A-League Women: Wanderers midfielder confident ‘good foundation’ will spark consistency for new football season

After a turbulent season, the Wanderers are aiming for consistency on and off the field for 2024/25. Midfielder Holly Caspers said that will make the difference.

Holly Caspers is set for her third season with the Western Sydney Wanderers. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for A-Leagues)

Consistency both on and off the pitch will be key for the Western Sydney Wanderers this Ninja A-League season.

Coach Robbie Hooker has made minimal changes to the core squad that just missed out on finals last season, adding some promising young talent alongside seasoned players.

Midfielder Holly Caspers said this pre-season is a world away from the chaos of last year.

“I think we have a really good foundation,” Caspers said.

“Robbie came in as our coach 10 days before the season started, so that was a bit of a hiccup that we faced, and he’s obviously having to work with girls that he hadn’t necessarily picked for the team, and sort of find what works for the team.

“And I think, with what we had in terms of all the changes in the coaching staff and everything, we did really well and a lot better since than the year previous, and we were very competitive for the final spot.

“So I think keeping that really good foundation that we had and just building on it with the younger generation will hopefully get us over the line for finals this season.”

Caspers scored five goals for the Wanderers in the 2023/24 season. (Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images)

At 24-years-old, Caspers is now one of the older players in the squad with the Wanderers investing in a women’s academy.

“That’s a big focus for the Wanderers,” Caspers said.

“It’s been great to see that the club’s investing more in the younger generation and these girls are such great quality.

“You can see it in the success and the strength in the younger group at the moment as the women’s game grows.”

Caspers likely won’t feature for the Wanderers until near the end of the year after undergoing knee surgery in the off-season.

However she said she wants to get back by mid-November to face sister Maddie Caspers in the Sydney Derby.

“I’m so keen for that,” Caspers said.

“Last time we had the derby, (Maddie) wasn’t playing due to the Young Matildas.

“I’m not sure if I’ll make the first one, but definitely the February derby.”

Originally published as A-League Women: Wanderers midfielder confident ‘good foundation’ will spark consistency for new football season