After bushfires, coronavirus outbreaks and players leaving for European teams, the 2019/20 season was a turbulent series of events. Western Sydney Wanderers seemed to get off to a good start last year, not losing a game until round nine. However, they didn’t deal so well with these changes that occurred towards the end of the season. The Wanderers finished fourth overall, losing to Melbourne City in the semi-finals. The team will be looking to redeem themselves and go one further this season with a mostly young but talented group.

Ins and Outs

A number of key players have left the club to go overseas or to competing W-League clubs. Kristen Hamilton and Lynn Williams are no longer in the picture, and Jada Mathyssen-Whyman, Rachel Lowe and Cortnee Vine have all moved to derby rivals Sydney FC.

The core youth group remains, as well as the coaching team. A few experienced and debuting players are making their way to the West this year too.

Ins:

Margaux Chauvet (Illawarra Stingrays – defender)       

Teigan Collister (Newcastle Jets – forward)

Libby Copus-Brown (Newcastle Jets – midfielder)

Isabel Gomez (Football NSW Institute – midfielder) 

Bryleeh Henry (Football NSW Institute – forward)

Sarah Hunter (Football NSW Institute – midfielder) 

Aideen Keane (Football NSW Institute – midfielder)

Olivia Price (Canberra United – midfielder)                       

Sarah Willacy (Adelaide United – goalkeeper)                      

Outs:

Kyra Cooney-Cross (Melbourne Victory)

Liana Danaskos

Erica Halloway

Amy Harrison (PSV Vrouwen)

Kristen Hamilton (North Carolina Courage)

Alexandra Huynh (SSD Napoli Femminile)

Rachel Lowe (Sydney FC)

Denise O’Sullivan (NC Courage)

Ella Mastrantonio (Bristol City)

Jada Mathyssen-Whyman (Sydney FC)

Vesna Milivojevic (ZFK Spartak Subotica)

Alix Roberts

Sam Staab

Abby Smith

Cortnee Vine (Sydney FC)

Lynn Williams (North Corolina Courage)

Staying:

Caitlin Cooper (Defender)

Rosie Galea (Midfielder)

Leena Khamis (Forward)  

Danika Matos (Defender)

Chloe Middleton (Midfielder)

Nikola Orgill (Defender)     

Susan Phonsongkham (Forward)

Courtney Newbon (Goalkeeper)

Courtney Nevin (Forward)

Georgia Yeoman-Dale (Midfielder and Defender)         

Strengths

One of the main strengths for the upcoming season is consistency and experience in the Wanderers coaching set-up. Dean Heffernan is steering the ship alongside Catherine Cannuli and Michael Beauchamp, as well as goalkeeping coach Ante Covic.  

These experienced coaches will be working with some potentially less-experienced, younger players – however, with an abundance of talent, this is a team that cannot be underestimated. New signing Sarah Willacy will add some experience and leadership to the mix, and players such as Susan Phonsongkham, Caitlin Cooper, Courtney Nevin, Danika Matos and Chloe Middleton all have W-League experience and have played together for the Wanderers in the past few seasons.

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Challenges

It will be tough getting out of the blocks for the Wanderers, especially given the recent reshuffle of the roster to accommodate COVID-19 related border restrictions. While they have the home advantage at their first game, the Sydney derby is never an easy contest. This is followed by a bye, and then (as it currently stands) a second derby, but this time away. With such a young team, being focused and prepared early in the season will likely prove a vital base for success later in the year.  

The team has also lost a number of key players including Cooney-Cross, Vine and Mastrantonio. The Wanderers have been known to lose their vigour in the past when important players have left or missed games, so it’ll be up to the youngsters to step it up in order for the Wanderers to have a fruitful season.

Key players 

Defence – Nikola Orgill 

Orgill first debuted with the Western Sydney Wanderers in 2016. After a few years playing with other clubs, the defender is back in the red and black jersey and ready to go.

A few short stints with Newcastle Jets and Canberra United, and most recently Kolbotn in the Norwegian Toppserien, the 27-year-old has learnt a lot about the game and has plenty to offer to the younger players in the Wanderers.  

Leading from the back, Orgill has both international and domestic experience which will put her in good stead for the upcoming campaign. After being a captain at Canberra United and having leadership experience in the Toppserien, she’ll be a valuable asset to the Wanderers for both her skilful defending and her ability to guide the other members of the team.

Nikola Orgill in Canberra United colours, 2019/20.

Midfield – Libby Copus-Brown 

Copus-Brown played with Newcastle Jets as a fringe player for seven years after first signing in 2013. By the end of last season, the midfielder was one of the Jets most consistent and competent starting 11 players, with 16 appearances overall for the club.

The 22-year-old has started to hit her peak, and her growth as a player in the last few years will undoubtedly continue in the upcoming season. It’s her first season for the Wanderers, and the youngster says she’s ready to step out of her comfort zone and challenge herself in a new environment.  

Copus-Brown was part of the Championship winning team Manly United in the NSW National Premier League last season and was named the Player of the Match in the Grand Final. Her vision and acute delivery will be an important part of the Wanderers midfield.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Libby Copus-Brown (@libbycopusbrown)

Attack – Leena Khamis

At 34-years-old and with three W-League premierships and championships to her name, Leena Khamis is sure to provide a wealth of experience to the vastly younger Wanderers squad.  

She’s already spoken about her desire to help the team go one further than last year and be part of the grand final – a feat that Head Coach Dean Deffernan believes Khamis can play a pivotal role in.

Her experience, aggression and strike power could make all the difference this season. Many Matildas and more experiences Australian footballers are now playing in Europe or overseas, leaving the W-League with many young talented players to take their places. However, having a player who is extensively familiar with the league and has a vast array of footballing knowledge might just make the difference this year.

One to watch – Margaux Chauvet 

At 18 years old, the upcoming season will be Chauvet’s first in the W-League. The defender played in the NSW National Premier League for Illawarra Stingrays this year alongside current W-League teammates Caitlin Cooper, Danika Matos and Chloe Middleton.

Prediction

Although the team seems young, underestimating this bunch would be unwise. In a season unlike any other, their youth mixed with a few experienced players will be enough to take them all the way. After making it to the semi-finals last year, Dean Heffernan and his squad will be expecting nothing less this time around.

Lani Johnson
Lani Johnson
Previously have written for TWG, and intern at The Football Sack covering Sydney FC men’s and women’s sides

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