“It’s one of the biggest games of the season,” Remy Siemsen told KEEPUP.
She isn’t wrong.
This weekend is the Liberty A-League’s Sydney Derby – Western Sydney Wanderers against city rivals and reigning premiers Sydney FC.
There are more than just three points on the line at Marconi Stadium on Saturday – a fixture headlining the slate of simultaneous 3pm (AEDT) games on Dub Zone. There’s bragging rights up for grabs.
“We love playing the Sydney Derby,” Sydney star Siemsen said in an interview with KEEPUP.
The atmosphere is always second to none and the Wanderers and Sydney have some history of not getting along.
“Both teams want to take the three points and it’s going to be a very entertaining game as well as a very competitive one. The vibe around the group at training is that we’re very excited for this game and everyone just wants to get out there and play their best game this weekend.
We want to have that claim of ‘Sydney is Sky Blue’ this weekend so that’s what’s most important to us. We have a job to do and that’s to continue winning derbies but also continue winning games.
Saturday’s showdown comes after the blockbuster Isuzu UTE A-League instalment of the Sydney Derby prior to the FIFA Men’s World Cup.
More than 34,000 fans packed into Allianz Stadium to watch the Wanderers take down Sydney 1-0.
In the women’s game, the Sky Blues are unbeaten in five matches against the Wanderers, dating back to 2019.
“I’m a very proud Sydney FC girl,” Siemsen replied when asked about her time at Western Sydney in 2018-19. “Obviously I had a small stint over at the Wanderers a couple of years ago but I just know that I’m always motivated and very excited for these types of games.
“I love big games and Derbies are the biggest games in the season.
The Derby has that extra care factor with the blood that goes all the way back with the Wanderers in not only in the women’s game but also the men’s game so it’s an important game for us and we love playing the derby.
Siemsen – the 2019-20 Golden Boot winner alongside three others – scored twice in the first Sydney Derby last season, including a stunning long-range strike to help sink the Wanderers at CommBank Stadium.
“As a striker I always want to score goals and help the team in any way that I can. I think last season scoring that long-range goal, that’s not really one that I often score,” she reflected.
“So to be able to do that against a team like the Wanderers it’s definitely something that I’ll keep close to my heart and something that I’ll remember forever.”
‘IT’S EXTRA MOTIVATION’: PRESENCE OF MATILDAS BOSS FUELLING WORLD CUP BID
Siemsen completed a last-minute return to Sydney before their win over Melbourne Victory in last week’s Grand Final rematch in Round 2.
The reason for her Sydney comeback after playing for Swedish side AIK? Selection for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.
Siemsen did not participate in Australia’s recent friendlies against Sweden and Thailand earlier this month but has made six appearances for the Matildas since making her debut in October last year.
And with head coach Tony Gustavsson based in Australia and watching the Liberty A-League – he was in stands to watch Sydney beat Victory – Siemsen is desperate to stake her claim for a spot at next year’s showpiece event.
“I think it’s really important that he’s watching the games, he’s there in person and we can see him in the crowd. It’s extra motivation,” the 23-year-old said.
“I know that I’m playing my best football when I’m having fun and since coming back to Sydney I’ve been really enjoying my football and playing alongside my best friends makes that a lot easier.
“I just want to go out every week and do my best both in defence and attack so if I can continue doing that, hopefully that will put me in good stead for the World Cup next year.”
