Macarthur FC–Western Sydney Wanderers FC rivalry

Soccer rivalry in Australia

Macarthur FC v Western Sydney Wanderers FC

Campbelltown Sports Stadium (left) and
Western Sydney Stadium (right)

Other names| Battle of the West
Western Sydney Derby
Location| Greater Western Sydney, New South Wales
Teams| Macarthur FC
Western Sydney Wanderers
First meeting| 30 December 2020
A-League
WS Wanderers 0–1 Macarthur FC
Latest meeting| 1 April 2024
A-League Men
Macarthur FC 1–3 WS Wanderers
Next meeting| 1 January 2025
A-League Men
WS Wanderers v Macarthur FC
Stadiums| Campbelltown Sports Stadium (Macarthur FC)
Western Sydney Stadium (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Statistics
Meetings total| 11
Most wins| Both clubs (4 each)
Top scorer| Brandon Borrello (4)[1]
All-time series| Macarthur FC: 4
Drawn: 3
Western Sydney Wanderers: 4
Largest victory| Western Sydney Wanderers 4–0 Macarthur FC
(1 January 2023, 25 February 2023)

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

As of 1 April 2024[1]

### Head-to-head

[edit]

Stadium  | GP | MAC | Draw  | WSW | MAC goals | WSW goals

|
|
|
|
|
|

Campbelltown Sports Stadium | 6  | 2  | 3  | 1  | 13  | 12
Western Sydney Stadium | 5  | 2  | 0  | 3  | 4  | 11
Total | 11  | 4  | 3  | 3  | 17  | 23

### Top goalscorers

[edit]

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

Player  | Club  | Goals

|
|

Brandon Borrello | Western Sydney Wanderers  | 4
Valere Germain | Macarthur FC  | 3
Ulises Dávila | Macarthur FC  | 2
Jake Hollman | Macarthur FC  | 2
Lachlan Brook | Western Sydney Wanderers  | 2
Nicolas Milanovic | Western Sydney Wanderers  | 2

## Results

[edit]

Competition | # | Date | Rnd | Home team | Score | Away team | Goals (home) | Goals (away) | Venue | Attendance

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

2020–21 A-League | 1  | 30 December 2020  | 1  | Wanderers  | 0–1 | Macarthur | —  | Milligan (72)  | Western Sydney Stadium | 10,128
2  | 6 February 2021  | 7  | Macarthur  | 2–2 | Wanderers  | Jovanovic (18), Šušnjar (58)  | Dorrans (52), Cox (71)  | Campbelltown Sports Stadium | 4,723
2021–22 A-League Men | 3  | 11 December 2021  | 4  | Wanderers  | 0–2 | Macarthur | —  | Uskok (64), Hollman (74)  | Western Sydney Stadium | 8,910
4  | 12 March 2022  | 18  | Macarthur | 3–1 | Wanderers  | Noone (8), Dávila (73, 90+8)  | Antonis (80)  | Campbelltown Sports Stadium | 4,723
5  | 8 May 2022  | 11  | Macarthur  | 1–1 | Wanderers  | Juric (55)  | Carluccio (10)  | Campbelltown Sports Stadium | 0[a]
2022–23 A-League Men | 6  | 1 January 2023  | 10  | Wanderers | 4–0 | Macarthur  | Ngbakoto (16), Bozanic (18), Borrello (70), Najjarine (88)  | —  | Western Sydney Stadium | 10,751
7  | 25 February 2023  | 18  | Wanderers | 4–0 | Macarthur  | Borrello (3), Amalfitano (37), Schneiderlin (56), Nieuwenhof (61)  | —  | Western Sydney Stadium | 7,051
8  | 8 April 2023  | 23  | Macarthur  | 2–2 | Wanderers  | Rose (66), Toure (90+1)  | Borrello (42, 90+5)  | Campbelltown Sports Stadium | 7,534
2023–24 A-League Men | 9  | 1 January 2024  | 10  | Wanderers | 3–1 | Macarthur  | Antonsson (3), Simmons (12), Yuel (84)  | Hollman (20)  | Western Sydney Stadium | 11,382
10  | 4 February 2024  | 15  | Macarthur | 4–3 | Wanderers  | Germain (18, 45+4, 90+3), Rodrigues (32)  | Brook (20, 42), Milanovic (28)  | Campbelltown Sports Stadium | 5,102
11  | 1 April 2024  | 22  | Macarthur  | 1–3 | Wanderers | Millar (86)  | Milanovic (57), Kittel (65), Hendrix (70)  | Campbelltown Sports Stadium | 6,238
2024–25 A-League Men | 12  | 1 January 2025  | 11  | Wanderers  |  | Macarthur  |  |  | Western Sydney Stadium |
13  | 16 February 2025  | 18  | Wanderers  |  | Macarthur  |  |  | Western Sydney Stadium |
14  | 3 May 2025  | 26  | Macarthur  |  | Wanderers  |  |  | Campbelltown Sports Stadium |

1. ^ Held behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia.

