistair Edwards have also got them playing a much more attractive game of football and that should lend itself to ever improving attendances. It certainly will help. Coupled with the fact that next year the FTA TV will finally kick in after years in the wilderness. Yes its about time. Lots of positives to look forward to in the game and I havent even mentioned the FFA cup or the 2015 Asian Cup. Oh wait I just did :D
Punter
Guest
Fuss, MV are still leading the way, but WSW are going great guns & moving towards you guys at a great rate, SFC will always continue to be fickle, how we like it. Once Adelaide & Perth start getting their issues sorted we know the following is there. This league is going great.
Punter
Guest
Amazing!!!! Totally amazing, well done to all WSW fans Jukes.
Jukes
Guest
Well about 13k tickets have been sold as of yesterday. Game is on Sunday. We usually get a walk up crowd of anything between 2 - 3k so I would say 15k is very achievable. We will get decent numbers to Newcastle as its only about 45mins - 1 hr furthers past Gosford. As for the heart match we wont get the same numbers as the Victory match but we do have some going down to that match.
Cameron
Roar Guru
Johnno, Being predominantly a League supporter you may remember back in Broncos early years that top 5 was required for finals. Broncos in their first season finished 7th. In their second season they finished 5th but for some ridiculous reason were required to play Cronulla in a play off for 5th even though their for and against was better. Third season made the finals. You should have also noted, being a League supporter, that 16 teams were competing for finals, A-league 10! I also don't know if you know but Wanderers were afforded an extra 2 visas for their first season. Normally 5 is given but 7 allowed providing much more experience and a lot to work with. Like I said "The dynamics and situations in which clubs were formulated in their respective sports differ vastly." Comparing the two, if you so choose to do, require much more analysis. So perhaps the focus of this article should focus solely on the Wanderers and the Wanderers only. Their efforts this season, provided with numerous examples of a tremendous season, offer more than enough in discussion when it comes to matters concerning the A-league and the teams. So I ask kindly, leave the Broncos out of this because your not going to deter my thought process on my beloved Broncos. I would like to focus on the wanderers.
Johnno
Guest
kellett-1992 I am predominatley a Rugby League supporter, yes correct. i agree the dynamics of formation are vastly different , and in different eras, Broncos were a product of the 80's and in a vastly different Australians sports landscape than is today. They may not win the title but they are basically now an assured finals team , in there 1st season too, it took the Broncos as I said above there 3rd season to achieve this.
Cameron
Roar Guru
Johnno, Correct me of i'm wrong but you're predominately a Rugby League supporter? Based on your offerings I believe it would be safe to assume you're not a Broncos supporter!? Again, correct me if i'm wrong. This is now the second time I've seen you formulate such a view and I didn't necessarily agree the first time. The second time? Well time has passed but you honestly can not compare the two! The dynamics and situations in which clubs were formulated in their respective sports differ vastly. Comparing on-field success I believe is fair enough, but although I believe wanderers possess the ability to win a title this year all I shall say is "don't count your chickens before they hatch" and "there are many a slip between a cup and a lip."
striker
Guest
Fuss this is so true in the begining they the media wanted to bring in the same old garbage soccer riots hooligans blah blah to bring the game down once again, what we have now is respect in our league beacuse we can sell out a derby game in less than 30 minutes and this brings respect, fuss as i have said before if you get the sydney market behind you in which the wanderers and Sydney FC have done this season then you will see our game grow to another level and thats no disrespect to Melbourne in anyway especially what Victory have given to the league.
Johnno
Guest
Ian, Fact :The Broncos didn't win anything for there 1st 4 seasons, they won a title in there 5th season 1992 Fact :The Broncos didn't make the finals in there first 2 years 1988,1989 WSW are going to be in the finals now, and a re now in contention to tine the A-league they are top of the table. And al in there 1st year, and now with modern Australia many more having pay tv now, bigger marketing they are more hyped than the Brisbane Broncos I think. More people in Adeladie,,Melbourne,Perth, would know about the WSW, than they did in 1988 when the Brisbane Broncos came in, especially as these cities have soccer teams too. None of these cities had NRL teams when the Brisbane Broncos in 1988 came in
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Isn't it interesting that, during the preseason - August 2012, to be precise - the media stuck their boots into the WSW fans. The ALeague hadn't even started, but the media were referring to WSW fans as: "hooligans", "back to the bad days of NSL", "WSW is just a Croatian club in disguise", etc. etc. Fast forward 6 months and WSW fans are the darling of AUS sport. Not just amongst A-League fans. Not just amongst football fans. Heck, we've got fans from other sports talking about the amazing fans from WSW. We've got journos, who've been scathing in their attacks on A-league, actually joining the RBB to soak in the atmosphere. Even as an MVFC fan, I'm willing to admit: WSW has been THE best thing to happen in 8 years of A-League. WSW has given A-League fans a reason to swagger - literally & metaphorically. WSW has made ALeague fans proud to follow OUR league ... and to hell with what others think of us.
Punter
Guest
Kellet, I think the Sydney derby already a sellout, I'm unable to go, but friends, diehard SFC fans couldn't get tickets after 3 mins of sales going. This week's match will be interesting, with Wellington, probably the lowest interest level team, so if they turn out this week, anything near 15K will be great. Also very interesting to see RBB travel to both Heart & Jets.
Cameron
Roar Guru
Cheers Punter, The A-League is fairing quite well and in future seasons to come our support could grow immensely. What are you thoughts on the possible records to be broken, especially considering their last four matches are as follows: Wanderers vs Phoenix Heart vs Wanderers Wanderers vs Sydney Jets vs Wanderers Great chance for their supporters to turn up to three of these matches in full voice and based on form and the season so far you couldn't put it past the Wanderers to finish first and break a few records on the way??
