The story of the Western Sydney Wanderers is nothing short of a pleasant dream from which no one wants to awake.
Except if you are a Sydney FC fan, that is.
However, with that said, the cross-town rivalry will be put on hold this weekend – the men in red and black having captured the hearts and minds of the entire city.
Fantasies and reality are mutually exclusive. However the Wanderers have continuously defied all logic this season, and have so once more.
Forged from the rubble of the now-defunct Gold Coast United, the Wanderers consistently proved they were far from a squad merely making up the numbers.
So despite looking forward to Sunday’s grand final, we may look back at the season-that-was and learn many a thing from the competitions’ new comers.
From the outset, we knew this team had a desire to make a name for themselves.
Although they resisted the initial plans to guise the statue of the Parramatta Eels great Ray Price in their already-iconic red and black hoops, followers of the game knew the Wanderers were out to create their own history.
And haven’t they what?
Steven Spielberg himself could not have scripted the amazing theatrics we’ve been treated to through out the season.
From the goals that made us gasp, to boasting travelling support not witnessed since the saviour himself rode into Jerusalem, the Wanderers have already etched themselves into the history books – regardless of the result come full-time on Sunday.
With the ledger between remaining two sides squared at one win a piece, the season’s climax looks likely to be hotly contested – and appropriately so.
The Wanderers got the better of the Mariners in their most recent clash in a rain-soaked affair at the Bluetongue Stadium.
That night, we learnt that the two sides play with a very similar style, sitting back in defence before pouncing upon the opposition with swift counter attacking raids.
We learnt that the Wanderers were the real deal.
The defensive resilience Western Sydney have consistently shown through out the season proper has been nothing short of admirable, and it will need to stand at these heights once more this weekend.
However, the big occasion can get the better of even the most consistent of players.
Leading the competition in defensive clearances, Wanderers back Nikolai Topor-Stanley felt the pressure of the big stage, gifting Del Piero the easiest of chances in the latest instalment of the Sydney derby.
He learnt that the big games require well thought out and properly executed plays – and will no doubt be the beneficiary of such come Sunday.
We’ve all witnessed the support Western Sydney has generated for this team. A team they could now truly call their own.
We’ve learnt that this side will be a huge force to be reckoned with in the future.
So come the call of 90 minutes this Sunday, let’s hit snooze. The Australian football community doesn’t want to wake up just yet.
Wicked Ninja
Guest
Poor results have never stopped "banter" from SFC fans.
Chris
Guest
Not unless you value your kids at a little over $100, which is what tickets are going for on Ebay right now...
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
well said
Ryan Selvage
Roar Guru
i was referring to the speed in which the whole club, not only the team was assembled. The leagues pay TV deal with Foxtel required 5 live games every week, so the whole venture was sprung out of the de-registration of GCU's license.
Deakie
Guest
I cannot wait for Sunday....the two best teams in the competition. As a WSW supporter I am not a "bandwagoner" but am here to stay (a proud westie through and through). The WSW have filled a sporting void in the region and have amazed everyone with their progress. I also admire the CCM and their consistency through many seasons .....they will be tough opponents no doubt. Go the Wanderers!!!!!!!
AZ_RBB
Guest
already posted this elsewhere but will do so again here just in case people miss it. A small number of the allocated tickets (Read: SCG Trust members not going) may become available for public sale over the next two days. The latest information will be posted at www.a-league.com.au/tickets
Jukes
Guest
Its effectively a sell out. Now we just need the SCG Trust members to turn up to make it a proper full house. You cant get a ticket even if you sell one of your kids. As for people who are scalping tickets for this match...........I hope you rot in hell.
striker
Guest
I am hearing WSW fans who have tickets with the mariners supporters, i would say that there might be up to 35000+ west sydney fans at and a couple thousand mariners supporters at most, its gonna be one hell of a party if west sydney get up.
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Yais I am cancelling work that night so I can bask in the glory of WSW making world sporting history that can never be re-made -i am going to drink 'n dial a female facebook friend in Canada that night and have my red and black hooped jersey and scarf for da occasion -it's going to beeeeeeeeeeeee wild and woolly !!!!!!!!!!! Go da Wanderers !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ciudadmarron
Guest
I love the know it all been there done that attitude from covites after their epic 8 year long history. They are unable to appreciate that the circumstances are different - that the wanderers has been built from the ground up rather than at the behest of expat marketing guru's on long lunches who's vast knowledge of Sydney told them that "bling" was the way to win over the public. There is no reason why the same things that have happened to Sydney FC - the dwindling fan base, the continued requirement for special considerations re: the salary cap and marquees, the turnover of management and coaches alike - should happen in the west. Winning provides a big boost it's true, and there's no doubt there are a bunch of bandwagoners on board right now (I wonder if ADPFC you appreciate the irony of your comment given your inflated crowds this season). But what those outside looking in can't hope to appreciate are the links that are being forged every game day. The sub 10-000 crowds were just as passionate about what they could see happening as the sellout crowds, without question, and the type of engagement is far more likely to win over longterm fans than the expectant attitude of SFC. SFC: "we will build it. they will come." WSW: "those that come will help us build it". See you in 8 years when we are as wise and learned as you lot.
Jukes
Guest
Almost.............you didnt win the premiers plate :) and it was everyones first year. A lot harder to do it when the rest of the teams are well established and have been there at the start.
SFC
Guest
their* not your.
SFC
Guest
Can't wait for them to be singing all the way back west with their tail between your legs!
SFC
Guest
Just like Sydney did in their first season. Played a Grand final at the SFS in front of 44k. Our time will come again and I cannot wait until all the bandwagoners jump off the Red and Black bandwagon.
pete4
Guest
Got my tickets... it's going to be madness!
Jukes
Guest
Tyson is an absolute club legend. The amount of community work he does is staggering. Has a great attitude to training and goes about his business like a pro. A real positive influence at the club. Has even been in the RBB a few times supporting the boys. He is definitely one of the fan favourites. Minnecon unfortunately suffered an injury early in the season. He has a wretched year. He was playing well before he got injured. Hope he makes it back next year.
Gyruss
Guest
Sydney is red and black The RBB will be in the Cove end so there will be two noticeable changes; 1. There will be noise coming from it the whole game and not just when they are winning 2. It will now be known as 'The Covic'
Alexander Grant
Roar Pro
And considering the severe lack of play time for both, not really justified. Still looking forward very much to the GF. Got my tickets and hoping for a Red and Black victory.
Jukes
Guest
Dont know how that would work. Dont forget they finished 7th and with possibly the most expensive squad every assembled in the A-league.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Nice article - certainly no time for "snoozing" during the A-League off-season with: WCQs, u20 WC, EAFF Cup, ManUtd & Liverpool coming to town ... plus overseas action Confederations Cup, UCL Final, Copa Italia, FA Cup, DFB Pokal, etc. etc. One point ... I don't think WSW was actually "Forged from the rubble of the now-defunct Gold Coast United". I notice only 2 ex-GCU players in WSW's squad - Minnecon & Tyson. All other 9 A-League clubs have 1-2 ex-GCU players in their squads.