The foundations are being built on and off the pitch at Western Sydney. This has resulted in former Matildas and Football Ferns coach Tom Sermanni being appointed as Head of Women’s Football. Coupled with Kat Smith’s appointment as head coach, the Wanderers may well be the surprise package this season if off-field moves can translate onto the field.

Last season

Hopes were high at the start of the season after three hard-fought draws against Wellington, Newcastle and eventual Premiers Sydney FC in the opening four rounds. Optimism amongst the red & black faithful increased even further when this sequence of results was followed by a win over Brisbane.

Unfortunately an injury to centre-back Clare Hunt threw the wheels off the wagon. Western Sydney’s previously stingy defence went on to cop thrashings at the hands of Melbourne Victory and Canberra without their defensive leader. The Wanderers earned only one point in their final nine games and narrowly avoided the wooden spoon, beating the Phoenix on goal difference.

Key facts

Line up

The coach

Wanderers fans have cause for optimism with the appointment of former Junior Matildas Performance Analyst Kat Smith, despite her being untested as an A-League Women’s head coach. There’s little doubt that Smith has built an impressive coaching pedigree, having come through the national ranks after working as an assistant at Melbourne Victory.

Smith will have her finger on the pulse of the next generation coming through the rich footballing region of Western Sydney. If she utilises that knowledge with key signings, the new gaffer could bring a tide of change. The hope out west will be that Smith, supported by Sermanni, is prepared for the long haul.

Key players

The Wanderers have spread out the announcements throughout the off-season and business doesn’t look over yet. So far they have elected to throw faith behind a young squad, but there remains room for another piece of recruitment or two.

The one area in which the Wanderers have experience is between the sticks. Sham Khamis bleeds red & black and has experienced the highs & lows of the A-League Women’s competition throughout the years. An in-form Khamis will be essential if the Wanderers are to return to their stingy, defensive ways and prevent the blow-outs experienced by previous WSW sides.

In central defence, the work of Clare Hunt will be essential and she will likely be supported by former Canberra United player Lauren Keir. At fullback, Angelique Hristodoulou has the ability to be a game changer with her surging runs forward and pace in tracking back to thwart counter attacks. Junior Matilda Ella Abdul Massih is a prospect for the future and one to keep an eye on if she sees valuable minutes this season.

The club’s engine room will be served by the hard working duo of Amy Harrison and Olivia Price. They will be hoping to compliment American import Tess Boade, who arrives from NWSL side North Carolina Courage.

A youthful front line spearheads the Wanderers and there is no lack of pace after Sophie Harding’s inclusion. The former Jet will want to be on target this season as she leads youngsters Sheridan Gallagher and Cushla Rue.

One to watch

Wanderers fans would have breathed a sigh of relief at the return of captain Clare Hunt. The centre back was the heartbeat of last season’s side and will be looking to play another big role this time out.

Hunt serves as a metronome for the side and her loss halfway through 2021-22 was a sledgehammer to the Wanderers’ defensive composure. She brings height, the cunning ability to win 1v1s and also strong distribution with the ball. Her experience will be key in a young side lacking depth.

Prediction

It’s very much a long term project at the Wanderers. They will be hoping to avoid the wooden spoon, which could rely on keeping key players fit and healthy. A surprise could be in store as youth and a new coach have the ability to shock the opposition. Either way, success for the Wanderers will be building the foundations that enable the club to prosper over the next three to five seasons.