Ian
Guest
again your history of the broncos and brisbane is all wrong. every time there's an article on WSW first season you say its bigger than the Brisbane Broncos first season. so far off the mark its not funny. and now its expo 88 as well. i know this is football thread but you've brought up a league team so much.......'only won in their 5th year'. every time a team played the broncos they lifted as if it was their match of the season. for 5 years. WSW haven't won anything yet. the amount of marketing the broncos can attract and attracted in 1988, the media attention and focus on them so far outweighed WSW i can't even predict the ratios. the iconic players that started with them brought so much attention you can't even begin to describe it. the first year of a non-NSW team being in the NSWRL along with gold coast.. no doubt some brisbanites would have been disappointed with losing players to the NSWRL but this relegation to the 3rd tier stuff is all made up in your head. the QLD comp is the second best comp after the NRL. that's why they are feeder clubs into the NRL. full credit to WSW, good results, active supporters, but comparing WSW, who haven't won anything and their crowd average, to the brisbane broncos ad nauseum is wrong. but it makes you happy, so keep going.
Jukes
Guest
I have to say the feeling is mutual. I spoke to a number of CCM fans after the game and there is a lot of admiration for the football team and the set up. Of course the match could have gone either way and the tension in the stands was full on. A big mention to the settlers pub up in Gosford who welcomed the RBB with open arms. Nothing but praise for that pub. Friendly staff, very welcoming. They were brilliant.
Punter
Guest
Great Article Kellet, MV continue to lead the way, BR has helped set the standard playing wise in last 2 seasons, CCM is so, so consistent & great advocate for regional side & WSW are now taking up the baton to show us football fans what can be done. We still have some work with MH, WP especially, but the other clubs have also shown they have it when right, both Adelaide & Perth has good support when it's right & they need to get it right, Bling FC will get it right on the field soon & Newcastle also has good following when things go right. We are football, let's play.
Midfielder
Guest
Gotta say this hand on heart not the other thing .... was at Gosford and can honestly say the RBB are not what they are sometimes reported to be... I found them overall nice people, knowledgeable in football matters... at no stage did I hear anything other than singing and chants ... also because of the crush getting out we left the match vis the bridge side or railway line side... This meant we had to walk past the RBB leaving the stadium ... Mariners shirts on ... not one bad comment .. lots of signing ... in fact many turned and said that was a great game... Before and after the game in the Central coast Leagues Club [for those that don't know across the road from Bluetounge] fans groups ate, drank and chatted together ... Huge respect to the Wanders fans ... welcome back any-time...
Victorioso
Roar Rookie
Good on the RBB for standing up against Hatamoto this weekend with a 20min silent protest much like the protest preformed by Melbourne's North Terrace last Sunday. This comes after the banning of 20 RBB members and also claims of Hatamoto/under cover police using the cover of grassroots football clothing to filmed away support in Gosford from the sidelines. For more information go to http://www.facebook.com/RedAndBlackBloc?ref=ts&fref=ts . All that the supporters both RBB and NT want is a fair system with the right to appeal FFA bans and the right to acquire the evidence and the reasons behind such bans. As well as a change in the tactics employed by police and security staff when dealing with the terraces. Melbourne's NT also protested what it saw as the "Melbourne Victory Football Club failing to adequately respond to blatant police/media lies and misinformation and, therefore, failing to defend the innocent and rightful fans of their very own club". CORPORATE TIES = MEDIA LIES. Damn it, I'm a MVFC member and every time I try to hate you RBB guys you just make me respect you more! Rivals on the Terraces, United against Hatamoto. North Terrace + Red and Black Block = Hatamoto's demise. HATAMOTO OUT OF FOOTBALL!
Johnno
Guest
I haven’t seen the likes of a sports team hit the Australian sporting landscape so fast since the Brisbane Broncos. But they are even more of a hit than the Brisbane Broncos,. For those that don’t know the Brisbane Broncos , did not make the NSWRL finals in it’s first 2 years 1998 and 1989. And many people in Brisbane were opposed to the Brisbane Broncos happening , coz there proud Brisbane Cup teams, were decimated, and reduced to the 3-rd tier, and it still causes a lot of anger to this day. Proud clubs like Wynum-Manly(Wally Lewis,Gene Milies), Ispwisch jets(Alan Langer the Walters brothers), Redcliffe Dolphins(Arthur Beetson played for them,Greg Conescu), and Souths Brisbane(Mal Meninga was a star at Souths Brisbane), were relegated to the 3-rd tier in Australia, and lost a lot of there star players, and the comp since the Brisbane Broncos went to the NSWRL comp, has been weaker ever since, much to the dismay of the people of Brisbane and the supporters of these proud Brisbane and QLD clubs. 1990 was it’s first finals appearance, and it didn’t win a NSWRL title until 1992, over ST George Dragons. But the WSW, have the chance to win an A-league title a national comp in there 1st season, as they will be int he finals. An amazing achievement, that the Brisbane Broncos could not even make the finals in there 1st 2 seasons in the World Expo year for “Brisbane together we’ll show the world” 1988, and in 1989. So if the WSW can win a A-league title this year, amazing stuff. And next year with a full pre-season of marketing, and player recruitment, and a real off season of training, wow over the next 10 years the WSW brand will be massive and will rival Brisbane Broncos and Collingwood . Coz the WSW have the AFC chamipn’s league to tap into, jewel’s in the crown that the Bronco’s and the Pie’s can only dream off. C’mon the RBB, cheer for WSW.