Bethany Gordon enjoyed something of a breakout season wearing the Red & Black. Not only did she score her first A-League Women’s goals, but she also became a key cog in a Wanderers side that was highly competitive, as well as one of the most improved teams in the competition.
Gordon, who has re-signed for the 2023/24 season, says that her connection with the club increased as the season went on.
“I’m from Western Sydney, (I am) very proud to be from Western Sydney, so to be able to represent all of the supporters and fans that come and watch our games, it’s what I’m here for.
“Putting the jersey on for the first time, I obviously felt a connection with it, but throughout the whole season that connection has grown. [From] seeing the fans come in, and where we’ve gone from round one to round 20, it’s definitely grown even further.”
The midfielder joined the club after stints at Canberra United and Newcastle Jets, where she made 11 appearances in the previous season. She arrived in a time of great change on and off the pitch as the team made many key changes.
The Wanderers secured five wins and four draws, which led them to a seventh placed finish on the table, ahead of last season’s finalists Adelaide United.
The most impressive moment of the season was undoubtedly the back to back home wins against 2nd and 3rd placed Melbourne City and Western United, with the victories showing that the Wanderers are able to take on and defeat the top talent in the league.
Gordon played in all but two matches this season, and had her finest hour in the last home match of the season against Brisbane Roar. She scored twice in a 3-1 win, including a fantastic volley on the turn that was later voted as the goal of the week.
She put in many eye-catching performances in the middle of the park, and often combined well with the likes of Amy Harrison and Olivia Price. She also had three assists, with only Harrison and Sophie Harding recording more throughout the season.
Despite the positive performances, the Wanderers still finished outside of the finals places for the third season running. However, Smith and Sermanni are laying firm foundations for growth, some of which has already been seen this season.
Gordon believes that the side can use this season as a launchpad to achieve great things next season.
“I’m hoping to build on what we’ve had this back end of the season, wanting to progress with the team, with the staff and hopefully be there in the end of the season happy with where we’ve finished.
“Moving forward, we want to build as a group together, staff and players, and it’s looking to be a good season ahead.”
For both Gordon and the Wanderers, it appears that the best is yet to come and that the sky’s the limit.
