Western Sydney Wanderers Ninja A-League defender Poppie Hooks believes last weekend’s breakthrough victory has set the platform for something bigger, with the Red & Black now turning their full attention to Saturday night’s blockbuster Sydney Derby double header.
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After overcoming Central Coast Mariners in a result that rewarded weeks of persistence and growth, the Wanderers head into the Derby with renewed confidence, momentum and belief starting to settle within the squad.
For Hooks, the performance was a reflection of the resilience the group has shown through challenging periods this season and a sign that the work being done on the training pitch is beginning to translate under lights.
“Especially against a team of the Mariners caliber… very happy,” Hooks said.
“I think it’s well deserved. Feels like finally, the hard work has been paying off. I mean, the girls have been in some lows, but it’s good to see. And that’s what makes the team good that we can get out of those lows.”
With belief restored, attention now shifts to one of the biggest fixtures on the calendar. The Sydney Derby returns this Saturday night at Allianz Stadium, and Hooks is confident the Wanderers can take lessons from their first meeting with Sydney FC earlier in the season and turn them into points.
The defender felt the earlier Derby slipped away and says that experience has sharpened her focus heading into this weekend’s rematch, where margins, moments and mentality will again define the contest.
“Honestly, I thought we should have won the last one,” she said.
“Not to say that I didn’t learn anything, but I’ll definitely be ready. I would say more ready because I know that plays a bit more, but I think we’re going to come away with the win this time.”
Saturday’s fixture will be played as a double header, with a packed Allianz Stadium expected to provide a Derby atmosphere worthy of the occasion.
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For Hooks, the environment only adds fuel, with the energy of a big crowd and the noise of a rivalry acting as motivation rather than distraction.
“I’m so excited to see our fans. Obviously, I don’t care about the other ones, but I mean it’ll be nice to hear some,” said Hooks.
“It doesn’t matter what they’re doing, booing, whatever… it spurs you on.”
Beyond bragging rights, Hooks believes a Derby victory could mark a defining moment in the Wanderers’ Ninja A-League campaign.
With confidence growing and performances trending upward, Saturday night presents an opportunity to reinforce belief within the group and stamp their identity on the season ahead.“I feel like this would just be a massive confidence boost,” she said.
“It feels like we’re on an uphill as of last week and the way we’ve been training recently. But this win would just give us our own swagger, I reckon, and just solidify that Sydney’s Red & Black.”
Saturday night’s Sydney Derby double header looms as a statement opportunity for the Wanderers, with momentum, pride and belief all on the line under the lights at Allianz Stadium.
