Welcome to footballwa.net! Here you will find all the latest football news from Western Australia, current tables for the state's top four Leagues, archived tables and results dating back to 1950, the Western Australian Club Directory which includes honour lists and divisional movements for each club and much, much more.

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15.10.2025

NPL-WA AWARDS NIGHT PREVIEW

The NPLWA Men’s season awards will be held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel on Thursday evening, with the Gold Medel being the top award in the competition. We take a look at who we have impressed, as we celebrate another successful season. Champions Bayswater City have had a fantastic year, winning the league title and the Top Four Cup, and they have continued their form, earning a point in their opening Australian Championship game against Sydney United 58 on Sunday.

They had a number of players who impressed this season, but Luke Palmateer was rock at the heart of the defence, alongside a very solid back five that’s included Lewis Italiano, who will go close to keeper of the year, Jackson Stephens, Sam Mitchinson, and Tommy Southgate. Palmateer played a massive role in helping them achieve a record low of just 16 goals conceded — a fantastic achievement. Declan Hughes continued to shine in the middle of the park, his consistency has been excellent all season, and he’s brought real calmness and composure to the side. He’s been effective both on and off the ball and is a key part of how they play. Finally, Jon Corness, who in his first season at the club has been a revelation. Once he worked his way into the team, he never looked back. “Mr Reliable,” as they like to call him, has been putting in 8/10 performances week in, week out. He quietly goes about his business but is hugely effective and dependable.

Olympic Kingsway pushed Bayswater all the way, missing out on back-to-back title by one point. David Tough’s side, who had a fantastic run in the Hahn Australia Cup, beating A-League side Melbourne Victory along the way, had plenty of players who impressed this season. Defender Lebib Lebib was outstanding at both ends of the pitch, and he caused problems for every player he came up against, and usually won out. On the other side of the pitch was Ollie Annis, who like his team mate worked hard in both directions, and was consistent, the defender earning a number of assists during the season. Finally, keeper Adrian Sinagra was outstanding between the sticks, making vital saves, at important times of the game, and he will be in the running for the Keeper of the Year.

Perth RedStar finished third, and were beaten on penalties in the Top Four Cup against Glory, but once again Callum Salmon’s side were tough to beat, and their 15-game unbeaten run to end the season showed that. Liam Reddy had a fantastic season, he is a leader on and off the field, and showed he is still one of the best keepers in the league and will go close in the Keeper of the Year, He is still hungry to win and help develop the young players at RedStar. Once again Daryl Nicol has won the Gold Boot, bagging 18 goals, and his link up play was second to none, a top-class person on and off the field. Finally, from the campus, Luke Bodnar has been strong in the middle of the park. Many believe he should still be playing A-League, another WA talent that has been let go by Glory.

Talking of Perth Glory, a spot in the Top Four Cup was the reward for Joe Heath’s side, who show some talented youngster’s impress. Sebastian Despotovski has had a fantastic season, which saw him make his A-League debut. He showed his ability to take games by the scruff of the neck and drive the team forward. He is the type of player that can win you games of football by producing moments of magic. Technically very good and always wants the ball at his feet. Gio De Abreu has also performed really well this year in midfield, his work rate out of possession is fantastic and his ability to read the game and sense danger is top level. He also has very good technique and is comfortable on the ball in pressured situations. This allows him to dictate periods of play during games. Finally, defender Daniel Jankuloski. He captained the side this year due to the way he applies himself every time he steps foot on the pitch, training or game. His attitude to improving himself is fantastic. He reads the game well from centre back and he is very comfortable on the ball for a big defender.

Stirrling Macedonia missed out on the top four, but a stunning late comeback saw them beat Olympic in the State League Cup Final, and take their place in the round of 32 in the Hahn Australia Cup, before a loss against Avondale. Dejan Spaseski was a massive part of the club and captain. He was a leader on the pitch and off the pitch, good attitude and always lead by example puts the team first. Kade Fearnall was another to impress, the midfielder played every single game all season and his work ethic exceptional, and also become one of the key players in the midfield for them. Finally, young defender Aston Montgomery has had a great breakout season, and he has a great attitude, and he has grown into one of the best defenders in the league.

Perth SC finished six, a big improvement from last season’s tenth placed finish. Abdul Osman was great in the middle of the park, good technically, and was very reliable performing and being available each week. He also shone in goal, putting in a man of the match performance in the final game of the season against Bayswater, after both keepers were injured early in the game. Ethan Banks was also good for Kenny Lowe’s side, being very creative and scoring some important goals for them in a stellar season. Finally, keeper Mateusz Zaniewski, who returned from his loan spell at Kingsley, after Mark Birighitti joined the Glory, and he made a huge difference, a giant of a man and top keeper.

Balcatta Etna secured their survival in the final game of the season, the win at Floreat sent Fremantle City into the relegation playoffs. Kurt Harris was solid at the back, great in the air, which made him important at both ends of the park. He reads the game well and was missed late in the season, after sustaining a serious knee injury. Skipper Rostyn Griffiths had a huge season, bringing both defensive stability and mentoring capacity. As an experienced defensive midfielder, he brought leadership and solidity to the backline, guided the younger players. Finally, Jesse Fuller, who played a key role in defence and midfielder during the season. He is an experienced player in the NPL WA, and he brought on-field guidance to Balcatta, particularly to younger teammates.

In other teams, Western Knights finished seventh, with Dylan White outstanding season was rewarded with the clubs Fairest and Best Award, while skipper Jesse Lazzaro was also good, scoring a number of important goals, while Kosta Sparta was also good in front of goal. Kristian Santich had brilliant moments throughout the season, while Noah Lummert was one of their best young players, becoming a first team regular this season. Armadale skipper Luke Collins was outstanding, in a disappointing end to the season for the club, the skipper also leading by example. Pieter Jaacobsz was amongst the goals again, but injuries midseason saw him miss a number of games, while Amir Ajan was always a goal threat, and after slow start found consistency.

Sorrento ended the season ninth in their first back in the NPL. Clay Gibbs had a great season, the young winger was quick and a nightmare for defender, and his ball into the box where always dangerous Matt Doherty was outstanding at the back, he can read the game well and will also run through a brick wall for the club, like some wingers found out this year. Finally, Ben Ratajczak, the young keeper came into the squad as back up keeper and in the end proved to be one on the best keepers in the league, his agility and handing are superb.

Fremantle City secured their NPL survival was a 2-1 win against Joondalup City in the relegation play offs. Charlie Chechlacz was a standout for them, and he gave everything he had all season for them. He is a leader through his actions - creative, persistent and classy, and his determination to bring the club success is unrivalled. Charlie Betts was consistent and continued to improve as the season progressed. Very underrated and in his first full season it was a pleasure to see him develop. Relentless in defence and a constant menace in attack, he will only get better next season. Finally, Cam Edwards. His experience was really valuable for them this year. While we know the class and quality was there, his determination, tenacity and leadership really came to the forefront in his displays, a great example to all the youngsters in the changeroom. and looking forward to him doing the same next season.

Floreat Athena will be playing Division One next season, but the club had some talented players. Skipper Cam Murray was excellent for them, despite the poor season. He was very composed and an ever-present figure throughout the year. Daniel Khan is a superb young player, who can play in multiple positions and is very adaptable. He plays like a player 10 years his senior, intelligent and super capable. Finally, Abraham Mathet, who came in half way through the season a bit underdone having not played for a while. Quickly showed his quality, scoring quite a few goals and making it look easy.

15.10.2025

WRIGHT DOUBLE SINKS THE SOCCEROOS

The Socceroos have been beaten 2-1 by USA at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Denver, Colorado on Wednesday morning. It was the first defeat under Head Coach Tony Popovic, but they opened brightly, Jordy Bos scoring early, but the World No.16 side hit back with goals either side of half time from Haji Wright, which consigned Australia to their first defeat in over a year.

“Really good learning curve for us,” Popovic said post-match. “We’ve learned that we will be competitive, and we can compete. We went out there with a real positive mindset, and I thought the players showed a lot of bravery, and they were really courageous at times on the ball to try and play through them and created some good moments.”

Head Coach Tony Popovic made five changes from the side that defeated Canada earlier in the week. Maty Ryan returned to the starting eleven in goal for Paul Izzo, and wore the captain’s armband. Jason Geria, Jordy Bos, Nicholas D’Agostino and Martin Boyle were the other players who came into the side, with Milos Degenek, Kye Rowles, Mohamed Toure and Nestory Irankunda dropping to the bench.

The Socceroos were coming off a 1-0 win against Canada last week, but it was the hosts who dominated possession early, but never really troubled the Socceroos defence. Then in their first real opportunity on 19 minutes, Popovic’s side were ahead. Bos took a throw-in on the left, and the ball wasn’t dealt with, the ball falling back to the Feyenoord defender, who raced into the box, and finished low past Matt Freese. Mauricio Pochettino’s side went close to levelling ten minutes later.

Timothy Weah found space, and the Marseille strikers shot from distance was well saved by the alert Ryan. But three minutes later the hosts did draw level. Cristian Roldan and Weston McKennie combined, the latter sending Wright into the box, and the Coventry City striker got in front of two Australia defenders, and finished well past Ryan. The goal lifted the hosts and they went close again moments later, Roldan’s curling effort drifted inches wide of the post.

USA, who lost captain Christian Pulisic early in the game, were finishing the half the better. The lively Roldan firing just over the top in the shadows of the break. Things became heating late, after a tackle from Aiden O’Neill on Wright, saw the USA team swarm around referee Pierre-Luc Lauzière, looking for redemption, but no cards were shown, much to the dismay of the American players and supporters. It was all-square after the break, with everything to play for.

It was a lively opening to the second half, the Socceroos going close in the first minute. Bos the supplier this time, racing down the left and cutting the ball back to the unmarked Connor Metcalfe on the edge of the box. He took a touch and fired at goal, but Mark McKenzie blocked his goalbound shot, and O’Neill’s follow up shot was wide. But on 51 minutes the USA hit the front. A quick free kick caught Australia napping, and Wright raced away down the right, cut inside Cam Burgess and curled home past Ryan.

Popovic went to the bench looking for a spark, bringing on Patrick Yazbek, Ajdin Hrustic, Toure and Irankunda, but they continued to struggle in the final third. The host went close to a third on 80 minutes, Brendan Aaronson finding Diego Luna in front of goal, but his first time was well saved by Ryan. The Socceroos were ending the game well, and almost restored parity two minutes from time, a marauding run by Irankunda saw him race into the penalty area, but the Watford striker saw his low shot saved by Freese.

The hosts went close to a third in stoppage time, substitute Aidan Morris cut in from the right, raced in on goal, but fired wide of the post. In the end, despite a much-improved second half, the Socceroos were not able to find the equaliser, but valuable lessons have been learned from a competitive international window. “In terms of the result, it’s not what we wanted,” skipper Maty Ryan. “But within the performance, there was lots of positives to take – and the boss wanted to make sure that that message was clear also.”

USA: GK Matt Freese, 3 Chris Richards, 6 Cristian Roldan (23 Aidan Morris 76’), 8 Weston McKennie (18 Max Arfsten 77’), 10 Christian Pulisic (7 Diego Luna 31’), 12 Miles Robinson, 15 James Sands (4 Tanner Tessmann 64’), 16 Alex Freeman, 19 Haji Wright (20 Folarin Balogun 64’), 21 Timothy Weah (11 Brendan Aaronson 64’), 22 Mark McKenzie – Subs not used: RGK Matt Turner, RGK Chris Brady, RGK Patrick Schulte, 2 Cameron Carter-Vickers, 9 Patrick Agyemang, 13 Tim Ream, 17 Malik Tillman

Australia: GK Mat Ryan, 5 Jordan Bos, 6 Martin Boyle (9 Mohamed Toure 60’), 7 Nicholas D’Agostino (14 Nestory Irankunda 60’), 8 Connor Metcalfe (10 Ajdin Hrustic 60’), 13 Aiden O’Neill, 16 Max Balard (19 Patrick Yazbek 60’), 20 Jacob Italiano (3 Lewis Miller 78’), 21 Cameron Burgess, 22 Jason Geria, 23 Alessandro Circati – Subs not used: RGK Paul Izzo, RGK Joe Gauci, 2 Milos Degenek, 4 Kye Rowles, 15 Mitchell Duke, 17 Cameron Devlin, 25 Hayden Matthews - Referee: Pierre-Luc Lauzière (Canada)

12.10.2025

STEPHENS LATE STRIKE EARNS BAYSWAYER A POINT IN SYDNEY

Bayswater City have opened their Australian Championship Group D games with a hard fought 1-1 draw against NPL NSW side Sydney United 58 at the Sydney United Sports Centre on Sunday afternoon. Carlos De Oliveira looked to have won it for the hosts, firing home a controversial penalty on 70 minutes, but in stoppage time Jackson Stephens fired home from distance to give Matthew Sparrow’s side a deserved point.

“I was really proud of the boys today, I thought we showed great character and discipline throughout,” Sparrow said post-match. “Looking back at the video, I didn’t think it was a penalty, but the boys kept going and we got our just reward at the death — which I felt we thoroughly deserved. We had a couple of really good chances to win the game, but coming away to places like this isn’t easy, and I thought we more than matched them. Overall, it’s a very good point to take away with us, and we’ll look forward to next week’s game now.”

It was an historical day for the NPLWA side, becoming the first club to play in the Australian Championship, and it was a tight contest between the teams in the first half, as neither gave much away. The first real chance fell to Bayswater on seven minutes, a diagonal ball from Stephens found Sean McManus on the left, and his cross picked out Oliver La Galia, but the strikers headed flashed inches past the post. The hosts hit back, after great work by Koya Nakano, De Oliveira long-range strike whistled wide of the post, but at the break it was all-square.

Bayswater went close again early in the second half, Declan Hughes free kick was knocked back across goal by McManus, but La Galia’s snap shot was straight at Vedran Janjetevic. But 20 minutes from time the hosts hit the front. Gabriel Tilo sent substitute Ayouk Mow down the right, and he cut inside Jon Corness and Sam Mitchinson and fell in the penalty area. There looked very little contact, but the referee pointed straight to the spot, much to the displeasure of the Bayswater players. United’s player of the year De Oliveira took responsibility and sent Lewis Italiano the wrong way from the resulting penalty.

It looked like Bayswater would leave empty-handed, but in the third minute of stoppage time they found the equaliser. A long throw by Stephens, was returned to him out wide on the left, and his dipping side-footed volley flew into the top right corner, despite Janjetevic getting a hand to it, to earn a valuable point on the road for Bayswater. “It was always going to be difficult game away from home, but I thought we did really well to minimise their opportunities, and we were disappointed to concede a dubious penalty,” Jackson said post-match. “I thought our late goal was thoroughly deserved after a strong team performance.’

Sydney United 58: GK Vedran Janjetevic, 2 Gabriel Tilo, 3 Bailey Rule, 4 Koya Nakano, 5 Anthony Tomelic, 6 Dylan Rose, 8 Mario Shabow, 10 Carlos De Oliveira, 12 Richard Darko, 19 Aidan Milicevic, 20 Marco Arambasic – Subs: RGK Josip Orlovic, 7 Noah Blazeka, 9 Kyle Cementi, 11 Ayouk Mow, 18 Mark Leonard, 22 Michael Krslovic, 32 Farah Koko,

Bayswater City: GK Lewis Italiano, 4 Luke Palmateer, 5 Patrick Loughrey, 6 Declan Hughes, 7 Sean McManus, 13 Gyles Davies, 14 Oliver La Galia, 15 Jackson Stephens, 16 Jonathan Corness, 20 Sam Mitchinson, 30 Thomas Southgate - Subs: GK Taylor Rae, 2 Alexander Ishida-Livings, 17 Charlie Garnham, 21 Mason Tatafu, 24 Takayuki Sone, 26 Aidan Edward, 27 Deegan Brook

11.10.2025

WINDMILLS BACK IN THE STATE LEAGUE

After relegation from the State League in 2023, Morley Windmills will return in 2026, after a stunning comeback win against Wanneroo City in the playoff game. Club President Mr Garth Hopkinson said it had been roller-coaster season, and it was fitting the playoff game was just as tense. “Yes, the Premier Amateur season was a rollercoaster of results, however John O’Reilly and the squad remained focused on the challenge ahead each week and what they could control,” he explained. “Never giving up on earning that all important playoff position, the team found form at the halfway mark and knew the hunt was on for a top three finish.

“Securing third with a win over Emerald in the last round of the season showed the character of the squad and coaching staff. Igniting belief across the club of promotion as we headed to Sam Kerr Football Centre. The team took that same 'never give up' attitude into the playoff match and when things didn't go our way in the first half they dug deep and found what was needed to prevail on the day in a thrilling second half of football that sent us into extra time to secure the win.”

Hopkinson said the work of O’Reilly and the attitude of the players, saw them promoted, and he said the preparations and planning for next season begun right after the win against Wanneroo. “We're extremely pleased with what John and the coaching staff have been able to achieve this season. The professionalism, work ethic and dedication to achieving success that they bring to the club each week has been deservedly rewarded in promotion,’ he said. “Preparations are well and truly underway for 2026 and Morley Windmills reemergence into the State Leagues. We've tasted success and are busy putting in the groundwork now to ensure John and the squad can challenge once again for promotion in 2026.

“Promotion back into the State League has been our goal since falling into the Amateur Divisions in 2023. We're a club with a rich history and believe we should always be playing football at the highest level possible. After narrowly missing out in 2024, the committee and myself, went about ensuring that off the field the club was putting in place all the right attributes to promote growth and development in all areas of our club, so that we could support our players and coaches to achieve success on the park.

