With attendances and ratings on a steep downward trajectory, Western Melbourne’s emergence as an expansion entity next season brings with it the promise of a new self-funded stadium, and the desire to be game-changers on pitch as well with renowned marquee-hunter Lou Sticca - the club’s director of football - out to reprise his Midas recruitment touch.
With the club about to launch an on-line fan poll to determine its name, colours and crest, bid leader and likely CEO Maurice Bisetto spelled out the extent of their ambition.
“The league needs a spark, a bit of a lift, and I know all the clubs are working hard to improve the product,” he said.
“We can play a significant role in that ... and we’re looking to make a splash.
“Having a really competitive team right from the start is important for our fans and community.
“And having the right marquee is incredibly important to drive engagement.
“The football department has feelers out across the world to identity the right players, with the right profiles (for both a marquee and visa players).
“We’ve had a few conversations but haven’t landed anyone just yet.
“Lou Sticca (previously responsible for luring the likes of Dwight Yorke and Alessandro Del Piero to the league) is determined to make a splash with his recruitment.”
Though the unveiling of their stadium in the growth corridor of Tarneit is three years away, Bisetto sees it as heartbeat of the club.
“It’s not just the financial advantages of owning your own home, it’s going to be about the fan experience.
“Having the stadium in our own colours, designed to our specifications like in big football nations, will create a special feeling.
“We want people to come to the stadium for the entire experience - not necessarily all the time simply because of the team.
“It will be difficult because the best things aren’t always the easiest to achieve.
“We’re not aiming at the lowest common denominator. We’ve set our hurdles pretty high.”
WMG conducted a fans survey and forum on their name, colours and crest during the bidding process, and they have narrowed the names down to half a dozen, and have selected six primary colours.
“Hopefully we’ll get a deciding poll up and running very soon,” added Bisetto.
“We’ll be looking announce the winners (as soon as possible after that).”
WMG will be signing off on their tenancy of their temporary home - Geelong’s Kardinia Park - in the near future, and will aim to play up to four games in suburban centres.
Sticca is looking to have the bulk of the squad assembled by June, with Bisetto re-iterating the club’s intention to sign up to six NPL players to balance out its composition.
