Western Sydney Wanderers' Season 10 squad takes shape

Western Sydney Season 10 squad takes shape

The Western Sydney Wanderers have announced a host of signings for Season 10 of the W-League.

The first names released were the Wanderers goalkeeping duo with last season's no.1 Jada Whyman returning for her third season with the club.

“It’s amazing to be signing again with the Wanderers where I started my professional career,” said Whyman.

“I’m looking forward to developing as a team and as a club to take women’s football to a whole new level. I really think we can do that with the players and coaches we’ve got this year.”

Keeping alongside Whyman will be two time W-League premiership winner Trudy Burke. The Wanderers will be Burke's third club in as many seasons with the veteran shot stopper claiming the W-League premiership with her last two teams Melbourne City and Canberra United.

It will be Burke's second stint at the Wanderers after making nine appearances in the 2014/15 W-League season.

“Coming from Wollongong, the Wanderers, in a way, are my hometown W-League team so I’m excited to be playing in front of all my family and friends," she said.

“I think there is great potential for the team to be one of the greatest teams in the Westfield W-League, similar to the Mens in the Hyundai A-League, and that’s what drew me back to the club,” said Burke.

While Whyman and Burke are familiar names to the Wanderers, the club will have a host of new faces following the departures of captain Caitlin Cooper and young defenders Ellie Carpenter and Angelique Hristodoulou.

Attacking trio Rosie Sutton, Sunny Franco and Olivia Price join the club from Perth Glory, Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC, respectively.

Sutton, in particular, is an experienced and proven W-League striker with stints at Perth Glory and Adelaide United. Last season the pacy forward helped the Glory to the W-League Grand Final with 7 goals in 14 appearances.

“I’m a striker and I scored seven goals last season with Perth Glory so I really want to score some more this season." Rosie Sutton

“I actually have family and friends that live in Western Sydney, in Blacktown, so the move to the Wanderers has really worked out well for me.”

“I want to help take the Wanderers to the Semi Finals so hopefully we can achieve that this season.”

Fellow Queenslander and former Young Matildas captain Sunny Franco joins Sutton in Red and Black after spending time with both Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC. The 20 year old has been in good form in the NSW NPL and played a key part in Manly United claiming the 2017 title.

“Playing for a Westfield W-League team is something very special and to be in a new environment this season with the Wanderers is something that I am really looking forward to."

“I’m really hoping to get more game time, score more goals, work on my skills and make my way into the Matildas squad this season.” Sunny Franco

Meanwhile, having spent her W-League career at Sydney FC, midfielder Olivia Price makes the switch from the Wanderers cross-town rivals. A youth representative at U17 and U19 levels, Price will be looking to have a bigger role to play for the Wanderers in Season 10.

“A big influence originally for me to move to Western Sydney was [coach] Rich [Byrne], he contacted me early on to come on board and join the club,” explained Price.

“I’m hoping to have one of the best seasons in my career and for the team as well.”

AS well as the local talent, some of the Wanderers international imports have been revealed.

Israeli international Lee Falkon looks to be headed to Australian shores from German side MSV Duisburg, The 26 year old attacking midfielder has made 37 appearances for the Israel National Team.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYWWySFHzq3/?taken-by=leefalkon

As well as Falkon, the Wanderers have stayed in Europe for their second international with another attacking midfielder / striker in Marlous Pieëte.

https://twitter.com/FlowSportsNL/status/905387834105888769

An experienced Dutch international with 48 caps for the national team, Pieëte joins from the 2016-17 Netherlands champions AFC Ajax.

"After 10 years Eredivisie it was time for a new challenge," said Pieëte.

"I was familiar with this league and the rules that apply here, so it's extra beautiful that I get the chance to play football. In addition, Australia is naturally known for their top sporting culture and I'm first experienced as a full-time professional for the first time. I look forward to enriching my career with this."

Pieëte will arrive in Australia on 10 September.