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3.11.2024
GLORY LET THE LEAD SLIP IN SEASON OPENER
Perth Glory have let a two-goal lead slip to lose 5-2 to reigning champions Melbourne City in their opening Ninja A-League game of the season. It started so well for Stephen Peters side with Kelli Brown scoring a contender for goal of the season early, and they doubled their lead early in the second half through Miku Sunaga. But the hosts hit back with Rhianna Pollicina scoring moments later, and they never looked back from there, with Kathryn Harvey bagging a brace, with Pollicina adding another, before Laura Hughes rounded out the scoring late.
It was the hosts who had the first opportunity on six minutes, Leah Davidson’s snap shot over the top after a poor clearance from Miranda Templeman. But sixty seconds later it was Glory who found the opener, a quick break saw Grace Johnston race clear, before finding Brown, and the Kiwi striker looked up and saw Malena Mieres off her line and her long-range shot beat the back-pedalling City custodian, for one of the goals of the season. Brown went close to a second nine minutes later, her shot on the run was saved by Mieres.
City lifted and Leticia McKenna went close, the former Glory midfielder cut in from the left, her low shot was saved at her near post by Templeman. McKenna went close again soon after, indecision by the Glory defence saw the ball fall to the midfielder, but she skied her shot when well placed. The visitors were defending well and closing down the space, making it difficult for the home side. But City did go close five minutes before the break, a short corner caught Glory napping, but Pollicina’s effort flashed wide. Brown almost napped a second in stoppage time, but her lob went just wide.
Peters made a change at the break with youngster Tanika Lala replaced by new signing Morgan Roberts, but it was City fast out of the blocks and Templeton saved low to deny Hughes early. But five minutes in Glory doubled their advantage. A poor pass across the edge of the box by Karly Roestbakken, the ball falling to Sunaga, whose first time chip beat Mieres, much to the delight of the Glory supporters behind the goal. But City reduced the margin three minutes later, McKenna’s shot was parried by Templeton, and Pollicina was quickest to the rebound to fire home the loose ball.
It was game on, and ten minutes later City were level. A corner was turned home at the back post by Harvey, after her first effort was blocked on the line by Naomi Chinnama. The host’s comeback was completed six minutes later, Pollicina was given far too much room and she curled home into the top corner from just outside the box. It was 4-2 on 72 minutes, great work down the left by Lourdes Bosch, saw her skip past two Glory defenders before finding Harvey, whose shot on the turn beat Templeton. The scoring was completed in stoppage time, neat lead up play ended with Pollicina on the right her low cross was turned home neatly by Hughes. Glory are back in action next Sunday, when they host Newcastle Jets at HBF Park (3.00pm).
Melbourne City: GK Malena MIERES, 5 Taylor OTTO, 6 Leticia McKENNA (7 Kathryn HARVEY 61'), 8 Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 10 Rhianna POLLICINA, 14 Laura HUGHES, 16 Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 17 Mariana SPECKMAIER (27 Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC 62'), 18 Leah DAVIDSON, 19 Lourdes BOSCH, 22 Bryleeh HENRY (15 Kiera MEYERS 90+4') – Subs not used: RGK Melissa BARBIERI, 21 Isabella ACCARDO
Perth Glory: GK Miranda TEMPLEMAN, 5 Grace JOHNSTON, 6 Tijan MCKENNA, 8 Georgia CASSIDY (22 Ischia BROOKING 85'), 9 Gabby HOLLAR, 11 Natalie TATHEM, 13 Naomi CHINNAMA (2 Mischa ANDERSON 74'), 14 Miku SUNAGA (19 Sarah O’DONOGHUE 70'), 23 Izzy DALTON, 26 Tanika LALA (17 Morgan ROBERTS 46'), 44 Kelli BROWN – Subs not used: RGK Jessica SKINNER - Referee: Rebecca Durcau - Attendance: 582
2.11.2024
BATTLING GLORY HOLD FIRM TO TAKE A POINT AT GOSFORD
Perth Glory have secured their first points of the Isuzu Ute A-League season, after a battling 0-0 draw against reigning champions Central Coast Mariners at the Industree Group Stadium in Gosford. After a disappointing start to the new campaign, David Zdrilic’s side will take a great deal from their performance, and look forward to next week’s home game against Melbourne City.
“I was very pleased with the reaction from the first two games, also in this game, you could see in the first five minutes some of the guys were nervous. We’ve got a blend of youth and experience, but we managed to get back into the game, and take the sting out of it, and it was a big step moving forward for us,” Glory coach David Zdrilic said post-match. “Coming here is never easy, they have a winning culture here and you can feel it, I was pleased we took the sting out of it and created some good chances of our own, so I’m happy with the point. We have made good improvement, but we want to take the next step and play our style of football, but today happy to leave with a point, against a good Mariners side.”
Glory was under the pump from the kick off and almost conceded on three minutes, Alfie McMalmont eased past his marker on the left, and squared the ball to Sasha Kuzevski whose late run caught Glory napping, but his shot was somehow blocked by a combination of Lachlan Barr and Oli Sail. It was a huge let off, but Glory hit back and went close themselves seven minutes later, Taras Gomulka sent David Williams down the right and his first time ball sent Adam Taggart in on goal, but Dylan Peraic-Cullen was out quickly to deny the Glory skipper.
Moments later Glory almost gave away the lead, Zach Lisolajski was almost caught in possession on the edge of the box, and his back pass beat Sail, but luckily for the young defender it rolled inches wide of the post. The visitors were having the better of the game now, and after a poor clearance from Peraic-Cullen went to Hiroaki Aoyama, the ball then broke for Brandon O’Neill, but he couldn’t find the target. They went close again soon after, Jarrad Carluccio and O’Neill combined to send Abdul Faisal down the left, the speedy winger cut inside his marker and his shot on the run was tipped over the top by the Mariners custodian.
Then from the resulting corner Taggart headed over, but after a difficult start to the season, it was good to see Glory taking the game to the hosts. Faisal was in again on the half hour, again he cut inside his marker, but his shot whistled wide. The Mariners settled and almost took the lead into the break, when Alou Kuel flicked on a corner and found defender Nathan Paul, who arrived late at the back post, but he couldn’t turn the ball home so at the break it was all to play for.
Glory made a change at the break with Adam Bugarija replacing Aoyama, but it was the Mariners on the front foot, dominating possession but they struggled to breakdown a well marshalled Glory defence, well led by Luis Canga and Lachlan Barr. They did create half chances, Kuzevski’s low cross was inches away from Kuol in the box, before Canga did well to bloke Mikael Doka’s goalbound shot. David Zdrilic went to his bench again just after the hour, with Nathanael Blair and Khoa Ngo replacing Williams and Faisal.
The visitors were struggling in the final third, Taggart a lonely figure up top, starved of opportunities, but he did have a glimpse on 72 minutes. The Socceroos striker was sent clear down the right, he did have Taras Gomulka to his left, but he went for goal, but failed to find the target. Then four minutes later the Mariners were awarded a penalty, referee Nathan Shakespear pointing to the spot after a handball by Canga. The Ecuadorian defender was convinced Doka’s cross hit his shoulder, and after being told by VAR to check the monitor, the decision was overturned.
The decision didn’t go down well with the home supporters, but the small Glory contingent, including Big Red were happy with it. The points were still up for grabs going into stoppage time, and both sides had chances to take them. First on 91 minutes, Ngo found Taggart in space, and the skipper played in Blair, but his shot was saved low by Peraic-Cullen. The Mariners had the final chance to win it moments later, Lukas Mauragis’ long-range shot was saved low by Sail. Glory held firm to take their first point of the season, and next meet Melbourne City at HBF Park next Sunday.
Central Coast Mariners: GK Dylan PERAIC-CULLEN, 3 Brian KALTAK, 8. Alfie MCCALMONT, 9 Alou KUOL (99 Ryan EDMONDSON 57’), 10 Mikael DOKA, 12 Lucas MAURAGIS, 16 Harry STEELE (36 Haine EAMES 82’), 26 Brad TAPP, 27 Sasha KUZEVSKI (17 Sabit NGOR 82’), 33 Nathan PAULL, 37 Bailey BRANDTMAN (11 Vitor FEIJAO 57’) – Subs not used: RGK Adam PAVLESIC, 15 Storm ROUX, 24 Diesel HERRINGTON
Perth Glory: Oli SAIL, 5 Lachlan BARR, 6 Brandon O’NEILL (7 Nicholas PENNINGTON 70’), 9 David WILLIAMS (14 Nathanael BLAIR 66’), 11 Hiroaki AOYAMA (16 Adam BUGARIJA 46’), 12 Taras GOMULKA, 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 21 Abdel FAISAL (28 Khoa NGO 66’), 22 Adam TAGGART, 33 Luis CANGA – Subs not used: RGK Cameron COOK, 10 Trent OSTLER, 24 Andriano LEBIB – Referee: Nathan Shakespear – Attendance: 7,718
31.10.2024
ZDRILIC LOOKING FOR IMPROVEMENT AT MARINERS
Last week saw glimpses of improvement, but they are no way near the finished product, and injuries and fitness seem to be a concern, especially the players that came in late, but Zdrilic is expecting his side to take further steps forward this weekend. “The group is now starting to come together in terms of the whole group having the fitness that we need,” he said. “The squad that we’ll be taking [to Gosford] have had enough match minutes in them to be able to put out a very competitive performance.
“Last week, I thought we saw a big stride from the first game and I thought we should have got more out of that game, but we have to learn the lessons very quickly. I think the guys can see that… and we’ll be taking a positive outlook into this next game. The pre-season was very positive and we were very confident coming out of pre-season. But now we’ve had two games where we’ve had to learn the standard of the A-League very quickly. I’ve been in many situations where you lose one game, you lose two games, but then it turns around very quickly, the focus is always the next game.”
Mark Jackson’s Mariners side are also still searching for a first win of the campaign having drawn their opening two games, but Zdrilic is well aware the threat they will pose as they look to kick start their season, as they go in search of a third successive title. “The Mariners fight for their results and in their first game against Victory, a very good team, they got a positive result, then against Adelaide, they fought their way back into the game,” he said.
“They’ve got a lot of experience in Asia as well [as the A-League] … and they’re very comfortable playing in a system which is similar to what they played last year. So, the coaching staff, now in their second season after having an excellent season last year and pretty much winning everything, have got a very positive and confident group. We’re expecting nothing less than a tough fight.”
In team news, Columbian winger Cristian Caicedo and defender Trent Ostler have been added to the squad, but they will still will be without the injured trio Mustafa Amini, Josh Risdon and Nikola Mileusnic, while Luke Bodner and Kaelan Majekodunmi have both been left out of the travelling squad. The last time Glory visited Gosford was in round ten last season, and it wasn’t a Happy New Years Eve for the men in purple, losing 4-2.
It started well with Adam Taggart opening the scoring on 18 minutes, but the Mariners took control, and goals from Jacob Farrell, Alou Kuol and a Marco Tulio penalty gave the hosts a comfortable lead at the break. Stefan Colakovski reduced the margin early in the second half and Glory went in search of the equaliser, but a second penalty from Tulio in stoppage time gave the mariners the points. To make matters worse Glory ended the game with nine players after Mark Beevers and Aleks Susnjar were both sent off.
Central Coast Mariners squad: GK Adam PAVLESIC, GK Dylan PERAIC-CULLEN, 3 Brian KALTAK, 8 Alfie MCCALMONT, 9 Alou KUOL, 10 Mikael DOKA, 11 Vitor FEIJAO, 12 Lucas MAURAGIS, 15 Storm ROUX, 16 Harry STEELE, 17 Sabit NGOR, 24 Diesel HERRINGTON, 26 Bradley TAPP, 27 Sasha KUZEVSKI, 29 Nico DUARTE, 30 Jack WARSHAWSKY, 33 Nathan PAULL, 36 Haine EAMES, 37 Bailey BRANDTMAN, 99 Ryan EDMONDSON *Two to be omitted* - Unavailable: 20 Trent SAINSBURY (injured)
Perth Glory squad: GK Oli SAIL, GK Cameron COOK, 3 Anas HAMZAOUI, 5 Lachlan BARR, 6 Brandon O’NEILL, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 9 David WILLIAMS, 11 Hiroaki AOYAMA, 12 Taras GOMULKA, 14 Nathanael BLAIR, 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI, 16 Adam BUGARIJA, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 18 Cristian CAICEDO, 20 Trent OSTLER, 21 Abdul FAISAL, 22 Adam TAGGART, 24 Andriano LEBIB, 26 Khoa NGO, 33 Luis CANGA *Two to be omitted* - Ins: CAICEDO, OSTLER - Unavailable: 4 Luke BODNAR (Not Selected), 8 Mustafa AMINI (injured), 10 Nikola MILEUSNIC (injured), 19 Josh RISDON (injured), 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI (Not Selected)
31.10.2024
GLORY HIT BY INJURY FOR SEASON OPENER
Perth Glory begin their 2024-25 Ninja A-League season on Sunday when they travel to last season’s champions Melbourne City at ctrl:cyber Pitch (Kick off 12.00pm) It will be the first game in charge for new coach Stephen Peters, and he will head east with a new look squad, and will have as many as 11 players that could make their club debuts, but he will have a number of experienced players missing for the season opener. The squad has come together in the last couple of weeks, but injuries have hit them hard, with three players out for the trip east, and they could also miss a number of games.
