Macarthur FC–Western Sydney Wanderers FC rivalry explained

Other Names:Battle of the West
Western Sydney Derby
City Or Region:Greater Western Sydney, New South Wales
Teams:Macarthur FC
Western Sydney Wanderers
Firstmeeting:30 December 2020
A-League
Mostrecent:1 April 2024
A-League Men
Stadiums:Campbelltown Sports Stadium (Macarthur FC)
Western Sydney Stadium (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Total:11
Most Wins:Macarthur FC (4)
Western Sydney Wanderers (4)
Top Scorer:Brandon Borrello (4)[1]
Series:Macarthur FC: 4
Drawn: 3
Western Sydney Wanderers: 4
Largestvictory:
(25 February 2023) & (1 January 2023)
Team1:-->
Team2:-->

The Macarthur FC–Western Sydney Wanderers FC rivalry is a rivalry between Sydney-based professional soccer clubs Macarthur Football Club and Western Sydney Wanderers Football Club.

Background

The rivalry between Macarthur FC and Western Sydney Wanderers stems from the geographical locations of both clubs within Western Sydney.[2] Macarthur FC represents South Western Sydney, with its home ground, Campbelltown Sports Stadium, in Campbelltown, and its temporary training ground, Fairfield Showground, located in Prairiewood.[3] In contrast, Western Sydney Wanderers represent Greater Western Sydney, with their home ground at Western Sydney Stadium in Parramatta and their training ground at Blacktown Football Park in Rooty Hill.[4] [5] [6] In terms of success, the Wanderers are the most successful club in Western Sydney, having an A-League Premiership and an AFC Champions League title to their name.[7] Macarthur has only won one trophy, the 2022 Australia Cup.[8] [9]

Despite being local rivals, Sydney FC is widely regarded as the Wanderers' main rival, with intense and fierce matches in the Sydney Derby.[2] Macarthur FC was initially established in 2018 as a merger between two bids, originally known as Macarthur South West United.[10] [11] They earned their A-League spot in December 2018,[12] and were later renamed and founded as Macarthur FC in May 2019.[3] This transformation was driven by the rapid growth of football's popularity in the club's region, one of the fastest-growing areas in the country.[2] According to Gino Marra, Macarthur's chairman, approximately 35,000 people in the region were not supporting an A-League team, and introducing a local rival was seen as a way to expand the club's fan base within the region.[2]

History

The first meeting between Macarthur FC and Western Sydney Wanderers occurred on the opening matchday of the 2020–21 A-League season.[13] The initial date for the match was on 27 December 2020 at Western Sydney Stadium, but due to a COVID-19 outbreak, it was moved three days back to 30 December 2020.[14] Around 10,128 fans were in attendance that day as Macarthur won 1–0 over Western Sydney Wanderers after Mark Milligan scored the only goal from a free kick taken by Beñat.[15] [16] In the returning fixture on 6 February 2021 at Campbelltown, Macarthur drew 2–2 with the Wanderers.[17] Goals from Aleksandar Jovanovic and Aleksandar Šušnjar kept the Bulls in the lead before Graham Dorrans and Simon Cox equalised the match by full-time.[18]

By the end of the season, Macarthur FC finished in sixth with 39 points, above Western Sydney Wanderers, who sat in eighth with 35 points.[19] In the 2021–22 A-League season, Macarthur finished seventh with 33 points, missing out on the A-League Finals Series by 6 points, although finishing higher than the Wanderers who placed in tenth with 27 points.[20] Macarthur FC won two out of the three matches against Western Sydney Wanderers,[1] defeating their opponents 2–0 at home that led Wanderers fans to boo their players on the field.[21] Carl Robinson, who made his managerial start in the first meeting against Macarthur,[22] was sacked by Western Sydney Wanderers in January 2022.[23] Macarthur then achieved their first win at home on 13 March 2022, with Ulises Dávila scoring twice to ensure a 3–1 victory over Wanderers.[24] In the 2022–23 season, Western Sydney Wanderers achieved their first win over Macarthur on 1 January 2023, following a 4–0 victory at Western Sydney Stadium.[25] In their next and seventh league meeting, Western Sydney Wanderers won for a second time at home, with another 4–0 victory; Brandon Borrello scored the opening goal before Macarthur's Craig Noone was sent off – all within six minutes of the match.[26] On 8 April 2023, the eighth meeting between the two sides was played at Campbelltown Sports Stadium. 2 goals from Brandon Borrello including a 95th minute equaliser and goals from Lachlan Rose and Al Hassan Toure meant a 2-2 draw was the result by full-time.[27]

