The Western Sydney Wanderers played in a behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly against the Central Coast Mariners on Saturday morning, finishing 1-1 in a match that provided the squad with valuable minutes ahead of the season opener on 18 October 2025.

From the first whistle, the Wanderers took control, creating the majority of the chances and keeping the Mariners under pressure.

Early opportunities from Brandon Borrello and Alex Gersbach tested the Mariners’ defence, with Gersbach delivering a pinpoint cross in the 11th minute that narrowly missed its target.

The breakthrough came around the 30-minute mark when a penalty was awarded after Mariners goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne slipped and clipped Kosta Barbarouses.

Borrello stepped up confidently to convert, giving the Wanderers a well-earned lead.

Despite some late first-half pressure from the Mariners, including a shot deflected to safety by Bonetig, the Wanderers went into the break ahead.

The second half began with a moment of attacking brilliance as Jarrod Carluccio threaded a perfect ball to Kosta Barbarouses, who slid it to Borrello. The goal was ruled offside, but the move highlighted the squad’s creativity and understanding ahead of the season kicking off next month.

A full rotation followed, giving every player valuable minutes. Angus Thurgate made his debut appearance, joining a wave of fresh talent including Mo Al-Taay and Alou Kuol.

The Mariners capitalised on a late defensive error to equalise, but the match remained a competitive and worthwhile exercise for the squad.

While the game ended 1-1, the Wanderers’ display was encouraging.

The team showed creativity, energy, and cohesion, setting a promising tone as they build toward their season opener. With confidence high and minutes in the legs across the squad, the Red & Black look ready to hit the ground running on 18 October 2025.

The post Pre-Season Match Wrap: 1-1 Mariners appeared first on Western Sydney Wanderers.

Wanderers members, this Saturday is your chance to shine!

As part of this seasons Member Competition, attending this weekend’s action-packed double header will earn you double the entries – giving you more chances to win our Champions League Competition.

What’s the Competition?

All season 2024/25 members are in the running to win an unforgettable trip to the 2025 UEFA Champions League Final for you and a friend!

The incredible prize includes:

2 x return tickets to Munich, Germany
5 x nights of accommodation in Munich
$500 spending money per day in Germany
2 x tickets to the UEFA Champions League Final

How does it work?

You, and everyone associated with your membership, has already accrued 25 entry points by just renewing or signing up for a full season 2024/25 Wanderers membership.

From here, members can earn entries for every match attended plus there will be bonus entries rounds like this Saturday’s double header at CommBank Stadium.

The winner will be drawn at the final regular season home match at CommBank Stadium!

Double header: Double the points

This Saturday’s double-header isn’t just a thrilling day of football—it’s your chance to earn double the entries into the Members Competition!

Every match you attend at CommBank Stadium increases your chances of winning, and with this weekend’s double-header, your entries will multiply faster than ever.

Not a Member yet?

Join today and start earning points toward this incredible prize. Visit our Membership page to secure your place in the Wanderers family.

Don’t miss out—be there this Saturday and let’s make it a matchday to remember. See you at CommBank Stadium!

The post Double the entries, Double the Excitement: This Saturday at the Wanderers! appeared first on Western Sydney Wanderers.

Subway Australian U-23s Head Coach, Tony Vidmar has selected an extended 27-man squad for a training camp, to be held in Western Sydney during the November FIFA Men’s International Window.

The six-day camp – based out of the Blacktown Exercise, Sports & Technology Hub – will be the final assembly for the U-23 cohort in 2024, laying the foundations for the program’s activity throughout 2025.

The Subway Australian U-23s will finish this intensive camp with a training match against Western Sydney Wanderers FC, to give Tony Vidmar and his staff the opportunity to see several new players in action.

Ethan Alagich (Adelaide United FC), Kasey Bos (Melbourne Victory FC) and Aydan Hammond (Western Sydney Wanderers FC) have all earnt selection after strong starts to the Isuzu UTE A-League Men season.

Nathaniel Blair (Perth Glory FC), Rhys Bozinovski (Western United FC), Ethan Cox (Adelaide United FC), Josh Rawlins (Melbourne Victory FC), and Clayton Taylor (Newcastle Jets FC) have all been named following their involvement in the recent PacificAus Sports Football Series in Vanuatu.

The experienced core of Patrick Beach (Melbourne City FC), Adrian Segecic (Sydney FC) and Jordi Valadon (Melbourne Victory FC) will make the trip to Sydney’s west, as they help to usher in a new group of players at the beginning of this cycle for the U-23s.

Subway Australian U-23s Head Coach, Tony Vidmar said this camp was an important stepping-stone into his squad’s activity during 2025.

“We’ve got a number of new players coming into the environment for the first time and we wanted to bring everyone together and start to lay the foundations that will be integral to our squad’s development,” Vidmar said.

“Our recent trip to the Pacific was the first time several players had been involved in the U-23s program, and we’re bringing in additional players to give them exposure to this level and see how they adapt. We’ll be leaning on the experience of our senior leaders when it comes to meeting our internal standards on and off the pitch – their presence will be invaluable.