Winger Susan Phonsongkham is set to miss a number of games, after suffering an ankle injury for Preston Lions, in their 2-3 loss in the NPL Victoria grand final in September, which required surgery. Also new import signings Megan Wynne and Onyinyechi Zogg have also been sidelined, while incoming keeper Casey Dumont is still contracted to AFLW side Hawthorn. Despite this Peters is excited for the season ahead and has refused to let it cloud the side’s enthusiasm for their opening game.
“Susan’s got an ankle injury that she’s unfortunately carried into the pre-season and unfortunately she’ll be out for a period of time — we’re looking at three to four months,” Peters said in his pre-game press conference. “That’s a significant challenge for us, because she’s a player with great quality. It was a couple of bumpy weeks for her navigating through the decision on what to do and how to navigate through that. But she’s come through that pretty well, she’s been around the group and helping the group.”
Peters also explained that Welsh international and ex-Tottenham winger Wynne had a wrist injury, while twice-capped Nigerian centre-back Zogg has a calf issue. “Megan will be about three weeks. She’s got a wrist injury, which is just a little bit complex in terms of what needs to happen for her to get 100 per cent right and there’s a couple other niggles that she can rest up in that time,” he said.
“Onyi’s actually got a really strange one. She’s got a plantaris injury, which is a bit weird. It’s not really a structural thing, it’s just more of a pain management thing, so she’s working with the medical team, we’re looking to hopefully have her back sooner rather than later. The next persons just got to step up and that’s got to be our mantra; as long as we’ve got 11 players on the field, we’re going to give an effort and put in a performance that everyone will hopefully be proud of.”
Despite the injury news, Peters upbeat about the upcoming season, which begins with a trip away to reigning premiers Melbourne City, who finished first and clinched the Premiers Plate in 2023-24 but they failure to convert in the Grand Final after a 1-0 defeat to Sydney FC, and the coach said it’s a huge challenge first up, but a one they are relishing. “We’ve had an opportunity to obviously look at them with their AFC (Club Championship) duties, so that’s a bonus for us, and they’re a good side,” he said.
“It’s going to give us a real good indication of where we’re at and I think it’s a great starting platform for us. They seem to have a philosophy in the club that’s carried through from manager to manager, to a certain degree, so there are some things that I think still remain from Dario Vidosic’s reign, but Michael (Matricciani) seems like a very astute manager.”
The Glory were unable to face any other A-League Women sides in pre-season, but Peters said they were focused on the positive elements of their pre-season. “The fact that we haven’t played an A-League opponent in preseason, is obviously a challenge, but we’re just constantly trying to look at the positives,” he said. “We spent more time on the grass than probably most other teams in terms of our training sessions, we had two very decent games against the state side, and then we essentially had a couple of midweek hit-outs against some boys teams that we organised.”
The last time they played Melbourne City away was in round seven last season, when Glory produced one of their best performances of the season to win 3-1. The hosts hit the front early, with Hannah Wilkinson on target, but Millie Farrow levelled on the half hour. The English striker put Glory ahead early in the second half, and the former Glory completed her hat-trick twenty minutes from time to collect her first hat-trick for the club.
Melbourne City squad: GK Melissa BARBIERI, GK Malena MIERES, 5 Taylor OTTO, 6 Leticia MCKENNA, 7 Kathryn HARVEY, 8 Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 10 Rhianna POLLICINA, 12 Shelby MCMAHON, 13 Rebekah STOTT, 14 Laura HUGHES, 15 Kiera MEYERS, 16 Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 17 Mariana SPECKMAIER, 18 Leah DAVIDSON, 19 Lourdes BOSCH, 20 Caitlin KARIC, 21 Isabella ACCARDO, 22 Bryleeh HENRY, 27 Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC, 31 Carina ROSSI - *Four to be omitted* - Unavailable: GK Sophia VARLEY (ankle), 9 Holly McNAMARA (ACL), 11 Emilia MURRAY (calf)
Perth Glory squad: GK Miranda TEMPLEMAN, GK Jessica SKINNER, 2 Mischa ANDERSON, 5 Grace JOHNSTON, 6 Tijan MCKENNA, 8 Georgia CASSIDY, 9 Gabby HOLLAR, 11 Natalie TATHEM, 13 Naomi CHINNAMA, 14 Miku SUNAGA, 17 Morgan ROBERTS, 19 Sarah O’DONOGHUE, 20 Ella ABDUL MASSIH, 22 Ischia BROOKING, 23 Izzy DALTON, 25 Ella LINCOLN, 26 Tanika LALA, 44 Kelli BROWN - *Two to be omitted* - Unavailable: GKCasey DUMONT (not yet available), 7 Megan WYNNE (injured), 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM (injured), 16 Bella WALLHEAD (injured), 18 Izzy FOLETTA (injured), 29 Onyinyechi ZOGG (injured)
31.10.2024
A-LEAGUE TWO TAKES EMBRYONIC STEP
After humming and hawing regarding a National Second Tier competition, Football Australia today confirmed the launch of the National Second Tier (NST) competition, well almost. It does mark a significant step forward in its commitment to elevating the domestic club football landscape in Australia, and after a series of workshops and consultation sessions with the eight NST Foundation Clubs, Football Australia confirmed that it will kick-off the NST in October 2025. It will be showcasing the best of Australian club football in a contemporary and sustainable competition format, along the lines of the NPL National competition which was dropped in 2019 with the Australia Cup taking centre stage for the state league clubs.
The reaction has been muted here in the west, as we don’t have any clubs involved, and that’s the big argument from the WA football family, it’s a national competition so all states should be represented, and the competition model looks like the NPL winners in each state will be involved. The key highlights are as follows: Commitment to Play: Football Australia, alongside the NST Foundation Clubs and key stakeholders, share a commitment to launch the NST Competition in 2025. This decision ensures alignment with the original strategic objectives of connecting the football pyramid in Australia and elevating iconic clubs to the national stage.
New Competition Structure: The NST will feature a 16-team format, consisting of group stage matches and culminating in an elimination Finals Series. This structure has been designed to ensure the competition model is sustainable while maintaining a high degree of competitive integrity and commercial appeal. Team Composition: The eight NST Foundation Clubs will be granted automatic access and are joined by eight invitational clubs comprised of the Member Federation NPL State Premiers from the respective domestic season - delivering a national competition.
Season Timeline: The NST competition will be held annually between October and December, initially across nine matchday rounds, and concluding with a Championship Final in early December. The spring calendar window provides the agility to expand and align within the Domestic Match Calendar ensuring optimal fixturing for players, fans, and stakeholders. Brand Launch: Football Australia can confirm the competition’s name, brand identity, marketing collateral, and the new trophy design will be unveiled in the coming months, setting the stage for a memorable debut season.
CEO of Football Australia CEO James Johnson expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming NST competition. “The introduction of the National Second Tier is a landmark moment for football in Australia,” he said. “Following productive discussions with our eight Foundation Clubs and consultation with other stakeholders, we are committed to creating a competition that not only elevates our game but also enriches the football community at all levels. The National Second Tier will provide a new platform for iconic clubs to showcase their talent and connect with fans nationwide.”
Football Australia will continue to engage with the NST Foundation Clubs, Member Federations, and other key stakeholders to refine operational details for the new competition. Over the past 12 months, Football Australia has undertaken two comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP) processes to select NST clubs. This work, supported by advisory partner BDO, has successfully identified 14 clubs representing six states and territories that have each passed the technical elements of the NST RFP process.
Six of the 14 clubs were unable to meet the mandatory financial requirements required to play in a standalone NST home and away league competition prior to the deadline in June 2024, however Football Australia will continue to monitor these clubs as they seek to advance their bid proposals. Football Australia has also committed to a third NST RFP selection process, expanded to target clubs outside of the initial Expression of Interest process and predominantly from underrepresented states. It is hoped this enhanced national focus will identify additional foundation clubs.
The eight clubs announced in November 2023 — APIA Leichhardt FC, Avondale FC, Marconi Stallions FC, Preston Lions FC, South Melbourne FC, Sydney Olympic FC, Sydney United 58 FC, and Wollongong Wolves FC — remain integral to the future growth of the NST and will continue to be recognised as foundation members. The six additional clubs that have passed the technical elements of the NST RFP process include: Adelaide City FC, Caroline Springs-George Cross FC, Gold Coast United FC, Gungahlin United FC, South Hobart FC, and Sunshine Coast FC. Further updates will be provided as the NST continues to evolve, noting it remains a key strategic objective to establish a standalone NST home and away league competition as soon as the minimum threshold is secured.
28.10.2024
MATILDAS SPOILS THE PARTY FOR GERMAN LEGEND
The Matildas have bounced back from a disappointing draw against Switzerland last week, stunning Germany 2-1 at the Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena in Duisburg on Tuesday morning. The hosts dominated the early stages, and were ahead on five minutes through Selina Cerci. They had chances to extend their lead but failed to take them and Kyra Cooney-Cross and Clare Hunt scored their first goals for the Matildas as Australia fought back it seal their first win over the Germans since 2005, and only the second time they have defeated the two-time FIFA Women's World Cup champions.
The home supporters had hoped to celebrate retiring forward Alexandra Popp’s final appearance with a win, but it wasn’t to be and Interim coach Tom Sermanni says the “foundation” for the Matildas’ 2026 Asian Cup campaign has been laid with the fighting and confidence-boosting win. “It restores confidence in individual players, it restores confidence in the team and it brings that belief back,’’ said Sermanni post-match. “The great thing we showed was that character and that determination. We hung in and we showed a great deal of determination and pride. “We’re looking at this as the start of our preparation for the Asian Cup, so hopefully this is a great foundation.”
Sermanni made two changes to the side that drew in Switzerland last week, Steph Catley came in for Courtney Nevin, and reclaimed the captain’s armband, while Clare Wheeler started in midfield in place of Tameka Yallop. The hosts, fresh of a big win against England last week, were on the front foot early, and found the opener on five minutes. Vivien Endemann was picked out down the right, and her cross to the back post was headed home by striker Selina Cerci.
They went close to a second moments later, Popp made space down the right, and every time the skipper touched the ball the crowd cheered, her cross was cleared to the edge of the box, and some hesitant defending allowed Felicitas Rauch to reclaim the ball and her shot beat Mackenzie Arnold, but the post came to the rescue of the Matildas custodian. On 15 minutes the crowd stood as one as the legendary Popp was withdrawn from the field of play in an international fixture for the final time.
The Matildas settled and went close themselves on 22 minutes, May Fowler’s through ball sent Caitlin Foord racing clear, but German keeper Stina Johannes made a smart save to her left to deny the Arsenal and former Perth Glory striker. Foord was in again two minutes later, Fowler and Cooney-Cross combined, and the latter sent her Arsenal team mate clear with a defence splitting pass, but Johannes produced a great save to deny the Matildas striker.
Germany should have doubled their lead on the half hour, the ball broke to an unmarked Endemann with only Arnold to beat, but the striker failed to find the target. That let off was soon punished, with the Matildas levelling with a stunner. Cerci’s poor pass was picked off by Cooney-Cross, who looked up and saw Johannes off her line, and her shot from distance beat the back-pedalling keeper, for her first goal for country in her 50th appearance for the green and gold.
Germany started the second half in the same manner as the first, but the Matildas held firm, and always looked threatening on the break with Fowler and Foord a constant threat. Sermanni introduced Winonah Heatley on 66 minutes, the Nordsjælland defender becoming Matilda #230. Then 12 minutes later the Matildas stunned the home crowd as they hit the front. Catley’s corner from the right found the head of Hunt, and the 25-year-old Tottenham defender headed it past Johannes for her first international goal.
The fourth Ranked Germany pushed for the equaliser, and moments later they nearly found it. Chelsea midfielder Sjoeke Nüsken’s shot came through a crowded penalty area, but Arnold produced a stunning reflex save to push it around for a corner. From the resulting corner substitute Linda Dallmann’s goalbound shot was well blocked by Manchester City and former Glory defender Alanna Kennedy. The Matildas were able to hold on to secure a famous victory.