“Winning promotion is a fantastic achievement for our senior playing group, and a testament to the work that everyone involved at the club has put in this season. The achievement now unlocks the next avenue of growth for our club and one that we have been preparing for and are very excited to embark on. We'd like to thank everyone involved at the club this season, our volunteers, sponsors, supporters, members, players and coaching staff. Everyone has put in a tremendous effort, and this really is a shared success right across the club.”

11.10.2025

INCE AWARDED THE DIVISION ONE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AFTER ERROR FROM FOOTBALL WEST

The 2025 State League Player of the Year was been awarded to UWA Nedlands midfielder Sam Ince, after Football West originally awarded the trophy to Murdoch University Melville midfielder Takayuki Sone on Thursday evening at the Sam Kerr Football Centre. Sone had an excellent season for Marc Anthony’s side, but unfortunately, he received a red card during the season, which made him ineligible to win the award. While this was not identified before the event, Football West extends its apologies for any confusion caused and congratulates the rightful winner, Sam Ince.

Ince said it’s great to win the award after a good season by the club. “Really grateful to win the award although the end to the season didn’t turn out to be what we wanted, glad to end it on a good note personally,” he said. “It’s been a brilliant season from everyone at UWA there are several players in the squad that deserve this award for the season they’ve had. Can’t thank everyone at the club enough for all the support and hard work put in throughout the season. Especially to the coaches, it was a difficult season off the pitch for me and they were brilliant with their support so cannot thank them enough. Congratulations Kris Donell on winning coach of the year fully deserved.”

It was an unfortunate error, both players had fantastic seasons, but Ince shone helping UWA Nedlands to their highest ever position in their history. UWA head coach Kris Donnell said Ince was outstanding. “Delighted for young Sam he’s had an incredible season and fully deserved his accolade,” he said. “If you’re a neutral you love to watch these types of players in games, he’s off the cuff very brave and is always involved in the big moments in games.”

11.10.2025

ASTORP’S OUTSTANDING SEASON REWARDED

It was a huge night for Sorrento at the Football West State League Awards night, with the Women’s League Division One Champions sweeping the board with striker Christiane Astorp winning the Player of the Year and the top goalscorer, and coach Betim Ziba winning Coach of the Year. Ziba said Astorp hard work has paid off, and he’s looking forward to seeing her in the NPL for the club next season. “Christiane has been a great player on and off the field, and her winning player of the year is no surprise,” he said. “The work rate, leadership and hardworking attitude she brings impacts everyone around her in a positive way. There is no one else I think that deserves this award more.”

Astorp was outstanding, bagging 31 league goals, and she said it’s a huge honour to win the awards but thanked her teammates, who were outstanding also. “I’m very honoured to have won the MVP award, very unexpectedly, as we have so many great players who would have deserved this,” Astorp said. “I’m glad I could help the team scoring goals, but without their assists and hard work, I would not score these many goals so all credit to my team mates. I am looking forward to see what Sorrento can do in NPL in the future.”

The Gulls finished seventh last season, but with Ziba at the helm, and bringing in some quality players they have reached the NPL for next season for the first time. Astorp said it has been a great first season at Sorrento. “Many of us came across from Hamersly, so I knew we already had a strong team that had potential to win the league. The new girls who joined the team at the start of the season and throughout, helped us strengthen the squad and we became a little family,” she explained. “It is always more fun to play a season where the league winners are down to the last game of the season, and three teams (Fremantle City and Mandurah City) could win the league. It always feels extra good and special to win the league this way. Sorrento is a great club with great facilities and should be an NPL club for both men and women.”

11.10.2025

SOCCEROOS SMASH AND GRAB WIN IN CANADA

The Socceroos have continued the unbeaten start for head coach Tony Popovic, after a smash and grab 1-0 win against the 2026 World Cup hosts Cananda at the Stade Saputo, Montreal on Saturday morning. The hosts dominated for long periods especially the first half, and keeper Paul Izzo continued his great form between the sticks, making some crucial saves, while Watford winger Nestory Irankunda scored the decisive goal 19 minutes from time after good work from Mo Toure, to make it 11 unbeaten matches under the former Perth Glory boss.

“It wasn’t our intention to let them have that much ball. But in certain areas of the park, they’re very strong,” Popovic said post-match. “When you look at where the players of Canada play ... how many games they’ve played this season, how many games they’ve played last season, you compare it to us, there’s a big difference there. We want to close that gap and get our players into the bigger leagues where the training is more intense, the competition is harder. We’re in the process of getting that. But we have to start somewhere. Would I have liked us to do more with the ball? Yes. But that 20 minutes in the second half was excellent for us. Our challenge is how do we sustain that for longer periods. I think once we start getting players playing regularly in higher-level competition, I think that will happen naturally.”

Popovic made just the one change to the starting side that beat New Zealand in their last game, with former Perth Glory wing-back Jacob Italaino coming in for Lewis Miller, who dropped to the bench. Meanwhile former Perth Azzurri and Glory defender Alessandro Circati, who was celebrating his birthday, wore the captain’s armband again, with Izzo keeping his spot in goal with Mat Ryan on the bench. The hosts, who were on a good run of from themselves, were the first to go close on four minutes, Niko Sigur played in Tajon Buchanan, the Villarreal midfielder raced into the box, but a great last-ditch tackle from Circati cleared the danger.

They were in again on 12 minutes, Ali Ahmed’s cross was only cleared as far as Nathan Saliba, but the Anderlecht midfielder fired just wide of the target. Izzo, then got down well to deny Buchanan, before Saliba’s long-range effort flashed over the top, as the hosts pressed for the opener. The Socceroos were struggling in the final third, but defensively they were solid as a rock, with Circati, Milos Degenek and former ECU Joondalup defender Cam Burgess outstanding. Izzo was called on again ten minutes from half time, a surging run from Ismaël Koné saw him race into the box, and Kye Rowles flicked it towards his own goal, but the Randers custodian got back to claw off the line.

Whatever Popovic said at the break worked, the Socceroos going close two minutes into the second half. Irankunda racing down the right and cutting the ball back for Toure, who couldn’t get a clean contact on the ball, and Maxime Crepeau pounced on the loose ball. Chances came at both ends as the game opened up, Ismael Kone’s effort was straight at Izzo, before the Socceroos hit back on the hour. Toure found Lewis Miller free on the right, and his cross found fellow substitute Patrick Yazbek, who backheeled the ball to Circati, and with the goal at his mercy, the Parma defender fired over the top.

Izzo was a busy man, saving to thwart Promise David ten minutes later, after his shot had been deflected off Degenek, but soon after the Socceroos hit the front. Toure’s pace took him clear of Joel Waterman down the right, and his cross into the box looked like it would be cleared by Sigur, but Irankunda picked his pocket and fired low past Crepeau. The Watford striker went close again three minutes from time, his curling free kick from the angle was parried by Crepeau and cleared.

The hosted should have levelled in the final minute, Liam Miller combined with Promise David down the right, Miller’s cross found Jacob Shaffelburg, whose shot was superbly saved by the alert Izzo. Tempers flared late on, with four yellow cards shown in stoppage time, Laryea and Joel Waterman for the hosts, and Aiden O’Neill and Irankunda for the Socceroos. Canada had late chances to earn a point, Izzo saving from Promise David, before Tani Oluwaseyi header hit the post and away to safety. A back to the wall win for the Socceroos, and they now prepare to take on the other 2026 World Cup hosts USA on Wednesday.

"It was a very tough game. In the first half it was difficult, we didn't get many chances. In the second half we got more control and had some big chances leading up to the goal,” Toure said post-match. “[For the goal] I just ran, Connor [Metcalfe] is a magician. He sees everything. I crossed it in and Nestory was there, I don't even know if it will count as an assist. The scrappy goals show your hunger, and I'm very proud of the kid for scoring. It keeps our unbeaten run going, it’s not a surprise, the boss demands hard work and dedication. You can see in our results that what he is doing is working."

Canada: GK Maxime Crepeau, 5 Joel Waterman, 8 Ismael Kone, 9 Cyle Larin (24 Promise David 63’), 10 Jonathan David, 13 Derek Cornelius (15 Luc de Fougerolles 69’), 17 Tajon Buchanan (11 Liam Miller 77’), 19 Nathan Saliba (6 Mathieu Choiniere 69’), 20 Ali Ahmed (14 Jacob Shaffelburg 63’), 22 Richie Laryea, 23 Niko Sigur (12 Tani Oluwaseyi 78’) – Subs not used: RGK Dayne St Clair, RGK Luka Gavran, 3 Zorhan Bassong, 4 Kamal Miller, 7 Stephen Eustaquio, 21 Jonathan Osorio, 25 Jayden Nelson

Socceroos: GK Paul Izzo, 2 Milos Degenek, 4 Kye Rowles (5 Jordy Bos 57’), 8 Connor Metcalfe (6 Martin Boyle 83’), 9 Mohamed Toure (15 Mitch Duke 73’), 13 Aiden O’Neill, 14 Nestory Irankunda (11 Daniel Arzani 90+3’), 16 Max Balard (19 Patrick Yazbek 57’), 20 Jacob Italiano (3 Lewis Miller 57’), 21 Cam Burgess, 23 Alessandro Circati – Subs not used: RGK Maty Ryan, RGK Joe Gauci, 10 Ajdin Hrustic, 17 Cameron Devlin, 22. Jason Geria, 25 Hayden Matthews

10.10.2025

LAWRENCE HOPES TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING AT GLORY

On the eve of the 2025-26 Isuzu Ute A-League, Perth Glory have made a major signing, bringing in former Welsh midfielder Tom Lawrence on a one-year deal with the club (subject to international clearance). The 31-year-old spoke to Glory and Melbourne Victory, but settled for Glory after speaking to David Zdrilic and Football Director Stan Lazaridis, and it’s a big coup for the club.

The talented midfielder, who can also play up top, began his career at Manchester United before going on to make more than 400 appearances for a number of prominent UK clubs, including Leicester City, Ipswich Town, Cardiff City, Blackburn Rovers and Derby County, scoring 78 goals in the process, the best 36 for the Rams in the Championship, before moving to Rangers in the SPL, He was part of the squad which reached four Scottish FA Cup and League Cup Finals, but injuries curtailed his time at Ibrox, but on his day he is a real match winner.

Lawrence is now thrilled to be opening a new chapter in his football journey, and this will be the first time he has played out of the UK, but he can’t wait to get started. “I had a call with [Glory Football Director] Stan Lazaridis and the Manager [David Zdrilic] and just listened to their passion for the club and where they want to go,” he said. “That’s really what settled it in the end. I also spoke with Scott Wootton (Who was at Manchester United with him) and he was very complimentary about the club and Perth as a city.

“He basically said just get here as soon as you can, you’ll love it. I’ve been training every day with a guy back home in the UK and I feel like I’m in good shape. My body feels good, so I don’t think it’ll take long at all and I’ll be raring to go. I’ve come here to score as many goals and contribute as many assists to help the team as I can. I want the team to finish as high as possible and go for whatever we can this season.”

Glory Football Director Stan Lazaridis said signing a player of Lawrence’s pedigree represents a significant step forward for the club, and is a huge boost ahead of the new season. “We are absolutely thrilled to have Tom on board,” he said. “He has been a proven performer at an extremely high level in the UK for more than a decade and is exactly the kind of experienced and versatile forward we need in our squad. Tom offers us so much flexibility as he can play out wide, down the middle, or in behind as an attacking midfielder.

“He can score and provide pinpoint delivery with both feet and has also banged in a number of stunning free-kicks over the years. We need to take some of the goalscoring burden off Adam Taggart’s shoulders and Tom will do that, as well as helping with the development of our younger attacking players. He had been linked to a number of UK and A-League clubs, but after chatting to Scott (Wootton), he wanted to a part of what we’re building here at Glory.”

10.10.2025

SONE WINS DIVISION ONE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

The 2025 State League awards were held at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Thursday evening, and Murdoch University Melville’s Takayuki Sone has capped an outstanding season at the club, after being crowned State League Division One Player of the Year. It’s been a huge season for midfielder, and his dazzling performance has seen him sign on loan for Bayswater City, in the Australian Championship. “I’m truly honoured to receive such an award. However, I believe this recognition is only possible because of the incredible support from my coach, teammates, and everyone involved with MUMFC,” Sone explained. “This award belongs to the whole team. I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of them. Thank you very much.”

Sone missed the event, after he flew out with the Bayswater City squad for Sunday’s opening Australian Championship against Sydney United 58, and it challenge he is looking forward to, and hopes he can make an impact for Matthew Sparrow’s side. “I’m very happy to have the opportunity to play for such a great club like Bayswater City. I’m extremely grateful to the club for giving me this valuable opportunity,’ Sone said. “I’ll continue to work hard for the team and do my best to contribute as much as I can.”

In other Division One awards, UWA Nedlands, who just missed out on promotion to the NPL, but there was some consolation with Kris Donnell being named State League Division One Coach of the Year and striker Iljas Ahmedov picking up the Golden Boot after scoring 15 goals. While Joe Smith of Joondalup City was Division One Goalkeeper of the Year, while Curtin University won the Fair Play Award.

In Division Two, East Perth striker Ryan McCready was named Player of the Year for the second season in a row. Unfortunately, McCready was unable to make the awards night, but told Footballwa he was thrilled to take out the award again. “A very proud moment for me winning player of the year twice in a row. It’s not easy in such a competitive league and in truth I wasn’t expecting it due to the level of performance from some of the lads we came up against that were consistent all season as well,” McCready explained. “I didn’t get as many goals as last season but we had a different way of playing this year and different personnel so I felt like I was involved in the games a lot more and creating more chances for the lads around me.

“As a club we can be proud of another campaign where we were challenging for the league and unfortunately just fell short in the play offs. Quinn’s and Cockburn deserved to gain promotion and were in a lot better position to do so with the experience and resources they have. Although we were disappointed not to get promoted, we can definitely be proud of how far we’ve come as a fairly new club and the foundations are there to build on for years to come.”

The other State League Division Two awards, where Coach of the Year Award was won by Nick Jennings after he guided Quinns to the title and promotion in his first year at the helm. His keeper Luke Martino is the Division Two Goalkeeper of the Year, while Bill Orr of Canning City won the Golden Boot with 15 goals. The Fair Play Award went to Forrestfield United.

Finally, Christiane Astorp was named Women’s League Division One Player of the Year for the second time in three seasons. Astorp was key in helping the Gulls win the Division One title and promotion to the NPLWA – Women’s competition for the first time, scoring 31 goals to also collect the Golden Boot. Sorrento’s Betim Ziba was the Women’s Division One Coach of the Year, with Fremantle City’s Tessa Cliff the Goalkeeper of the Year, while Subiaco took the Fair Play Award.

10.10.2025

NORTH BEACH BACK IN THE STATE LEAGUE

North Beach will play State League football next season after winning their playoff game against Swan United last month, condemning Swan to the Amateur Premier Division. But the 1-0 victory saw Nick Di Carlo’s side promoted to the State League for the first time since 1978. It’s a great achievement for the club, who were only promoted to the Premier Division in 2022, and President Mr Simon Collins said it’s a challenge they are relishing. “It has been a whirlwind and promotion has come out of the blue over the last couple of months really. We’ve not had a lot of time to try digest what happened the second half of the year, hen after the playoff victory against Swan, to get plans and processes in place to be able to do ourselves justice in State League football,” Collins explained.

“When FW asked for EOI’s in early April, we decided to test the waters to see where we stood and what we would need to do to be considered for promotion in future years. It wasn’t something we thought would happen so quickly. In the middle of May we were 8th, in 6th place at the halfway stage of the season and even with four games to go we were still in fifth, 10 points from second. So having been in Amateur Divisions One and Two for most of the last 40 years and this only the third year back in the top Amateur League since 1987, we thought State League Football was a future progression for the club and saw it as part of a multi-year plan. Little did we know the incredible run the boys would go on, losing only twice, to North Perth and Kelmscott in the second half of the season. It was only after Emerald were docked points and State League became a distinct possibility for next year, that plans had had to be scaled up in the last month or so of the season.”

Collins said it’s been a great effort from everyone at the club, but coach Nick Di Carlo and the players deserve all the credit. “Yes, gaining promotion back to State League football on our own footballing merit, (rather than by application and meeting a criteria), is a great achievement for the club. The job Nick DeCarlo has done has been incredible,” he said. “He built on the partnership he had before that with Michael Rea in the year we got promoted back to the Premier Division. We are thrilled that he two of them will pair up again as a team in 2026. Nick started as Michael’s assistant in 2021, but when Michael took a step back, after changing career paths, Nick stepped up as the main man. Now the shoe is on the other foot and Michael is back, assisting Nick. “The players play for Nick. He has an amazing rapport with the players, and you can see and hear the respect they have for him. As a club, we are extremely lucky and realise it’s a rare thing to have a group of players and coaches who genuinely are a bunch of mates. They play for each other and will run through brick walls for each other. That was something that to many was evident in the playoff final. Technically I thought we were more than a match for Swan, but I think the difference on the day was that our boys worked for each other, and we out fought them. Even with a missed penalty we were good value for the win.”

