They may have lost a third A-League grand final, but Western Sydney striker Brendon Santalab believes his side can still look back on 2015-16 with fondness.
The Wanderers were defeated in Sunday’s A-League grand final 3-1 by an inspired Adelaide United thanks to goals from Bruce Kamau, Isaias and Pablo Sanchez.
The Red and Black earned their place in the decider finishing second, again pipped to the premiership by the Reds, a far cry from the after-effects of their successful Asian Champions League campaign the season prior, which saw them win occupy 10th spot.
And their incredible come from behind 5-4 semi-final win over Brisbane Roar left the club on a high heading to Adelaide Oval.
With the pain of defeat still very fresh, it is that success Santalab says his side can be proud of after a “fantastic” season, despite their ultimate view to having hands on the championship trophy.
“It (defeat) is devastating,” Santalab said upon the Wanderers’ arrival back in Sydney on Monday.
“Third grand final, another loss … it’s very hard to take, but credit to Adelaide, they were outstanding this season, the most consistent side and deserved to win the grand final.
“That (championship) was our goal this season, we set that very early on all the way back in July, so to actually get there was fantastic but to lose is heartbreaking.
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“But we also can reflect on another fantastic season from our point of view. The way we recovered from a disappointing year last year, to make the grand final this season, come so close to the Premiers’ Plate … overall, a great season for us.
“I’m hurting now, it’s disappointing to lose of course, but I think when you look at things, we’re all very happy with the season we’ve had and how we’ve bounced back from a disappointing season last year.”
The Wanderers squad that shaped up in the 2015-16 season bore a completely new face to the one prior, and Santalab warned that the club can be a force if its personnel is maintained into the new campaign.
“We had a completely new side this season, so to achieve what we did this season was outstanding.
“We can only get better from here and we have one more trophy to get and we’ll go for that until we get it. Hopefully that’s next season … if we can keep the majority of this squad together and build, I think we’ll be a force next season.”
Adelaide’s double-success means Western Sydney will return to the Asian Champions League next season.
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