Driven to honour her late father, Western Sydney recruit Isabelle Chidiac is determined to help breathe new life into the A-League Women battlers and make a statement for her future.
Chidiac is relishing the chance to pay tribute to dad and former Sydney Roosters rugby league player Tony Chidiac after earning her first professional contract with the Wanderers.
Aiming to boost last year's wooden spooners, the 22-year-old will kickstart her career in the ALW after four years in the American collegiate system at the University of Denver.
Chidiac also has one eye on a maiden Matildas call-up - a dream she shared with her dad, who died in 2018.
"People always are saying, "Oh, what's your why?" Like, what's the thing that gets you out of the tough times?" Chidiac said.
"I lost my dad a few years ago, so it (playing for the Matildas) was a promise that we made to each other.
"Every day, I do it for him and also for that little girl."
Tony Chidiac played for the Roosters' reserves team, and was an assistant coach for the club's 1986 reserve grade title.
Despite opting for soccer, Chidiac said her playing style is largely shaped by her father.
"I come from a family of girls," the midfielder said.
"My dad used to play for the Roosters, so he was always outside with me playing footy or playing soccer. He definitely got that tomboy in me.
"If you see me going for a block or a slide on the field, it's definitely from him."
The Wanderers are desperate to recover from a dismal 2025-26 campaign, which culminated in a second straight wooden spoon.
Western Sydney have never won an ALW championship since their debut in 2012-13, with their fourth-placing in 2019-20 their best finish.
Chidiac is one of 12 signings after a busy off-season for the Wanderers under coach Geoff Abraham, with Melbourne Victory gun Rhianna Pollicina returning to the Wanderers.
Midfielder Chidiac hopes her experience in the US can be a difference for the struggling club.
"I feel like I've been pro for the past four years in the college system," Chidiac said.
"I feel like I can bring definitely that part of the game, my athleticism and technical ability there that I learned.
"We all have one goal in mind, and that's to bring the trophy home."