The preparation for next season is well under way, and Collins said since the playoff win, thy have been in overdrive. “The playoff final was an incredible day for the club. The support in the crowd for the boys was incredible, from Mini-Roos and junior players, parents, and coaches right through to older now retired players family and friends. It seemed like most of the stand was decked out in maroon and sky blue,” a delighted Collins explained. “We could only do so much planning before the Play Off win, so yes, it has escalated since then. We need to follow up and sign up the prospective new sponsors who expressed an interest in coming onboard, if and when promotion to State League football was achieved. From discussions with other Presidents, some of who’s generous advice and learned experience from their own State League journeys, have been gratefully received.

“These will be invaluable to North Beach, as we navigate our way through this step up to Saturday football, as there are very few people still at the club to get advice from, from the last time we were there. My own journey at North Beach only started in 1981, when I joined the then named Stirling Unted. The workload to run a semi-pro club, over and above what is needed to run an Amateur Sunday League Club is according to most advice, considerable. The extra behind the scenes requirements, from player contracts and transfer windows, to increased volunteers and staff on training days and match days, were an eye opener. But everybody at the club, especially in the senior setup are behind the process 100% and we are looking forward to the challenge and the exciting future this will be for the club going forward.” Everyone from Footballwa wish North Beach all the best for their return to the State League.

10.10.2025

KERR BACK IN THE MATILDAS SQUAD FOR UK TRIP

Sam Kerr will return to international football, after Matildas head coach Joe Montemurro included the striker in the squad for this month's friendlies against Wales in Cardiff, and England in Derby. It’s been a frustrating time for the former Perth Glory captain, nearly two-years out of the game after she sustained an ACL injury in January 2024 in a Chelsea training camp. Kerr has been back for her English club side Chelsea, scoring her 100th goal in the first three games of the WSL, but her minutes have been limited, coming off the bench, and Montemurro said she will be eased back into international football.

"It's great to see her back. I've had a few discussions with her and I think the great thing is that she's really got an enthusiasm and a real passion back for the game," the Matildas coach said. “We'll definitely do the right thing by her in terms of integrating her. She hasn't played 90 minutes yet, so we'll just see getting closer to camp what sort of minutes we believe is going to be the best for her so that we make this return perfect both from a football and a mental perspective."

The 32-year-old's last appearance for the Matildas was in November 2023, but she did train with the squad during the last two camps at home, but is yet to play under Montemurro, who started his tenure in June. A decision the coach has to make is whether Kerr will reclaim the captaincy from Arsenal defender Steph Catley. "Integrating her is the first and foremost thing and to be honest I haven't had a discussion about it," he said. "The focus has been getting the squad to a point where we want and everyone's on board with that. The captaincy will be assessed once we get closer to the first game."

Montemurro used some of the younger players in the squad in the recent friendlies, and he is using the UK games as an "identification camp", as he looks finalise the Asian Cup squad ahead of the last international window of the year in November. “I still want to have a look at whether they fit the way we want to play and how we're going to approach the Asian Cup," he said. "But I will be stabilising a lot of the ideas in terms of in terms of patterns, the way we want to play."

With most of the Matildas' squad based overseas and the A-League women's season kicking off at the end of October, Montemurro has guaranteed that domestic players will be given due consideration. "I don't want to punish anyone because they've decided to stay in the A-League and the national team is far away," he said. "I don't want to take that attitude. The attitude is what's best for the Matildas to go forward and obviously what's best for the athlete to be at their best. And whether it's staying in the A-League or going overseas, I just say be in the best high-performance situation that you could be."

Kerr’s return is a huge boost for the Matildas, with next year’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 on the horizon, where the side will open their campaign in Perth against the Philippines. Australia’s all-time leading goal scorer made her return for Chelsea in September, coming off the bench and scoring in her first appearance for the Blues in 634 days, notching her 100th goal for the club. There was also good news on Mary Fowler, who also damaged her knee for Manchester City, who is ahead of schedule.

10.10.2025

BAYSWATER CITY OPEN AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP AT SYDNEY UNITED

Bayswater City will be become the first NPLWA club to play in the inaugural Australian Championship on Sunday afternoon, and they have a tough opening Group D clash, when they travel to take on NPL NSW side and Foundation Club, Sydney United 58 at the Sydney United Sports Centre, Edensor Park on Sunday (1:30pm WA Time live on SBS) Head Coach Matthew Sparrow said things are going well, and he can’t wait for the Championship. “Preparation has been really positive, the lads have come back in with a great attitude and we’ve managed to get some good training sessions in,’ he explained. “We’ve added a few quality players to the group which has lifted the standard even more, so we’re in a good place heading into Sunday.”

The club have signed four players for the competition, Mason Tatafu from Hume City in the NPL Victoria, Aidan Edwards from Dandenong Thunder in the NPL Victoria, Deegan Brook from Queensland-based Redlands United, and the talented Takayuki Sone, on-loan from Murdoch University Melville. Sparrow said all have settled well ahead of their group games. “Aidan (Edwards) is a great addition for us,” he said. “He has a good pedigree and brings valuable experience from a strong league last season. He’ll add something different to our midfield and can cover a number of roles effectively.

“Deegan (Brook) has been superb since joining us here in Perth, he is a young forward with lots of quality and the ability to change a game, adding further firepower to our group, and giving us something different in forward areas. Mason (Tatafu) has also fitted into the playing group really well, both on and off the pitch. He’ll definitely add quality to the side, as he can play anywhere across the back line and has a really mature head on his shoulders for his age, while Takayuki (Sone) is a player we are really excited to be able to bring onto the national stage with us. His technical level is clear to see with his quality on the ball, comfortable use of both feet and calmness on the ball.”

It's been tough for both sides, with the league seasons finishing last month, but Sparrow said his chargers will be ready come Sunday afternoon and is looking to do Western Australia proud. “Yes, it’s not ideal having that long break without competitive games, but we’ve managed to play a couple of in-house games which has benefited the squad,” Sparrow said. “We’ve done what we can to keep the boys sharp and focused, and the hunger is definitely there, and I’m confident we’ll be ready come kick-off. It’s a really exciting time for WA football, and to be representing the state in the first-ever Australian Championship is a huge honour for everyone involved with the club. We know the football community back home will be behind us, and we’ll be doing everything we can to make them proud.”

Sydney United 58, who are coached by former Socceroos defender Ante Juric, have some experienced players, in goal is former Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers custodian Vedran Janjetovic, while other players with A-League experience including Mario Shabow. Carlos De Oliveira was voted the clubs Player of the Year and will be a huge threat on Sunday, while Mason Wells was the clubs top goalscorer, but he is missing from the squad. But they added some experience bringing in, Mark Leonard from Western United, Michael Krslovic from Macarthur Bulls FC and Farah Koko from Manley United.

Sparrow knows the group is going to be tough with three strong teams, but he has every confidence in his squad and he said the players are buzzing for Sunday’s opener. “It’s a tough group, no doubt. Sydney United, APIA, and Metro Stars are all strong sides with a lot of quality, who have had success recently, but that’s what this competition is about — testing yourself against the best from around the country,” he explained. “First up its Sydney United away, which is a great first challenge and one we’re really looking forward too.”

Sydney United 58: GK Vedran Janjetevic, GK Josip Orlovic, 2 Gabriel Tilo, 3 Bailey Rule, 4 Koya Nakano, 5 Anthony Tomelic, 6 Dylan Rose, 7 Noah Blazeka, 8 Mario Shabow, 9 Kyle Cementi, 10 Carlos De Oliveira, 11 Ayouk Mow, 12 Richard Darko, 13 Jordan Ivancic, 14 Michael Pratezina, 15 Adrian Knez, 16 Anthony Krilic, 17 Tomislav Ozanic, 18 Mark Leonard, 19 Aidan Milicevic, 20 Marco Arambasic, 22 Michael Krslovic, 32 Farah Koko

Bayswater City: GK Lewis Italiano, GK Taylor Rae, 2 Alexander Ishida-Livings, 4 Luke Palmateer, 5 Patrick Loughrey, 6 Declan Hughes, 7 Sean McManus, 10 Jason Mirco, 12 Anthony Bafobusha, 13 Gyles Davies, 14 Oliver La Galia, 15 Jackson Stephens, 16 Jonathan Corness, 17 Charlie Garnham, 18 Christopher Jackson, 19 Phillip Radeski, 20 Sam Mitchinson, 21 Mason Tatafu, 24 Takayuki Sone, 26 Aidan Edward, 27 Deegan Brook, 29 Scotlan Morrison, 30 Thomas Southgate

10.10.2025

HOCKING SET FOR MOVE TO WREXHAM

Former Armadale and Perth Glory youth keeper Sam Hocking is set to join English Championship club Wrexham AFC. The youngster is reported to have signed a one-year deal at the Welsh club after the 18-year-old impressed on trial. The move has been made easier with Hocking having a UK passport and he hopes to pen the deal in the next few days.

Hocking, who worked with Danny Milo and Sam Hutchings in WA, is now under the wing of agent Craig Moore, the former Socceroos defender. He started his football journey at Balga SC, before four years in the Glory academy and played in the NPLWA with Armadale. It’s not the first time the talented keeper has been in the UK, having spent time with Middlesbrough, Blackpool, Wigan, Fleetwood, Preston and Stockport in 2024, before returning to West Australia.

But his hard work looks to have been rewarded with a full-time contract with Wrexham and will hope to work his way through the ranks at the club. It is not expected that Hocking is set to be a first-team fixture this season at the club; however, in football things can never be predicted if he impresses. He would be added as one of several options for Wrexham in goals, with Danny Ward ruled out of action for a sustained period through injury.

10.10.2025

WHO WILL WIN THE STATE LEAGUE AWARDS??

The Football West State League awards night takes place on Thursday evening at the Sam Kerr Football Centre. We take a look at players who we think will be in contention for the ‘Player of the Year’ in Division One and Two. It was a fantastic season for Dianella White Eagles, Ian Ferguson’s side winning the Division One title and returning to the NPL. Albert Luwi was the clubs top goalscorer, the former Western Knights striker bagged 11 goals, and was a danger in most games up top and out wide. Franc Gamiz, won the clubs Coaches Player of the Year, and he was rock solid all year, never missed a game and was a real leader for them on the pitch. While Corey McNelis shone, he is an outstanding young talent, great energy and work rate, and he excelled this year and pitched in with a few goals too.

UWA Nedlands also had a standout season, Kris Donnell’s side were runners-up, but missed out in the play-offs. Iljas Ahmedov was the Golden Boot winner in the league, and he was vital in their charge up the table, while wide men Joe Roscoe and Sam Ince provided some telling crosses and both worked extremely hard as the club topped the goalscoring charts in the league. Meanwhile at the back Jordan Pokler was the anchor, as UWA went so close to promotion.

Joondalup City were edged out in the play off final, but Guy McDonald’s side were one of the big improvers in 2025. Mason Gallagher was unplayable at times. He matured beyond his years especially in big games, and when he played well, they won football matches. Jaxon Temata was the signing of the season. He moved into midfield from full back after six games, after they had only won one. He changed the dynamic of the team which allowed them to win most midfield battles for the rest of the season resulting in them losing only two games in that spell. Finally, Joey Smith will go close to the ‘Keeper of the Year’, another solid season in goal where he won a couple of games for them late with some clutch saves.

Kingsley Westside had their best season ever in the State League, and a place in the play-offs. Max Adamson led the way in front of goal, bagging 14 goals for the season and was vital in their charge up the table, while at the other end defender Neil Gillies was immense, as they only conceded 24 goals for the season, the second best in the league, and when required he stepped up big time. Finally in midfielder Luke Doyle, who returned to the club mid-season, was in the engine room and he had a great season.

Murdoch University Melville just missed out on the play-offs, but Takayuki Sone was standout, and his performances earned him the clubs ‘Fairest and Best’ and ‘Players Player of the Year’, Gustavo Giron-Marulanda made a big impact at the club, scoring 14 goals and was exceptional to have a round the place especially for their younger players, while Eddie Wynne Willson has also been a massive influence, chipping in with important goals and all-round performances.

Gwelup Croatia top four hopes faded late, but skippet Matt Henry impressed this year and was a standout in the middle of the park. HIs ability to find the ball and help soak up some pressure was always great to watch. He was a calm leader who simply expected the team to get behind him. Youngster NIc Echeveria was also impressive in his first full season in the side. The teenager has a huge engine who works hard up and down the park and doesn’t mind getting tackles in, while French defender Ally Fatt was also good late in the season, strong in every game he played.

Some other players who will poll well from other clubs included Craig Barker who was outstanding for Mandurah City, along with Luke Desmond and Alfie Brincat. At Subiaco AFC, Kaleb Morrison led the line with seven goals and played a big part in their survival, along with the experienced Dean Evans and Daniel Dols. Kieran Witt was again impressive for Curtin University, bagging eight goals, with Nathan Smith and Rowan Steed also having good season. Chad Nilson was good for Inglewood United, topping the scoring for the club, who struggled this season, while Chris Tilson and Jason Dunphy also impressed. Both Kalamunda City and Gosnells City were relegated, but Andrea Erbetta was good for Kalamunda, along with Ramiro Costes and keeper Jake Marley-Orr, while at Gosnells Aron Coslani was outstanding, along with Sean Pritchard and keeper Duncan Lennon-Black.

In Division Two, Quinns were crowned Champions, with Nick Jennings guiding the club back up to Division One. They had a great season, with captain Ben Johns leading by example at the back, he was outstanding in every game he played, and was a real winner. In midfield Ben Wyeth had his season slightly curtailed with injury which he bravely played through, but when he was on the pitch was a real heartbeat of the team. Meanwhile keeper Luke Martino produced big saves at key moments to win them crucial games, and he will go close to ‘Keeper of the Year’

Cockburn City pushed Quinns all the way, and secured promotion in the playoffs. The club Fairest and Best winner Matty Bowen displayed great attacking flare with the ball at his feet and adapting well to different roles on the left and the right for the team, while at the back Alex Basto was a consistent performer throughout the season, showing strong leadership as Captain on and off the pitch and setting the standard in training and matches. Meanwhile in the middle of the park Andy Rankin made a real impact, contributing crucial balance and stability with the younger players while maintaining a high work rate every game.

East Perth missed out in the playoffs, but once again Ryan McGready enjoyed another outstanding season, consistently delivering top-class performances week after week. He scored crucial goals and impressed with his exceptional build-up play throughout the campaign. On the flank, Gavin Dillon was a model of consistency. Always a threat going forward, he played a key role in countless matches with his energy and reliability. While in defence, Niall Murray was rock solid—a true leader for the club. His commanding presence and superb defensive displays were central to the team's performances.

Forrestfield United also bowed out in the playoffs, but they unearthed some talented youngsters. Austin Reynolds worked a lot with as a centre forward, and finished top goal scorer for the club, and his work rate and the quality he has, made him a nightmare for opposition defenders all season. Noah Appleby is another young player, a Rolls Royce of a central midfielder. He is now starting to realize his potential, growing his influence on games and in some cases running of them entirely has been wonderful to see. While Matt Evans stepped up and showed real leadership throughout the season. Helped the young players and a big part of them having such a united and resilient squad this year.

Balga just missed out on the playoffs, but Gerhard Jenssen’s impressed. Martin Gorong, who returned after two years to Balga, developed from a man marking defender into a complete centre Back. Alex Silver arrived from Estonia and became a leading player in the team, and midfielder who created lot of danger in front of the goal including scoring five goals. Karl Maluga who was captain, was on and of the pitch the leader. Karl’s fighting spirit and ability to push the team 90 minutes was crucial for their development.

Canning City finished sixth, their best position since 2016. Captain Mason Langham had a great season and was a rock at the back, while Bill Orr finished the season with 15 goals in 15 starts and won the leagues golden boot. While Alex Guzman followed a great 2024, with another solid season in 2025. Nathan Diaz was a standout for Carramar Shamrock Rovers, the defender was solid at the back, and controlled the style of playing. Kieran Harrison adapting his game from midfielder to centre back also did very well, while Wayne Guest, again has been a pillar of strength in the midfield holding roll.

Other players who have impressed this season, Josh Chalmers bagged 12 goals for Wembley Downs in their first season in the State League, with Toby Robertson and Lachie Chamberlain also contributing. At Ashfield Nathan Scully was top scorer, while Ravi Singh and Jared Flavel also getting amongst the goals. Rockingham City ended the season well to avoid relegation, with keeper Kieran Shail in good form, along with Shaun Mukwevho and Dylan Rogers. Both Wanneroo City and Swan United were relegated, Brennan Borzecki was good for Swan, along with Luke Ross and Joshua Appleby, with Kane Fitch, Boas Mtwale and Asa Sippits at Wanneroo.

9.10.2025

KRETOWICZ TAKES OUT THE AMATEUR PREMIER DIVISION PLAYER OF THE YEAR

North Beach striker Alex Kretowicz is the 2025 Belt-Up Amateur Premier Division Player of the Year, after the awards night at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Wednesday evening. Kretowicz was outstanding as North Beach secured promotion to the State League for the first time in 48 years, bagging an incredible 38 goals for the season, also giving him the league’s Golden Boot.

Kretowicz said the award topped off a great season for him. “I’m very honoured to have won the award, but I’m really proud that we were able to get promoted this season, especially for Nick Di Carlo and others who have sacrificed so much time and effort not only this year but in previous years,” Kretowicz said. “There are still boys there from when the team was in Sunday Division Two, so I’m really happy for them, and will be great to see them playing Saturdays.”

North Beach head coach Nick Di Carlo said Kretowicz was a worthy winner. “I'm so proud of Alex on his achievements this season and the passion and effort he brings to every training session and gameday reflects in his performances week in, week out,” Di Carlo said. “I’ve had to pleasure of coaching him as assistant in Division One, and as a head coach in the Premier Division, winning trophies along the way. So, to be promoted to the state League this season is so exciting, and he's been an integral part of the club's progress over the last few years. I can't wait to see him do his thing on Saturday afternoons in 2026.”

