‘We’ll adapt’: Sky Blues to embrace life on the road

Joanna Guelas | October 16, 2026

Without a home, Sydney FC have no choice but to embrace life on the road as the fallen A-League Women giants attempt to return to the summit.

The Sky Blues will kick off their campaign for redemption by hosting Adelaide United at Sydney Olympic Park athletics centre, as their traditional home ground Leichhardt Oval undergoes major renovations.

But the Homebush-based athletics centre won’t be Sydney’s only home venue.

The club have signed a 25-year lease with Allianz Stadium and will host three double-headers at Moore Park, with the women to also travel to Wollongong’s WIN Stadium for four fixtures.

Sky Blues midfielder Shay Hollman admits they’re far from familiar with their new grounds, but is adamant the uncertainty will do little to weaken their resolve to return to the top of the ladder.

Sydney are a far cry from their trophy-winning ways, having slumped to a 10th-placed finish last season after just four wins.

The most successful ALW club with five premierships and championships, Sydney also finished ninth in the 2024/25 season with seven wins.

“I honestly don’t think it’s too much different. You’re used to traveling for away games,” Hollman told AAP. 

“I don’t think anything changes in terms of preparation.

“Like, yes, it’s different home ground and I’ve never played there (in Wollongong), but … I’m sure we’ll adapt to that completely fine.”

Sydney are entering a new era under coach James Slaveski, after Ante Juric left his nearly decade-long post halfway through last season.

But Juric’s influence remains in the squad, with former trophy-winning stars Charlotte McLean (North Carolina Courage) and Jada Whyman (AIK) returning to the club after overseas stints.

Though fellow club icon Cortnee Vine (North Carolina Courage) has moved to Melbourne City.

Hollman – who remains sidelined with a quad strain after an injury-plagued 2025/26 season – is confident the Sky Blues can undergo a remarkable transformation this year.

“It’s easy to say, we want to be winning trophies, we want to go back to our winning ways,” she  said.

“But we’re definitely taking the right steps for that. James has come in, and he’s brought a new energy.

“Everyone’s been working really hard in pre-season. This year we want to go back to being successful and win both the trophies.”

Bitter rivals and last year’s wooden spooners Western Sydney will kick off ALW action by hosting Melbourne Victory on Saturday, with Newcastle taking on Perth before Brisbane host Central Coast. 

Wellington Phoenix host premiers-champions Melbourne City in a grand final rematch, leaving it to Sydney FC to close the weekend by hosting Adelaide United. 

Canberra United have a bye, and will start their campaign against Central Coast next week.