“This is a significant period in the individual development of players within this age group and I’m excited to begin this cycle with them and help continue their journey through our national team pathway,” Vidmar said.

AUSTRALIAN U-23 SQUAD | 2024 TRAINING CAMP – BLACKTOWN

The post Four Western Sydney Wanderers players named in Subway Australian U-23 squad domestic training camp appeared first on Western Sydney Wanderers.

Western Sydney Wanderers FC have today confirmed the signing of defender Maya Lobo for the upcoming Ninja A-League season on a scholarship contract.

Lobo comes to the Wanderers off the back of a successful season in the National Premier League Women’s with Macarthur Rams where she played an integral part in the squad that won their third straight Grand Final.

This season marks Lobo’s second in the domestic competition, having had a handful of appearances already to her name.

The defender said she was eager to continue her journey in the A-Leagues competition with some familiar faces.

“I already had some familiar faces here when I joined that made the transition process easy – everyone is really approachable, and I already feel part of the team,” said Lobo.

“I would obviously love to have a few more appearances within the Ninja A-League and would also like to set the goal for myself to get on the scoresheet for the club. We also have a lot of new players like me, so we must get used to our own styles of play and gel quickly as a group to be ready for the season ahead.”

Head Coach Robbie Hooker said Lobo had impressed him in the last year both in the Ninja A-League and in the New South Wales Premier League Women’s competition, and she was a good defensive addition to the side.

“Maya has put in the effort to get to where she has and seeing her work alongside some of our players in the off-season, I felt she definitely had the talent, but also the temperament to fit into our squad seamlessly,” said Hooker.

“She is one of the best young defenders in the league right now, and we are excited to see what she has to offer as the season progresses.”

The post Maya Lobo is a Wanderer appeared first on Western Sydney Wanderers.

Western Sydney Wanderers FC have today confirmed the signing of forward Bronte Trew for the upcoming Ninja A-League season on a scholarship contract.

Trew has signed her first professional A-Leagues contract having been part of the Macarthur Rams premiership winning side last New South Wales National Premier Leagues Women’s season.

Prior to her stint at the Rams, Trew was the leading goal scorer at South Coast Suns with 29 goals to her name in a single season.

The 22-year-old cited her athleticism and ability to break through defensive lines as traits that she believed would benefit the team in the upcoming season.  

“I think my pace is a massive strength of mine, in addition to my ability to be strong on the ball and get through defensive lines is something that our head coach Robbie likes,” said Trew.

“Personally, I would love to be able to just be on the field as much as I possibly can. Obviously scoring as many goals as I can and assisting my teammates would be amazing, but at present I just want to make the most of the opportunity I have been given.”

Head Coach Robbie Hooker said that Trew has proved herself a prolific goal scorer in the New South Wales National Premier League Women’s competition and believes she has the potential to be a significant part of the club’s front line.

“Bronte is the kind of player that will add some significant depth to our attack this season. She has proven that she can score, and score consistently, and we believe that with the right guidance she can become a staple in our attack this year,” said Hooker.

“We can’t wait to see what she brings to the pitch this upcoming season and look forward to her being able to start to fulfil her full potential at this club.”

The post Trew signs for the Wanderers appeared first on Western Sydney Wanderers.

Western Sydney Wanderers FC have today confirmed the signing of Japanese midfielder Ena Harada for the upcoming Ninja A-League season.

Harada has been based in Sydney for the last six months, plying her trade in the National Premier League NSW Women’s with Bankstown Lions FC.

The midfielder said she is excited about the challenge ahead of her.

“It is a new experience for me to be here in Australia at this club. Everyone has been so nice to me so far and I want to do my best to help the team this season,” said Harada.

“I hope that we can all do well and Western Sydney Wanderers can win trophies this season. I think there is a good chance with the team that we have that we surprise a lot of teams.”

Head coach Robbie Hooker said that Harada had impressed him in the off-season and was someone who was settling into the squad well.

“Ena has very easily fitted in with the rest of the group both on and off the pitch. Her ability to create chances and to link up well with her teammates in that midfield area will add an extra layer of depth to the team this year,” said Hooker.

“We hope that we can be a place that she can really come into her own and show us the quality on the pitch that we have seen throughout training this pre-season.”

The post Harada signs for the Red & Black appeared first on Western Sydney Wanderers.

Western Sydney Wanderers FC have today confirmed the signing of defender Paige Hayward for the upcoming Ninja A-League season.

Hayward makes the move to the Red & Black from the Central Coast Mariners where she featured in 24 matches in their inaugural season in the competition.

The defender has featured in close to 70 matches in the domestic competition and brings a wealth of experience to the Wanderers backline.

Hayward said she was excited about the positive environment at the club.

“I think the environment with the girls is amazing – coming in and not knowing too many people, it has been so welcoming and so amazing, which has made me enjoy coming to training every day so far,” said Hayward.

“I think I will be very physical, and one of my best traits is my ability to connect my passes and create chances for my teammates. I am defensively always strong, but have been able to score a fair few goals over my career so I hope to add to that this year.”

Head coach Robbie Hooker said Hayward is someone who he thinks can have a great impact defensively, but also on the younger players in the squad.