In other Premier Division awards, North Perth United’s departing coach Jason Winter was named Premier Division Coach of the Year after leading his side to a league and cup double, while North Perth keeper Cian Flynn picked up the Goalkeeper of the Year trophy. North Beach won the Premier Division Fair Play Award. The other league winners were as follows: Division One: Daniel Clarkson (Ballajura), Division Two: Abbas Al Shaikh (Northern City), Division Three: Lee Bowers (Swan Valley), Division Four: Joshua Selman (Armadale)

9.10.2025

PERTH GLORY EXTEND APPAREL PARTNERSHIP WITH MACRON

Perth Glory have signed a multi-year extension of its long-term apparel partnership with leading European sportswear brand Macron. Glory first partnered with the Italian company in 2013, becoming the first club in Australia to do so and since then, the relationship has developed and expanded to include the Women’s and PGFC Academy Teams, in addition to the Men’s Team. Over the course of the 12-year partnership, Glory has sported Macron kit in two FFA Cup Finals and, of course, the A-League Premiership title-winning season of 2018/2019.

Macron Technical Sponsorship Manager Marco Betella said they are proud to partner up with the A-League side again. “We are delighted to renew our partnership with Perth Glory. Over the years, our relationship has been built on shared values and a common vision, and this renewal is a natural next step,” he explained. “We look forward to continuing our journey together, supporting the team both on and off the field, and building on the successes we have already achieved. This partnership is not only about performance but also about community, and we are proud to stand alongside Glory as we enter this new chapter."

Perth Glory CEO Anthony Radich is delighted that one of the most enduring commercial relationships in Australian sport is set to be extended. “We are extremely proud of our longstanding partnership with Macron and very pleased that it will be continuing,” he said. “Having negotiated our club’s initial deal with Macron, their very first professional club deal in Australia, the subsequent growth of the brand both domestically and globally has been incredible to see, but not surprising.

“Over the years, we have worked collaboratively to produce some truly iconic Glory kits which have proven to be extremely popular with our members and fans. Macron’s high-quality, innovative designs and use of the very latest, high-performance fabrics have seen them establish themselves as a true industry leader and we look forward to them continuing to provide our players, staff and Members and fans with the most stylish and practical apparel.”

Those sentiments were echoed by CEO of Macron, Gianluca Pavanello. The ties between Macron and Perth Glory FC have become ones of mutual respect and friendship,” he said. “The renewal of our partnership confirms our determination to continue down the road to competitive success that we began together in 2013. 2025 is an important year for the club and we are delighted to have been able to support it for so many seasons. Over the years we have worked extremely well together on designing shirts and sportswear that have effectively expressed the identity of Perth Glory FC.” - Macron – Perth are sponsors of our site, and we thank them for their support.

8.10.2025

BURGESS BACKS PROPOSED SERIE A GAME IN PERTH

Perth-raised Socceroo Cameron Burgess has given his backing to the proposed Serie A game in his hometown, lauding it as a coup for West Australian football fans. The Swansea City defender believes Optus Stadium is the perfect venue to host the mooted AC Milan-Como clash, which is set to become the first-ever Serie A game played outside of Italy.

European governing body UEFA begrudgingly approved the proposed Milan game, despite voicing their opposition to major competitions playing league fixtures on foreign soil. World governing body FIFA, Football Australia and the Asian Football Confederation also need to endorse the match for it to proceed on February 8, 2025, although UEFA were seen as the biggest barrier to it going ahead.

Having been part of the Socceroos’ successful World Cup qualification-sealing win over Japan at Optus Stadium in March, Burgess had no doubt Perth would put on a show for the historic fixture. “I wonder if someone was watching the our game against Japan, and how many fans turned up, and the noise of the place and the atmosphere that we created that game,” Burgess said.

“It’s a great fit for that game, and it’s massive for Australian football, and it’s massive for Perth as well. I’m glad to see them get the nod for that game, and what a great occasion it will be. For such big clubs to be involved in a league game for the first time and especially coming to Perth is amazing. I’m really excited to hopefully tune in for that one.”

Burgess has been warmly recieved signing a three-year deal with Championship outfit Swansea in the off-season, after departing Ipswich Town who were relegated at the end of the last English Premier League season. “The ambition of the club, the direction they wanted to go in, where they want to be in a World Cup year, but for the length of my contract as well,” Burgess said.

“There’s big ambition there and knowing the players they wanted to sign and the players they have got in the building, there was a lot of conversations had and it was the perfect fit for me. How the club plays, how they see football playing, what it means to the people in the city, how they go about things, and how they enjoy their football, it aligned with how I think football should be and it was the perfect fit from both really.”

8.10.2025

KERR ON THE VERGE OF MATILDAS RETURN

Matildas coach Joe Montemurro has strongly hinted that Samantha Kerr will be named in his squad for the October international window. With next year’s Women’s Asian Cup now less than five months away, Montemurro was coy over Kerr’s selection for the upcoming games with Wales and England, the squad for which will be announced on Friday.

“It’s great to see her back and I’ve had a few discussions with her, and the great thing is that she’s really got an enthusiasm and a real passion back for the game,” Montemurro commented. “That’s the first and foremost important part of that and we’ll definitely do the right thing by her in terms of integrating her.

“She hasn’t played 90 minutes yet, so we’ll just see, getting closer to camp, what sort of minutes we believe is going to be the the best for her so that we make this return perfect, both from a football and a mental perspective. The biggest thing before was the communication with the coaches and her and to make sure that we do the right the right thing for her minutes. But it’s just great to have her back.”

Kerr has not played for her country since November 2023, having torn her own ACL during a mid-season training camp for Chelsea two months later. After a longer-than-expected return to full fitness, Kerr only returned to competitive football last month, ending a 20-month absence with a goal against Aston Villa in Chelsea’s Women’s Super League season-opener.

7.10.2025

GLORY BEATEN IN FINAL HIT OUT

Perth Glory have concluded their pre-season with a 1-3 loss against Sydney FC, at Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre on Tuesday morning. Adam Taggart did give David Zdrilic’s side the lead, but a brace to new Spanish import Victor Campuzano kick started the comeback from Ufuk Talay’s side, and the victory was sealed with another from substitute Mathias Macallister.

Glory opened brightly and Sky Blues keeper Gus Hoefsloot made a smart save to deny Taggart early. Sydney hit back and Piero Quispe combined well with Victor Campuzano, but he couldn’t beat Mark Birighitti. Glory target in the summer, Joe Lolley and Al Hassan Toure were a real handful, and latter saw an effort cleared off the line. But against the run of play Glory found the opener on 33 minutes, pouncing on mis-directed pass, and hit on the counter attack, with Taggart making no mistake past Hoefsloot.

But their lead only lasted three minutes, Lolley played a perfectly weighted ball behind the Glory defence and Campuzano timed his run to perfection, beating the off-side trap and after taking a touch before firing past Birighitti. The hosts went close to a second just before the break, Piero Quispe’s free kick fell to Campuzano, but his first tie shot was straight at the Glory custodian.

Sydney hit the front early in the second half, Joel King cross found Campuzano, and the Spanish striker lost his marker around the penalty spot, and headed home. Rhyan Grant almost made it three with a marauding run down the line after he was released by Lolley, but his goalbound shot was blocked. Grant went close again moments later the former Socceroos defender’s header was palmed away by the alert Birighitti.

Glory went close to restoring parity, with Nathanial Blair’s effort was tipped over the bar by Devenish-Meares. But Sydney ended the game well, with Glory defending deep, Lolley saw his curling strike from the edge of the box saved, before Abel Walatee also saw one effort blocked, as Talay’s side pushed on for the third goal.

Macallister then saw his lob over the top of Cameron Cook drift wide, but six minutes from time the hosts sealed the win. King made space down the left, and low cross was turned home superbly by Macallister. Both sides now turn their attention to the A-League next weekend, Glory hosting Wellington Phoenix at HBF Park on Saturday evening (6:45pm), while Sydney make the trip to Coopers Stadium to meet Adelaide United on Friday evening.

7.10.2025

BURGESS BACKS BELEAGUERED POSTECOGLOU

Cameron Burgess can't help but feel a little bad that his goal-scoring heroics piled pressure on Australian trailblazer Ange Postecoglou. But the towering Swansea City defender was never going to apologise for scoring his first professional double - especially not as stand-in captain in a major cup match.

Burgess was the hero for Swansea, scoring twice including a 97th-minute winner as they came back from 2-0 down to beat Postecoglou's Nottingham Forest 3-2 in the third round of the League Cup. "You're never going to try and not score," Burgess said. "I've full faith in Ange and what he does, and all the players he's helped in his career and things like that - that he'll do great at Forest. And it takes time - Rome wasn't built in a day as they say."

Burgess jokingly added "thanks for making me feel bad" before noting he hoped Postecoglou and assistants Mile Jedinak and Nick Montgomery could succeed. "Look, he has some great people there as well - obviously all the other coaches he's got that have come across as well. And it was great to see them on the night," he said. "It was good, from my point of view, to score a couple goals. But not so great from their point."

Burgess has been loving his time at Swansea, believing his move "couldn't have gone better" after he signed from Ipswich Town. Regular game time has also been crucial as Burgess, set to play in coming friendlies against Canada and the US, prepares for the Socceroos' World Cup campaign next year.

Burgess is thriving in the crash-and-bash intense English Championship, where 17 Australians are plying their trade. When asked if he had any tips for his fellow Socceroos on how to handle it, Burgess joked: "I'm not telling them nothing, to be honest, because they're competition. So they're getting nothing off me." He then noted it was a "relentless" and unpredictable league for players to become accustomed to.

"There's a lot of crazy results going on, and that's the league in a nutshell.," he said. "Really, it's just: expect the unexpected, and the hardest part about the Championship is to try and find consistency, really. So my advice to them would be try and find that consistency as best you can in your own game and hopefully that feeds through their teams and they have successful seasons - but not against us."

6.10.2025

ITALIANO RECIEVES MAIDEN SOCCEROOS CALL-UP

Uncapped defender Jacob Italiano has been added to the Socceroos squad for this months friendlies with Canada and the United States. A first eleven regular with Australia club Grazer AK, 24-year old Italiano comes into the squad as replacement for Fran Karacic, who has withdrawn for medical reasons.

Italiano, a former Inglewood United junior, turned professional with Perth Glory at the age of 16 and across two seasons made 19 appearances. He transitioned from midfield to defence while at German club Borussia Monchengladbach, where he played 100 games for their reserves team and, in mid-2024, linked up with Grazer on a three-year contract. Italiano has previously represented Australia at junior and youth levels.

6.10.2025

UEFA APPROVES REQUEST FOR SERIE IN PERTH

The State Government's bold bid to stage the first ever Serie A game outside of Italy has received a significant boost after UEFA "reluctantly" approved AC Milan's request to play Como in Perth next February. European football's governing body also said it disapproved of clubs playing domestic league matches outside their home country and would work to prevent this setting a precedent.

"League matches should be played on home soil; anything else would disenfranchise loyal match-going fans and potentially introduce distortive elements in competitions," UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said. "While it is regrettable to have to let these two games go ahead, this decision is exceptional and shall not be seen as setting a precedent."

FIFA must also assent to the game, but that is expected to be a formality. The world governing body had previously been opposed to the staging of competitive league games on foreign soil, but appeared to somewhat soften their stance last year by creating a working group to investigate the viability of out-of-territory league matches being played.

UEFA's decision paves the way for 19-time Italian league champions Milan to visit Perth for a third time since May 2024. The club have forged a strong relationship with the State Government, with coach Max Allegri praising Perth while chief executive Giorgio Furlani told fans during their most recent visit in July it would not be the last time the Rossoneri ventured to this part of the world.

5.10.2025

BELT-UP METRO AND MASTERS CUP FINALS REVIEWS

It was a busy Sunday at the Sam Kerr Football Centre, with the Football West, Belt Up Metros and Masters Cup Finals taking place. In the opening game, UWA Nedlands have secured a league and cup double by beating Perth Saints 5-4 on penalties in the Belt-Up Metro Cup Final, after the game ended 1-1. “We got the job done the hard way,” UWA coach Trent Piccicacco said. “Perth Saints gave us a cracking game. We dominated in large portions of the match playing our brand of football but struggled to create clear cut opportunities, it was a real arm wrestle and a fitting final.”

It was the Saints who opened the scoring on 24 minutes, good work on the right by Levi Reichelt saw him win possession and he found Andrew Morrow, who raced into the penalty area and cut the ball back to Reichelt, who had continued his run, and he finished low past Ben Stone. Then in the shadows of half time, UWA levelled. Luis Pinto and Ben Del Dosso combined down the right, the ball falling to Bryce Conway and his shot was deflected off Nathan Findlater, which wrong-footed keeper Taran Richmond. No other goals were scored and it was off to penalties. All spot kicks were scored, but a 5-4, Saints Luke Findlater saw his fifth saved by Stone to seal the win.

“The penalty shootout saw some heroes carved into UWA history. Clinical from the spot was Ben Del Dosso, Ben Pellizzari, Jordan Del Dosso and Sam Thorniley. Jordan Bleeding confidence let the crowd know what was up after his spot kicked was rifled home,” Piccicacco explained. “An unlikely fifth taker saw Joe Watkins step up to the mark. A sneaky finish into the bottom left corner set up the Saints fifth spot kick to be the decider. Putting on his best Andrew Redmayne impression, Ben (Stone) danced along the goal line before pouncing to his bottom left denying Saints, and bringing home the Cup in the process. The double was secured and fully deserved.”

In the Belt Up Masters Over 35’s Cup Final, Quinns scored a penalty in the final minute to seal an entertaining 2-1 win against East Perth. “In the first half, we didn’t get going at all and I thought East Perth were the better side and maybe wanted it a little bit more and deserved their lead,” Quinns coach Danny Allen said. “Then just before halftime, Rob Lund cleared one off the line, and 30 seconds later he created the equaliser, so to go in at halftime 1-1 was a massive relief. We got stuck into our lads at half time as they know it wasn’t good enough from our usual standards, so we needed a reaction which I thought we got it in the second half and thought we were the better side playing some good football without still being at our usual best. Also, us having a strong bench definitely helped us today, and for the captain Eamon McNelis to step up and score a penalty in the last minute just sums the man up.”

It was East Perth who found the opener on 27 minutes. James Boland free kick from his own half found Stephen Henry, whose stunning volley from distance beat Wayne Cooke at his post. But in the final minute Quinns levelled, Lund raced down the right and his cross picked out Kevin Wyatt, whose shot was saved by Sean McDaid, but Wyatt made no mistake from the rebound. It looked like we were off to penalties, but on 89 minutes Quinns won it. Ryan Pellow’s shot shot hit the arm of East Perth defender Ruaidhri McGill, and the referee pointed straight to the spot. McNelis stepped up and found the bottom corner of the net with the resulting penalty to seal the win.

“I’d say East Perth were best side we’ve come up against this season, so it would be great to see them come up to the top league next year. But to win the league and cup double and go undefeated in just our second year as a team together is some achievement,” Allen added. “That’s down to the effort and quality of 25 brilliant lads who me and Paul Wallace are very proud of. Shout out to the man who got this team together Barry O’Neil who has played every game the last two years and sadly missed the game through his MCL injury last week.”

In the Belt-Up Masters Over 45’s Cup Final, Joondalup City proved too strong, beating Forrestfield United 4-1. “I thought it was a great game and full credit to Forrestfield, especially in the first half where had it not been for some quality saves from Staggy (Steven Stagg) the scoreline would have been different,” Joondalup City coach Warren Morre explained. “But a hat trick for Felim, and all-round solid effort from all the lads in this their first year together, tops off a fantastic season for us and we look forward to 2026.” Joondalup were ahead on 12 minutes, Felim Rugel sent Michael Clarke down the right, and he got to the by-line and cut the ball back to Rugel, who had continued his run, and he finished well.

But 12 minutes later Forrestfield levelled, Spencer Hore sent Matthew Alcock into the box, and his first time cross found Allan Paul, who scored at the second time of asking. But Joondalup regained the lead nine minutes before the break, Pranam Patel was brought down in the box by Forrestfield keeper Steven Parry, and the referee pointed straight to the spot and booked the Forrestfield custodian. Rugel stepped up to take the resulting penalty, and sent Parry the wrong way, to send them into the sheds with a 2-1 lead.

Joondalup added a third early in the second half, a superb defence-splitting pass from Ian McDowall sent Rugel clear and the striker finished with aplomb past Parry, to complete his hat-trick. The result was sealed on 71 minutes, when Joondalup added a fourth. Rugel turned provider this time, sending Phil Green clear and he finished neatly to seal the win. In the final game Murdoch University took on FC Shoalwater in the Belt Up Men's Masters Cup over 55’s, and it was MUMFC who ran out 2-0 winners. The opening goal came on 12 minutes, Paul Ellis sending Ezio Celenza clear, and he finished low past FC Shoalwater keeper Steven Robinson. They sealed the win six minutes from time, Daniel Jones’ corner found Mark Hannaway, whose goalward shot was back heeled home by Celenza from close-range.

4.10.2025

AZZURRI RETURNS TO PERTH IN 2026

Perth Soccer Club will be called Perth Azzurri in all Football West and Football Australia competitions from 2026, after the club’s board of management decided to bring back the Azzurri name as the club embarks on its amalgamation and redevelopment journey with the WA Italian Club. As part of the change, the club will bring back the iconic Perth Azzurri logo that adorned their famous sky-blue shirts from the 1960s to 1980s.