Statistics and records

[1]

Head-to-head

scope=colStadiumscope=colscope=colTotal crowdscope=colAverage crowdscope=colscope=colDrawscope=colscope=colscope=col
Campbelltown Sports Stadium628,8005,7602311312
Western Sydney Stadium548,2229,644203411
scope=row style="text-align:center"Total1177,0227,7024331723

Top goalscorers

Note: Players who have scored two goals or more are listed here

PlayerClubGoals
Brandon BorrelloWestern Sydney Wanderers4
Valere GermainMacarthur FC3
Ulises DávilaMacarthur FC2
Jake HollmanMacarthur FC2
Lachlan BrookWestern Sydney Wanderers2
Nicolas MilanovicWestern Sydney Wanderers2

Results

Competition Date Rnd Home team Score Away team Goals (home) Goals (away) Venue Attendance
2020–21 A-League130 December 20201Wanderers0–1MacarthurMilligan (72)Western Sydney Stadium10,128
26 February 20217Macarthur2–2WanderersJovanovic (18), Šušnjar (58)Dorrans (52), Cox (71)Campbelltown Sports Stadium4,723
2021–22 A-League Men311 December 20214Wanderers0–2MacarthurUskok (64), Hollman (74)Western Sydney Stadium8,910
412 March 202218Macarthur3–1WanderersNoone (8), Dávila (73, 90+8)Antonis (80)Campbelltown Sports Stadium4,723
58 May 202211Macarthur1-1WanderersJuric (55)Carluccio (10)Campbelltown Sports Stadium0
2022–23 A-League Men61 January 202310Wanderers4–0MacarthurNgbakoto (16), Bozanic (18), Borrello (70), Najjarine (88)Western Sydney Stadium10,751
725 March 202318Wanderers4–0MacarthurBorrello (3), Amalfitano (37), Schneiderlin (56), Nieuwenhof (61)Western Sydney Stadium7,051
88 April 202323Macarthur2-2WanderersRose (66), Toure (90+1)Borrello (42, 90+5)Campbelltown Sports Stadium7,534
2023–24 A-League Men91 January 202410Wanderers3–1MacarthurAntonsson (3), Simmons (12), Yuel (84)Hollman (20) Western Sydney Stadium11,382
104 February 202415Macarthur4-3WanderersGermain (18, 45+4, 90+3), Rodrigues (32)Brook (20, 42), Milanovic (28)Campbelltown Sports Stadium5,102
111 April 202422Macarthur1–3WanderersMillar (86)Milanovic (57), Kittel (65), Hendrix (70)Campbelltown Sports Stadium

Shared player history

Players who have played for both clubs

PlayerMacarthur FC careerWestern Sydney Wanderers career
SeasonsSeasons
Nicholas Suman2020–2023602016–202050
Antony Golec2020–20221802014–2015170
Tomi Juric2021–2022812013–20153412
Jordon Mutch2021–20222102021132
Jonathan Aspropotamitis2022–20233112015–2018430
Kearyn Baccus2022–3612014–2018620
Ali Auglah2023–231202010
Matthew Jurman2023–1002019–2020240

Player speculations and signings

Both Macarthur FC and Western Sydney Wanderers have vied for player signatures in the past. Macarthur FC's captain, Mark Milligan, rejected an offer from the Wanderers and chose to sign with Macarthur instead. His decision was influenced by his relationship with Ante Milicic and the potential for a future coaching role.[28] [29] In early-2020, Matthew Jurman was four-months under contract with Western Sydney Wanderers before interests surfaced from overseas and other domestic clubs. Macarthur FC was reported to be in lengthy negotiations with Jurman despite Wanderers' efforts to extend his contract.[30] Jurman eventually moved on to have spells with Greek club Xanthi and Newcastle Jets,[31] before signing for Macarthur in June 2023.[32] [33] [34]

