Defender Tate Russell on the Wanderers return to his hometown of Wollongong this Friday night to face Wellington Phoenix.
With opposition club Wellington currently based in Wollongong, the trip down South is an exciting opportunity for young defender Tate Russell to play in front of his local community as well as family and friends.
Prior to joining the Wanderers Academy in 2015, Russell started his football journey playing for his local side Wollongong Olympic Junior FC where his passion for football began.
Returning back this Friday night to where it all started will mark a special night for Russell.
“It’s definitely exciting, being able to play in front of friends and family that I haven’t been fortunate enough to play in front of,” said Russell.
“Everyone likes going back to their hometown to play and I’m definitely lucky and excited to do that.”
The Red & Black will be looking to build on their opening two performances which saw them share points with both Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets.
“I think it’s been two positive but very disappointing results,” explained Russell.
“Everyone in the team obviously wants to grab those three points and we had two chances where we could have done that.
“But necessarily I don’t think it’s a back step in anyway and there are definitely areas to improve on.
“We look forward to the next games and hopefully grab three points.”
Wellington have traditionally been a very difficult side for the Wanderers to break down with Russell confident that more chances will help the Red & Black secure three very important points.
“I think definitely one of the big things is to be more positive,” said Russell.
“It’s not like we’re not without any chances in our last two games.
“We definitely need to have more chances going forward and more shots on goal, and hopefully put it in the back of the net.”
Wellington Phoenix v Western Sydney Wanderers
Friday 3 December
WIN Stadium, 7:45pm
Watch live on Paramount+