Formed as Azzurri in 1948, the club changed to Perth Azzurri in 1978. They then merged with Balcatta Etna and East Fremantle Tricolore in 1988 to form Perth Italia. Etna and Tricolore continued on with juniors while Azzurri continued with amateurs. Etna rejoined Saturday competition in 1991, while Tricolore officially left the merger in the early 2000’s. In 2002 Azzurri fully merged with Perth SC to become the club it is today,

Perth Azzurri President Jason Marocchi said the name change was an important component of bringing the club home to the WA Italian Club. “Azzurri is one of the best known and most successful brands in WA football,” Marocchi said. “It is only fitting that we bring back the iconic Azzurri name and badge as we look to bring the club back to our birthplace.”

Perth Soccer Club (Inc) will still be the name of the entity registered with the State Government, while Perth Azzurri Soccer Club will be the club’s trading name. Both Perth Azzurri and the WA Italian Club will bring amalgamation proposals to their members at their Annual General Meetings later this year. If the amalgamation proposals are successful, Perth Azzurri Soccer Club will become a key component of the new-look WA Italian Club. Under the current proposal, the newly merged entity would commence operations from 1 July 2026.

4.10.2025

YOUNG SOCCEROOS KEEP WORLD CUP PROGRESSION HOPES ALIVE

The Young Socceroos have given themselves a fighting chance of advancing to the knock out stage of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, after a 3-1 victory over Cuba in the final Group D game at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Pradanos, Santiago, Chile on Sunday morning. Max Caputo gave them the lead, before former Perth Glory winger Daniel Bennie grabbed a second, his second of the tournament six minutes before half time. Caputo added a third early in the second half and it could have been more but for a great performance from Cuba keeper Yurdy Hodelin.

Cuba pulled one back with Alessio Raballo, but they couldn’t find anymore. Australia had the chances to win by more, and boost their chances of qualifying for the knock out stage late in the game, but missed chances cost them, and they now must wait to see how Groups E and F finish tomorrow, to see if they are one of the four best third place finishers. Australia made four changes for the must-win clash, with Lucas Herrington, Max Caputo, Louis Agosti and Fabian Talladira coming in for Rhys Youlley, Musa Toure, Tiago Quintal and Panagiotis Kikianis, who all moved to the bench.

Australia knew a win was a must, and plenty of goals would also help them progress, and they were on the front foot from the off, with former Perth Glory midfielder Jaylan Pearman’s early shot saved by Hodelin. Pearman was denied again moments later, Hodelin saving the Queens Park Rangers shot from distance. The Cuban keeper was in fantastic form, and he produced another smart save to thwart Louis Agosti’s shot, as Australia pressed for the opener. He was beaten on 11 minutes, but Pearman’s shot hit the outside of the post.

Cuba went close themselves six minutes later, Romario Torres’ shot flashing wide of the post. But Australia’s early dominance was rewarded with the opener on 21 minutes. Former Glory defender James Overy finding Caputo with a neat through ball, and the Melbourne City striker found the bottom corner of the net past Hodelin. Cuba, who needed a win to progress to the next stage themselves, went close to levelling six minutes later, but Raballo couldn’t keep his shot down.

But on 39 minutes, it was the Young Socceroos who doubled their advantage. A short corner caught Cuba napping, and Agosti’s shot fell kindly to Bennie, who fired home. Cuba hit back and Steven Hall saved Raballo’s effort, before the Brighton and Hove Albion keeper denied Raballo again in stoppage time, but at the break Australia were in command. Cuba needed a good start after the break if they had any hopes of a comeback, but it was Australia who added a third five minutes in. A mix up at the back let in Alex Badolato, who cut the ball back to Caputo who fired home, the striker becoming the first Australian player to hit a U-20 World Cup brace since WA-born midfielder Anthony Danze did so in a historic 3-2 win over Brazil at United Arab Emirates 2003.

Goals were needed now to help in their hopes of a knock-out spot, but they found Hodelin in fine form, saving well to deny Caputo his hat-trick, before getting down well to save Bennie’s header on the hour. Cuba was struggling in the final third, but they were given a helping hand back into the game three minutes later. A ball into the box wasn’t dealt with and Hall missed a cross and Raballo made him pay, scoring from close-range. That goal lifted the Cubans and Torres fired wide moments later.

Cuba wasn’t going away and Didier Reinoso’s header was saved by Hall, before Raballo fired over the top With Cuba pushing forward they left holes at the back and Louis Agosti’s long-range shot smacked the post, Lucas Herrington header was blocked, before Overy’s shot from the angle was well saved by the alert Hodelin. It should have been 4-1 on 77 minutes, a quick counter attack saw Tiago Quintal race clear and slip the ball to Luka Jovanovic, but he fired wide of the far post.

Hodelin was keeping his side in the game, saving from Quintal, before getting down well to save Pearman’s goalbound shot. Substitute Rhys Youlley was next to go close, his shot saved by the Cuban custodian, before Hall got well at the other end to save Reinoso’s shot. Pearman was again denied by Hodelin in stoppage time, but the keeper was beaten in the fourth minute of added a time, Jovanovic firing home, but the flag was up for offside. Trevor Morgan’s side will now have to wait to see if this win was enough to progress, but it was a good end to the group stage for Australia.

Australia: GK Steven Hall, 2 Daniel Bennie (10 Rhys Youlley 70’), 3 Sebastian Esposito, 5 Fabian Talladira, 6 Paul Okon-Engstler, 8 Alexander Badolato (9 Luka Jovanovic 60’), 13 Lucas Herrington, 15 Jaylan Pearman, 19 Max Caputo (11 Musa Toure 60’), 20 Louis Agosti (14 Tiago Quintal 70’), 21 James Overy – Subs not used: RGK Alex Robinson, RGK Daniel Graskoski, 4 Panagiotis Kikianis, 16 Joshua Inserra 17 Liam Bonetig

Cuba: GK Yurdy Hodelin, 2 Elvis Casanova, 4 Camila Pinillo (16 Norlys Chavez 87’), 5 Karel Perez, 6 Diego Catasus, 7 Jade Quinones (10 Michael Camejo 41’), 8 Leandro Mena, 9 Alessio Raballo, 11 Romario Torres, 14 Maikol Vega (13 Didier Reinoso 70’), 15 Marcos Campos (20 Samuel Rodriguez 46’) – Subs not used: RGK Yorlan Wilson, RGK Yurixander Zayas, 3 Ricardo Polo, 17 Aniel Casanova, 18 Yordan Castaner, 19 Enmanuel Torres - Referee: Jalal Jayed (Morocco)

3.10.2025

POPOVIC INCLUDES LOCAL TALENTS IN MUCH CHANGED SOCCEROOS SQUAD

Coach Tony Popovic has made eight changes to the Socceroos squad as he continues to cast the net far and wide. The good news is local products Alessandro Circati and Cameron Burgess have retained their places in Australia's squad for this month's friendlies with 2026 World Cup hosts Canada (October 11) and the United States (October 15).

Third-generation Socceroo Alex Robertson has ended an almost two-year self-imposed exile by accepting his place in the squad. Also returning are veteran goalkeeper Mat Ryan, Jason Geria, Daniel Arzani, Mitch Duke and Fran Karacic while Nicholas D'Agostino and Cameron Devlin earn their first call-ups since Popovic took charge in 2024.

"We want to keep building continuity and momentum towards the World Cup, a process that began last October," Popovic said. "It's a privilege to face two World Cup hosts in Canada and the USA, both quality opposition. This will give us a taste of what to expect at next year's tournament. Our focus remains on preparing diligently for the World Cup."

The Australia squad to play Canada (October 11) and the United States (October 15) is Joe Gauci, Paul Izzo, Mat Ryan, Jordan Bos, Cameron Burgess, Alessandro Circati, Milos Degenek, Jason Geria, Fran Karacic, Hayden Matthews, Lewis Miller, Kye Rowles, Max Balard, Cameron Devlin, Ajdin Hrustic, Connor Metcalfe, Aiden O'Neill, Alex Robertson, Patrick Yazbek, Daniel Arzani, Martin Boyle, Mitch Duke, Nicholas D'Agostino, Nestory Irankunda and Mohamed Toure.

3.10.2025

BAYSWATER CITY READY FOR INAUGURAL AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

The inaugural season of the Australian Championship was officially launched at Lambert Park, Leichhardt last week, celebrating a major step towards a more connected, competitive and sustainable national football pyramid. Bayswater City President Oriano Colli, Club Operations Manager Rocco Maio, Football Operations Manager Stewart Moses and captain Gordon Smith attended the event, which also brought together member federation representatives, foundation clubs, Football Australia Board members, NSW Police and a passionate football community, highlighting the Championship’s focus on both elite player development and deep community engagement.

Bayswater President Oriano Colli said it’s exciting times ahead for the club. “We are incredibly proud to be the first Western Australian club to qualify for the inaugural Australian Championship. It’s a historic moment for Bayswater City and for WA football, and one we see as an opportunity not just to represent our club, but to showcase the strength and passion of the game in our state on the national stage,” Colli explained. “Our preparations are already well underway. On the football side, we’re ensuring our players and coaches are ready to compete against some of the country’s most established clubs.

“Off the pitch, we’re working hard to deliver a professional match day experience for fans and a strong platform to tell the Baysie story to a national audience. This Championship is about more than football – it’s about bringing our community together, celebrating WA’s place in the game, and inspiring the next generation of players and supporters. We’re determined to make the most of this opportunity and do our club, our supporters, and Western Australia proud.”

Two major partnerships were announced at the launch including Mitre who will supply the official match ball for the Championship, ensuring every moment of the competition is played with world-class performance and reliability. Movember was also named as the official men’s health charity and will have initiatives planned across the season to raise awareness of men’s health and strengthen mental health and wellbeing through the power of football, while a TV deal with SBS was also announced as the broadcast sponsor. They will bring the Championship to fans nationwide, with 17 of the 55 matches to be broadcast live on SBS, with the opening match on SBS VICELAND, and every match streamed live via SBS On Demand.

“Our partnership with SBS is a landmark moment for Australian football and the Australian Championship,” Football Australia Interim Chief Executive Officer Heather Garriock said. “Accessibility sits at the heart of this agreement. Whether you’re watching on free-to-air television or streaming on SBS On Demand, every fan—from the city to our local football communities—can experience the very best of the Australian Championship through our Super Saturday format.

“The historic opening clash between South Melbourne FC and Sydney Olympic FC is a fitting way to launch this competition—two iconic clubs, a national audience, and the country watching via VICELAND. It’s going to be a blockbuster start to the next era of Australian football. SBS shares our passion for uniting the game and our commitment to making it accessible to everyone. Together, we’re not just broadcasting matches—we’re building a national platform that celebrates Australian football’s storied past whilst also investing in future generations.”

SBS Director of Sport, Ken Shipp said it’s great to have the game back on their channel. “As the spiritual home of football in Australia, SBS is the natural home for the Australian Championship, an aspirational competition that will create a pathway for many of Australia’s brightest young players from the sport’s grassroots to the highest-level competition in the land, the Isuzu UTE A-league Men’s competition,” Shipp explained. “SBS’s football offering now includes compelling competitions at every level and for every fan - including, of course, the FIFA World Cup 2026.”

Garriock added it’s a great opportunity for players to show their wares on a national scene. “The Australian Championship is about more than fixtures and results. It’s about opportunity — for players, for clubs, and for the communities who have always been the heartbeat of our sport.,’ she said. “Football Australia worked closely with our Member Federations and clubs to set the right criteria and build the right foundations. This Championship is designed not just to launch well, but to endure — to be part of our football landscape for generations to come.”

Football Australia Chairman, Anter Isaac said the competition will bring groups together, and they can press for a spot in the A-League in future years. “Football is more than a sport – it’s a shared language and a meeting place. It bridges cultures and communities, connecting people from every background – and has done so in Australia since the very first game in 1875,” he said. “The Championship both honours that legacy and offers new hope – giving these clubs, and the communities behind them, a national stage once again.” Tickets for the inaugural Australian Championship season are available now. Fans are encouraged to secure their seats early HERE – https://australianchampionship.com.au/tickets - and follow the Australian Championship channels for the latest updates.

Bayswater City Group D fixtures are as follows: Round One – Sunday October 12 v Sydney United 58 (A), Round Two – Sunday October 19 (H), Round Three – Sunday October 26 v Wests APIA (H), Round Four – Sunday November 2 v Sydney United 58 (H), Round Five – Sunday November 9 v MetroStars (A), Round Six – Sunday November 16 v Wests APIA (A)

2.10.2025

BENNIE ON TARGET BUT YOUNG SOCCEROOS ON THE VERGE OF ELIMINATION

The Young Socceroos are on the verge of elimination from the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, after a second defeat in Group D, losing 4-1 to six-time winners Argentina at the Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander, Valparaíso, Chile on Thursday morning. Down 2-0 at half time with goals from Alejo Sarco and Tomas Perez, it was an uphill battle, but former Perth Glory winger Daniel Bennie reduced the margin just after the hour. The scoreline doesn’t reflect the performance, but with Australia chasing the game late, goals in stoppage time from Ian Subiabre and Santino Andino gave Argentina the win, which moved them to the top of the table.

Australia will now require a win against Cuba in the final group stage game to have a chance of advancing to the Round of 16 as one of four best third-place teams. "It's not easy to take. I think we once again deserved more, but again that's football,” Bennie said post-match. “Ultimately we conceded the goals and we didn't score enough so it's on us, there's no one else we can blame and we just need to move on to the next game and win it.”

Head Coach Trevor Morgan made three changes to the team that were beaten by Italy in game one. WA duo James Overy and Jaylan Pearman, along with Tiago Quintal replaced Luka Jovanovic, Joshua Inserra and Fabian Talladira. It wasn’t the start the Young Socceroos were after, conceding after only three minutes. Dylan Gorosito’s ball found Sarco, who appeared to foul Sebastian Esposito, but the Bayer Leverkusen striker raced into the box and finished low past Steven Hall, but after a VAR review, the goal stood, giving Argentina an early lead.

Argentina, were well on top, and went close to a second on 20 minutes. Maher Carrizo’s free kick from distance was well saved by the alert Hall. Australia settled and went close to the equaliser on the half hour, Rhys Youlley’s free kick wasn’t dealt with, but Esposito couldn’t keep his header down. Then four minutes later they thought they had found the leveller, Quintal won the ball from defender Perez, and finished well, a deft chip over keeper Santino Barbi, but after another VAR check, the goal was disallowed for a foul by the midfielder.

But in the shadows of half time Argentina added a second. Australia cleared a free kick but it was headed back into the box and Carrizo raced into the left channel, before cutting the ball back to Perez, the Porto midfielder got in front of his marker and finished neatly, and at the break Australia had it all to do. There were no changes at half-time for either team, and Australia looked to get themselves back into the game. Both sides had early chances, Alvaro Montoro shot flashed wide of the post, before Bennie’ header from Paul Okon-Engstler was blocked.

Australia went close again on 50 minutes, Pearman’s cross was met by Esposito, but Barbi was alert to save. It was a better start from the youngsters, and they had a penalty appeal turned down moments later, it looked like it wasn’t going to be their night. They did have a bit of luck on 67 minutes, Montoro’s shot from the edge of the box crashed off the bar. But two minutes later, Australia was back in it. Pearman’s through ball looked to heavy, but Argentina keeper Barbi missed his attempted clearance and Bennie fired into an empty net – game on.

The game sprung to life, with Hall getting down well to deny Alejo Sarco, before Luka Jovanovic’s free kick flicked the top of the crossbar, after Overy was fouled in full flight just outside the penalty area. With Australia pressing for the equaliser, space inevitably opened up in behind, and Hall produced smart saves to deny Ian Subiabre and Gianluca Prestianni. But in the third minute of stoppage time, Argentina added a third, Milton Delgado crossing from the bye-line to Subiabre, and the River Plate striker finished from close range. They added a fourth moments later, Andino scoring a stunner from the edge of the box, giving Hall no chance. Attention now turns to the final group stage game against Cuba on Sunday morning, a win a must if they are to progress.

Australia: GK Steven Hall, 2 Daniel Bennie, 3 Sebastian Esposito, 4 Panagiotis Kikianis, 6 Paul Okon-Engstler, 8 Alexander Badolato (20 Louis Agosti 66’), 10 Rhys Youlley (16 Joshua Inserra 54’), 11 Musa Toure, 14 Tiago Quintal (9 Luka Jovanovic 54’), 15 Jaylan Pearman (19 Max Caputo 86’), 21 James Overy – Subs not used: RGK Alex Robinson, RGK Daniel Graskoski, 5 Fabian Talladira, 7 Jonny Yull, 13 Lucas Herrington, 17 Liam Bonetig

Argentina: GK Santino Barbi, 2 Tobias Ramirez, 3 Julio Soler (6 Juan Villalba 85’), 4 Dylan Gorosito, 5 Milton Delgado, 7 Maher Carrizo (20 Gianluca Prestianni 81’), 8 Valentino Acuna (18 Tobias Andrada 81’), 9 Alejo Sarco (19 Santino Andino 90+1'), 10 Alvaro Montoro (11 Ian Subiabre 80’), 13 Valente Pierani, 15 Tomas Perez – Subs not used: RGK Alvaro Busso, RGK Alain Gomez, 16 Teo Pagano, 17 Mateo Silvetti

2.10.2025

OLIVEIRA TO SPREAD HIS WINGS AT THE GULLS

After two years away from the game Andres Oliveira has been appointed new Sorrento NPLWA - Men’s head coach for 2026. Oliveira joins the Gulls after five-years at Inglewood United, and the club announced the appointment on their social media. “The appointment follows a considered and rigorous process which was guided by a comprehensive evaluation of candidates across a number of key attributes. He was a standout player during the 2000’s in the WA Premier League as a prolific striker with Perth SC.