On 5 December 2019, Macarthur FC declared their interest in Sydney FC midfielder Miloš Ninković, who had six months remaining on his contract.[35] Despite expressing his desire to stay with Sydney FC, Ninković was given a two-week deadline by 5 p.m. to either extend his contract with Sydney FC or sign for Macarthur FC.[36] [37] Macarthur was reportedly offering multi-year contract, with an increased based salary, including a possible coaching role at the club if he was to retire.[38] However, Ninković extended his contract with Sydney FC on 17 December 2019,[39] [40] [41] before ultimately, signing for Western Sydney Wanderers on 3 July 2022 – less than two weeks after his release from Sydney FC.[42]

Honours

CompetitionMacarthur FC
A-League Men Premiership01 (2012–13)
A-League Men Championship00
Australia Cup1 (2022)0
AFC Champions League01 (2014)
Total12

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Macarthur FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers (Match-up History) . Ultimate A-League . 18 October 2023 . en.
  2. Web site: Monteverde . Marco . A-League: Macarthur FC determined to win the 'battle of the west' . news.com.au . NCA NewsWire . 19 October 2023 . 29 December 2020.
  3. Web site: Macarthur FC: All you need to know about the A-League newcomers ahead of debut season . MyFootball . 19 October 2023 . en . 13 October 2020.
  4. Web site: Mitchell . Jake . Wanderers Fives Facility now open to boost talent development . Soccerscene . 19 October 2023 . en-AU . 12 January 2023.
  5. Web site: Lynch . Joey . Discontent provides standard backdrop to Sydney derby laden with symbolism . The Guardian . 19 October 2023 . 4 May 2023.
  6. Web site: Club in Focus: Western Sydney Wanderers . Australia Cup . 19 October 2023 . en . 21 July 2023.
  7. Web site: History . . 19 October 2023.
  8. Web site: WATCH: Macarthur FC win 2022 Australia Cup Final . Australia Cup . 19 October 2023 . en . 1 October 2022.
  9. Web site: Lynch . Joey . Macarthur FC's quality and squad depth makes the difference in Australia Cup final . ESPN . 19 October 2023 . en . 1 October 2022.
  10. Web site: Barrett . Chris . Sydney bid teams shake up A-League expansion battle by joining forces . The Sydney Morning Herald . 19 October 2023 . en . 5 August 2018.
  11. Web site: Comito . Matthew . Macarthur FC: the rapid three-year rise leading to historic A-League debut . keepup.com . 19 October 2023 . en-AU . 21 December 2020.
  12. Web site: A-League expanding with teams from western Melbourne, south-west Sydney . ABC News . 19 October 2023 . en-AU . 13 December 2018.
  13. Web site: Monteverde . Marco . A-League 2020–21 fixtures released with venue chaos causing headaches . Fox Sports . NCA NewsWire . 19 October 2023 . en . 24 November 2020.
  14. Web site: Rugari . Vince . Season-opening A-League, W-League double-header pushed back . The Sydney Morning Herald . 19 October 2023 . https://archive.today/20231018101114/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/season-opening-a-league-w-league-double-header-pushed-back-20201223-p56pw8.html . 18 October 2023 . en . 23 December 2020.
  15. Web site: Comito . Matt . Western Sydney Wanderers vs Macarthur . keepup.com . 19 October 2023 . en-AU . 30 December 2020.
  16. Web site: Western Sydney Wanderers 0–1 Macarthur FC (30 Dec, 2020) Game Analysis . ESPN . Australian Associated Press . 19 October 2023 . en . 30 December 2020.
  17. Web site: MW7 Match Report: 2–2 in the Battle of the West II . . 20 October 2023 . 6 February 2021.
  18. Web site: Rugari . Vince . 'It's a highlight-reel goal': Macarthur, Wanderers share spoils in thriller . The Sydney Morning Herald . 20 October 2023 . en . 6 February 2021.
  19. Web site: A-League Standings: 2020–21 . Ultimate A-League . 20 October 2023 . en.
  20. Web site: A-League Standings: 2021–22 . Ultimate A-League . 20 October 2023 . en.
  21. Web site: Woe for Wanderers as Bulls claim ALM win . ABC News . 20 October 2023 . en-AU . 12 December 2021.
  22. Web site: Matchweek 1 preview: Western Sydney Wanderers v Macarthur FC . Western Sydney Wanderers . 20 October 2023 . 25 December 2020.