“I couldn’t stop thinking about it after I scored, it just feels like a big relief, and a weight off my shoulders,” Cooney-Cross said post-match. “I’m so grateful to get 50 caps, but I definitely wouldn’t be here without a few of the girls sticking by my side and helping me get there. It’s a surreal moment. I’m feeling very proud and grateful.” The midfielder and her teammates turn their attention to the international window in November/December, when they take on Brazil and Chinese Taipei at home.
Germany: GK Stina JOHANNES, 2 Sarai LINDER, 6 Janina MINGE (4 Sophia KLEINHERNE 46’), 9 Sjoeke NUSKEN, 11 Alexandra POPP (18 Nicole ANYOMI 15’), 14 Lisanne GRAWE (27 Lina MAGULL 46’), 15 Giulia GWINN (5 Pia-Sophie WOLTER 58’), 17 Felicitas RAUCH, 19 Klara BUHL (22 Jule BRAND 59’), 25 Selina CERCI (16 Linda DALLMANN 59’), 26 Vivien ENDEMANN – Subs not used: RGK Ann-Katrin BERGER, RGK Sophia Winkler, 20 Elisa SENB, 23 Sara DOORSOUN-KHAJEH, 24 Giovanna HOFFMANN, 98 Sara DABRITZ
Australia: GK Mackenzie ARNOLD, 6 Clare WHEELER (3 Winonah HEATLEY 67’), 7 Steph CATLEY, 8 Kaitlyn TORPEY (32 Michelle HEYMAN 37’) (24 Sharn FREIER 67’), 9 Caitlin FOORD, 11 Mary FOWLER (13 Tameka YALLOP 87’), 14 Alanna KENNEDY, 15 Clare HUNT, 19 Katrina GORRY (10 Emily VAN EGMOND 46’), 21 Ellie CARPENTER, 23 Kyra COONEY-CROSS - Subs not used: RGK Jada MATHYSSEN-WHYMAN, RGK Chloe LINCOLN, 2 Courtney NEVIN, 4 Clare POLKINGHORNE, 22 Charli GRANT, 26 Daniela GALIC - Attendance: 26,623
28.10.2024
GLORY CLOSING IN ON A NEW HOME
After many seasons of being nomads, moving from one training ground to another, Perth Glory look set to call Mirrabooka home from 2025, in a move that will give the club a new, fully integrated training and administration base for its staff and players. The Glory announced today that the council voted this month to approve a five-year lease for the club to use part of Stirling Leisure – Mirrabooka as its administrative headquarters, with part of the adjacent Mirrabooka Regional Open Space to be used as its training facility.
However, reports say the move to Mirrabooka would not prevent the Glory from continuing to search for a long-term site for a state-of-the-art headquarters, which has been at the forefront of new owner Ross Pelligra’s vision for the club. The club have previously spoken to the City of Stirling about a parcel of land between Stirling Station and the council chambers. Also, Wotton Reserve, home of Morley Windmills and a stone’s throw from the future Morley train station, is another potential option. The club’s tenure in Fremantle has been dogged by inconvenience, with the Glory unable to use Fremantle Oval for training purposes.
The lease, once finalised, will have an option of a further five years and will be funded through a sponsorship agreement negotiated by the City and the club, and Perth Glory CEO Anthony Radich said it’s a major step forward for the club. "This move brings much greater synergies and efficiencies to how we function in terms of our administration, while having A-League-standard training pitches located on our doorstep will be hugely beneficial performance-wise for our A-League Men’s and Women’s teams. Centralising and consolidating our operations into a single base, is a major step forward for the club,” Radich explained.
"We are looking forward to engaging with what is a richly diverse local community, which has football at its heart, and adding value to the exciting plans that the City of Stirling has for the Mirrabooka Town Centre and the local area. I would like to acknowledge the foresight and vision of the City of Stirling, Mayor Mark Irwin and all the Councillors and executive for their support and willingness to make this happen. The WA State Government have also been a vitally important catalyst and we’re very grateful for their significant contribution and for their ongoing support of our sport and the club."
The State Government has committed $1.2 million towards facility upgrades to establish Perth Glory’s new home in Mirrabooka. "The Cook Government is proud to be supporting the new home for Perth Glory with $1.2 million in funding for turf, lighting and changeroom upgrades," Minister for Sport and Recreation David Templeman said at today’s press conference. "It’s great to hear that the club and the City will be working together to deliver soccer clinics and school visits."
Council has allocated $700,000 to the project in its 2024/25 annual budget, with two of the soccer pitches at Mirrabooka Regional Open Space to be upgraded to A-League standard. "Perth Glory is a proud club with a rich history and a passionate following, and it will be an honour for us to have them based in the City," Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin said. "We’re also really excited about the sponsorship agreement we’ve reached with the club, which involves soccer clinics and school visits for our community and more."
The City developed a strong working relationship with Perth Glory after the club moved its home games to Macedonia Park in Stirling in the 2022-23 season. The A-League Men and A-League Women teams played a combined 30 games at Macedonia Park over the next two seasons in an arrangement made possible by the hard work of Stirling Macedonia Football Club. Mayor Irwin said the experience at Macedonia Park had given the City and community a taste of what was to come in Mirrabooka.
"We have a very multicultural community in Stirling and soccer has been a fundamental part of our sporting culture and identity," he said. "Soccer, perhaps more than any other sporting code, connects people of different generations and cultural backgrounds in Stirling. "I can only imagine the impact the Glory will have in Mirrabooka, where so many young people who love the game will have the elite level at their doorstep."
The establishment of Perth Glory’s new home in Mirrabooka will have a range of economic and social benefits for the local community. The move has the potential to be a catalyst for the revitalisation of Mirrabooka Town Centre, which remains a key focus for the City and State Government. "I am delighted to hear that Perth Glory is coming to Mirrabooka," Mirrabooka MLA Meredith Hammat said. "We have a very passionate football community and I know that the Glory will be welcomed with open arms. It’s wonderful that the Cook Government has supported this move with upgrades for the Herb Graham Recreation Centre and Dryandra Reserve, including turf, lighting and fencing upgrades."
27.10.2024
A-LEAGUE ROUND TWO WRAP
The Isuzu-Ute A-League round two kicked off on Friday evening, with Newcastle Jets coming from behind to beat Macarthur FC 2-1 at Campbelltown Stadium. The hosts were coming off the big win against Glory last week at the same venue, and they found the opener on 19 minutes. Bulls young gun Jed Drew’s low cross behind the Jets defence was met by the in-form Marin Jakoliš, for a simple tap-in, for his third goal of the season to date. The Jets levelled in 56 minutes with a determined piece of attacking play, Eli Adams’ driving down the right and playing the ball through the legs of Bulls defender Matthew Jurman, and finishing clinically. Adams then gave the Jets the lead three minutes later, his strike from the edge of the box buried into the bottom-left corner.
Macarthur pushed for an equaliser and in second-half stoppage time, they had the opportunity to level, after Jets substitute Thomas Aquilina was adjudged to have clipped the heels of Dean Bosnjak, and referee Tim Danaskos checked the pitch side monitor to award the spot kick. Valere Germain stepped up to take the resulting penalty, but Ryan Scott guessed the right way to match a great save, and parrying the ball away from danger and sealing three hard-earned points for the Jets.
“It was certainly something special, I like both (goals) – but I think the first one is a special one, being the first in Newcastle colours. That’ll be one I’ll cherish for a while,” two goal hero Adams said post-match. “I think credit goes to Scotty at the end there, he’s a trooper saving that last-minute pen. I think that’s his first-ever pen saved in the A-League. It shows we’re certainly coming together and this is a big step forward in the right direction for us.”
In the early Saturday game, the points were shared, as Adelaide United drew 1-1 with Central Coast Mariners at Coopers Stadium. The hosts were on the front foot from the outset against a Mariners team who lost 3-2 to Kevin Muscat’s Shanghai Port in the AFC Champions League Elite on Wednesday. The Reds deservedly broke the deadlock in ten minutes, Luka Jovanovic’s initial attempt was blocked by Brian Kaltak but the rebound found its way back to the Reds teenage striker, and he bundled the ball over the line.
The Mariners did put the ball into the back of the net in on 61 minutes, Englishman Ryan Edmondson’s volley was ruled offside. But they were not to be denied a minute later as substitute Sabit Ngor bundled the ball over the line after Peraic-Cullen had smothered Vitor Feijao’s effort. “I think we have to be happy with the point because we didn’t perform today,” Central Coast boss Mark Jackson said post-match. “There are various reasons for that. We changed it at half-time and moved our shape. We were a lot better in the second half and got us back in the game. I don’t think we deserved three points.”
On Saturday evening it was the ‘Melbourne Derby’ with Victory running out 3-1 winners against City at AAMI Park. It was Victory who made the best start, racing to a three-goal lead. Young Socceroo Nishan Velupillay racing clear from Greek striker Nikos Vergos’ ball and finishing well after only five minutes, and they doubled their lead seven minutes later. Great work from Rene Piscopo on the left-hand side saw him picked out Vergos to side-foot past Patrick Beach. City looked for a quick response but a great save from former Glory keeper Jack Duncan denied Marco Tilio.
But on 35 minutes it was 3-0, Beach received a back pass, but the young goalkeeper was closed down rapidly by Teague and the ball deflected off the midfielder and into the net. City reduced the margin just after the hour mark, Yonatan Cohen’s shot was parried by Duncan into the path of Andrew Nabbout, who was on hand to tap home. Duncan produced another smart save to deny Arion Sulemani late and prevent a nail-biting finale. “It was an important game for us and as a club and for the fans, the derby is always our biggest game,” Victory midfielder Teague said post-match. “The way we went out there and to get the three goals in the first half showed a lot of passion and desire as a team. If we can keep this momentum going now, we’re going to be hard to beat all season.”
On Sunday in the early game Auckland have continued their winning start in the competition, scoring a late goal to beat Sydney 1-0 in front of another big crowd at the Go Media Stadium. Both sides had chances early, Brazilian Leo Sena curling effort flashed just wide for the Sky Blues, before Uruguayan striker Guillermo May did likewise down the other end. The visitors lost English import Joe Lolley on the half hour with injury, and it was the hosts creating the better chances after the break, Liam Gillion seeing his effort crash off the crossbar. Sydney hit back and Jordan Courtney-Perkins was denied by a stunning save from Auckland keeper Alex Paulsen.
Sydney thought they had the lead moments later, the hosts failed to clear their lines and Anas Quahim’s cross was turned home by Hayden Matthews, but after a VAR check the goal was ruled out for offside. But there was still time for late drama. Sydney FC defence couldn’t deal with the threat of Nanda Pijnaker from a free kick, who’s cheeky backheel squirmed through the legs of Andrew Redmayne and over the line, blowing the roof of Go Media Stadium.
Victory over Sydney FC held extra-special importance for Auckland FC’s head coach given his association with the Sky Blues. “A little bit,” smiled Corica in his post-match interview. “I think it was more unusual during the week because I was thinking about it a little bit more. (It’s) the team that I spent 19 years at. “There’s still a lot of players that are still there, coaching staff as well – they’re all fantastic people as well. I had a wonderful time at Sydney, they looked after me and obviously we won a lot of trophies there as well. But coaching, like I said before, is about moving on, making yourself better.”
In the final game Western United and Western Sydney Wanderers have fought out a 1-1 draw at Ironbark Fields. The visitors took the lead against the run of play in the 14th minute with Socceroo Brandon Borrello firing the ball beyond goalkeeper Matthew Sutton. Western United – playing out of Ironbark Fields for a full season for the first time having enjoyed three games at the venue in 2023-24 – had plenty of chances and eventually levelled things up just three minutes into the second half as Hiroshi Ibusuki bagged his first goal for the club. Wanderers’ keeper Tristan Vidackovic then recovered from a mistake to deny Ibusuki a second before substitute Noah Botic rattled the post but Western were forced to settle for a draw.
Wanderers coach Alen Stajcic was delighted for Borrello, who had endured an injury-hit campaign last season. “He is obviously trying to rebuild his confidence. He is such an amazing weapon for us. It’s not easy to get that belief back into yourself and body, but he had a really good pre-season,” the former Perth Glory coach said post-match. “He’s working so hard for the team. He’s a tremendous leader in our group. We know what we’re going to get with (Borrello). He works extremely hard for everyone and a great person to have on our team. It’s good when he gets a little reward like that. It’s just the tip of the iceberg for him.”
