A huge Sydney Derby match awaits our Wander Women this season at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday afternoon.
The side have fought hard in their opening two games in spite of a rising injury toll – added to last weekend with a Maddy McComasky shoulder injury – but only have a point to show for their efforts.
Players and staff will admit the Wanderers were off the pace in their home opener for the season against Adelaide United last Sunday, where two quick goals either side of half-time secured a 2-0 win for the Reds at Wanderers Football Park.
The Wanderers had their moments, with young midfielder Sienna Saveska being central to much of the good play from the Red and Black, but they will be looking for a much more complete performance in the derby.
There were bright spots from last weekend, with Paige Hayward impressing at left back, and Sham Khamis making a number of important saves in goal, as well as putting her body on the line at various points.
The Wanderers will be desperate to get their season properly up and running, and there’s no better time to do that then in a Sydney Derby, especially with our crosstown rivals having a poor start to the season.
Usually being one of the pacesetters of the league, our opponents for the weekend have shockingly lost both of their games to begin the 2024-25 campaign.
They fell to a 3-1 loss against the Central Coast Mariners on the opening weekend, and then lost to Brisbane 1-0 in the Sunshine state.
It is uncharted territory for Ante Juric’s side, but it will make them hungrier than usual for success in this massive match.
After seasons of success, some key players have departed from the other side of the city, with the likes of Matildas hero Cortnee Vine, as well as key pieces Jada Whymann and Charlotte McLean all leaving the club at the end of last season to pursue opportunities abroad.
They did make some notable signings, including Perth Glory duo Hanah Lowry and Millie Farrow, but they are still finding their feet in a new team.
The side that has won the last two Grand Finals should not be dismissed, and at home for the first time this season will be a difficult prospect.
The Wanderers unfortunately do not have the best record against their derby rivals, having last won a Sydney Derby back in 2019, though it was a pretty remarkable victory.
In a double header at CommBank Stadium, the Wanderers put five past their crosstown rivals in a 5-0 demolition, perhaps their greatest ever win.
On the scoresheet that day was current captain Amy Harrison, as well as current Matildas star Kyra Cooney-Cross.
Harrison would love nothing more than to lead her side in another derby victory, and the Wanderers have more than enough talent to do the job.
There have been signs of a potential partnership between Saveska and reigning Julie Dolan medal winner Sophie Harding, whilst wing back Danika Matos will be looking to kick on after becoming the most capped Wanderers player with 70 appearances for the Red and Black.
A famous, drought breaking derby win could kick start what we all hope could be a successful season for the Wander Women.
