The Western Sydney Wanderers have been polarising in their short history – one premiership, two championship loses, and the unforgettable Asian Cup win went along with flare incidents, police presence, life bans and general poor behaviour.
My family and I never really followed an A-League team, but when the Wanderers were announced, we signed up for what we thought would be a slow, struggling team initially, but one to be proud of – a team us ‘Westies’ could call our own.
From this, our first season was pure excitement. Aggressive, attacking football left teams stunned and not sure how to respond, which helped us to our maiden premiership.
I’d never been part of something like this before. It was addictive. Their style of play, their way of relating to the fans and their community values. Unfortunately, the Mariners were too good on the day and we didn’t come home with a championship.
How can you write an article about Western Sydney without mentioning the Asian Cup? One of the best sporting experiences I have ever been to was the first leg of the final, at Parramatta Stadium, against Al-Hilal. When Tom Juric scored that goal, there may have been tremors across Sydney. I saw grown men crying, hugging and thanking God for the day the Wanderers came to town.
This was community. This was the club spirit. This was Western Sydney.
This was also evident in the 5-4 semi-final over Brisbane – I have never seen or heard passion like it in my life. I happened to have a spare ticket and I took a good mate to the game, and he left amazed that he just witnessed that in Australia.
I’d be ignorant to not mention the off-field issues that plagued years one and two. Apparent members of the Red and Black Bloc set out to ruin it for the rest of the club. The media had a field day with the RBB, blaming the club’s performance and issues on them. Personally being there, it was obviously a bunch of supposed ‘fans’ ruining it for everyone, but never did I feel unsafe or threatened. Happily, those individuals have been weeded out and the RBB are better for it.
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No organisation or supporter group was bigger than the club and this was further evident at this season’s first two games.
The much-reported split in the RBB over the last two years created the Western Sydney Terrance. In Round 1, both active support associations came together and united for the club. This cohesion was a proud moment in the club’s active support history, and refelected what we are here for: to represent Western Sydney (ole, ole, ole).
Like most clubs, community engagement is big and the players and supporters are always putting on events for those in need or who are part of the club. My favourite is when they support the Powerchair Football team. Often, members of the club’s supporter base will pack out an indoor hall where the game is being played and cheer the team on. This stuff is what the club is about.
You may read this and think I am just defending the club and making excuses. I assure you, I have always been one of the first to stand up against the garbage that went on in previous years. Will there be issues again? I hope not, but there’s always the risk in any sport that one idiot will ruin things.
I am excited for this year. In the first two games, our scoring options seem stronger than ever. Robbie Cornthwaite is a great captain and sets the example on and off the field. The true test will be in the derby this weekend, against a very strong Sydney FC. I hope our new players step up and take the match to new levels. I can’t wait.
When you put aside the history and focus on the future, it looks positive and exciting. The club has done incredible things for the region.
Slag us off, tell us we are thugs, but I will be Red and Black forever and I am proud to be a Wanderer.
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