Most players around the world would run a mile if approached to play for a club that had won one game the previous season, finished last on the table and had never made the Finals in seven seasons.
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And when you are someone of the quality of star Republic of Ireland midfielder Denise O’Sullivan, there’s a good chance clubs of fair bigger quality and standing are knocking down your door to sign for them.
But, just like she plays her football on the pitch, O’Sullivan is never one to shy away from a challenge.
So, when the Wanderers started showing interest in O’Sullivan, it more than piqued the interest of the diminutive Irish woman, even if she has been used to being a winner with her US National Women’s League side, North Carolina Courage.
“It is really fitting for me coming to the Wanderers with the underdog term because that is a term we used a lot at the Courage,” said O’Sullivan.
“The Wanderers are the underdogs. I think they only won one game last season.
“But, I can see that there is plenty of heart and fight in the girls. They just fight for each other and work very hard.”
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O’Sullivan said she did not have to think long about signing with the Red & Black, a side that has been a perennial struggler in the Westfield W-League.
“I thought about it … but not for long,” said O’Sullivan.
“I was speaking with (her former W-League side) Canberra at the time.
“But with my North Carolina teammates Lynn (Williams) and Kristen (Hamilton) coming here, I felt it would be good for me to keep playing with them as well and to get better together.
“The challenge was coming to a team that had only won one game last year, so I thought if I could come along and help them then that would be good.”
O’Sullivan has only been at the club for a month after missing the first game of the season because of international duty with the Republic of Ireland.
However, she appears to have fitted in seamlessly into the side, which is unbeaten in their opening four games of the season.
“I love it here. It’s really good. I arrived about a month ago and the club is just great and everyone has made me feel so welcome,” said O’Sullivan.
“The facilities are great, you have everything in the one place, the gym, the good pitches. I am very impressed.
“Football wise, it is going great. We could not have asked for a better start.”
The 25-year-old will get her first taste of the Sydney Derby on Friday at Bankwest Stadium. She admits she has already be clued up about the importance of the game.
“Yeah, I have heard a few things about it. It is very exciting and obviously to play at Bankwest Stadium in a Derby is really cool,” added O’Sullivan.
“It will be a tough game. Sydney FC are a fantastic team and have some fantastic individual players. I know a few of them.
“It’s going to be a challenge for us but one we are up for.”
