A belated Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all. I hope Christmas was enjoyable, surrounding yourself with family and friends and as tempting as all the delicious food and goodies were, you contained some kind of self-control over the Christmas period. My personnel celebrations consisted of the traditional opening of presents on Christmas morning, followed by a voluntary chef’s role from myself to cover all food indulgences on the day.
Although it was Christmas and holidays for most, the Wanderers didn’t technically have a “break”. We had a 9am session on Christmas Eve, with the girls covering a bit of fitness knowing what Christmas day would hold. With the continuation of training per usual, the weekend of Christmas consisted of an internal friendly match, substituting a formal league game that we would usual be competing in. Being mid-way through the W-League season, there is no real time period you can afford to have off.
Since my last write up we have put 2 wins under our belt, unfortunately though coming off the back of those, lost to Melbourne 2-0 away the following week. This leaves us 6th out of 8 teams at the end of round 7, having 2 wins, 3 losses and 1 draw, with Round 8 to kick off this weekend the girls are facing the Lady Reds – Adelaide United ‘Away’. Who might I add have really turned some heads this season. With the recruitment of some quality players including the experienced Matildas goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri, who has undoubtedly been a important piece to the puzzle in turning this once uncompetitive Adelaide side, into a team that has upset some of the biggest teams in the W League thus far. In saying this, some observations this week in Wanderers training has been positive. We’ve been looking great, starting to really notice a buzz of intensity that I thought we have missed in previous weeks, connections between players and our lines of defense/midfield/forwards that now seem second nature, that in recent times seemed unnatural and forced.
I truly am excited to see this team continue to grow and improve, not to mention the return of Servet Uzunlar to the line-up, bringing another level of intensity and experience to our Wanderers squad. The team though definitely have a game on their hands, being a must win to stay in contention for the top 4 positions, with a catch up game being the local derby against Sydney FC the following Wednesday (15th Jan 2014 – Win Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah).
Personally my rehab is going great, my physio is pleased with the progress I am making with my sole focus being for the next 3-4 weeks, to continue to build my right quad muscle back near to where it was, to then begin progressing to somewhat more of a physically demanding routine. It is a slow progress, but seeing results is my motivation and the determination to only go one way, that being forward.
I’m hoping next time I find myself here, I am telling you all about a great winning streak the Western Sydney Wanderers W-League team is on. As well as an update on some very exciting opportunities I am beginning to create individually off the pitch.
Yours truly, Ky.