Liam Gillion will be thrown straight into one of Australian football’s biggest occasions when the Wanderers open their 2026/27 Isuzu UTE A-League campaign with the Sydney Derby.
The winger is preparing to experience the fixture from a completely different perspective in Matchweek 1, pulling on the Red & Black for his first competitive appearance in a Sydney Derby after previously watching the rivalry from afar.
It comes after a promising first pre-season in Western Sydney for the new signing.
Since arriving at the Wanderers during the off-season, Gillion has continued to build valuable minutes and establish himself within Ufuk Talay’s squad, with Members already having several opportunities to see the winger in action ahead of the new campaign.
Direct, energetic and willing to attack defenders, Gillion has shown glimpses of what he can bring to the Red & Black throughout the club’s preparations.
He found the back of the net in the Wanderers’ 3-1 pre-season victory over his former side Auckland FC in Napier before scoring again as the Red & Black recorded a 5-1 victory over Central Coast Mariners at the Members Season Launch at Wanderers Football Park.
Those performances have formed part of an important preparation period for Gillion as he continues to settle into a new club, a new city and a Wanderers side building towards the start of the season.
Now, the intensity is about to rise.
The Wanderers head east for Matchweek 1 and a Sydney Derby that needs little introduction, with Gillion well aware of what awaits when the two sides meet.
Having watched the fixture on television before making the move to Western Sydney, the 24-year-old is relishing the opportunity to finally experience it from inside the contest.
“Obviously, I always watched the Derby on TV. You know, it’s always an exciting game,” said Gillion.
“It’s always fiery, it’s a great watch, you know it’s entertaining, so I’m excited to play in one.”
For Gillion, it will be an immediate introduction to the expectation and emotion that comes with representing Western Sydney.
The Derby will also mark the beginning of a significant opening fortnight for the Wanderers, with the Red & Black returning home just eight days later for their first match at CommBank Stadium of the new campaign.
Waiting in Matchweek 2 will be Auckland FC.
It is a fixture carrying an added personal significance for Gillion, who joined the Wanderers after spending last season with the New Zealand club.
After experiencing the fixture from the opposite side last season, Gillion will now get the opportunity to face his former teammates in front of his new home support.
“Obviously, playing against Auckland second, it’s kind of cool to be at home here at the Wanderers,” said Gillion.
“I mean, yeah, hopefully we get a win and I can give it back to Auckland a little bit.”
The meeting will also be the first opportunity for Wanderers supporters to see Gillion and the new-look Red & Black in competitive action at CommBank Stadium this season.
After months of preparation and a series of promising pre-season performances, the focus now shifts to the matches that matter.
Sydney Derby away.
Auckland at home.
Two massive Matchweeks to begin 2026/27, and for Gillion and the Wanderers, there will be no easing into the new season.