“He won many awards and recognitions in a decorated on-field career and was also a member of the Western Australian U19’s Squad and Senior State team. In 2006 he has a stint with South Melbourne before returning to Perth. After his playing career, Andres dedicated himself to coaching, eventually progressing to Inglewood United as Head Coach for a successful five-year period. He brings an abundance of experience across all levels of football both a player and coach. He has an elite football IQ and deep understanding of the game matched with an impressive resume.”

Oliveira said when the opportunity came up of joining a big club like Sorrento, it was an easy decision, and he is looking forward to the challenge. “Sorrento has a long history in WA of winning and challenging for titles, but this was the type of club I was looking for coming back to coaching. They want to continue to build with this team along with pushing their youth players into first team,” Oliveira explained. “I needed a rest after my time at Inglewood, and I have definitely recharged the batteries. These last two years have been enough to reset, although I have always been in touch with WA football only as a spectator, as work and family commitments were my priorities.”

He was a striker, and a good one at that, in his playing days at the Azzurri, winning number of titles and cup successes at Dorrien Gardens. He also played many a tough game against Sorrento, as both sides pushed for the league and cup final wins, and he said there was never an easy game against the Sky Blues. “Sorrento was always a difficult team to play against,” he said. “They had great players, and every time I came against them, I always knew it was going to be a tough battle, but I enjoyed it at the same time, and to be fair that's one team I didn't score many goals against.”

His time at Inglewood was special, and he had some great memories, and had some great people alongside him. “I loved my time at Inglewood. Every year, we made a semi-final or the final (except 2020, which I considered a nothing year due to Covid). But winning the night series with a great team in 2021, it was really special because they hadn't won anything for 14 years,” Oliveira explained. “The only reason I departed the club was due to work and family commitments. The only disappointment was not finishing off with Cup trophy, but making two finals that year was an achievement on its own. Having Cesare Colli as president really pushed that club to another level, and his faith in me, I will always be grateful. I made great friends forever over the years with the Kramer, Cross, and Colli Family. These families really made Inglewood.”

Sorrento are a very ambitious club, and they were very competitive last season under Steven McGarry, and finished a creditable ninth after promotion, and Oliveria said it’s now time to kick on and continue his good work. “Steven (McGarry) has done an excellent job, leading them back to NPL last season undefeated and winning Night series this year. Also, finishing ninth was a great achievement with the number of injuries he had,” Oliveira explained. “He had built a great squad with a mixture of young and experienced players creating a good group of core players, which will help a lot for the season ahead.”

The Club also announced Mark Windeatt as coach of the clubs U23’s squad, saying: “Mark’s appointment is a significant outcome which further enhances the Club’s capacity to develop young players and drive future success. He has a vast amount of experience in coaching, framed and curated from over 31 years in a combination of Football Player and Senior Coach roles both in the UK and Perth and is highly respected.” Good luck to both in 2026 at Percy Doyle Reserve.

2.10.2025

ARMADALE SKIPPER HEADS EAST

Armadale skipper Luke Collins has departed Alfred Skeet Reserve, and will play for Manningham United next season in the Victorian Premier League One completion next season. Collins, who was outstanding in his two seasons at Armadale, and he said it was a tough decision to move on but he wants to test himself and have a new challenge. “It was a tough decision definitely, Bairdy (John Baird) who has just came in as head coach, we’ve been in contact for many years and when he came to club, it seemed like a perfect scenario but at the same time I felt it was the right time to move interstate for a change of scenery and a new challenge,” the defender explained. “I had been in contact with the new head coach Nick Marinos for a number of years now while he was at previous clubs and I felt the time was right for me to make the move now, so we had a few chats about where he was at and where I was at and it clicked.”

Collins said last season was tough for the Armadale player group, although early they were challenging for a top four spot, it all unravelled after the resignation of Alun Vernals, which saw the side slide down the table, but he knows the club is in great hands, on and off the park. “Yes, it was a roller coaster season, starting off up near the top four and then some changes were made and boys were trying to implement new styles of play and it was working sometimes and sometimes it failed,” Collins said. “But it was a good learning curve for the boys and proud of them for keeping the club where it belongs for 2026, and they’ll be in great hands with the committee and the coaching staff implemented.”

His form in 2024 saw him trial with A-League club Perth Glory, along with teammate Pieter Jacobsz. The pair never looked out of place and played in a couple of pre-season friendlies, and Collins said it was a huge challenge, and one he enjoyed. “It was a great experience for sure and to taste that next level up, was something I enjoyed, and I’d like to thank the club for giving me the opportunity” he said. “It was definitely sharper, but I felt myself and Pieter matched them technically, so was a great boost for us both and Pieter could go and play that level if he wants to push it.”

Manningham United announced Collins’ signing on their social media, saying: “We are delighted to announce the signing of Luke Collins for the 2026 season. Luke arrives at Manningham United having previously played for Armadale and Perth SC in the NPL WA. The left-footed central defender brings a commanding physical presence, strong leadership qualities, and composure on the ball. Known for his aerial ability and defensive resilience, Luke adds steel and experience to our backline as we prepare for an exciting 2026 campaign.”

They finished a disappointing 11th last season, but have recruited well this season under new coach Nick Marinos, and Collins said it a new challenge in his football journey, and he can’t wait to get started. “Yes, I can’t wait to head over and get started, I’ve watched a few Manningham games now and they play attractive football just lost a bit of shape at times,” he said. “But with a new head coach and new players coming in, there will always be movement and tactical changes, so we’re recruiting well and I know the mindset will be to clinch that title and get the club promoted to the NPL.”

2.10.2025

MORRISSEY AND SARDO BOOST GLORY

Perth Glory have added to their goalkeeping stocks for the Ninja A-League 2025/26 season, with Teresa Morrissey joining the club, while former defender Julie Sardo has also returned. The former Young Matildas representative, Morrissey, has previously been on the books of Melbourne Victory, Western Sydney Wanderers and Central Coast Mariners, while in 2024, her stellar performances for Macarthur Rams saw her named NPLW NSW Goalkeeper of the Year.

In 2019 she went to the University of Rhode Island as a Freshman, and Sophomore in 2020, and now 25, the keeper was a part of the Mariners squad which triumphed in last season’s Grand Final and she is aiming to repeat that success in the West. “The move to Perth is a fantastic window to grow as a player and it’s my aim to be instrumental in what I expect to be a successful season for us,” she said. “I would really like to help the team prosper on and off the field and I am really excited for the challenge we have ahead of us. I’d like to thank our Head Coach, Stephen Peters, for this opportunity and I am really looking forward to working with my new teammates.”

Glory Football Director Stan Lazaridis, meanwhile, believes that Morrissey is an excellent addition to Stephen Peters’ squad. “Teresa is a talented goalkeeper whose outstanding form in the NPLW over in New South Wales has propelled her into the A-League frame,” he said. “She is another player that our Head Coach knows well from his time at Macarthur Rams and he has every confidence in her ability to step up and perform at ALW level. We’re looking forward to seeing Teresa put her best foot forward in terms of competing for the starting ‘keeper position and helping to create a solid defensive unit.”

Sardo made six appearances for Glory during the 2019/20 season, before a move to Melbourne City and then spending a further three seasons with Western United. During her time with United, she pasted the 50- game mark and helped the club reach the Grand Final in 2023. The 30-year-old made 17 starts last term, and now the defender is determined to make a similarly strong contribution for Glory. “Coming back to Perth honestly feels like a full-circle moment since it’s where I made my debut,” she said. “I just want to bring my experience over the years and give back to the club that gave me my start. Hopefully we can go all the way in the ALW this season.”

Lazaridis believes that Sardo is an excellent addition to the squad. “Julia is an experienced and versatile defender who has a great engine and knows what’s required in terms of securing Finals football,” he said. “She is also familiar with the club from her previous spell here and we’re really pleased to welcome her back. We’re happy with the defensive depth we now have in our squad and are looking forward to what we are confident will be a successful season.”

1.10.2025

BENNIE AND PEARMAN ON TIME TOGETHER AT QPR AND YOUNG SOCCEROOS

Daniel Bennie and Jaylan Pearman grew up playing together as promising teenage prospects at Sorrento, but never in their wildest dreams did they imagine also taking the first steps of their professional journey side-by-side. Last year, Pearman won Perth Glory’s Young Player of the Year and immediately signing for Queens Park Rangers in the English Championship - just as his good friend Bennie did 12 months earlier.

The dynamic duo have turned heads over the past 24 months but they still have to pinch themselves at their shared progress. “Me and Jaylan have played together since we’re 14, 15, we’ve always either played against each other or played with each other,” Bennie said. “It’s really amazing just to have him with me at QPR. Our families are really close as well.”

Bennie recently scored his first goal QPR in a League Cup match against Plymouth Argyle - a game Pearman made his competitive debut in. “He’s done really well, to be honest, since he’s come in pre-season, and during the season and at training,” Bennie said of Pearman. “He’s come in and not looked out of place or anything. He’s even got a few goals (in pre-season), which is great.”

Pearman didn’t make his A-League debut until early January, but a series of eye-catching displays as an attacking midfielder saw him finish the season with five goals. “Looking back at what happened and how it happened and and then how I got myself out of not playing to playing and then getting a move, it all just comes down to the hard work and not letting anything get in your head,” Pearman said.

One of the reasons Pearman had to wait to make his Perth debut was due to concerns over the physical side of his game, but Glory coach David Zdrilic was impressed by the midfielder’s commitment to adding the necessary muscle to ride challenges. With the Championship renowned for its physical intensity, Pearman said he had thrown himself into the challenge of adapting to the new level.

“It was definitely a getting used to it type of pre-season; new coaches, new tactics, new ways of doing things,” he said. “In terms of different programs, eating, all the coaches helping me out, I’ve got to do a bit more now, because of the physicality but I’ve enjoyed every minute of actually doing it and trying to get better myself.”

Bennie and Pearman currently find themselves in Chile with the Young Socceroos for the Under-20 World Cup, both having taken the field in Australia’s opening round 0-1 loss to Italy. Ahead of their upcoming clash with Argentina, Bennie said the tight-knit Australian team took a great deal of confidence from their triumphant under-20 Asian Cup win earlier this year.

“We always have confidence we can beat anyone that that we verse. That’s one great thing about this group, that everyone believes in each other, and everyone believes that we can go out there and get a job done against anyone,” Bennie said. “It’s always exciting coming back into camp, knowing some of your best mates are here, and all the boys you played with in the Asian Cup came to the World Cup, ready to go.”

30.9.2025

SAINSBURY CALLS FOR FOCUS AMID CENTRAL COAST DRAMA

Experienced defender Trent Sainsbury has urged his teammates at Central Coast Mariners to be as best prepared as possible for the start of the A-League season next month after a disruptive pre-season. A power struggle has emerged at the club between title-winning coach Mark Jackson and Labinot Haliti, who has been brought in in a football director-type role by Damon Hanlin, the president of Sydney Olympic who is understood to be investing heavily in the Gosford-based club.

Olympic’s New Zealand midfielder Seth Clark is set to join Central Coast in January, a signing understood to have been forced upon Jackson by Haliti. Player payments were also late this month, leading to the club being probed by Professional Footballers Australia. “When I came back to the Mariners (last year), it was a full circle moment, and it seems to be a full circle moment again in terms of there were disruptive times when I was at the club last,” Sainsbury said.

“I just think it’s going to be part and parcel of the club again at the moment, until everyone finds their feet and we find out what’s actually happening. As players, we can only just focus on the pitch and just focus on ourselves and try to be right for the start of the season. Everything else off the pitch is just kind of a smoke and mirrors at the moment for us. There’s not much I can comment on, because I don’t actually know what is happening.”

“I don’t lie to the boys. I don’t know exactly what’s going to happen. I can’t say everything’s going to be roses and sunshine, but I just tell them that we’re footballers, we’re being paid to be footballers, we’re still getting paid, so we’re going to go out there and be professional and work ourselves into the ground to make sure that we’re ready for the start of the season, and we have a great season.”

Sainsbury described Jackson, who guided Central Coast to a treble in a memorable 2023/24 campaign, as a “warrior”. “This year we’ve got a lot of young boys coming in, and they’re going to really tap him on the shoulder and get some advice and learn off his experience in the game,” the 33-year old said. “His coaching style as well is to put the arm around the boys. There’s a little bit of tough love here and there but ultimately, he’s that father figure type.”

Sainsbury remains sidelined after rupturing his Achilles tendon in April during a game against Macarthur FC. “It’s not like a normal injury this one. It’s a lot of ups and downs, because you can push it too hard, because there’s not many exercises you can do for the Achilles,” he said. Sainsbury played for Armadale as a junior before embarking on a successful professional that’s taken him to the Netherlands, China, Italy, Israel, Belgium and Qatar.

30.9.2025

LOWRY BRACING FOR TOUGH TASK AGAINST JAPAN'S MACHIDA

Johor Darul Ta’zim are determined to finally shatter their barrier against Japanese opposition when they face Machida Zelvia in their Asian Champions League Elite opener at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium today. The Malaysia Super League leaders have struggled to overcome teams from Japan in previous campaigns, suffering a string of defeats against Kawasaki Frontale and Nagoya Grampus in recent years.

But this time, there’s a quiet confidence within the camp with veteran defender Shane Lowry asserting Johor have been fully focused in the build-up to the clash. “We know it’s going to be difficult. The J-League is one of the best in Asia, and we’ve had tough games against Japanese sides before,” said Lowry. “But these are the games you want to play, the ones that test you at the highest level.”

Lowry believes the key lies in team mentality and composure – two elements that Johor have worked hard to strengthen as they prepare to face Machida Zelvia, currently fifth in the J-League. “We’ve done our analysis, as we always do. The fans too have been unbelievable for us,” added Lowry, now in his fourth AFC Champions League campaign with Johor.

“The margins are small against Japanese teams. They’re technically, tactically, and physically excellent. So for us, the biggest component will be our mental focus, from the first minute to the last.” Johor’s record against Japanese clubs tells the story of a long-standing challenge, the Southern Tigers losing heavily to Kawasaki in 2022 and 2023 after going down to Nagoya in 2021.

29.9.2025

YOUNG SOCCEROOS LOSE OPENER IN U-20 WORLD CUP

The Young Socceroos were left to rue missed chances, after falling to a 0-1 defeat against Italy in the opening Group D game at the FIFA U-20 World Cup at the Estadio Elias Figueroa Brander, Valparaíso, Chile on Monday morning. Trevor Morgan’s side had their chances, but failed to convert them, and a penalty from midfielder Mattia Mannini after ten minutes proved the difference.

Head Coach Trevor Morgan selected nine of the starting eleven, that won the AFC U20 Asian Cup earlier this year. Melbourne Victory’s Sebastian Esposito wore the captain’s armband in the heart of defence while Luka Jovanovic and Musa Toure were up top in a two-striker formation. Former Glory winger Daniel Bennie started, while fellow WA players, James Overy and Jaylan Pearman were amongst the substitutes.

Australia started brightly, and Jovanovic had a huge chance early in transition, but the Adelaide United striker saw his effort well saved by Italian goalkeeper Alessandro Nunziante. It proved to be a huge save, as only moments later, Italy found the opener. Mattia Mosconi was brought down by keeper Steven Hall as he bore down on goal, and Italian captain Mattia Mannini, made no mistake from the resulting spot kick.

Italy went close to a second on 24 minutes, but Hall produced a fantastic reflex save at his near post to deny Christian Corradi. Australia steadied, and had the better of the remaining chances of the half. Bennie played a superb flick through to Jovanovic minutes after Italy were denied, but the striker saw his effort flash just wide of the far post. Bennie then went close ten minutes later, the Queens Park Rangers winger sent in on goal by Joshua Inserra, but he also failed to find the target, and at the break they had it all to do in the second half.

Australia pressed after half time, but it left them vulnerable to the counter attack by the Azzurri, and substitute Mattia Liberali went close, before Jamal Iddrissou header was straight at the Australian keeper Hall. The chances kept coming for the green and gold, and a short corner on the hour caught Italy napping and Paul Okon-Engstler shot was parried by Alessandro Nunziante, Panagiotis Kikianis headed the ball back across goal and Jovanovic was unable to bundle the ball over the line.

Morgan turned to his bench five minutes later, with Pearman and Max Caputo introduced for the two strikers, Jovanovic and Musa Toure. The Azzurri were compact in defence, the Young Socceroos couldn’t find a way through, and they almost handed them a second on 72 minutes. A poor pass out by Hall was intercepted by Liberali, his shot was deflected onto the post, and Ismael Konate’s follow up shot was blocked by Hall. The Young Socceroos attention now turns to Argentina U20 on Thursday.