27.10.2024
JOEYS SEAL AFC U17 ASIAN CUP SPOT
The Australian Joeys have secured qualification for the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia 2025 as Group G winners after a hard fought 0-0 draw against Indonesia on Sunday evening WA time, at the Abdullah Al Khalifa Stadium, Mishref. After convincing wins against Northern Mariana Islands and Kuwait, Brad Maloney's side faced off against Indonesia, who also boasted a 100% record, in a winner-takes-all match to top the Group.
The Head Coach made two changes to his team that overcame Kuwait 3-1 on Saturday, with Max Anastasio and Perth Glory defender Christian Pullella coming in for Logan Sambrook and Miles Milliner respectively. It was a tense start to the game with the Joey’s going close twice, with Max Anastasio and Amlani Tatu firing wide. Indonesia hit back and Joey’s keeper Jai Ahanovic got down well to deny the lively Zahaby Gholy. Chances kept coming at both ends, the best falling to Gholy again, after he was picked out by Mierza Firjatullah, but Besian Kutleshi got back to block his goalbound shot.
The Joeys hit back and went close themselves, first a shot was cleared off the line by an Indonesian defender, before skipper Quinn MacNeil saw his follow up shot crash off the crossbar and away to safety. The chances kept coming, Anthony Didulica went close for the Joey’s racing into the box, but Indonesia keeper Dafa Al Gasemi stood tall to deny the striker. Glory striker Max Naylor replaced Didulica just after the hour, and the game continued to ebb and flow, as both sides looked for the winner.
Indonesian midfielder Evandra Florasta’s long-range shot fizzed over the top, before MacNicol fired wide, but ultimately the game ended goalless, and Australia finished the campaign as Group G winners, with seven points and a superior goal difference. The Joeys will compete in the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2025, set to be held from 3-20 April 2025, joining the Young Socceroos who also recently progressed to the AFC U20 Asian Cup China PR 2025, which will take place in February.
Australia Starting XI: GK Jai Ajanovic, 4 Alexander Garbowski, 5 Christian Pullella, 7 Nickolas Alfaro, 8 Quinn MacNicol, 9 Anthony Didulica (22 Max Naylor 67'), 10 Amlani Tatu, 13 Besian Kutleshi, 14 Charlie Parkin, 19 Jay Maltz, 20 Max Anastasio – Subs not used: RGK Jonty Benfield, RGK Noah Ellul, 2 Isiah Boston, 3 Zayd Kassaby, 6 Alex Bolton, 11 Rhys Williams, 15 Zane Stevenson, 16 Miles Milliner, 17 Jordan Graoroski, 21 Henrique Oliveira, 23 Logan Sambrook
26.10.2024
GLORY’S POOR START CONTINUES
Perth Glory’s disastrous start to the Isuzu-Ute A-League season has continued after slumping to a 2-0 home defeat against Wellington Phoenix at HBF Park on Saturday evening. After last weeks big loss against Macarthur, the Glory faithful were out in force with over 7000 fans behind the side. They huffed and puffed but only had one shot on target during the game, and goals either side of half time from Scott Wootton and Tim Payne secured the points for the visitors. “That first [goal] was irritating, just for the fact that we gave away too many free kicks,” Zdrilic said post-match. “Second one, it’s just a defending error. I think overall, it was a big improvement. You can see the framework’s there, but we still have a way to go.”
Zdrilic made four changes to his starting side following last week’s horror performance against Macarthur, with Anas Hamzaoui, Lachlan Barr, Adam Bugarija and Jarrod Carluccio promoted, while Luke Bodnar and Kaelan Majekodunmi were not selected in the squad. Zach Lisolajski and Andriano Lebib dropped to the bench, and they were joined on the pine by new signings Nicholas Pennington and Nathanael Blair. The Shed were in full voice at kick off, unfurling a banner reading “Time for a response”.
The hosts made a bright start and skipper Adam Taggart headed wide from Taras Gormulka’s corner, before a long-range shot from the Socceroos striker brought out a smart save from Wellington keeper Joshua Oluwayemi. It was a great response from the side, but that was all undone six minutes before the break, when Wellington found the opener. Japanese import Hideki Ishige’s free kick picked out Scott Wotton, who lost his marker to head past Oli Sail, to head the Nix’s into the break with the lead.
Glory made a triple change at the break, as they looked to get back into the game, with David Williams, Khoa Ngo and former Phoenix midfielder Nicholas Pennington, replacing Abdul Feisal, Adam Bugarija and Hiroaki Aoyama. They needed a good start to the second half, but instead they handed the Phoenix a second four minutes in. Kazuki Nagasawa sent a speculative high cross into the box from the left, which should have been easy for Glory’s defence to deal with. But Anas Hamzaoui’s decision to leave the ball for someone else allowed Tim Payne to nip in a head past Sail. Jarrod Carluccio almost halved the arrears immediately with a cross-shot which Oluwayemi did well to block at the near post and Glory went agonisingly close once again moments later as David Williams crossed for fellow-substitute Pennington whose header flew just wide.
Alex Rufer almost made it 3-0 on 76 minutes, after being given far too much room in the penalty area, his curling effort crashed off the crossbar. With Phoenix content to sit deep and defend their hard-earned lead, Glory continued to search for a way through, but although Ngo and Gomulka both went close in the latter stages, they were ultimately unable to do so. Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano said he was delighted with the win. “I was very happy, he said post-match. “We dug in deep, especially in the first 20 minutes when I thought they were on top.”
Perth Glory: GK Oli SAIL, 3 Anas HAMZAOUI (15 Zach LISOLAJSKI, 86'), 5 Lachie BARR, 6 Brandon O’NEILL (14 Nathanael BLAIR 72'), 11 Hiroaki AOYAMA (26 Khoa NGO 46'), 12 Taras GOMULKA, 16 Adam BUGARIJA (7 Nicholas PENNINGTON 46'), 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 21 Abdul FAISAL (9 David WILLIAMS 46'), 22 Adam TAGGART, 33 Luis CANGA - Subs not used: RGK Cameron COOK, 24 Andriano LEBIB
Wellington Phoenix: GK Josh OLUWAYEMI, 4 Scott WOOTTON, 5 Fin ROA CONCHIE (12 Mo AL-TAAY, 65'), 6 Tim PAYNE, 7 Kosta BARBAROUSES (3 Corban PIPER 88'), 9 Hideki ISHIGE (41 Nathan WALKER 65'), 14 Alex RUFER, 15 Isaac HUGHES, 19 Sam SUTTON (11 Stefan COLAKOVSKI 75'), 25 Kazuki NAGASAWA (24 Oskar VAN HATTUM 65'), 27 Matt SHERIDAN – Subs not used: RGK Alby KELLY-HEALD, 36 Xuan LOKE - Attendance: 7,074 - Referee: Lachlan Keevers
26.10.2024
MATILDAS HELD IN ZURICH
The post Tony Gustavsen era for the Matildas has started with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Switzerland, in front of a record crowd at Zurich’s Letzigrund Stadium on Saturday morning. In the first ever meeting of the two sides, former Perth Glory striker Caitlin Foord gave interim coach Tom Sermanni’s side the lead in the shadows of half time, this despite the hosts dominating. The 25th-ranked Swiss levelled just before the hour with Geraldine Reuteler scoring, and although both sides had chances to win it, they had to settle for a draw.
Sermanni spoke to the media post-match and said they were a little off the pace in the first half, but praised the host for keeping star striker Mary Fowler quiet. “I thought Switzerland were a little bit sharper than us, got the ball a little bit quicker, but in general we still looked fairly solid and safe,” he explained. “For big patches of the second half, we dominated possession of the game without creating a lot of chances. I was a little bit disappointed with the quality of the goal that we gave away. I thought it was very messy defensively from us.
“I thought they defended very, very well. Sometimes you’ve got to give credit to the opposition and what they did. For part of the time in our midfield, we didn’t quite work out how to press, or when to press, and I think that the result of that was that Mary never really got a foothold in the game at any time.” Sermanni went for a similar side to that of his predecessor, with Elle Carpenter wearing the captain’s armband, Foord was the point of attack with Mary Fowler and Kaitlyn Torpey alongside her. Kyra Cooney-Cross and Katrina Gorry anchored the midfield with Tameka Yallop, while Courtney Nevin, Clare Hunt and Alanna Kennedy started in the heart of defence in front of Mackenzie Arnold.
It was an even opening to the game, but it was Foord had the first real sight on goal on the quarter hour mark, but the Arsenal striker wasn’t able to wrap her boot around the ball to get a clean strike on target. The hosts hit back and Juventus defender Viola Calligaris shot was straight at Matildas custodian Arnold. The game opened up, and the hosts should have taken the lead on 40 minutes, a defence-splitting pass from Reuteler sent Smilla Vallotto in on goal, but Arnold stood tall to deny her.
But two minutes later Australia found the opener. A great through ball from Carpenter found the run of Foord, who held off Luana Buhler, and only had the goalkeeper to beat, she rounded Elvira Herzog, but was brought down by the Swiss keeper, and the referee had no hesitation in pointing the spot and showed the keeper a yellow card. Foord stepped up and sent Herzog the wrong way from the resulting penalty, and it sent the Matildas into the break with a narrow lead.
Switzerland began on the front foot early in the second half and they were rewarded with the equaliser on 58 minutes. Australia failed to clear Ramona Bachmann’s cross from the left, the ball falling to Reuteler just inside the penalty area, and the Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder fired low past Arnold, despite her getting a hand to it. Sermanni went to the bench seven minutes later, with Michelle Heyman, Sharn Freier and Steph Catley coming on for Yallop, Nevin and Torpey.
The changes had a positive effect, and from Cooney-Cross’ corner Foord headed wide at the back post. Youngster Daniela Galic then became CommBank Matilda #229, after she came on 12 minutes from time, her first appearance as a Matilda in her first senior call-up. Both sides had late chances to seal the game, Freier’s cross shot had to be tipped away by Herzog as it threatened to creep into the back of the net, but it was the hosts who had the best chance in the last minute.
Sydney Schertenleib found fellow substitute Larina Baumann on the edge of the box, her first touch gave her time and space to get the shot away, it beat Arnold but the crossbar came to the rescue of the Matildas shot stopper, and the game ended with honours even. The Matildas are back in action on Tuesday morning, when they take on Germany (Kick off 1.10am WA Time) at the Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena, Duisburg, who will be on a high after beating England 4-3 last night at Wembley,
Foord said they were disappointed not to have taken the win, and knows they have a few things to work on before they take on Germany. “It’s always an honour to score for you country so I’m super happy, and it’s good to be back out there again playing, but we’re a little disappointed not to come away with a win tonight,” she said post-match. “We wanted to keep a clean sheet tonight, but there are a few things we can work on, and some positives in our first game back together for a while. We don’t have much time before the Germany game, but it will be same for them, so we obviously want to get the win, especially after our game against them at the Olympics.”
Switzerland: GK Elvira HERZOG, 5 Noelle MARITZ, 6 Geraldine REUTELER, 8 Nadine RIESEN (4 Larina BAUMANN 77’), 9 Ana Maria CRNOGORCEVIC (7 Sydney SCHERTENLEIB 64’), 10 Ramona BACHMANN (23 Alisha LEHMANN 89’), 13 Lia WALTI, 14 Smilla VALLOTTO (16 Sandrine MAYRON 64’), 15 Luana BUHLER, 17 Naomi LUYET (20 Iman BENEY 46’), 18 Viola CALLIGARIS - Subs not used: RGK Livia PENG, RGK Nadine BOHI, 2 Julia STIERLI, 3 Lara MARTI, 11 Coumba SOW, 19 Lydia ANDRADE, 22 Meriame TERCHOUN
Australia: GK Mackenzie ARNOLD, 2 Courtney NEVIN (7 Stephanie CATLEY, 65’) 8 Kaitlyn TORPEY (32 Michelle HEYMAN 65’), 9 Caitlin FOORD, 11 Mary FOWLER (26 Daniela GALIC 78’), 13 Tameka YALLOP (24 Sharn FREIER 65’), 14 Alanna KENNEDY, 15 Claire HUNT, 19 Katrina GORRY (6 Clare WHEELER 78’), 21 Ellie CARPENTER, 23 Kyra COONEY-CROSS (10 Emily VAN EGMOND 78’) - Subs not used: RGK 18 Jade MATHYSSEN-WHYMAN, RGK Chloe LINCOLN, 3 Winonah HEATLEY, 4 Clare POLKINGHORNE, 22 Charlotte GRANT
26.10.2024
JOEYS CONTINUE THEIR WINNING RUN
The Australian Joeys have continued their strong start in the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2025 Qualifiers with a crucial 3-1 win against hosts Kuwait at Abdullah Al Khalifa Stadium on Saturday morning. After their 19-0 win against Northern Mariana Islands in the first game, this one was a much closer encounter, with goals from Amlani Tatu, Charlie Parkin and skipper Quinn MacNicol proving the difference.
