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In a perfect omen for the Western Sydney Wanderers before the A-League grand final, Sydney Swans superstar Adam Goodes says he can see a lot of similarities between the AFL premiers and Tony Popovic’s side.
Although a confessed Sydney FC fan, soccer-mad Goodes has jumped on the Wanderers bandwagon as they look to complete a fairytale first season with victory in Sunday’s decider against Central Coast.
Goodes believes the tenacity and camaraderie at the Wanderers is comparable to the Swans.
“There are a lot of similarities (with the Wanderers) – how well disciplined and structured they are compared to us,” Goodes said on Wednesday.
“(And) there are no egos in that team, it seems like.
“They all play for each other and a fantastic team is always going to beat a team of champions.”
A large part of the Swans’ success in recent times has been put down to a recruitment mantra instituted by 2005 premiership-winning coach Paul Roos: the `no dickheads’ policy.
In the eight seasons that Roos had the reins at the Swans since 2003, they made the finals seven times, claiming one flag and reaching another grand final.
And current coach John Longmire, who was Roos’ assistant for three seasons, has continued the club’s emphasis on strong culture and values.
The man who took control of recruiting a Wanderers squad to enter the A-League last May, chairman Lyall Gorman, talks about the criteria they used to recruit:
“What sort of person is he? Does he fit the culture and values of the club? What skills set does he bring to our club? In that order.”
Goodes, a big fan of Sky Blues striker Alessandro Del Piero, also speaks highly of the way Wanderers coach Popovic has brought the best out of his side in just eight months.
“To play the type of footy they’ve played – it’s impressive that you can bring a bunch of professional athletes like that together and perform so well as a team,” said Goodes.
“They’ve been rewarded with a minor premiership and now a grand final appearance.
“I’d like to see the Wanderers win.
“But whatever happens, hopefully there are lots of goals.”
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