Australia: GK Steven Hall, 2 Daniel Bennie (14 Tiago Quintal 75'), 3 Sebastian Esposito, 4 Panagiotis Kikianis, 16 Joshua Inserra, 10 Rhys Youlley (20 Louis Agosti 78'), 5 Fabian Talladira, 6 Paul Okon-Engstler, 8 Alexander Badolato (7 Jonny Yull 78'), 11 Musa Toure (19 Max Caputo 65'), 9 Luka Jovanovic (15 Jaylan Pearman 65') – Subs not used: RGK Alex Robinson, RGK) Daniel Graskoski, 13 Lucas Herrington, 17 Liam Bonetig, 21 James Overy

Italy: GK Alessandro Nunziante, 3 Cristian Cama, 4 Christian Corradi, 5 Andrea Natali (15 Francesco Verde 78'), 6 Wisdom Amey (7 Jacopo Sardo 31'), 8 Mattia Mannini, 11 Mattia Mosconi (20 Mattia Liberali 54'), 13 Emanuel Benjamin, 17 Jamal Iddrissou, 19 Alvin Okoro (9 Ismael Konate 54'), 21 Lorenzo Riccio (14 Emanuele Sala 78') – Subs not used: RGK Jacopo Seghetti, RGK Lapo Siviero, 2 Javison Idele, 10 Marco Romano, 16 Alessandro Berretta

29.9.2025

OVERY SELECTS SOCCEROOS OVER SCOTLAND

Perth-born James Overy has made a big impression at English Premier League club Manchester United, and is being courted by both Australia and Scotland to play international football. The 18-year-old played twice for the Scotland under 19’s in 2015, eligible through his mother, and this raised concerns he would be lost to the Socceroos. But he was called up to the Australia under 18’s earlier this year for the Friendship Cup, and is now away with the under 20’s at the FIFA World Cup in Chile, and national team coach Trevor Morgan told reporters this week “James is an Aussie”.

Overy stressed he was proud of his Scottish heritage, but said the decision to play in the green and gold was never in doubt. “I was playing for Scotland, but it means everything to play for Australia. I’m Australian, I grew up in Australia,” he said. “I didn’t help the team qualify for the World Cup, so I’m really grateful to be here, but I can’t wait to get that chance on the pitch and show everyone why I’m here, and help this team win a World Cup. They (Scotland) are always calling the phone, but it wasn’t a hard decision for me — when Australia are at a World Cup, I want to play for Australia.”

Morgan said after an injury plagued start to his start at the Red Devils, Overy is now finding his feet, and training with the first team. “His first year in Manchester was difficult because he got some injuries and there’s many players that we want to give a chance to in national team, but we only can ever take 23, and in this case 21,” he explained. “There was a great opportunity (at the Friendship Cup) with Richie Garcia, who’s the assistant coach here, he took the team to that tournament. There’s a couple of reasons why James is with us now: he stood out for the national team in that tournament and secondly, he’s playing in a position where his qualities are useful to this team. He’s a great kid, he’s got a great personality, and he’s fitting in with the boys very well.

“He’s quite clever, he’s got a range of pass, likes to take people on and the way they coach at Manchester United, he’s doing certain movements or taking up positions and options that very easily fit into this squad. His daily training environment is a very high level; whether it’s the coaching, the young players he’s with — or for example, last week he trained with the first team during and off the back end of the international break, so he was in and around first team players before he came into camp. At the moment, if he plays to the level we see, he’s a bit advanced of other boys his own age in terms of the exposure he gets, but he’s still here to learn.”

It's been a huge two years for Overy, who played in the NPLWA with Glory, before impressing off the bench for the Glory A-League side in pre-season game against West Ham United in 2023. He has come on leaps and bounds in Manchester, and is now representing Australia in the under 20 World Cup, along with former Glory due Daniel Bennie and Jaylan Pearman, all his hard work has been rewarded. “We were in the same room looking at clips of us in the NPL together, it was so funny, but it’s crazy, a great feeling. You always think anything’s possible, but it gives you goosebump,” the defender explained.

“When you put your mind to something, you can literally do anything, and that’s what I stand by now. Two years ago, I was playing NPL, and now I’m playing 21s and training with the United first team. It’s a different type of level. You should always have that mindset no matter what you’re doing, but it is crazy once you take a step back. You go first team, you’re training with Bruno (Fernandes), Amad (Diallo), Kobbie (Mainoo), all them boys, it’s mental. You can make mistakes, but if you make too many mistakes, they’re on to you. But it’s a great feeling. I used to get up at two, three, four o’clock in the morning to watch United play. It is hard to be not starstruck. My very first session, there was a ball bouncing and I just went through Casemiro...it was not the best look.”

The teenager is now looking forward to the under 20 World Cup, and representing Australia, who won the recent under-20 Asian Cup. “There’s a different buzz throughout the group. It’s unbelievable, the stuff you work your whole life for,” Overy said. “That’s why you play football: to play in World Cups, the Champions League, the Premier League. Hand-on-heart saying this, I think this team can go far; I actually think we can win the World Cup. “Everyone says at United, ‘you’re not getting out that group’ and I’m like ‘I guarantee you we will.”

27.9.2025

NORTH PERTH WIN AMATEUR LEAGUE CUP TO COMPLETE THE DOUBLE

North Perth United have won the 2025 Belt Up Amateur League Cup Final after a 2-1 win against Olympic Kingsway at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Saturday afternoon, and in doing so completed the league and cup double. A tight affair burst into life late, with Lawson Smith opening the scoring 12 minutes from time, before Alex Wild added a second two minutes later. David Gordon reduced the margin three minutes from time, but North Perth held firm to seal the cup and the double.

“It was very close affair, we didn’t really get going for the first 20 minutes,” North Perth coach Jason Winter explained post-match. “We settled a little after that creating a few chances first half, and we regrouped at half time and tried to get the lads back to the game plan knowing we would get chances, and we did with Lawson and Alex scoring. Kingsways scored in the final minute to make it a nervy end but we held on and got a deserved win. It’s been a brilliant season from the lads to win a double it doesn’t happen too often.”

It was a lively opening, with chances at both ends, Ben Rooney’s shot from the edge of the box drifted wide for Olympic, before Wild’s corner from the right smacked the base of the near post at the other end. Wild was in again moments later, getting on the end of Niall Kennedy’s free kick, but he headed over the top when well placed. Then on 23 minutes Caolin Coyle pounced on a poor back pass, racing into goal, but he fired straight at Olympic keeper Daniel Higgins.

North Perth had lifted the tempo and Kennedy curled a free kick over the top, before Coyle’s shot on the run was saved by Higgins. Olympic were on the back foot, and Conor Quinn’s goal bound shot was well blocked by Jamie Kalaher, as North Perth searched for the opener. They went close again four minutes before the break, Coyle’s glancing header from Kennedy’s corner flashed inches wide of the far post. But at the break it was 0-0 and all to play for after the break.

Olympic went close early in the second half, Rooney playing a neat give and go with Nathan McManus, before striding into the box, but his shot hit the side netting, but Coyle hit back at the other end, his shot straight at Higgins. The first goal in this one was crucial, and it went the way of North Perth on 78 minutes. Wild’s corner from the right was headed home by Smith for his seventh goal of the season, despite Gordon’s attempted clearance off the line, and he raced off with the ball under his shirt to celebrate the upcoming birth of his new baby.

Then two minutes later it was 2-0, Eoin Haverty’s shot hit the post, and Wild fired home the rebound, to set off wild celebrations. It looked game over, but Olympic had other ideas, and pulled on back on 87 minutes, Scott Bushby’s corner was headed home by Gordon, and it was game on. Olympic pressed for the equaliser late, but North Perth were not to be denied, and at the final whistle they began celebrating the league and cup double. “The boys were up for a Cup Final today and we made lots of trouble for them up front with a bunch of chances in the first half,” North Perth defender Lawson Smith said post-match.

“We have had so much belief in one another this year which meant we went out for the second half at 0-0 just knowing that we were going to find a way through. Getting rewarded with two goals in two minutes was an incredible feeling and even after conceding late, we knew we had it in us to grind out the win. This squad will run through walls for each other and that’s the mentality that wins trophies.” – Footballwa – Man of the Match: Alex Wild

North Perth United: GK Cian Flynn, 2 Caolin Coyle, 3 Bryan Neal, 4 Shane Wyse, 5 Thierry Berard, 6 Conor Quinn, 7 Barry Boggan, 8 Niall Kennedy, 9 Yanich Jordan, 10 Cian O’Dwyer, 11 Alex Wild, 12 John Grant, 13 Patrick Sinicki, 14 Lewis Plackett, 15 Eoin Haverty, 16 Lawson Smith, 18 Eamonn Kelly, 30 Mark Shaughnessy

Olympic Kingsway: GK Daniel Higgins, 2 Matthew Catchick, 4 Liam Mooney, 5 Michael McGlynn, 6 David Gordon, 8 Scott Bushby, 9 Matthew Cherrie, 11 Niall McGurk, 12 Nathan McManus, 13 Lynton Pearson, 14 Andrew Nicholson, 15 Jamie Kalaher, 18 Benjamin Rooney, 19 Elliot Rose, 20 Charlie Bandeira, 42 Ayden Van Zyl

27.9.2025

EMERALD SHINE BRIGHT TO WIN THE AMATEUR RESERVES CUP

A ten-man Emerald have secured the Belt-Up Amateur Reserves League Cup, beating Champions North Perth United 2-1 in the final at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Saturday afternoon, denying United the double. Emerald was reduced to ten men after only 14 minutes with Aaron Fretwell sent off, and found themselves behind shortly after with Jack Hurrell scoring. Jake Stevenson pulled one back before the break, before Sachin Bhandari won it just after the hour mark.

“We knew the quality North Perth possessed before this game, they had been unbeaten in the league and have showed that they know how to grind out a result,” Emerald coach Gerry Gaughan said post-match. “Losing a man early, we knew we had to change our game plan dramatically. The fight the lads showed to get us back to 1-1 before half time was unbelievable and at the break, we knew we could go on and win this. The second half we asked every man to empty the tank and they gave everything to push for that second goal.

“We held on and defended like warriors and got the job done. Fair play to Chris and the lads from North Perth, worthy winners of the league and it’s a great healthy rivalry that we hope will continue for years to come.” It wasn’t the start Emerald were hoping for, a high boot by Fretwell on Hurrell saw him sent off, and as he made the long walk off, the Emerald coach re-organised his side, as they faced an uphill battle now. It got worse on 22 minutes, when North Perth found the opener.

A surging run by Trent Meyers saw him play in Hurrell, who finished low past the keeper Oisin Conacur. But the ten men hit back ten minutes later, Jamie Kavanagh sending Keith Weekes down the left, and his low cross was turned home by Stevenson. The game was up for grabs after the break, and both sides pressed for the winner, but it was Emerald who hit the front on 62 minutes. Bryce Marinus won possession on the left, and slipped the ball to Cillian Doyle, whose defence splitting pass sent Bhandari clear and he finished low past Ashley Cooper.

They went close to a third 15 minutes later, Brandon Kenna’s overhead kick saved by Cooper, before Bhandari fired over the top on 83 minutes. North Perth couldn’t find a way past a tight Emerald defence, well marshalled by James Woods and Sean Corrigan, and at the final whistle it was Emerald celebrating their fourth straight Amateur Reserves league Cup Final success. “What a game of football to be a part of. It was honourable to be among every single player, coaching staff and the whole of the club that was behind every man on that pitch,” Corrigan explained post-match.

“The atmosphere was unreal and the energy that everyone brought to that game got us over the line. The odds were already stacked against us without receiving a harsh red early on but that didn’t stop us from playing our game and Emerald football. Then going down 1-0 we really had to dig deep. We continued to play football and push on with a great worked goal to get us back level. A strong team talk at the break got us raring to put this game away.

“North Perth kept pushing and had some early chances in the second half. We fought off the attack and scored a well needed goal to bring us 2-1 up. Some tactical defending and game management eventually got us to the final whistle. Congratulations to north Perth on the league and it was an unbelievable game of football for both clubs to show what they are capable of.” - Footballwa – Man of the Match: Sean Corrigan (Emerald)

Emerald: GK Oisin Conacur, 6 James Woods, 14 Keith Weekes, 15 Jamie Kavanagh, 19 Aaron Fretwell, 23 Brandon Kenna, 26 Sachin Bhandari, 37 Jamie Carey, 39 Cillian Doyle, 42 Shane Power, 43 Eric Killeen, 48 Jake Stevenson, 53 Sean Corrigan, 66 Sam McDermott, 70 Diarmaid Ryng, 91 Bryce Marinus

North Perth United: GK Ashley Cooper, 2 Alexander Ha, 3 Shane Wyse, 5 Tom Gaca, 6 Arron Lunn, 7 Nick Hopkins, 8 John Harris, 9 Patrick Sinicki, 10 Ronan Dunphy, 12 Brett Cutting, 13 Trent Meyers, 14 Felipe Garcia, 15 Daragh Lindsay, 16 Ben Wray, 19 Adam Byrne

27.9.2025

EAST PERTH EDGE OUT WEMBLEY TO SECURE WOMEN’S LEAGUE CUP

East Perth (Green) are the 2025 Women’s League Cup winners, after a hard fought 1-0 win against Wembley Downs (Red), in the final at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Saturday morning. Both sides came into the final after tough wins in the semi-final. East Perth beating La Fiamma 1-0 at Cabrini Park, with Kayleigh Fox on target, while Wembley beat East Perth (Black) 4-0 in their semi-final, with goals from Vaanitha Manickavasagar, Rebbecca Saccoccio, Monique Saunders and Sarah Ranieri.

“It was a great day for the club today, as this was East Perth first cup final and to reach it with the women's team that has only been going three years was special, especially as we had four or five ladies playing that has been there from day one so very proud of this group,” East Perth coach Chris Lynch said post-match. “At the start of the year our aim was the cup after losing out in the semi-final on penalties to Wembley last year we are delighted to deliver on what we set out to achieve.”

It was a great day for football, and it was East Perth who had a great opportunity to open the scoring on the half hour mark, when Charlotte Lynch’s cross from the right hit the arm of defender Sarah Couche, and after consulting with his assistant the referee pointed to the spot. Kate Hurley stepped up to take the resulting penalty, but her effort crashed off the bar, and the rebound was cleared by Danielle Monastra. But the only goal of the game came on the hour mark.

Kellie Kinahan’s corner from the right fell to Kerri Letmon, who keep the ball well and found Hurley down the left. Her low cross picked out the unmarked Megan Cockhill at the back post, who finished low past Alanna Gallatly from close-range. Lynch was delighted how his side performed on the day. “It was a really good team performance in which everyone stepped up,” the coach explained. “Our Captain Rachel Hein was solid and reliable as always, Shauna Ruddy at left back won every battle on her side and Lucy Nassau in the middle did the simple things and got on the ball a lot.

“But for me Shauna Fox was outstanding, she was calm on the ball, cut out any threat and started attacks from the back, great performance. “We were confident going into the game, we knew the big pitch would suit our style and the game plan was to keep possession and pass around to create space and get in behind which we did beautifully. If you look back at the game bar a ten-minute spell after we missed the penalty, we had all the possession and chances and limited Wembley to long balls.

“So, really happy with the game, we felt we could and maybe should have won by a lot more but delighted to get the win and land some silverware. Finally, I'd just like to thank Luke Green who really stepped up this year and came on board to help me with the team, plus Brad and Susie who coach the other women's team help and supported us a lot this year.” Footballwa – Player of the Match – Shauna Fox

East Perth: GK Olivia Roberts, 2 Dyon Keane, 3 Nora Wahdan, 4 Shauna Ruddy, 5 Kellie Kinahan, 6 Shauna Fox, 7 Kate Hurley, 8 Rachel Hein, 9 Kerri Letmon, 11 Charlotte Lynch, 12 Lucy Nassau, 14 Kara Collins Huxley, 15 Megan Cockhill, 16 Aisling McDaid, 17 Kayleigh Fox, 18 Aoife McCann

Wembley Downs: GK Alanna Gallatly, 2 Chris Foster, 4 Liah Cassidy-Smith, 5 Sarah Couche, 6 Sarah Ranieri, 7 Vaanitha Manickavasagar, 8 Amber Roberts, 10 Rebecca Saccoccio, 11 Monique Saunders, 12 Imogen Braham, 13 Rebecca Salsano, 17 Eliza Earl, 19 Danielle Monastra, 20 Charlotte Slater-Gauci, 22 Roisin Boyd, 77 Alannah Paylor

26.9.2025

VERNALS CAN’T WAIT TO GET STARTED AT ATHENA

Floreat Athena have appointment Alun Vernals as Head Coach for the 2026 season. Vernals joins the club after two seasons at Armadale, and during his time at Alfred Skeet Reserve helped bring stability, player development and strong leadership. Prior to his time at Armadale, Vernals spent several successful seasons at Bayswater City SC and coaching juniors at Perth Glory Academy. His appointment signals a fresh new chapter for Floreat Athena as the club looks to rebound strongly following its recent relegation to Division One.

The recruitment process was guided by a comprehensive senior football review by the club’s technical director Mark Jones and Ante Kovacevic – former Athena champion, past coach and highly respected A-League football manager – on behalf of the FAFC Board. The review provided the strategic framework that underpinned the selection of Vernals as the right leader to take the club forward.

Vernals said he can’t wait to get started. “Floreat Athena is one of the great names in WA football, and I’m excited to work with the players, staff and supporters to bring success back to the club. The challenge ahead is significant, but with hard work and unity I’m confident we can achieve great things together,” Vernals explained. “I can’t wait to get started, this club is massive, and the challenge for me is to return them to the NPL as soon as possible, and it’s an opportunity I’m relishing.”

