After a long NRL season the footy posts have finally come down at CommBank Stadium and have been replaced with soccer goals. That can only mean one thing! Western Sydney Wanderers football officially returns this weekend in Parramatta.
The Wanderers, who enjoyed another off-season of change, will take on Perth Glory in their 2022/23 season opener, which kicks off at 3pm on Sunday afternoon.
After several years out of the playoffs, the club’s passionate and long-suffering fans are optimistic that this will be the year that they return to prominence again.
Armed with a fresh coach, new captain and a host of talented new recruits, the Wanderers are daring to dream once again.
After slipping into the head coaching role midway through last season, Mark Rudan will be an important figure in getting the Wanderers back towards the top of the A-League ladder.
He’s had success at several clubs previously, including Sydney United (Champions), Wellington Phoenix (first Finals appearance in four years) and Western United (semi-final appearance in their inaugural season).
Following his first full off-season with the team, it’s clear to many around the club that Ruden is implementing the same formula for success.
Western Sydney will also unleash a new skipper this season in the form of U20 Brazilian representative Mercelo, who has impressed everyone since setting foot at Wanderers Football Park.
Marcelo said he was very proud to wear the coveted captain’s armband this season.
“I would firstly like to thank head coach Mark Rudan for the opportunity in not only bringing me to the Western Sydney Wanderers but also for naming me as captain of this incredible club,” the 35-year-old said.
“Since the first day I arrived, I have been accepted as part of the family and it is an honour to lead the team this season.
“We have big expectations for ourselves and will fight until the end to achieve them.
“We are very excited to see the stands full when we return to CommBank Stadium on Sunday to face Perth Glory in our first match of the 2022/23 Isuzu UTE A-Leagues season.”
With Perth coming off a wooden spoon season, the Wanderers will go into Sunday’s game as favourites. In fact, it’s been nearly three years since the Glory have tasted victory against the Red & Black.
Tickets are on sale now, with the match also set to be broadcast live on 10 Bold and Paramount+.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.