Head Coach Brad Maloney made just one change to the side that ran riot in the opener, with Logan Sambrook replacing Max Anastasio in the forward line, while Perth Glory trio Christian Pullella, Alex Bolton and Max Naylor were among the substitutes. It was vital game for Kuwait, who lost their opening Group G game 1-0 against Indonesia, and it was a tight opening, but it was the Joeys who opened the scoring on 21 minutes, Tatu scoring his third goal in two games.
With their tournament on the line, the hosts pressed for the equaliser, but the Joeys held firm, but it wasn’t a game for the faint hearted with the referee showing 13 yellow cards. Glory duo Naylor and Pullella entered the fray just before the hour mark, Naylor looking to add to the brace he scored in the opener. Maloney’s side doubled their advantage five minutes from time, central defender Parkin on target, then in the third minute of stoppage time the hosts were reduced to ten men after Hamad Al Saeed was dismissed after picking up a second yellow card.
The Joeys made the result safe two minutes later, with skipper MacNicol adding a third, adding to his hat-trick in the first round. To the hosts credit they continued to press forward and were rewarded with a consolation goal on 97 minutes, with Abdulrahman Al Suwaidi on target. The win leaves the Joeys sitting top of Group G, ahead of the final game against Indonesia at the Abdullah Al Khalifa Stadium, Mishref on Sunday evening kick off 10.30pm WA Time, the winner will top the group.
Joeys: GK Jai Ajanovic, 4 Alexander Garbowski, 7 Nickolas Alfaro, 8 Quinn MacNicol, 9 Anthony Didulica (22 Max Naylor 58'), 10 Amlani Tatu (11 Rhys Williams 86'), 13 Besian Kutleshi, 14 Charlie Parkin, 16 Miles Milliner (5 Christian Pullella 58'), 19 Jay Maltz, 23 Logan Sambrook (20 Max Anastasio 70') – Subs not used: RGK Jonty Benfield, RGK Noah Ellul, 2 Isiah Boston, 3 Zayd Kassaby, 6 Alex Bolton, 15 Zane Stevenson, 17 Jordan Graoroski, 21 Henrique Oliveira
25.10.2024
ALL SYSTEM GO AT BUTLERS RESERVE
Wembley Downs will play in the State League for the first time in the club’s history next season, after a successful 2024 saw them win the Amateur Premier Division title, and promotion to Division Two, and it’s all system go at Butlers Reserve as they prepare for their debut season. Formed in 1980, the club have risen through the Amateur leagues, and after ten seasons in the Premier Division, where they won the league in 2017, a new era dawns, and there will be a number of changes. The biggest is head coach with Bob Jackson stepping down and replaced by Luke Thompson.
The new coach is a busy man, working as a teacher at Trinity College, heavily involved with the sports program, and has worked at amateur clubs North Perth United, Kingsley, before coaching MUMFC in the NPLWA – Women’s competition. He returned to Kingsley and helped the club back to the Premier Division, and last season was coach at Fremantle City under20’s. But the challenge at Butlers is one Thompson is looking forward too. “I am really excited about what this project has to offer. Wembley Downs is a huge community club with so many members both junior and senior and to be able to lead the State League and help guide the club to provide pathways for their young players and opportunities for coaches to come and learn and further develop is really exciting,” Thompson explained. “David (Bujok) and the club have been so supportive to help provide the best opportunity they can not only for myself and the State League program but also to keep the community spirit alive and well.”
Thompson knows he has big shoes to fill after Jackson’s success last season, but the new coach is confident they can give state league football a good go, and said the former coach has been really helpful in the transition period, but it’s a challenge he is relishing. “Bob and the boys had an amazing season, almost breaking records on the way as well. Bob has been fantastic in the transition, very helpful and providing a lot of information about the existing squad,” he said. “I can’t wait to get started, almost the entire first and reserves squad have committed to coming back and if the previous Amateur sides that were promoted are anything to go by, we feel like we have a real chance to give things a real go.
“The group really want to make the step as well, and we will go in confident of competing with best teams in the league, we know it’s a jump in quality but it’s an exciting challenge. Unlike coming into most jobs where you are coming in after the results haven’t been great, I’m getting to start with a squad that is used to winning and have a great culture and dressing room. All the boys that earned the club the promotion into the State League will get a chance to fight for their spot. Of course, there will need to be a few additions as fresh faces always creates more competition and more competition means higher intensity at training etc. That said we have already started to make additions, but it has to be the right personality to fit in as the culture that’s already been created is very important.”
Wembley President David Bujok said the work Jackson and his coaching team achieved for the club last season was outstanding. “Bob did a marvellous job and the results were just rewards. We must mention his right-hand man and Reserves team Coach Gary, as well as all the support staff who all did a fabulous job over a couple of seasons,” Bujok explained. “Winning the title this year was tremendous, it also meant that Wembley held the AMS Cup from last year, the preseason cup this year and the Amateur Premier Division title all at the same time, I think it’s fair to say a job well done. These achievements along with increased self-belief on and off the field did give the club the confidence needed to move to the next level for the first time in our club’s history.”
Bujok said they had a number of quality coaches put their hat in the ring to coach the club next season, but he is delighted to have secured the services of Luke. “We had some very high calibre expressions of interest in the position but we felt that the standout was Luke, and we are really excited about Luke coming on board,” he said. “His knowledge and understanding of the challenge together with his ambition not just for the state league group, but for the development of the club as a whole made him an outstanding candidate and we are delighted to have secured his commitment. The feedback on the appointments to date has been really positive and we are all looking forward to working together and making Wembley an even stronger club and indeed a club of choice.”
Thompson knows it’s tough for the club, with them having to find an under 18’s side for next season, but he knows the work behind the scenes by the President and his committee have the wheels in motion. “I agree with that completely, it’s probably taken the most of David and my time so far. We’ve tried to get on the front foot and get expressions of interest out early and the response so far has been really pleasing,” he explained. “We are very happy and lucky to bring Matt Novatsis on board to lead our 18s side this year and it’s a really important entry point for the clubs’ juniors to aspire to so we are taking everything about the 18s very seriously to provide the best opportunities possible for the Wembley juniors.”
The hard work starts now for Bujok and his committee, finding an under 18s team and adding to the first and reserves teams, but he said it’s full steam ahead. “We have 700 members, and that ensures that the hard work is continuous and has been completed by volunteers for many years already but yes this is another step up with extra efforts been made by all,” he explained. “We have already made large steps forward but we realise there is plenty more to do. The appointment of Matt as 18s coach is a significant step in the right direction, while the expressions of interest at 18s level has been fantastic as we hoped it would be.
“Pleasingly for me and my committee is to see ex Wembley players applying for the positions which is something that we had all hoped would happen. There is now a new clear pathway for the club to progress our young talent and keep them involved for years to come. The players from the First team and the reserves have both done extremely well for a couple of years now, doing well in both league and cups so there is a lot of talent within the existing playing groups.
“They will all be given the chance to prove themselves and the handover from Bob and Gary to Luke has been terrific and ongoing. The guys have been a credit to themselves and the community nature that the club is so proud of. We are still looking to appoint a new Reserves Team Coach so if anyone would like to join the team then please get in touch via the website or Facebook page. There is still a lot to do but we are all are really looking forward to the journey forward and the 2025 season.”
25.10.2024
GLORY LOOKING FOR HOME COMFORTS
Perth Glory began their Isuzu Ute A-League season in disastrous circumstances last week against Macarthur, and they will be looking for redemption on Saturday evening, and looking for some home comforts, when they host Wellington Phoenix in the ‘Distance Derby’ at HBF Park. (Kick off 6.45pm) There is milestone for Glory skipper Adam Taggart, who is poised to make his 150th career appearance in the competition, and he will be looking to get on the front foot. Glory Head Coach David Zdrilic, speaking at his pre-game press conference, said that last week’s game is in the past, and are ready to get their season up and running in front of their members and supporters.
“We spoke about the defeat after the game, that first 45 minutes was a bit of a shock, and the whole preseason we had no indications, and not having another competitive game after the Newcastle game in Albany, showed that,” Zdrilic said. “We did get knocked out of the Cup, but overall, pre-season was really positive. It was that we weren’t even able to react in those first stages as it went one goal, two goals, three goals. At least in the second half we regrouped and we changed things… the second 45 was much better and that’s what we’ll be taking into this home game. We had to learn a lot in that first 45 minutes, it was a clear message, not an easy one to take, but I think the mood [within the squad this week] has been very positive.”
The coach, who last visited Perth as assistant coach at Sydney FC, is also looking forward to his home debut. “It’s been a long time, we’ve been here three months and we haven’t had a real home atmosphere, I know we’ve been playing Melbourne City at the Sam Kerr Football Centre, but it’s not our own stadium, so for us it’s a great moment,” Zdrilic explained. “Obviously off the last result we are rearing to go and make sure we show our true face. We still have a lot of positive energy from preseason and we are focusing on being on the front foot, to be aggressive, something we weren’t able to get out last week.”
Glory midfielder Brandon O’Neill said last week’s defeat was disappointing, but they are determined to bounce back on Saturday. “It was one of those game, anything that could have gone wrong unfortunately did, but I thought in the second half we showed a lot of resolve and character, but it’s never enjoyable to play in those game, but we take responsibility and make sure it doesn’t happen again,” O’Neill told 6PR Wide World of Sports. “The beauty about football there is always next week, and to play in front of our fans this weekend, there is a burning desire to right the wrong from last week.”
It will be a first game back at HBF for midfielder Brandan O’Neill, who left the club under a cloud last season, but he is so happy to be back, and has urged the Glory faithful to get behind the team. “They (Wellington) are a good team and well coached, but for me I can’t wait to play in front of our fans again, and we want to make HBF Park a fortress, and we need everyone behind us,” he said. “Coming back home to WA, I’ve got so many mixed feelings and emotions. At the time I left I had a lot of things going on in my life, but I’ve never been happy and contented and I really want to thank the club and the football community for welcoming me back. They didn’t need to they obviously had a choice but I’m grateful that I will get the opportunity to play for Perth Glory again.”
The injury concerns continue to hit Zdrilic’s side, with Josh Risdon’s knee injury ruling him out for several weeks, while new recruit Nikola Mileusnic only lasted ten minutes on his debut, limping off with a hamstring injury, which will see him miss as well, and they are also still without former skipper Mustafa Amini, and Nicholas Pennington. There was some better news regarding Lachie Barr, the former Adelaide United defender will be assessed over the next 48 hours to see if he is able to make a return from injury, but he hasn’t been named in the squad, but they do regain the services of Nathnael Blair and South American import Cristian Caicedo. Get your tickets here: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/perth-glory-v-wellington-phoenix-perth-26-10-2024/event/1300611CDD7F6D7F
Wellington opened their season with a 1-1 home draw against Western United last weekend. Kosta Barbarouses gave the Nix’s the lead on the stroke of half time, but Angus Thurgate levelled for the visitors 14 minutes from time. Barbarouses likes playing against Glory, the New Zealand international, who has scored ten times in 30 appearances. The last time the sides met at HBF Park was in round 18 last season, when they shared the spoils in a 0-0 draw in front of 8,252 supporters.
Perth Glory squad: GK Oli SAIL, GK Cameron COOK, 3 Anas HAMZAOUI, 4 Luke BODNAR, 6 Brandon O’NEILL, 9 David WILLIAMS, 11 Hiroaki AOYAMA, 12 Taras GOMULKA, 14 Nathanael BLAIR, 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI, 16 Adam BUGARIJA, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 18 Cristian CAICEDO, 21 Abdul FAISAL, 22 Adam TAGGART, 24 Andriano LEBIB, 26 Khoa NGO, 27 Will FRENEY, 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI, 33 Luis CANGA - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: BLAIR, CAICEDO, FRENEY - Unavailable: 5 Lachlan BARR (injured), 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON (injured), 8 Mustafa AMINI (injured), 10 Nikola MILEUSNIC (injured), 19 Josh RISDON (injured)
Wellington Phoenix squad: GK Josh OLUWAYEMI, GK Alby KELLY-HEALD, 3 Corban PIPER, 4 Scott WOOTTON, 5 Fin ROA CONCHIE, 6 Tim PAYNE, 7 Kosta BARBAROUSES, 9 Hideki ISHIGE, 11 Stefan COLAKOVSKI, 12 Mo AL-TAAY, 14 Alex RUFER, 15 Isaac HUGHES, 19 Sam SUTTON, 24 Oskar VAN HATTUM, 25 Kazuki NAGASAWA, 27 Matt SHERIDAN, 29 Luke BROOKE-SMITH, 36 Xuan LOKE, 39 Jayden SMITH, 41 Nathan WALKER - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: COLAKOVSKI (promoted), Xuan LOKE (promoted) - Outs: 10 David BALL (omitted), 23 Luke SUPYK (omitted) - Unavailable: 8 Paulo RETRE (injured), 17 Gabriel SLOANE-RODRIGUES (injured), 18 Lukas KELLY-HEALD (injured), 21 Marco ROJAS (injured)
24.10.2024
GLORY SKIPPER GOING NOWHERE
It’s one game into a new season, and that wasn’t a highlight be all means, but the rumour mill has already started, with an on-line post saying Perth Glory skipper Adam Taggart will leave the club in the January transfer window to get his big wages of the books, but it has been emphatically denied by the club. Fresh off the 1-6 defeat against Macarthur, it’s the last thing the Glory faithful want to hear, by Glory director of football Stan Lazaridis slammed the rumour and denied the club were looking to get rid of Taggart, especially not to A-League rivals. “He’s not leaving this club. 199 per cent,” Lazaridis told The West Australian. “At the end of the day, I’m the one in control of that and I’m telling you right now, he’s not going.”