Player retention and recruitment is high on Vernals list, but he watched a number of games last season and the club have brought a number of young players through their youth system, which is exciting. “Unfortunately, the table doesn’t lie, and the club were relegated, but they were not far away, losing seven games by the odd goal, and they drew twice against my Armadale side,” he said. “Some of the young lads who came in last season were impressive, but there is no doubt I will have to bring a few players into the club, but that will be clearer when I speak to the club, and we see who is stopping.”

Vernals left Armadale mid-season, but he had success at the club, plus success at Bayswater and Glory in his roles there. But he is looking forward to getting back into it, and I’ve no doubt he will have success at Litis Stadium as well. “Yes, the time was right to leave Armadale, I had a great time at the club and made some great friends, on and off the park at Alfred Skeet, and I wish John (Baird) all the best in his role there,” Vernals said. “For me I’m itching to get back into the coaching role, it’s what I do, and I’ll be doing all I can to bring success back to this football club. So, all the hard work stars now – I can wait.”

Vernals’ appointment was ratified at last week’s board meeting. Athena President Sam Albanis said the appointment was a significant step in re-establishing Athena’s standing as one of Western Australia’s premier football clubs. “We are delighted to welcome Alun Vernals to the Athena family. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring someone with a fresh set of eyes and guide the first team and the club back to the top,” Albanis said. “We also extend our sincere thanks to Ante and Mark for leading a review process that has set a strong platform for the future.”

26.9.2025

AMATEUR CUP FINAL - PREVIEW

It's the Amateur Cup Final weekend at the Sam Kerr Football Centre, with games on Saturday and Sunday. The big one is the Belt Up Amateur Cup Final, with Premier Division champions North Perth United taking on Olympic Kingsway on Saturday afternoon. (3:30pm) The pair met twice in the league this season, with North Perth winning both. In round nine, goals from Yanich Jordan and Lewis Plackett gave them a 2-0 win at Woodville Reserve, while goals from Jordan, Niall Kennedy, Lawson Smith and Eamonn Kelly gave them a 4-0 win in round 20 at Kingsway Reserve.

Olympic Kingsway travelled to Bortolo Park in round two to meet fellow Premier Division side Peel United, and after a tight start, ran out 4-1 winners. Charlie Bandeira gave Olympic the lead, but Jack Wild soon levelled for Peel. The game was burst open late, with Elliot Rose giving Olympic the lead ten minutes from time, before a brace from Josh Booysen and another from David Gordon, secured the win. In round three they hosted Mindarie, and found themselves behind early, with Liam Hunt on target. But a double from Jack Hailstones, and others to Scott Bushby and Matthew Catchick made it 4-1, and put the game beyond the visitors, although Hunt added his second from the spot late.

In the quarter final they were awarded a forfeit against Kelmscott Roos, which set up a semi-final against Emerald at Kingsway Reserve, and it turned into a seven-goal thriller, the hosts prevailing 4-3. First half goals from Ben Rooney and Liam Mooney gave Olympic the lead at half time, but two quick goals after the break from Darragh Carroll and Donal Shanley evened things up. Emerald hit the front on the hour, with Stephen Kinsella on target, only for James Venton to restore parity. The game was in the balance, but Rooney added his second late to seal the tie for Olympic.

Olympic ended the season well, with only one defeat in the last five games, and coach Jason Stern said they re-grouped after a mid-season slump. “It’s been a solid end to the year. We had a tough patch mid-season where injuries and availability really hurt us, but we did some soul searching before the Hammersley game and turned in our best performance of the season,” Stern explained. “The lads have continued that form towards the end of the season and have really stepped up. We have a great group of lads who are all in for each other and that was shown at the business end. I’m incredibly proud of the whole group.

It will be Stern’s final game as head coach of the ‘Green Machine’, and has many good memories, he is hoping to end it on a high, but knows North Perth are a quality team. “Saturday will be a special day. I’ve been at the club as a player and a coach for decades so it will be emotional saying goodbye – there are so many memories over the last nine years so it’s hard to isolate one,” he said. “But if I had to choose it would probably be the away game against Kwinana last year to seal promotion to the Premier League as it was reaching the goal we set in Division four in front of a massive travelling crowd.

“Our double league success in Division Two was also a massive day for the group as well as the other promotions along the journey. Just super proud of the whole nine years as it had so many ups and downs – going from bottom to top is a massive achievement and takes an incredible community of people which we have built. On Saturday we know the challenge, North Perth have been the best team in the league this season - the table doesn’t lie – so we know that we’ll be underdogs going into the Final. Our preparation has been good, and I know our lads want nothing more than to win on Saturday to finish off the season with a trophy.”

North Perth faced a tough test in round two, with a trip to Division One leaders Kwinana United. A late goal from Eoghan Rea, looked like it had won the tie, but in stoppage time Sean Troup levelled for the hosts, to send the tie into extra time, but a late goal from Dean O’Meara won it for the visitors. In round three they welcomed fellow Premier Division side North Beach to Woodville Reserve, and had to come from behind at half time to win 4-2. Cian O’Dwyer gave them the lead early, but goals from Alex Kretowicz and Sam Richardson had the visitors ahead at the break. Lawson Smith restored parity for the hosts, before Alex Wild and O’Meara saw them home.

They visited Chichester Reserve to meet Kingsley Westside in the quarter final, and returned with a 4-2 win after extra time. Nicholas Lowe gave Kingsley the lead just before half time, buy Caolin Coyle levelled moments later. In extra time Nathan Griffiths regained the lead for the hosts, but Barry Boggan levelled. It could have gone either way, but a late brace from Coyle secured his hat-trick and North Perth’s passage into the semi-final. In that game against South Perth United, ended in frustration, with the pitch not marked out, and the game was awarded to North Perth.

North Perth United head coach Jason Winter has overseen the clubs fifth Premier Division title, while the reserves have also won the league and will play in the Reserves Cup Final, and he has been delighted with the players attitude this season, but they have got their rewards. “Yes, it’s been a fantastic year for the club winning both reserves and first team league titles, and it’s a massive achievement for the club to win their fifth title also,” Winter explained. “I’m really pleased for Oscar Kelly, at 43 winning another league medal, and I think that’s his fourth as a player at the club, a legend at Woodville Reserve.”

They will look to go back-to-back in the final on Saturday, but Winter knows cup finals are a hard to predict, and knows his side will need to be on their toes, against an Olympic side looking to send off their coach with a win. “It’s would be massive to win a league and cup double for both us and our reserves who are also in the final, and to do a double-double again, it would be a remarkable achievement for the club,” he said. “But we all know at North Perth, that a cup final is anyone’s game. We have had two great battles this year against Olympic, they are a very dangerous side who will want to finish the season on a high, especially with Jason stepping down, it should be a great game and we’re all looking forward to it.”

26.9.2025

AMATEUR RESERVES CUP FINAL – PREVIEW

On Saturday we have the Amateur Reserve Cup Final, where Premier Division Champions Norh Perth United take on runners-up Emerald at the Sam Kerr Football Centre. (1:15pm) The two sides had two tight games in the league this season, a 0-0 draw at Woodville Reserve in round six, then in round 17 they played out a nine-goal thriller at Parnham Park, with North Perth winning 5-4 in one of the games of the season. Ronan Dunphy gave the visitors the lead early, but Keith Weekes levelled. Adam Byrne regained the lead for North Perth, before Emerald took control, with Jamie Carey bagging a brace, and they led 4-2. But a late hat-trick from substitute Jack Hurrell turned the game on its head to give North Perth the points.

The Champions had four tight games to reach Saturday’s final. In round two North Perth beat Kwinana United 2-1 at Kelly Park, with a brace from Conor Hartley, before goals from Nick Hopkins and Ronan Dunphy gave them a 2-1 win against Morley Windmills in round three. In the quarter final they fought out an entertain 3-2 win against Kingsley Westside, coming from behind to seal a 3-2 win, with Dunphy scoring the late winner. That set up a semi-final against Hamersley Rovers at Carine Open Space, and a penalty on the hour by Hopkins sealed a narrow 1-0 win.

North Perth coach Chris Batten said to win the league was a great effort for everyone involved, and they will look for the double on Saturday. “As a club it’s been a very successful season. The reserves side managed to win the league by ten points and only dropping two points all year which has been incredible, which I’m really proud off,” Batten said. “But we know cup football is different and it’s fitting that it’s against our hardest “rivals” Emerald. They’ve been the marker in the league and cup for a few years now with a great manager and squad. Their consistency over the last few years is very impressive and something that has to be respected and commended.

“Our boys trained very well this week, attitude Is bang on and everyone is buzzing for a huge day on Saturday at the Sam Kerr Football Centre. We’ve been on a great run but that goes out the window when it’s cup football. We’ve had a really tough run in the cup and now face our toughest test. All I ask of the players is to go out, express themselves and enjoy the day and see who comes out on top. It would cap off an amazing season if we can secure the double but we know it’s going to be very difficult. Hopefully we can bring a few supporters down to cheer us on.”

Meanwhile Emerald visited Kingfisher Park in round two to take in Ballajura, and a hat trick from Sam McDermott saw them return with a 7-1 win. They were on the road again in round three, and a brace from Jamie Carey saw them beat Ellenbrook United 5-0. In the quarter-final they took on Maccabi, and goals from Sean Corrigan and Jamie Carey gave them a 2-0 win. They headed to Kingsway Reserve to take on Olympic Kingsway in the semi-final, and they put in a superb performance running out 7-0. First half blitz set them on their way, a brace from Keith Weekes, and other to Jamie Carey, Jamie Kavanagh and Brandon Kenna saw them 5-0 up at half time. Carey went on to complete his hat-trick after the break to seal a comprehensive victory.

Emerald, who were the reigning Premier Reserve winners, fell just short this season, and coach Gerry Gaughan said games between them and North Perth have been tight affairs, and he is expecting more of the same on Saturday. “We finished the league strong, and the lads were unbelievable against Kingsway in the semi-final,” Gaughan explained. “Training has been going well, and there’s a great buzz going into Saturday. Hopefully, we can make it four in a row, but we know the quality that Chris and the boys will bring. We will need to be at our best. We’re all really looking forward to it now. We know it’s going to be an almighty battle against the best team in the league by far this year. We have always had great games against North Perth, and there’s a very healthy rivalry there.”

In the other game at the venue on Saturday is the Women’s League Cup Final when East Perth Green take on Wembley Downs Red. (11:00am) It should be a great final, and to reach Saturday’s game East Perth beat Joondalup United Yellow, Kalamunda City Blue, Port Kennedy, Carramar Shamrock Rovers, before a goal from Kayleigh Fox saw them beat La Fiamma 1-0 in the semi-final. Meanwhile Wembley beat Joondalup City, Sorrento, North Beach, Vic Park, and in the semi-final, they took on East Perth Black, and goals from Vaanitha Manickavasagar, Rebbecca Saccoccio, Monique Saunders and saran Ranieri gave them a 4-0 win.

26.9.2025

METRO, MASTERS CUP FINAL PREVIEW

Next Sunday we have four more cup finals at the Sam Kerr Football Centre, and it kicks off at 10:00am, when UWA Nedlands take on fellow Premier side Perth Saints in the Metro Cup Final. UWA sealed the title 15 points clear of their nearest rivals, while the Saints finished fourth. They have met twice this season, in round six UWA won 3-2 at the UWA Sports Park. Ben Pellizzari bagged a hat-trick for the hosts, while Levi Reichelt and Madison Holman were on target for the Saints. In round 13 UWA prevailed again 3-1, again at the UWA Sports Park, with a brace from Sam Moffatt and another from Ben Del Dosso, while Nathan Findlater scoring the consolation goal for the Saints. Meanwhile there round 16 game was forfeited by the Saints, but the final should be enough hard-fought encounter.

UWA Nedlands cup run has been nothing short of dramatic. In round one they took on Manning United and secured a 7-0 win, with Ben Pellizzari scoring four, Sam Moffatt a brace and Ben Del Dosso adding the other. In round two they took on Emerald in tough encounter at Fraser Park, with the 3-0 result flattering them, maybe wasn't the best idea to have a team pub crawl the night before, but goal from Kallan Del Dosso, Ben Del Dosso and Bryce Conway saw them return with the win, with Ben Stone also saving a penalty. They also won 3-0 in round three against Morley Windmills, with goals from Kallan Del Dosso, Ben Del Dosso and Moffatt.

In the Quarter Final they took on MUMFC at UWA Sports Park, and coach Trent Piccicacco said it was a tight game. “MUMFC were an extremely well-disciplined side, who fought all the way to the end. We struggled to take our chances, but an expertly taken Bryce Conway free kick sent us into the lead,” he explained. “MUM then equalised in the final minute of the game with a penalty, and the match went to penalties. Club legend and stalwart Thomas Moroney was filling in as goalkeeper that night, and made two remarkable reflex saves, with Kallan Del Dosso slotting home the winner as we won on penalties 3-1.”

In semi-final they made trip to Kelly Park to take on Kwinana United, without Kallan Del Dosso, who was travelling overseas, and Piccicacco said it was their toughest game of the season. “We only had 11 fit players that match, which didn't make things easy. Kwinana frustrated and pushed us all game. Sam Moffatt continued his scoring run in the league as he sent a belter into the top left corner off his less preferred left foot. Shortly after halftime Ben Pellizzari effortlessly chipped the Kwinana goalkeeper to send us into a 2-0 lead. Kwinana pulled one back with a well taken goal, but we managed to hold on until the end.”

Piccicacco have been delighted with the league form, and is looking forward to another tough game in Sunday’s final. “We've got an extremely talented squad consisting of extremely good blokes, which makes life pretty easy for me. We've had an incredible season only losing one game and scoring 140 goals in all competitions, which is testament to how well the squad have performed consistently since early April,” Piccicacco explained. “The boys have excelled at implementing a fast paced, possession based and exciting brand of football, which has made every match enjoyable and entertaining to play in and watch. We’re looking forward to the Cup Final against Perth Saints FC, we are expecting a very industrial and hard-fought opponent, based on our recent encounters. Our last two matches against them were physical and tactical battles, and I'm looking forward to stepping into that yet again, I'm sure it will be a spectacle.”

Perth Saints hosted Sporting Warriors at Tompkins Park in round one, and a brace from Mark Lucas, and others to Andrew Moro and player coach Nathan Findlater secured a 4-0 win. They had home ground advantage again in round two against South Perth, and a hat trick from Mark Lucas, and others to Levi Reichelt, Giuseppe Stellitano, Taran Richmond and Sam Gillis, saw them run out convincing 7-1 winners. In round three they headed to John Connell Reserve to take on Tuart Hill, and a brace from Maddy Holman, and another from Reichelt gave them a 3-0 win.

It set up a quarter-final against Belmont City at Gerry Archer Sports Complex, and they returned with a 5-0 win, with Holman bagging a hat-trick, with others to Reichelt and Andrew Moro. In the semi-final travel travelled to the Proto DPS Inglewood Stadium to take on Inglewood United, and it was a tight game, but goals to Nathan Findlater and Alex Consolati gave them a 2-0 win and a place in final. Player coach Findlater said it’s been and up and down season for them, but they are hoping to end it on a high on Sunday.

“This season has been a mixed bag for us. We have struggled with availability due to a mixture of holidays, injury and family commitments. That being said we have had a good cup run and seem to have got stronger as that competition has gone on,’ he explained. “The final will be interesting as we don’t feel we have played our best football against UWA this season. They’ve been amazing in the league and beaten everything in front of them, so they will go in as heavy favourites. But we don’t mind that.”

In the other games at the venue on Sunday, FC Shoalwater meet Murdoch University Melville in the Masters over 55’s final. (12.15pm) Shoalwater beat North Beach 4-3 in the round of 16, before a 6-5 penalty shootout win against Leeming SC in the round of eight. They then beat UWA Nedlands in the semi-Final with goals from John De Agostini and Mark grant giving them a 2-0 win. MUMFC received a forfeit in the round of 16 against Gosnells City, before beating Joondalup United in the round of eight. In the semi-final they took on Joondalup City, and ran out 3-1 winners, with a brace from Ezio Celenza and another from Paul Ellis.

In the over 45’s Final Joondalup City take on Forrestfield United. (2:30pm) In round two Joondalup beat Wembley Downs 15-0, before a narrow 3-2 win against Bayswater City in round three. They travelled to Hamersley Rovers in quarter final, and returned with a 3-0 win, which set up a semi-final against Perth SC at Dorrien Gardens. They ran out convincing 5-0 winners, with goals from Graeme Reid, Kourosh Norooz, Michael Clarke, Gary Andrews and Craig Miller. Forrestfield United hosted Lynwood United in round two, winning 6-0, before a hard fought 2-1 win against Woodvale. They beat AFC Rockingham 4-1 in the quarter final, before doubles from Spencer Hore and Richie Ranieri, and others to Scott Fletcher and Gary Mann secured a 6-1 win in the semi-final against MUMFC.

Finally in the over 35’s Final, East Perth meet Quinns. (4:45pm) East Perth were 4-2 winners in their round two tie against Sporting Warriors, while they played out a seven-goal thriller in round three, overcoming Aubin Grove United 4-3. They sealed a 6-1 win in the quarter final against MUMFC, before goals from James Boland, Stephen Henry Darragh McDowell and Nicolas Carroll saw them beat Kingsley Westside 4-1 in the semi-final. Quinns received a forfeit in round two against Joondalup United, before a 40 win against North Beach in round three. In the quarter final they secured a 4-1 win against South Perth United, which set up a semi-final with Manning United. They were convincing 9-0 winners, with braces to Michael Mason, Robert Lund and Samuel Davis, with others to Kevin Wyatt, David Gonzalez and an own goal.