## Shared player history

[edit]

### Players who have played for both clubs

[edit]

Player  | Macarthur FC career  | Western Sydney Wanderers career

|
|

Seasons  | App | Goals | Seasons  | App | Goals
Nicholas Suman | 2020–2023  | 6  | 0  | 2016–2020  | 5  | 0
Antony Golec | 2020–2022  | 18  | 0  | 2014–2015  | 17  | 0
Tomi Juric | 2021–2022  | 8  | 1  | 2013–2015  | 34  | 12
Jordon Mutch | 2021–2022  | 21  | 0  | 2021  | 13  | 2
Jonathan Aspropotamitis | 2022–2023  | 31  | 1  | 2015–2018  | 43  | 0
Kearyn Baccus | 2022–0000 | 36  | 1  | 2014–2018  | 62  | 0
Ali Auglah | 2023–0000 | 23  | 1  | 2020  | 1  | 0
Matthew Jurman | 2023–0000 | 10  | 0  | 2019–2020  | 24  | 0

### Player speculations and signings

[edit]

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.[note 1][40] However, Ninković extended his contract with Sydney FC on 17 December 2019,[41][42][43] before ultimately, signing for Western Sydney Wanderers on 3 July 2022 – less than two weeks after his release from Sydney FC.[44]

## Honours

[edit]

Competition  | Macarthur FC | Western Sydney Wanderers

|
|

A-League Men Premiership  | 0  | 1 (2012–13)
A-League Men Championship  | 0  | 0
Australia Cup | 2 (2022, 2024)  | 0
AFC Champions League | 0  | 1 (2014)
Total  | 2  | 2

## See also

[edit]

* Sydney Derby (A-League Men)

