The countdown is on. The Wanderers are preparing for one of the season’s most anticipated fixtures, with Sydney FC looming at Allianz Stadium this Saturday.
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Bragging rights, city pride, and crucial points are all on the line in a game that transcends the league table – this is the Sydney Derby, and the Red & Black are determined to make it theirs for the second time this season.
Last weekend, under new Head Coach Gary van Egmond, the Wanderers secured a dramatic 1–0 victory over Perth Glory at CommBank Stadium.
Debutant Ryan Fraser delivered a stoppage-time winner to hand van Egmond his first win in charge, sparking belief and excitement throughout the squad and the city.
The match highlighted the resilience, composure, and energy van Egmond is demanding, with Lawrence Thomas producing a string of outstanding saves and the team collectively defending their lead until Fraser’s moment of magic.
For van Egmond, the first week back at Wanderers Football Park has been about reconnecting with the squad and laying the groundwork for the challenges ahead. Having previous experience at the club, van Egmond has been able to settle in quickly, assess the team, and implement adjustments while keeping the players confident.
“For me, it’s been fairly easy to slip back in. Plus the fact that I’ve had some experience at Wanderers previously as well. So, you know, the lay of the land a little bit, but really enjoying it. Good bunch of boys at the club,” he said, reflecting on a week of hard work and familiar surroundings.
van Egmond said he has also been impressed by how quickly the players have adapted to new ideas and structures.
“The initial response in regards to some of the change that we’ve brought in has been terrific, the way in which the boys have gravitated to the coaching staff in regards to different things has been really good,” he said.
While the start of the week has included recovery sessions and light training, the squad is already beginning to focus on the intensity and pressure of Saturday’s clash.
van Egmond explained that preparation will ramp up as the game draws nearer, ensuring the players are ready to perform at their best.
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“The boys previously have had a recovery session, we’ve just started to talk about a little bit, but so will get ramped up as the week goes on,” he said.
The Sydney Derby carries significance beyond points and standings – it’s a battle for the city itself.
Van Egmond emphasised the responsibility on the players’ shoulders to represent the region with pride, energy, and discipline.
“You can look at the ladder and every game’s going to be important. But this game means a lot because the fans get bragging rights to the city. It’s very important the way that we represent ourselves in this game, and it’s a crucial game for us,” he said.
He continued to underline that performance is about more than just technical execution. The way the team represents itself, with intensity, motivation, and discipline, is non-negotiable.
“Every week, we’re in a position that we have to represent the team the way in which the people of the West represent themselves. So from a performance perspective, we can talk about the effectiveness of all the areas, but from an energy perspective, a motivation perspective and discipline perspective – it’s a non-negotiable,” van Egmond added, driving home the values he wants instilled on and off the field.
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With the Derby fast approaching, the Wanderers are building momentum, belief, and excitement. Last week’s win over Perth Glory was a perfect springboard, and the players are carrying that energy into preparation for a clash that promises intensity, pride, and passion.
Saturday at Allianz Stadium will be a statement and the Red & Black are ready to make it theirs.