Perth-born Lazaridis was perplexed by the post, and anyone who knows the former Socceroo winger, have been pleased with his comments when he came on board with the takeover by the Pelligra Group in February, after he said there has been a push for the club to sign, retain, develop and play homegrown products like Taggart. “I want more Perth boys. I’m trying to bring more Western Australians back here...the Brandon O’Neill’s, the Josh Risdon’s, the Taggarts, they’re very important for this club,” Lazaridis said. “Tags is our captain, and he is our leader.”
Despite the club picking up the A-League wooden spoon last season, Taggart was a standout, bagging 20 goals in 25 matches, and that form saw him earn a recall to the Socceroos, but lack of game time saw him miss out on selection for the opening games of Tony Popovic’s tenure. Writing in his weekly column in the West Australian last week, the striker said it was an honour to captain the club for the second season in a row.
“As someone who grew up supporting Perth Glory, watching the games at HBF Park and dreaming of one day being out there wearing the famous purple, the captaincy means a huge amount to me,” he said.
“I know how much this club means to our members and fans because I am one myself and I’m determined to help repay their incredible loyalty by making this a season to remember.” Taggart and his teammates will be looking for home ground support to put the disastrous opening round defeat behind them, when they welcome Wellington Phoenix to HBF Park on Saturday evening – Get you tickets and support the lads.
24.10.2024
JENNINGS READY FOR NEW CHALLENGE AT QUINNS
After nine seasons at the helm of Joondalup United in the state league, Nick Jennings has moved on and will coach Quinns in 2025. He will take over from Trevor Morgan at Stylish Park, Gumblossom Reserve, who guided the club clear of relegation last season, and Jennings has already started the rebuild with a number of new signings, including Ben Johns, Ben Wyeth, Tyler Holden, Danny O’Shea, Jamie Gardiner and Joel Prout from his former club.
Jennings stood down as Joondalup coach before the news of the club pulling out of state league football, and he was shocked with the news, but enjoyed eight great seasons there, but he is now fully focused on the job ahead at Stylish Park. “Moving to Quinn’s FC presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to a club who have underachieved for a few years but are a club with big aspirations,” he said. The club have big plans, and focusing on promotion to State League One sets a clear and ambitious target for the season ahead.”
Quinns went close to promotion to the NPL in 2021, finishing third, but since then it’s been a downhill spiral, and Jennings is well aware of the challenge ahead, in a strong Division Two, but along with his assistant Steve Flint, they are determined to improve the club’s fortunes. “I am under no illusion of how difficult this will be with the quality of the sides on Division Two for the 2025 season,” he said. “Retention and recruitment key are key, and currently we are happy with our work, but will be looking to add depth and quality to the players already committed to next season.”
Club President Vincient McMillan thanked Trevor Morgan for his work last season, and believes the appointment of Jennings and Flint is a good fit for the club. “We couldn't thank Trevor enough, as he came in at a time when we needed a steadying hand and that is what he did, we will always be grateful to Trevor for that,” he explained. “We are delighted with the appointment Nick and Steve, and it was evident after our first meeting that they shared the same beliefs as the club, both on and off the field. There is a real buzz in the air around the club, and we can't wait for the preseason to kick off.”
24.10.2024
AQUINO BACKS SAFE FOOTBALL PROJECT
The Safe Football Project, an initiative of the Professional Footballers Australia, aims to make professional football the safest sport for women in Australia. The project catalyst was former Matilda Lisa De Vanna revealing in 2021 that she had faced incidents of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment during her career. De Vanna spoke out during a period when more players worldwide came forward with similar stories. The PFA felt compelled to take action and review players’ workplace experiences.
"That (De Vanna’s case) was an eye opener," says goalkeeper Morgan Aquino, who last season was at Perth Glory and recently joined Power FC in the United States. Aquino was part of the Player Consultation Group the PFA set up to assist with the project. "You feel sorry that she couldn’t speak up in that moment, because who knows what her career would have looked like. Obviously she still achieved a lot, but who knows what she would have achieved if she was able to feel comfortable."
"It changed the way I was looking at the football environment. I was still young, but I started looking around more to check if everyone was getting treated well. After that (De Vanna’s case) came out, I took my soccer more seriously. If this is where I'm going to work, I want to feel safe. I don't want to be going into an environment where I'm not comfortable. What's the point of doing it as a career if you're not going to be comfortable with it?"
Aquino was one of the core members of the Player Consultation Group who, together with PFA staff, created the Safe Football Project that sets out to review processes for supporting and safeguarding players. A 2021 survey found 27% of the 138 players surveyed reported some form of abuse, with only 21% of players informing someone else about it. In 2023% of 172 participating players reported some form of abuse, and 55% of them spoke about it.
"I was shocked after learning about the results," Aquino commented. "But what stood out to me is the difference between the two years; that in the second year more people who had unfortunately received some sort of abuse knew where to go. They had learned from the education and weren't trying to deal with it on their own." From the feedback, the players union concluded that significant and urgent change was needed to deliver a safe workplace free of abuse and harassment.
The PFA presented several recommendations including a wholesale review and five interim actions. One of those actions is the establishment of a "landing space". "It's a safe space where you can go for support, protection or answers for whatever you are experiencing. It could be a platform, a website or a brochure created by trusted peers. You can find guidance on how to stop what is going on, or you can share concerns. It's in the works, it's still to be created," Aquino explains.
Another recommended action was education to increase players’ awareness about their rights, and where to find remedy for when those rights are not respected. "Sometimes people forget that this is a workplace," Aquino highlights. "If you are an accountant and you were being mistreated at a job, you wouldn't put up with it. You would leave, right? But when you are playing football, you're in such a unique work environment that people can get confused how to treat you.
"With the learnings and with the education sessions that the PFA can bring to the teams, we show that it's not acceptable. If you feel you've been mistreated or you think someone else is, then it's okay to speak about it because your position won't be jeopardised. Players were scared of that; they were afraid of being dropped from their team because, at the end of the day, they want to play.
"Personally, I will call out if something's wrong," Aquino continues. "Even when I wasn't playing, I still felt I could speak up, because I'd been at Perth for so long, understood the club, and because of the relationships I had with the club I could speak to the coaches. I felt that if I spoke up, I wasn't going to get dropped or whatever."
Later this month, the PFA will host a Safe Football Conference, where Australian football stakeholders will come together to discuss player wellbeing and safety. "The most important message is: we hear you,” says Aquino. “Don't ever feel like you have to keep something in. There are people that will help you. Keeping it in is detrimental to your physical and mental health.
"I want everyone to acknowledge the abuse that people experienced and to be empathetic to them. It is important you feel safe in the workplace. You excel in a professional environment when you feel comfortable. If there's harassment or any other type of abuse, then you're not able to perform. You come to your workplace to excel, and no one should be there stopping you from doing that."
24.10.2024
ZDRILIC ADMITS BALANCING ACT WITH PLAYERS’ FITNESS
Perth Glory coach David Zdrilic is facing a selection balancing act as he looks to ramp up some players’ minutes while not overexposing others amid fitness issues. Zdrilic was criticised in the wake of Glory’s horror 6-1 loss to Macarthur to open the season after admitting some players were underdone fitness-wise.
Ecuadorian centre-back Luis Canga only made it through 45 minutes, while second half substitute Nikola Mileusnic lasted just 10 minutes before exiting with a hamstring injury. Belgian left-back Anas Hamzaoui also played off the bench while Nicholas Pennington, Josh Risdon and Lachlan Barr missed the game through injury.
Zdrilic said pre-season injuries had forced his hand to an extent, and the selection of the side to face Wellington Phoenix in their home opener was a “juggling act”. “We have a lot of players that have been out - and are still out - for the whole pre-season that I haven’t even seen in a competitive game,” he said.
“Anas played the second half, but he’s come in the back end of the pre-season. Canga is the same. He’s been improving out of sight, but just coming in recently and playing a different style, with different teammates and different players around him all the time, we’ve just got to manage the situation.”
While Risdon is set to miss around a month with a knee issue, centre-back Barr is a chance to feature for Glory against Wellington on Saturday night. “He’s been back in training now, he’s been looking good, but he’s another one that we have to assess,” Zdrilic said.
“We don’t want to be throwing guys in if they’re not not ready. He’s been training, so that’s a positive. We’ve got another session (Friday), and we’ll reassess. Nikola Mileusnic, he was raring to go, but without the work in pre-season, he broke down in that one and I don’t want that happening to other players.”
23.10.2024
IT'S JUST THE START: NORTHERN IRELAND'S JOURNEY UNDER OXTOBY
When Tanya Oxtoby took over the Northern Ireland women's team she had ambitions of qualifying for major tournaments - so are they ready? It has been a busy 14 months under the new manager, who was brought in to turn things around following a disappointing Euro 2022 campaign and the departure of Kenny Shiels.
Oxtoby has made plenty of changes - lowering the average age of the squad, moving them up the FIFA world rankings and improving their defensive record. Now, as they prepare for two crucial Euro 2025 play-off games against Croatia, Oxtoby reflects on the progression the side have made.
"I would sum it up as being super exciting and a lot of work," Oxtoby said. "I've learned so much over the last 12 months about myself, the group and the country. We're on a really exciting journey and this is just the start. I can't wait to see where we get to in another 18 months. Get on board. It's an exciting time."
Oxtoby, who captained Perth Glory for four seasons, was appointed caoch of Northern Ireland in August 2023 having been assistant manager at Chelsea and following a spell as Bristol City boss. Her first camp was in September as Northern Ireland started their Nations League campaign with a 3-0 defeat by the Republic of Ireland.
It was a "baptism of fire", Oxtoby says, and she embarked on an "evaluation period" afterwards to see what changes needed to be made to improve for the long-term. "We wanted tactically flexible players who could play a number of different positions so we had the ability to switch things up," said Oxtoby.
"The biggest thing was the personal accountability. It’s not about coming in and performing for your country for 10 days, it’s the professionalism that goes on every single day to be the best version of yourself. Everyone is pulling in the same direction now. That level of professionalism and application outside of the windows has really improved."
Oxtoby looked at what skills they needed to bring into the coaching staff, as well as communicating with clubs to develop individual training programmes. She did educational talks on the menstrual cycle, nutrition, video analysis and physical performance. "I spoke about a high-performing environment and what elements go into that," said Oxtoby.
"I asked the players to think about whether they were maximising everything. We looked at what they could take control of and what we could support with. We gave them individual programmes so they were in the best physical shape they could be when they came into camp."
The Irish FA also made changes off the pitch, appointing several new members of staff in the analysis and physical performance departments. Oxtoby says the changes have been "small but ongoing", tweaking things in each window and growing the environment around the team.
Young players have been given opportunities, while Oxtoby and her staff have continued to "layer on top" information around professionalism. "I think we're on the right track with it. Both internally and externally it's massive," said Oxtoby, who named Simone Magill as Northern Ireland's new captain earlier this week.
"We have such amazing players coming through and we want people to know their stories, their backgrounds and for people to be able to relate. You need to share your journey so people can understand where you come from and where you want to go to. Part of that is to continue to get good results so people are interested."
This is a project that is all aimed towards an end goal of qualifying for Euro 2025 and being able to compete at the tournament. Oxtoby hopes to set foundations for success in the future too and she hasn't been afraid to make tough decision, including dropping former captain Marissa Callaghan for the upcoming play-off with Croatia as well as Demi Vance.