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ The Daily Telegraph reported that the initial offer for Ninković was a two-year contract with an option to extend, including a possible coaching role and a base salary of $750,000 – an increase of Sydney FC's offer of $500,000.[38] The final offer made on 16 December 2019, and reported by SBS Sports, was for an increased base salary of $1.6 million under the same terms.[39]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c "Macarthur FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers (Match-up History)". Ultimate A-League. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
2. ^ a b c d Monteverde, Marco (29 December 2020). "A-League: Macarthur FC determined to win the 'battle of the west'". news.com.au. NCA NewsWire. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
3. ^ a b "Macarthur FC: All you need to know about the A-League newcomers ahead of debut season". MyFootball. 13 October 2020. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
4. ^ Mitchell, Jake (12 January 2023). "Wanderers Fives Facility now open to boost talent development". Soccerscene. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
5. ^ Lynch, Joey (4 May 2023). "Discontent provides standard backdrop to Sydney derby laden with symbolism". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
6. ^ "Club in Focus: Western Sydney Wanderers". Australia Cup. 21 July 2023. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
7. ^ "History". Western Sydney Wanderers. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
8. ^ "WATCH: Macarthur FC win 2022 Australia Cup Final". Australia Cup. 1 October 2022. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
9. ^ Lynch, Joey (1 October 2022). "Macarthur FC's quality and squad depth makes the difference in Australia Cup final". ESPN. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
10. ^ Barrett, Chris (5 August 2018). "Sydney bid teams shake up A-League expansion battle by joining forces". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
11. ^ Comito, Matthew (21 December 2020). "Macarthur FC: the rapid three-year rise leading to historic A-League debut". keepup.com. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
12. ^ "A-League expanding with teams from western Melbourne, south-west Sydney". ABC News. 13 December 2018. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
13. ^ Monteverde, Marco (24 November 2020). "A-League 2020–21 fixtures released with venue chaos causing headaches". Fox Sports. NCA NewsWire. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
14. ^ Rugari, Vince (23 December 2020). "Season-opening A-League, W-League double-header pushed back". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 18 October 2023. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
15. ^ Comito, Matt (30 December 2020). "Western Sydney Wanderers vs Macarthur". keepup.com. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
16. ^ "Western Sydney Wanderers 0–1 Macarthur FC (30 Dec, 2020) Game Analysis". ESPN. Australian Associated Press. 30 December 2020. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
17. ^ "MW7 Match Report: 2–2 in the Battle of the West II". Macarthur FC. 6 February 2021. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
18. ^ Rugari, Vince (6 February 2021). "'It's a highlight-reel goal': Macarthur, Wanderers share spoils in thriller". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
19. ^ "A-League Standings: 2020–21". Ultimate A-League. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
20. ^ "A-League Standings: 2021–22". Ultimate A-League. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
21. ^ "Woe for Wanderers as Bulls claim ALM win". ABC News. 12 December 2021. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
22. ^ "Matchweek 1 preview: Western Sydney Wanderers v Macarthur FC". Western Sydney Wanderers. 25 December 2020. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
23. ^ Rugari, Vince (30 January 2022). "Wanderers finally sack Carl Robinson after latest A-League debacle". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
24. ^ "Macarthur snatch all three points against Wanderers". Western Sydney Wanderers. 12 March 2022. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
25. ^ "Red-hot Wanderers overpower Bulls". Western Sydney Wanderers. 1 January 2023. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
26. ^ "Wanderers dismantle Macarthur". Western Sydney Wanderers. 25 February 2023. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
27. ^ "Macarthur FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers FC". Retrieved 16 December 2023.
28. ^ Bossi, Dominic (30 July 2020). "Former Socceroos captain signs marquee deal with Macarthur". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 18 October 2023. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
29. ^ Barton, Joe (31 July 2020). "Mark Milligan says Macarthur FC can contend for the A-League title immediately". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
30. ^ Bossi, Dominic (9 February 2020). "Wanderers face fight for Jurman's signature as rivals circle". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 20 October 2023. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
31. ^ "Experienced Jurman ready to lead next generation". Newcastle Jets. 3 August 2021. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
32. ^ "'Natural leader': Jurman joins Bulls". Macarthur FC. 23 June 2023. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
33. ^ Comito, Matt (24 June 2023). "Jurman lured to Macarthur FC by former Socceroos 'mentor': 'That was a big motivation'". A-Leagues. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
34. ^ "'I think we can go all the way': Expectations high for Macarthur as Matt Jurman signs". The Inner Sanctum. 24 June 2023. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
35. ^ Bossi, Dominic (5 December 2019). "Macarthur FC make approach for Sydney FC star Milos Ninkovic". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 20 October 2023. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
36. ^ Rugari, Vince (8 December 2019). "Ninkovic leaves door open for shock departure to Macarthur FC". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 20 October 2023. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
37. ^ Rugari, Dominic Bossi, Vince (12 December 2019). "Ninkovic given deadline to decide on future with Macarthur or Sydney FC". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 20 October 2023. Retrieved 21 October 2023.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
38. ^ Kemp, Emma; Smithies, Tom (6 December 2019). "Claims new A-League club Macarthur FC illegally approached Sydney FC star Milos Ninkovic". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 20 May 2023. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
39. ^ Lewis, Dave (16 December 2019). "Macarthur's secret weapon to sweeten Ninkovic deal". SBS Sport. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
40. ^ Rugari, Vince (29 January 2021). "'I was really close': Ninkovic opens up on tempting Macarthur FC offer". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 20 May 2023. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
41. ^ "Ninkovic To Remain Sky Blue For Life". Sydney FC. 16 December 2019. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
42. ^ Bossi, Dominic (16 December 2019). "Sydney FC fight off A-League newcomers to retain Ninkovic". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 20 May 2023. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
43. ^ "Ninkovic inks new contract with Sydney FC". ESPN. Australian Associated Press. 17 December 2019. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
44. ^ "Ninkovic is Red & Black". Western Sydney Wanderers. 3 July 2022. Retrieved 21 October 2023.

* v
* t
* e

Macarthur Football Club

* Players
* Managers
* Seasons
* Records & statistics
* Current season

Home stadium|

* Campbelltown Sports Stadium (2020–present)

Training ground|

* Fairfield Showground

Rivalries|

* League record by opponent
* Western Sydney Wanderers rivalry

Affiliated clubs|

* Bulls FC Academy

* Website
* Category
* Portal
* Commons

* v
* t
* e

Western Sydney Wanderers Football Club

* Head coaches
* Men
* Women
* Seasons
* Men
* Women
* Current season
* Men
* Women

Teams|

* Western Sydney Wanderers FC
* Women
* Youth

History|

* Men
* 2012 to present
* Asia
* Women
* Youth

Home stadiums|

* Men
* Parramatta Stadium (2012–2016)
* Stadium Australia (2016–2019)
* Sydney Showground Stadium (2016–2019)
* Western Sydney Stadium (2019–present)
* Women
* Campbelltown Sports Stadium (2012–2014)
* Marconi Stadium (2013–2021)
* Wanderers Football Park (2021–present)

Training Ground|

* Blacktown International Sportspark

Honours|

* Men
* Women
* Youth

Players|

* Men
* 25+ appearances
* 1–24 appearances
* Women

Rivalries|

* League record by opponent
* Sydney Derby
* Central Coast Mariners rivalry
* Macarthur FC rivalry

Related articles|

* Red and Black Bloc

* Category
* Commons
* Portal

*[GP]: Games played
*[MAC]: Macarthur FC wins
*[WSW]: Western Sydney Wanderers wins
*[MAC goals]: Macarthur FC goals
*[WSW goals]: Western Sydney Wanderers goals
*[App]: League appearances
*[Goals]: League goals
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template