“We all have seen her class as a defender over her time in the A-League, however, believe that her time playing overseas will give her a different perspective than a lot of current players in Australia, and one that we hope she can pass on to the less experienced members of our squad,” said Hooker.

“Paige will hopefully be a great example to those around her and will most certainly set the standard amongst the team with her hard work and professionalism throughout the year.”

The post Hayward joins the Wanderers appeared first on Western Sydney Wanderers.

We’ve changed the date of our upcoming Members Season Launch at Wanderers Football Park.

Register your attendance at the event here.

In our commitment to delivering the best possible experience, we’ve made the decision to move the date of our Members Season Launch. Why? Because we want to give our members an even greater experience – one where you’ll get to watch both our Isuzu UTE A-League team and Ninja A-League team take the field in exclusive pre-season friendly matches!

This action-packed day will give you an early look at the hard work and preparation happening behind the scenes as we gear up for the new season.

Expect high-energy competition and an electric atmosphere that’ll make this Members Season Launch truly unforgettable.

But that’s not all! Here’s what else you can look forward to:

Complimentary Coffee for All Members – As a thank you for your incredible support, we’re shouting coffee for all our members at the season launch!

Free Skills Clinics for the Kids – Bring the little ones along to sharpen their skills with some fun, interactive sessions led by our community coaches.

Shop the Brand-New Adidas Kit – Be the first to get your hands on the latest Wanderers Adidas gear and represent your team in style.

It’s shaping up to be an incredible day packed with football and family fun.

Match Details

Isuzu UTE A-League Pre-Season Match Details
Wanderers v Macarthur FC
Saturday 5 October, 11:00am

Ninja A-League Pre-Season Match Details
Wanderers v Newcastle Jets
Saturday 5 October, 4:00pm

Members Season Launch

Saturday 5 October 2024
Wanderers Football Park, from 5:00pm

The post Date Update: 2024 Members Season Launch appeared first on Western Sydney Wanderers.

Western Sydney Wanderers FC have today confirmed the retirement of Lauren Keir from the Ninja A-League and professional football.

The defender played 50 matches in the domestic competition, appearing for both Western Sydney Wanderers and Canberra United.

Upon announcing her retirement to the club, Keir thanked all those who have supported her during her time at the Red & Black.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to the club, players and fans for the past two seasons,” said Keir.

“It’s been an absolute privilege to wear the Red & Black and represent the Western Sydney community. A massive thank you to the members and fans who have shown unwavering support for me throughout my time at the club, even checking in when I was injured, it meant a lot to me.”

“One of my favourite parts of game day was seeing you all post-game. Win, lose or draw you always brought a big smile to my face & something I’ll dearly miss.” 

Head coach Robbie Hooker thanked Lauren for her service to the team and A-Leagues competition.”

“Lauren has been a great contributor to Western Sydney Wanderers women’s football and the game in general. I coached Lauren as a 13-year-old in Canberra – she remembered me for helping her back then and made me feel welcome when I arrived at the Wanderers 12 months ago,” said Hooker.

“It is never easy saying goodbye to the thing that motivates you to jump out of bed every morning, so at this time we are all thinking of Lauren and thanking her from the bottom of our hearts for her effort over the years and are wishing her great success for all her future endeavours.”

The Wanderers would like to thank Lauren for her contribution to the club and wish her all the best in the future.



The post Lauren Keir Announces Retirement appeared first on Western Sydney Wanderers.

Western Sydney Wanderers FC have today confirmed the signing of forward Amelia Cassar for the upcoming Ninja A-League season on a scholarship deal.

Cassar is set to be part of her second season with the Red & Black having signed a youth development contract at the start of the 2023/24 Ninja A-Leagues season.

During the A-Leagues off-season, Cassar has continued her development at the Football NSW Institute where she has played in the National Premier League Women’s competition for the last five years.

The attacker has also gained the attention of national team selectors, being named in the training camp squad for the CommBank Junior Matildas prior to their AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Indonesia 2024 competition.

Cassar was also part of the NSW Metro team who were undefeated in the 2024 National Youth Championship Girls’ Tournament with the forward being awarded ‘U16 Player of the Tournament’ for her efforts.

When it came to signing her scholarship deal, Cassar said it was a proud moment for her to represent the Red & Black.

“I am from Western Sydney, so ever since I started playing football, Western Sydney Wanderers has been the club I followed, so it is really special to actually represent the club that I have supported and followed,” said Cassar.

“The senior players having high expectations was great for me, because they expect a lot from you, so if you make a mistake, they will tell you how it is and when you need to step it up.

“I think that is really important because it is constructive, and something you can always reflect on and improve with.”

Head Coach Robbie Hooker said that Cassar is a prime example of the kind of talent that is available within the Western Sydney region.

“We have always known that Western Sydney is a hot bed for young talent, and Amelia is a shining example of that. At such a young age, she has already shown a technical proficiency greater than many existing players in the league and is well on her way to become a force to be reckoned with.”

“The development of players like Amelia is a foundational pillar of what we are hoping to achieve over the coming years at Western Sydney Wanderers.”

The post Amelia Cassar joins the Red & Black  appeared first on Western Sydney Wanderers.