"We're heading in the right direction, there's no doubts about that. I feel like in the last two windows we have turned a corner," said Oxtoby. "We have good foundations to keep pushing on. This level now is the minimum for us. These two play-off games will be massive."
"It's a fairly young squad in transition. The hardest thing to do in a transition period is to keep winning but I’m excited to see them play. We won't move away from what we have been doing. But we need to do it quicker, better and for longer. That's the challenge - and the players are ready for it."
It will not be an easy task. Northern Ireland are ranked 14 places higher than Friday's play-off opponents Croatia but with major tournament regulars Norway potentially to come should they progress, tougher challenges lie in waiting. Oxtoby is under no illusions to the challenge but she is looking at the bigger picture.
"It would be massive to (qualify for Euro 2025). It's the reason I took the job. It was always going to be a massive challenge. But I don't want to just qualify for major tournaments. I want us to go there, be successful and compete. I want us to shake it up, that's the whole point of it."
"We need results, that's the business we're in, but we also need long-term success. We need to win in the right way and develop in the right way. I want to get (to Euro 2025) and people say 'wow, this team is something'. That's my goal for these players. We are not getting ahead of ourselves but that's where we want to be."
23.10.2024
GLORY SHUT DOWN TAGGART TRANSFER RUMOUR
Perth Glory have emphatically denied striker Adam Taggart is being shopped to rival clubs amid an online rumour suggesting they were looking to get his wages off the books. The Glory captain won the A-League Golden Boot last season but in the wake of a disastrous opening game of the new season, it has been suggested the club are actively trying to off-load Taggart due to his current wage.
However, Glory director of football Stan Lazaridis has slammed the rumour and denied the club were looking to get rid of Taggart. “He’s not leaving this club. 199 per cent,” Lazaridis told 'the West Australian’ newspaper. “At the end of the day, I’m the one in control of that and I’m telling you right now, he’s not going... Tags is our captain. He’s our leader.”
Since Glory were taken over by the Pelligra Group in February, there has been a push for the club to sign, retain, develop and play homegrown products like Taggart. “I want more Perth boys. I’m trying to bring more Western Australians back here...the Brandon O’Neill’s, the Josh Risdon’s, the Taggarts, they’re very important for this club,” Lazaridis added.
21.10.2024
CAMERON BURGESS JOINS PREMIER LEAGUE ELITE (courtesy waoveryonder.au)
Ipswich Town centre-back Cameron Burgess became just the eighth West Australian to play in England’s top flight when handed his Premier League debut on the weekend. Although the 28-year old defender was unable to prevent the Tractor Boys from going down 2-0 at home to Everton, it will be a day he will no doubt savour after a defiant rise up the ranks of English football.
Just four years ago Cameron was playing on loan to League Two side Salford City, with any dreams of appearing in the top-flight way off on a distant horizon. But a timely transfer to then League One side Ipswich put his career on an upward trajectory that included back-to-back promotions and a place in the Premier League.
After playing regularly across the past three seasons, Cameron has had to bide his time on the bench this term. The eleven-times capped Socceroo featured in Ipswich’s Carabao Cup loss to Wimbledon in August but he had to wait until yesterday for his second outing, and his Premier League debut.
Cameron joins an elite group of eight Sandgropers to have played in England’s top flight. Andy Petterson became Western Australia’s first Premier League star when he took the goalkeeping gloves in Ipswich’s 2-1 defeat of Nottingham Forest in May 1993. Left-sided maestro Stan Lazaridis came off the bench for West Ham United against Chelsea in September 1995.
Chris Coyne and Richard Garcia both made their Premier League debuts for West Ham against Leeds United, the former in May 1999 and the later in January 2002. Brad Jones kept goal in Middlesbrough’s January 2004 win over Fulham. Chris Herd was a second half substitute for Aston Villa against Manchester United in November 2010. And Jordan Lyden was also with Villa when he featured against Bournemouth in April 2016.
20.10.2024
NIGHTMARE START FOR GLORY
Perth Glory, and head coach David Zdrilic, have endured a nightmare first Isuzu Ute A-League game of the season, thrashed 6-1 by an impressive Macarthur FC at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The hosts, who won the Australia Cup last month, dominated the first half, racing to a 5-0 lead at the break, with goals from Jed Drew, Jake Hollman, Tomi Uskok and a brace from Marin Jaklois. Valere Germain added a sixth after half-time, before Adam Bugarija scored a late consolation goal, to end the nightmare, and leave the new Glory boss with plenty of headaches, the win was the biggest ever A-League victory for Mile Sterjovski’s side.
“I thought we started well and I thought we were in the game, but we had players who were underdone, and that is what it is, we had a good pre-season, but this is our first trip away from home and you can see it was a culmination of things that went in to that first 45 minutes, and unfortunate we got caught out,” Zdrilic said post-match. “I thought we showed some good signs after half time, it’s never easy to comeback from 5-0 down, and I thought some of the young guys that came on handled the situation perfectly. I know we can score goals, but it’s the other end of the pitch we need to tighten up on. But we’ve got a lot of young lads in the squad, and they are going to learn from today.’
Injuries have hit the club hard in preseason, and the latest was Josh Risdon, who missed the game, with Zdrilic giving five players, Hiroaki Aoyama, Taras Gomulka, Zach Lisolajski, Abdul Faisal and Luis Canga Glory A-League debuts, while Andriano Lebib made his first A-League start. There had been a positive vibe around the new era at the club, but that imploded seven minutes in, when an errant back pass from Luke Bodnar went straight to Hollman, his shot was well saved by Oli Sail, but Drew fired home the rebound.
The hosts added a second three minutes later, poor defending allowed Drew to skip past his marker, and cut the ball back to Hollman, who made no mistake. It was one-way traffic, with the inexperienced Glory side chasing shadows, and it was 3-0 on 21 minutes, Jakolis wriggled past two defenders, played a one-two with Liam Rose, eased past another defender, his shot was parried by Sail, and Uskok was on hand to fire home the rebound. Glory’s best chance of the half came moments later when Kaelan Majekodunmi’s effort was well saved by Filip Kurto.
The home fans were on their feet again on the half hour, when a quick free kick caught Glory napping, and Jakolis cut inside his marker and curled home superbly to make it 4-0. Adam Taggart had a goal ruled out for offside eight minutes later, but there was still time for a fifth for the Bulls in stoppage time, Hollman’s through ball found Jakolis, who raced into goal and finished well past Sail. It was the worst possible start for Zdrilic, and he made three changes at the break, with Anas Hamzaoui, Khoa Ngo and Bugarija coming on for Bodnar, Canga and Aoyama.
Perth was on the front foot after the restart, and Adam Taggart was denied once more by the linesman’s flag by the barest of margins after substitute Bugarija’s clever first touch. But Glory’s defensive problems continued on the hour, with the Bulls adding a sixth, Jakolis’ cross from the left bypassed three Glory defenders and was turned home by the unmarked Germain at the back post. Glory scored a consolation goal on 73 minutes, Brandon O’Neill’s ball found Taggart in space on the edge of the box, he cut inside his marker, and the ball ran on to Bugarija who looped his shot over Filip Kurto.
It was good to see Glory fight the game out, but it went from bad to worse for them when substitute, and new recruit Nikola Mileusnic was forced off with a hamstring injury shortly after coming off the bench, and with Glory having used all their substitutes, they were forced to finish the game with ten men. Back to the drawing board for Glory, as they prepare for their first home game of the season against Wellington Phoenix on Saturday evening at HBF Park.
Macarthur FC: GK Filip KURTO, 5 Matthew JURMAN, 6 Tomislav USKOK (15 Dino ARSLANAGIC 67'), 8 Jake HOLLMAN (28 Harrison SAWYER 68'), 11 Jed DREW (24 Dean BOSNJAK 67'), 13 Ivan VUJICA, 20 Kealey ADAMSON, 22 Liam ROSE, 26 Luke BRATTAN, 44 Marin JAKOLIS (18 Walter SCOTT 74'), 98 Valere GERMAIN (19 Ariath PIOL 82') – Subs not used: RGK Alexander ROBINSON, 27 Joshua DAMEVSKI
Perth Glory: GK Oli SAIL, 4 Luke BODNAR (26 Khoa NGO 46'), 6 Brandon O’NEILL, 11 Hiroaki AOYAMA (16 Adam BUGARIJA 46'), 12 Taras GOMULKA, 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI, 21 Abdul FAISAL (10 Nikola MILEUSNIC 76'), 22 Adam TAGGART, 24 Andriano LEBIB, 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI (17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO 64'), 33 Luis CANGA (3 Anas HAMZAOUI 46') - Subs not used: RGK Cameron COOK, 9 David WILLIAMS - Referee: Ben Abraham – Attendance: Not available
20.10.2024
REST OF THE A-LEAGUE ROUND ONE WRAP
The round started on Friday evening with a Grand Final rematch between Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne Victory at the Industree Group Stadium in Gosford, and they played out a 0-0 draw. Five months on from the Mariners’ triumph, this one had a bit of everything. Former Glory striker Bruno Fornaroli penalty crashed off the post in the first half, this after teammate Jason Geria had a red card downgraded to yellow upon a VAR review. After the break Roderick Miranda saw red but the Mariners couldn’t make their numerical advantage count, with both sides sharing the spoils. Referee: Alireza Faghani – Attendance: 6,953
Auckland’s Isuzu UTE A-League introduction was a memorable one at Go Media Stadium, as Steve Corica’s side beat Brisbane Roar 2-0 in front of nearly 25,000 home fans. The hosts got off to a flyer, when Japanese defender Hiroki Sakai played a dangerous ball across the box which was flicked into his own net by Roar defender Harry Van Der Saag. They sealed the points on 75 minutes, striker Logan Rogerson became the first goalscorer for the new franchise, tapping in Francis De Vries’ cross at the far post to give the Black Knights a winning start. Referee: Daniel Elder - Attendance: 24,492
Melbourne City have started their campaign with a narrow 1-0 win against Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium. The only goal of the game came after only two minutes, after the Jets defence failed to clear their lines. City were then reduced to 10 players 20 minutes from time after midfielder Jimmy Jeggo was shown a straight red card, after a VAR review, for raking his studs down the back of Newcastle’s Eli Adams, but the visitors held on to take all three points despite some late Jets pressure. – Referee: Shaun Evans - Attendance: 8,032
Then on Saturday evening it was the Sydney Derby, with Sydney FC beating Western Sydney Wanderers 2-1, with Polish striker Patryk Klimala bagged a second half winner for 10-man Sky Blues at CommBank Stadium. Klimala was the provider for the opener on 17 minutes, nodding onto Joe Lolley, and the former Nottingham Forest midfielder rolled the ball home. The hosts levelled early in the second half, Aydan Hammond pouncing on a ball in the box and firing past Andrew Redmayne.
The home fans were in raptures on 62 minutes when new Spanish signing Juan Mata came off the bench, but 60 seconds later, it was the Sky Blues fans cheering when they scored the winner. A cross from Brazilain striker Douglas Costa found the head of Hayden Matthews, whose flick-on was headed home by Klimala. Sydney was forced to play the last ten minutes of the contest with ten-men after substitute Max Burgess was sent off just four minutes after coming on for a mistimed challenge on Wanderers substitute Ben Holliday, but they held firm to take home the points. Referee Alex King - Attendance: 27,496
In Sunday’s early game Wellington Phoenix and Western United have fought out a 1-1 draw at the Sky Stadium in Wellington. It was business as usual for the hosts and veteran striker Kosta Barbarouses, who put the Phoenix ahead in first-half stoppage time, and it looked like Giancarlo Italiano’s side looked set to cruise to an opening-round victory, but failed to take their chances. But United grew in confidence through the second half and equalised 14 minutes from time with Angus Thurgate on target. The hosts had further chances to win it, but John Aloisi’s side held firm to take home a point – Referee: Adam Kersey - Attendance: 7,535
17.10.2024
LINCOLN AND JACOBSZ WINS THE NPL GOLD MEDALS
The Football West NPLWA Awards were held at the Ritz Carlton on Thursday evening, and Perth SC striker Ella Lincoln took home the Women’s NPL Gold Medal, with Armadale striker Pieter Jacobsz winning the Men’s NPL Gold Medal. Jacobsz has had a fantastic season for Armadale, and becomes the first player from the club to win the prestigious award on 26 votes, pipping Western Knights midfielder Kristian Santich by a single vote, with David Ninkovich of Perth SC was third with 21 votes.
Jacobsz, who has been training with A-League side Perth Glory, and played in their recent pre-season friendly against Newcastle Jets in Bunbury, also won the Men’s NPL Golden Boot trophy after finishing top scorer with 25 goals, while his stunning stoppage-time winner in the 5-4 victory at Stirling Macedonia in Round 21 was voted Goal of the Season. But he his all-round game has gone through the roof this season, and he has shown his loyalty to Armadale, after being chased by a number of clubs in the pre-season.
