Coming last hurts, but it also deeply motivates.
So when the Western Sydney Wanderers run onto an Adelaide pitch this Saturday afternoon to take on United in the first round of the new W-League season, midfielder Linda O'Neill knows they will be feeling confident of victory.
"We had a good trial game win against Newcastle, we're all looking forward to our first game and I think if we take it up to Adelaide, I'm sure we've got what it takes to beat them," the talented 23-year-old from Wentworth Falls said.
Bolstered by extra depth in their youthful squad and an ideal preparation under head coach Norm Boardman, the Wander Women could be a team on the rise.
"Pre-season training has been very intensive - that's been a big difference to last year," O'Neill said.
"We've got a good squad - yes, it's a young squad but there's a good mix of experience too and there's definitely more belief within the team.
"We've got a really good back four this year, with Americans Keelin Winters and Kendall Johnson coming back for a second season, Canadian signing Carmelina Moscato and Rachael Soutar.
"And Ellie Carpenter may be only 15, but from what I've seen in training she's got what it takes in defence.
"Overall I think we can learn from the lows from last season and build on the highs to become a better team."
O'Neill said another positive for the Wander Women was having fellow Wentworth Falls native and close friend Leah Blayney as assistant coach for a second year.
"Leah's got so much experience and knowledge from having been a player in different competitions, here in the W-League and in America [for the Boston Breakers]."
On a personal level, O'Neill, whose day job is nursing at Nepean Hospital, said she is proud to be a foundation player at the club as it enters its fourth season.
"I believe it's my year to step up," she said.
"It's pretty cool to have re-signed with the Wanderers because I've played for other clubs before - Sydney FC and the Newcastle Jets - but my time at this club has been my favourite.
"The club is so well-supported by its fans."
Meanwhile, on Sunday afternoon, 21-year-old Faulconbridge native Teigen Allen will take her place in Sydney FC's back four when the Sky Blues, who finished fourth last season, take on W-League newcomers Melbourne City at Lambert Park.
