Western Sydney Wanderers

Last Season: 2nd

This Season: 6th

A late revival almost saved an otherwise disappointing season for the Wanderers, who were unfortunate to lose a captivating Elimination Final to Brisbane Roar on penalties.

Tony Popovic’s side appeared to be peaking at the right time, taking 11 points from their final five A-League games to secure a Finals place.

Even so, the Wanderers still fell 12 points short of last season’s points total, when they finished second on the A-League ladder and reached the Grand Final.

Highlight

Brendon Santalab’s brilliant hat-trick against Melbourne City in Round 24 was a standout moment, as the Wanderers came from behind to beat a play-off rival.

A neat finish and two powerful headers earned the 34-year-old striker his first hat-trick in the A-League, following his move to Western Sydney in 2013.

A 1-0 derby win over runaway Premiers and local rivals Sydney FC in Round 20 also demonstrated the Wanderers’ ability.

Lowlight

Two 3-0 defeats to Melbourne Victory would have been difficult to fathom for a side which were fighting for the Premiership last campaign.

However, the Wanderers’ performances in the AFC Champions League were even more embarrassing.

Popovic’s side were thrashed on numerous occasions against Urawa Reds (twice) and Shanghai SIPG, as they limped out of the competition in the group stages.

Star Player(s)

Brendon Santalab became the first ever Wanderers player to score over 11 goals in a single A-League campaign, finishing with 14 overall.

The 34-year-old’s goals kept the Wanderers in contention for a Finals spot, as did the creativity of Nicolas Martinez.

The Argentine winger, on loan from Olympiacos, featured in every league game, creating 46 chances and proving eight assists.