The Western Sydney Wanderers are gearing up for their second NPL Women’s season, in what is shaping to be an exciting season for the women involved.
The 2026 campaign represents an opportunity for the Wanderers to build on the foundations laid during their inaugural season in the competition. After navigating the challenges that come with entering a new league, the squad returns with valuable experience and a greater understanding of the demands of the NPL Women’s NSW competition.
The Red & Black boast a talented squad heading into the season, with a squad that has seen few changes to the side that finished 13th last season.
Aimee Hall, Milly Bennett, Anika Stajcic, Miriam Zumaya, Nikkita Fazzari, Alvina Khoshaba, Alyssa Ng Saad, Talia Younis and Sienna Arrarte will be looking to add their A-League experience to an already exciting squad.
Savannah Murray joins the Wanderers from the Northern Tigers as the defender will look to add dynamism and solidity to a youthful defense. The promising star found the back of the net on multiple occasions showcasing her ability on both ends of the field last season, most notably scoring a stunning free kick in a 5-1 drubbing of the Macarthur Rams.
Murray spent time at NWS Spirit prior to the Tigers, so she will be looking to build on her experiences and capitalise onthe opportunity to stamp herself as one of the premier defenders of the competition.
The Wanderers’ NPL Women’s side will also benefit from the growing experience within the squad, with several playersalready gaining exposure at A-League Women’s level. Alyssa Ng Saad, Miriam Zumaya, Amy Barker, Alvina Khoshaba and Nikkita Fazzari have all recently made their professional debuts, bringing valuable experience back into the NPL environment.
Having players within the squad who have already been exposed to the pace, physicality and demands of the A-LeagueWomen’s competition will provide an added edge for the Wanderers, strengthening the side as they look to compete against some of the more established teams in the league this season.
Another factor working in the Wanderers’ favour heading into the new campaign is the continuity within the squad. Afterspending a full season together, many of the players now enter 2026 with a far greater understanding of each other’s movements, strengths and playing style. That familiarity within the group should allow the side to settle into matches more quickly compared to last season, where the squad was still finding its rhythm.
With an established core returning, the Wanderers will be hoping that the cohesion built over the past year helps them start the season strongly and avoid the early growing pains that often come with a newly formed side.
With a year of experience behind them, growing confidence within the squad and several players returning with valuableA-League Women’s exposure, the Wanderers head into the 2026 season with renewed belief.
While the competition will once again present a stern challenge, the Red & Black will be eager to translate their development into results and begin the campaign on a positive note.
The journey begins on Sunday against the Illawarra Stingrays at The Ponds, Lakeland Oval.
