The latest Westfield W-League team preview looks at the likely fortunes for Western Sydney Wanderers.
The Wanderers might be short on star power, but expect them to cause more than the odd upset once again this season.
While there has been numerous changes in the off-season, the squad dynamic remains largely unchanged from last year. A sprinkling of valuable seasoned pros fill the key positions, supported by a large group of youngsters who might be short on experience, but are hungry to grasp their opportunity in the national league with both hands.
Much like their male counterparts during their famed AFC Champions League run, the Wanderers created several shock W-League upsets last season, none more so than a famed win against Brisbane Roar’s all-star side. They might hit a few speed bumps, especially early season, but expect plenty of fighting spirit along the way.
There is top-line experience in the form of newly-arrived Canadian international Carmelina Moscato, while inspirational Seattle Reign star midfielder Keelin Winters is an invaluable returnee from the United States. The pair join Hannah Beard and Portland Thorns’ Kendall Johnson as the club’s international quartet.
Most of the other incoming personnel are local products hand-picked by Norm Boardman, a coach who knows the Sydney football scene competition better than most. Once again his focus will partly be focussed on fostering local talent.
“Women’s football is growing so much and I’m excited as we’re not just going to be concentrating on the squad,” he said. “We’ll be taking an approach to continue the growth of women’s football in the region.
“We need to build on our foundations from last season, we had some good performances and it’s now about improving on that.”
Western Sydney Wanderers
Ins: Teagan Micah (Brisbane Roar), Carmelina Moscato (Seattle Reign, USA), Erica Halloway (Illawarra Stingrays, NSW), Liz Grey (Sydney University, NSW), Eliza Ammendolia (Macarthur Rams, NSW), Ellie Carpenter (Football NSW Institute), Alix Roberts (Blacktown Spartans, NSW), Tara Pender (Blacktown Spartans, NSW), Jada Whyman (Macarthur Rams, NSW)
Outs: Trudy Burke (Melbourne City), Jessica Seaman (North West Sydney Koalas, NSW), Caitlin Jarvie (Marconi Stallions, NSW), Grace Henry (Sydney University, NSW), Lorena Bugden (Football NSW Institute), Rhianna Pollicina (North West Sydney Koalas, NSW), Tia Gavin (Washington State University, USA), Sham Khamis (Sydney FC), Victoria Guzman (Sydney University, NSW