"Proof of Life": Why Stajcic’s Derby Plea is a Wake-Up Call for All of Us
Western Sydney Wanderers coach Alen Stajcic addresses the media after his side's 1-nil win in the Sydney Derby
On Saturday night at CommBank Stadium, the Western Sydney Wanderers didn’t just break a drought against their cross-town rivals; they provided a pulse check for the entire code.
In the aftermath of the Wanderers' gritty 1-0 victory over Sydney FC, Wanderers head coach Alen Stajcic didn’t focus solely on the tactics or the three points. Instead, he turned his attention to the stands, and by extension, to every single one of us who calls ourselves a football supporter in this country.
Stajcic’s post-match comments weren’t just a victory lap; they were an impassioned plea. He pointed to the cauldron of the Sydney Derby as definitive "proof of just how good the game can be in this country."
The Message We Needed to Hear
At the FSAA, our pillar of "Unite" often talks about the collective strength of the fanbase. Stajcic just gave us the perfect case study.
"I’ve been involved in the game for a long time," Stajcic said. "And when you see nights like tonight... it just shows you the potential."
He is right. When the active ends are full, when the noise is deafening, and when the stakes feel high, the A-League is a product that rivals anything in Australian sport.
The "spectacle" he refers to isn’t manufactured by marketing executives or broadcast deals; it is manufactured by you, the supporters.
A Challenge to the Collective
Stajcic’s message wasn't limited to the Red and Black. It was a challenge to the wider football community.
We have spent recent years fighting battles off the pitch—for governance, for fair funding and for respect. But Stajcic reminds us that our greatest weapon is simply showing up.
"We need everyone to get on board," he urged. "Not just Wanderers fans, but football fans."
It is a reminder that while we may wear different colours and may support clubs in different competitions, we share the same ecosystem. A thriving Sydney Derby is good for a fan in Perth. A sell out Final in the Australian Championship is good for a fan in Tasmania.
A packed stadium in Parramatta puts pressure on governments in Brisbane and Adelaide to take notice. The energy is contagious, and the "metrics" that decision-makers care about, crowds and atmosphere—are entirely in our hands.
The FSAA Stance
We endorse Stajcic’s sentiment. The Sydney Derby on Saturday was more than a football match; it was a blueprint. It showed that despite the noise, the negativity, and the challenges, the heart of Australian football is still beating furiously.
So, let’s take his advice.
Whether you back the Wanderers, the Sky Blues, or any other club across Australia or New Zealand: Turn up. Bring a mate. Make noise.
As Alen Stajcic proved on Saturday night, the game is only as good as we make it.
