Our Wander Women are involved in a hugely exciting double header this weekend, as they host Western United at CommBank Stadium.
You can get your tickets to the double header here.
In front of what will be a large crowd, they will be aiming to use the special occasion as a springboard to kickstart what has been a tough season to date.
Despite fighting hard in all of their matches, they only have a point on the board to show for their efforts, which is disappointing after the side had aspirations to break their finals drought.
Their last match was a tough affair against ladder leading Melbourne City on the road; they were valiant in defence for much of the game, but a goal on the counter attack and a hugely deflected free-kick saw City emerge 2-0 victors at AAMI Park.
It is at times like this where sides need their important players to stand up, and the likes of reigning Julie Dolan Medal winner Sophie Harding and club player of the year Danika Matos will look to make their mark on the match.
Holly Caspers, who is still making her return from injury, will also be a huge addition to a stuttering Wanderers attack.
She had 12 goal involvements last season as her combination with Harding was one of the most lethal in the league. The Wanderers have sorely missed her in attack this season, and her return to the starting side could be the spark they need to get going in season 2024-25.
It has been a season defined by injuries to date, with defenders Ella Buchanan and Gemma Ferris only recently returning to full fitness, whilst Maddy McComasky continues to be absent after suffering a shoulder injury in round two.
In a young Wanderers side, it can be easy to lose confidence, but the likes of Talia Younis and Sienna Saveska have shown their talent in patches this season and will hope to be rewarded for their efforts soon.
Sham Khamis has also been a strong figure in goals, marshalling the defence and making several key saves as she puts her body on the line for her team.
Coach Robbie Hooker and his side know this counts for little if they don’t begin to put wins on the board, and they will want to start this weekend against a team they did the double over last season.
Their first win of the season did come against United, as two late goals saw them take home a 2-0 win on the road, before they won 3-1 in the exciting return fixture at Wanderers Football Park, as Sophie Harding shone.
United are led by former Wanderers boss Kat Smith, who will have added motivation to get one over her former employers.
Western United recorded their second win of the season last weekend against our crosstown rivals, lifting them into the top six.
It was a late winner from substitute Kiara de Domizio that secured the points for the green and black, who had previously gone on a three match winless run.
The Wanderers will look to end a tough run of their own, and will be hopeful a large and passionate home crowd can lift them to a priceless victory this weekend.
