Just over six months ago the entire Wanderers community was feeling the hurt and heartbreak of losing the Grand Final to Brisbane Roar.
Two Grand Final appearances in two seasons, plus a Premier’s Plate and automatic qualification to compete in the AFC Champions League was a spectacular and unprecedented achievement in Australian sport.
But that still wasn’t enough for coach Tony Popovic who dreamed of achieving more with a club that has captured the hearts and minds of the Australian public.
On Sunday 2 November a new chapter was written in the history books of domestic football in this country – Western Sydney were gloriously crowned the Champions of Asia.
To add to that the man renowned for his masterful knowledge and revered figure among his players, colleagues and even rivals was awarded with AFC Coach of the Year and Wanderers with Club of the Year.
In doing all of this, Popa and the Wanderers have surpassed all of the expectations and dreams that we could have ever set for a club still in its infancy.
Upon reflection I am still not quite sure we fully understand the enormity of this grand success and what it has done to catapult the reputation of our nation’s ability to compete in such a fierce and difficult competition.
With the team’s departure for the FIFA Club World Cup imminent it’s important to recognise that there is still so much left to do for the Wanderers both abroad and in the Hyundai A-League.
From what we have witnessed in the last two seasons, daring to dream and believing that nothing is impossible has proved to be worth its weight in trophies and more.
Without the fan’s support, this experience wouldn’t be possible so it’s why I encourage you all to stay proud and keep singing because the best is truly yet to come. GO WANDERERS!
