The Wander Women get their 2024/25 season underway in something of a grudge match against the Newcastle Jets on Sunday.
The Jets proved to be the ultimate nemesis of the Wanderers last season, as they scored a last minute goal to deny them a win early on in the season that would also prove to be the difference between the Jets making the finals and the Wanderers missing out.
The Wanderers seemed to be in the box seat for the last finals spot in the final round, but a surprise loss to Wellington combined with a scarcely believable 8-0 win for the Jets over Adelaide saw the Novocastrians sneak into the top six.
It means the Wanderers have more than enough motivation to fire them to an opening round win for the first time since the 2019/20 season.
They will also be desperate to avoid the slow start to the season they experienced last campaign; whilst this was mostly due to a coaching change late in pre-season, it ended up having dire consequences.
This time round, the Wanderers have had a far more settled pre-season under Robbie Hooker, with a slew of key players re-signing for this season and beyond, meaning the core of last season’s team is still intact.
This includes club captain Amy Harrison, club player of the year Danika Matos and top scorer and Julie Dolan Medal winner Sophie Harding, who will wear the Red and Black for the next two seasons.
Harding will look to add to the 12 goals she scored last season as she had a breakout season where she also earned a call up to the Matildas set-up.
She formed a great combination with Holly Caspers, and the pair will hope they can rediscover their potent form quickly as the side looks to get off to a quick start in the season.
They will also look to take advantage of some key losses for the Jets in the off-season, which has taken a big hit on their playing stocks.
Former Wanderer Sarina Bolden left for Italy after scoring 14 goals in 20 games for the Jets and being one of their most crucial players.
Important attacker from last year Melinda Ayers will also not be present for the Jets, as she has decided to take some time away from football.
There will be a couple of familiar faces in the Newcastle side, with India Breier joining the Jets after leaving the Wanderers, whilst former Wanderers striker Sheridan Gallagher is also wearing the gold of Newcastle after a stint playing in the NRLW.
They have also lost experienced defenders Gema Simon and Alexandra Huynh to retirement, and Melinda Barbieri in midfield.
Coach Ryan Campbell will be taking charge in his first full season for the club after taking over midway through last season, where he lost his one clash with the Wanderers to date.
That came in a special community round fixture in Bathurst, where the Wanderers came from behind to secure a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Harding and Vicky Bruce.
With a home match and a Sydney Derby to follow, the Wanderers would love to get an important away win to start their season, and to also get one over the team that denied them a place in the finals.
It could set them up for a season of success.
Match Details
Newcastle Jets v Western Sydney Wanderers
Sunday 3 November 2024, 4:00pm
Cessnock Sportsground
