Another ten moments that helped define the magic that was the first full A-League season for the Western Sydney Wanderers.
50. Dino Kresinger’s first A-League goal
In the massacre of John Kosmina’s Adelaide United in Round 12 at Wanderland the big Croat up front at the pointy end of the Wanderers attack finally scored his much desired first goal in red and black. After 11 rounds of every fan wondering if, let alone when our bald headed number 9 would convert he finally nailed the back of the net to rapturous acclamation. I can proudly say I was there that night and saw Dino score!
49. Shinji Ono re-signs to the Western Sydney Wanderers
In a great affirmation both of the Wanderers’ belief in Shinji and his willingness to continue his mission with the red and black the great Japanese no.21 re-signed by the end of April 2013.
“Yes I want to [stay] but actually I have just a one-year contract, and we have to speak about next season. I don’t care how much the contract [is worth], but if they give me a chance to play . . . I want to do what I can possibly do.”
48. Youssouf Hersi re-signs to the Western Sydney Wanderers
Another vital cog in the red and black machine, Youssouf was the first major overseas signing to re-commit to the club:
“It was difficult because I wanted to go somewhere else, maybe, But I thought no, it’s better to stay here, follow my heart.”
47. The Mark Bridge and Adam D’Apuzzo combination on the left flank
The manner in which these two players were able to work together was one of the best combinations in not just the Western Sydney Wanderers but also the entire A-League during 2012/13. Bridge particularly shone understanding how and when to respond to the defensive challenge faced by D’Apuzzo whenever the opposition threatened their flank. D’Apuzzo was also able to distribute many balls up to Bridge which put the left wing forward into strong offensive positions. With D’Apuzzo injured late in the season there was a noticeable drop-off in the team’s capabilities on the left.
46. Aaron Mooy scores his first goal for the Wanderers
In the only home game against Perth Glory during 2012/13, in round 22 Aaron Mooy finally delivered on his promise throughout the preceding games. His shot from outside the Glory’s box took a fortuitous deflection however considering Mooy’s lack of luck in earlier games this was fair recompense. IN a very tight and defensive game Aaron’s goal was the difference between the teams.
45. A ten-man Western Sydney Wanderers’ team beats Perth Glory 0-1 away from home
In the early stages of the Round 7 game at nib Stadium in Perth the Wanderers went a man down thanks to a red card being show to Youssouf Hersi (the victim of some nasty niggling from Scott Jamieson). In a demonstration of the team’s character and stamina, a successful combination of Iacopo La Rocca scoring in the first half and Ante Covic saving numerous shots resulted in a fine win away from Wanderland. This victory ended Perth’s early unbeaten run at home of 3 games and put the Wanderers into fifth position on the table.
44. The reaction of the Wanderland faithful to Dino Kresingers’ goals
In both occasions during the 2012/13 season Dino’s goals set off wild celebrations within both the RBB and the other stands at Wanderland. From personal experience I can verify that no other player electrified the Wanderers faithful than Kresinger when he put the ball in the back of the opposition’s net.
43. Ante Milicic…Popa’s Right Hand Man
Whilst other clubs had problems with their coaching staff during 2012/13, the Wanderers had the ideal pair to lead the squad through its debut season. Milicic had already shown his talents as an assistant coach at Melbourne Heart, and preceding that he had experience as a head coach at the NSL club Sydney United, and in joining with Tony Popovic he formed the best pairing of coaches in the A-League since the Roar’s Postecoglou and Vidosic. There is every expectation that Ante will coach A-League club in the near future (hopefully after Popovic moves on to a European club).
42. Michael Beauchamp named as first captain of the Western Sydney Wanderers
A true son of Western Sydney football, Beauchamp went through many clubs over his first twelve seasons of senior football before becoming the inaugural club captain for the Wanderers. Bringing experience ranging from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, through Bundesliga appearances and A-League stints with the Mariners, Heart and Sydney FC, Beauchamp formed a highly effective pairing with fellow centre back Nikolai Topor-Stanley in the Wanderers’ first season. Hard to get past and always on the look out for transition passes out of defence, Beauchamp also set a great example for the team off the field in media and community engagements.
41. The Wanderers squad appearance at Westfield Parramatta
From the willingness of the squad to meet, greet, talk with the fans and sign autographs, through to the amazing passion shown by hundreds of RBB supporters in the middle of Sydney’s largest shopping centre, the Wanderers’ day at Westfield Parramatta was one of the best community/club engagements all season.
The Manfred Schaefer Files 