  23. Web site: Rugari . Vince . Wanderers finally sack Carl Robinson after latest A-League debacle . The Sydney Morning Herald . 20 October 2023 . en . 30 January 2022.
  24. Web site: Macarthur snatch all three points against Wanderers . Western Sydney Wanderers . 20 October 2023 . 12 March 2022.
  25. Web site: Red-hot Wanderers overpower Bulls . Western Sydney Wanderers . 20 October 2023 . 1 January 2023.
  26. Web site: Wanderers dismantle Macarthur . Western Sydney Wanderers . 20 October 2023 . 25 February 2023.
  27. Web site: Macarthur FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers FC. 16 December 2023 . en.
  28. Web site: Bossi . Dominic . Former Socceroos captain signs marquee deal with Macarthur . The Sydney Morning Herald . 20 October 2023 . https://archive.today/20231018100501/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/former-socceroos-captain-signs-marquee-deal-with-macarthur-20200730-p55h1g.html . 18 October 2023 . en . 30 July 2020.
  29. Web site: Barton . Joe . Mark Milligan says Macarthur FC can contend for the A-League title immediately . The Daily Telegraph . 20 October 2023 . 31 July 2020.
  30. Web site: Bossi . Dominic . Wanderers face fight for Jurman's signature as rivals circle . The Sydney Morning Herald . 20 October 2023 . https://archive.today/20231020104151/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/wanderers-face-fight-for-jurman-s-signature-as-rivals-circle-20200209-p53z4w.html . 20 October 2023 . en . 9 February 2020.
  31. Web site: Experienced Jurman ready to lead next generation . . 20 October 2023 . 3 August 2021.
  32. Web site: 'Natural leader': Jurman joins Bulls . Macarthur FC . 20 October 2023 . 23 June 2023.
  33. Web site: Comito . Matt . Jurman lured to Macarthur FC by former Socceroos 'mentor': 'That was a big motivation' . A-Leagues . 20 October 2023 . en-AU . 24 June 2023.
  34. Web site: 'I think we can go all the way': Expectations high for Macarthur as Matt Jurman signs . The Inner Sanctum . 20 October 2023 . 24 June 2023.
  35. Web site: Bossi . Dominic . Macarthur FC make approach for Sydney FC star Milos Ninkovic . The Sydney Morning Herald . 21 October 2023 . https://archive.today/20231020104234/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/macarthur-fc-make-approach-for-sydney-fc-star-milos-ninkovic-20191205-p53h5y.html . 20 October 2023 . en . 5 December 2019.
  36. Web site: Rugari . Vince . Ninkovic leaves door open for shock departure to Macarthur FC . The Sydney Morning Herald . 21 October 2023 . https://archive.today/20231020104216/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/ninkovic-leaves-door-open-for-shock-departure-to-macarthur-fc-20191208-p53hwt.html . 20 October 2023 . en . 8 December 2019.
  37. Web site: Rugari . Dominic Bossi, Vince . Ninkovic given deadline to decide on future with Macarthur or Sydney FC . The Sydney Morning Herald . 21 October 2023 . https://archive.today/20231020104228/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/ninkovic-given-deadline-to-decide-on-future-with-macarthur-or-sydney-fc-20191212-p53jdt.html . 20 October 2023 . en . 12 December 2019.
  38. Web site: Rugari . Vince . 'I was really close': Ninkovic opens up on tempting Macarthur FC offer . The Sydney Morning Herald . 21 October 2023 . https://archive.today/20230520051834/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/i-was-really-close-ninkovic-opens-up-on-tempting-macarthur-fc-offer-20210129-p56xv2.html . 20 May 2023 . en . 29 January 2021.
  39. Web site: Ninkovic To Remain Sky Blue For Life . . 21 October 2023 . 16 December 2019.
  40. Web site: Bossi . Dominic . Sydney FC fight off A-League newcomers to retain Ninkovic . The Sydney Morning Herald . 21 October 2023 . https://archive.today/20230520045405/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/sydney-fc-fight-off-a-league-newcomers-to-retain-ninkovic-20191217-p53kmj.html . 20 May 2023 . en . 16 December 2019.
  41. Web site: Ninkovic inks new contract with Sydney FC . ESPN . Australian Associated Press . 21 October 2023 . en . 17 December 2019.
  42. Web site: Ninkovic is Red & Black . Western Sydney Wanderers . 21 October 2023 . 3 July 2022.