The striker was over the moon to win the medal. “I couldn’t be happier with how things ended, and I have to give all the glory to God. Such a blessing to receive these awards, especially with all the talent in the league I feel honoured.” Jacobsz explained. “I have too many people to thank, but in short, I thank everyone who has helped me through my footballing journey. Family, friends, teammates, coaches, supporters I appreciate all of you.”
Armadale coach Alun Vernals said it’s a great reward for Jacobsz, who has been a pleasure to coach this season, and he’s hoping for more in 2025. “I’m absolutely made up for Pieter, his attitude this year has been bang on and it's shown in his performances,” he said. “In the second half of the year he was on another level and some of the goals he scored he made look easy He's confidence has grown and he looks after himself well off the pitch, so we’ll see more of the same next year.”
Perth SC striker Lincoln won the Women’s NPL Gold Medal with 30 votes, two more than Perth RedStar playmaker Reina Kagami, while Subiaco’s Frankie Murray-Hocking was third on 23 votes. Lincoln also went home with three awards for a stellar season which has earned her a contract with A-League side Perth Glory. She won the Women’s Golden Boot for her 26-goal league season and was voted Female Young Player of the Year. “Honestly, I feel so honoured to be awarded such a great accolade alongside the other awards,” Lincoln said. “It is such a great achievement and I cannot thank everyone that has helped me earn this award.”
Perth SC skipper Baxter Thew, who was herself a trialist at Perth Glory in pre-season, said Lincoln has been outstanding this season and all her hard work has been rewarded. “Me and the girls are absolutely thrilled for Ella. It was great to see her be acknowledged and rewarded for a stand out season and be rewarded with the gold medal,” the defender said. “I think her success has been cultivated by not only having a great team around her but, also an immense amount of individual hard work and effort. I have enjoyed playing with her both as a person and player and it has been great to watch her play with so much confidence. I wish her every success with her upcoming A league season with Perth Glory and cannot wait to see what she can achieve at the next level.”
17.10.2024
ZDRILIC SET FOR GLORY DEBUT
Perth Glory begins their 2024-25 Isuzu Ute A-League campaign on Sunday afternoon, with a trip to the Campbelltown Sports Stadium to take on recently crowned 2024 Australia Cup winners Macarthur FC. (1.00pm WA Time) It is the start of a new era at the club on and off the pitch, with Ross Pelligra and the Pelligra Group becoming new owners, with Jason Bontempo, and former Socceroos Vince Grella and Mark Bresciano coming on to the advisory board, with another Socceroo, and WA great Stan Lazaridis, coming in as Director of Football.
There is also a new coach, David Zdrilic replacing Alen Stajcic, and his assistants are Tomi Vidovic and Spaniard Andres Clavijo, while it’s a new look playing squad, and if the pre-season action is anything to go by, the Glory faithful will be in for some exciting football. A first up trip to New South Wales, is a daunting task for Glory, who have never beaten the Bulls on the road, but it’s a challenge Zdrilic is looking forward to.
“For me, it’s fantastic that I’m here in Perth, I’ve just loved every minute,” Zdrilic said. “The challenge of totally recreating the club’s identity, the culture, and seeing that change already in the pre-season, makes me very proud. As a head coach – I’ve been asked this before – I don’t feel like it’s my first head coaching role. I’ve been in environments that are very, very stressful, high-pressure environments that I don’t think I can replicate here in Australia… albeit as an assistant coach but still in very high-pressure situations.”
Zdrilic said his squad has a considerable number not yet up to full fitness and managing workloads will be key on Sunday, and through the opening rounds of the season. “There (are) a lot of players in the squad that aren’t fully fit…we need to manage minutes,” he explained. “That’s the challenge for the first couple of rounds, is who can play (for) long, what role do they play, if it’s a starting player, how long will they last, the guys coming on, how long will they last?
“We have a lot of depth in the squad, so when everyone is back and ready to go, I think it’s going to be a very, very good challenge to have. But at the moment it’s the same thing, some players are under that. For the philosophy, it’s a big change for everyone. That change, you’re going to see during the season. I’m just delighted the players have bought into it, that it’s been very effective in the pre-season. We’ve had our challenges with just being here and not being able to get as many games, but in the games that we have had, I think for the most part it’s been very positive.”
The last time Glory met the Bulls at the venue was in round 14 last season, when a late goal from David Williams secured a 2-2 draw. Ulises Dávila opened the scoring early, but the season would end in controversy for the Mexican striker, who was accused of yellow-card fixing in A-League games and banned. Glory would level 18 minutes from time, with Mustafa Amini converting from the spot. The game was up for grabs, and it was the Bulls who regained the lead ten minutes later, with French striker Valère Germain also scoring from the spot. It looked like another defeat at the venue, but three minutes into stoppage time Williams popped up to restore parity and give both sides a share of the spoils.
Macarthur FC Squad: GK Filip KURTO, GK Alexander ROBINSON, 5 Matthew JURMAN, 6 Tomislav USKOK, 7 Daniel DE SILVA, 8 Jake HOLLMAN, 11 Jed DREW, 13 Ivan VUJICA, 15 Dino ARSLANAGIC, 18 Walter SCOTT, 20 Kealey ADAMSON, 22 Liam ROSE, 23 Frans DELI, 24 Dean BOSNJAK, 26 Luke BRATTAN, 27 Joshua DAMEVSKI, 28 Harrison SAWYER, 33 Yianni NICOLAOU, 44 Marin JAKOLIS, 98 Valere GERMAIN - *Two to be omitted* - Unavailable: 9 Chris IKONOMIDIS (Injured), 21 BERNARDO (injured)
Perth Glory Squad: GK Oli SAIL, GK Cameron COOK, 3 Anas HAMZAOUI, 4 Luke BODNAR, 5 Lachlan BARR, 6 Brandon O’NEILL, 9 David WILLIAMS, 10 Nikola MILEUSNIC, 11 Hiroaki AOYAMA, 12 Taras GOMULKA, 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI, 16 Adam BUGARIJA, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 19 Josh RISDON, 21 Abdul FAISAL, 22 Adam TAGGART, 24 Andriano LEBIB, 26 Khoa NGO, 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI, 33 Luis CANGA - *Two to be omitted* - Unavailable: 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON (injured), 8 Mustafa AMINI (injured), 14 Nathanael BLAIR (injured)
17.10.2024
DONNELL READY FOR UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE
Kris Donnell has been appointed as the new coach at State League Division One side UWA Nedlands, and the 39-year-old said after a chat to the club on their future plans, he is excited by the challenge of being a head coach, and the prospect of guiding the club forward. “Really excited and delighted to take on the role next season, I’m up for the challenge and feel it’s a good time to go back in as first team manager,” Donnell explained. “After I met the club officials, the discussions with Vice-President Mark Reid and Technical Director Mitch Doherty about the club’s short term and long-term goals, it was an easy choice, and it's something that I want to help and be a part of.”
Donnell will replace Richard Abrams, who left the club at the end of last season, and he has been impressed with the squad, and delighted a number of players have stayed loyal to the club, and he’s delighted with the clubs coaching roster. “There is plenty to build on with such a great young squad, it was important that we kept the core of the team and I’m pleased with how quickly the club have managed to retain the squad bar one or two players,” he said.
“We have a great coaching group with Lee Benton coming on board to the 18s, while Vinnie Kapur will continue on from his amazing success last season after winning the State League Reserves Cup Final. I am also really pleased to have Nigel Burke alongside me next season. Nigel is a familiar face around UWA already, and is a great addition to the group, with a strong playing background in Ireland.”
UWA Nedlands President Alexandra Lyons said the appointment of Donnell is great for the club, but also thanked Abrams after his two-years at the club. "We're excited to have Kris on board - he has an excellent reputation and will be a great fit for our club. He brings a range of skills and experience to share, and with a core returning player base we're looking forward to seeing where he can take them,” Lyons explained. "We're grateful for Richard and Simon's efforts in stabilising the program, and in giving the opportunity for some talented youth to showcase their ability and get results. There were some exciting games in there and entertaining goals - we wish them the best in their new roles."
Donnell started his coaching in WA at Port Kennedy, helping them to promotions from the Amateur Division Three to the Amateur Premier. The Scotsman then headed to Kwinana and got them promoted from Division One to Amateur Premier, and won the Amateur League Cup. His first State League role came at Mandurah City with Pete Taylor, finishing fourth in their first season and winning the Night Series. He was then appointed as Technical Director at Rockingham City, before being given the first team job and finishing sixth in the league. His last coaching role was last season, when he assisted Steve McDonald and Scott Miller at Cockburn City.
The new season can’t come quick enough for Donnell, and he is well aware of the challenge, but he has been impressed with the talent within the squad, and hopes to bring in a few more to strengthen it. “We certainly have a great group already here and we will look to add two or three additions who I think will help the squad in the long run to achieve our goals,” he explained. “There are also several young players coming through at the club who we have to look at and involve in preseason to give them some exposure to the first team squad, I can’t wait to get started.”
17.10.2024
MARINERS WITHOUT INJURED SAINSBURY FOR SEASON OPENER
Central Coast mariners will be without captain Trent Sainsbury for their A-League season opener against Melbourne Victory. The former Socceroo tore a pec muscle after a "freak" gym incident in the weeks leading up to tomorrow's Grand Final rematch and is expected to be ruled out for the rest of the year.
Sainsbury has only played one game for the Mariners so far, featuring in their 3-1 AFC Champions League Elite defeat to Shandong Taishan, after re-joining the club in August on a three-year deal. The centre-back is back with the club that launched his professional career after 10-years abroad, most notably in the Netherlands.
"Trent's going to be out until the new year so it's a big, big blow for him and for us in particular," coach Mark Jackson said. "It was a freak incident in the gym. He tore a pec muscle. It was nothing which any of the staff or him could have done different. We're going to miss his leadership on the pitch, but off the pitch, he's still there."
16.10.2024
JONES CLOSES IN ON BOLTON COMEBACK
Gethin Jones will soon be back in the frame for Bolton Wanderers with manager Ian Evatt describing the defender as an “important player” in the team’s future. A knee injury has prevented the 28-year old from featuring for the Whites so far in League One but he is expected to be back in contention following the international break.
Jones made 50 appearances in all competitions last season and his versatility in either a central or wide defensive spot is, by Evatt’s estimation, a major boost for the weeks ahead. “He is an important player for us and one who can obviously play in a wing-back role or as a centre-back, so I think that’s an important string to his bow,” Evatt said..
“He can do the job for both and I think if you look at his win ratio for this team, it’s pretty good. His record – and I am not saying it is just down to him – but he has been a big part of what we have done over a number of years now. It will be great to have him back involved around the squad and make it more competitive.”
Jones has been given extra competition with the summer arrivals of Jordi Osei-Tutu and Chris Forino but Evatt believes the Australia international still has a big part to play. “He is a leader, a good person, and he helps others. And having him available will only increase the quality we have to pick from and the squad depth,” he added.
Jones is one of a handful of Wanderers players who will be back in the fold after the break, including Carlos Mendes Gones and Will Forrester, which could present Evatt with a few more selection decisions. “I think we will have more options and obviously that adds a bit more complexity with the numbers and the squad but it’s what we wanted,” he said.
“When we have a full fit squad available I think it is very competitive. We want competition and players who go out there and perform to keep their shirt, perform on the training pitch every single day, and they earn their spot in the team. We want players who perform because if they don’t there is someone ready to take their place.”
“That has to be the mindset right across the squad. Even the last couple of weeks, managing to rotate the strikers in particular, they are buying into that policy and they are buying into the fact that every one of them has to play their part, in the team, on the bench.”
16.10.2024
SOCCEROO BURGESS READY TO FIGHT FOR PREMIER LEAGUE SPOT
Socceroos defender Cam Burgess will quickly put his own goal against Japan behind him and focus on winning back his spot at English Premier League club Ipswich Town. Australia took the lead in Saitama last night via a horror own goal by Shogo Tanaguchi in the 58th minute, but 16 minutes later Burgess knocked a sizzling centre from Keito Nakamura into his own net.
"Maybe there was the guy (striker Ayase Ueda) behind me, so if I didn't try and do something, then I guess he'd have tapped it in," Burgess said. "So (I have) seen it pretty late, and just, I guess, one of those unfortunate ones." The game finished 1-1, with a point crucial to Australia's hopes of direct World Cup qualification.
Burgess otherwise thrived in coach Tony Popovic's back three alongside the excellent Jason Geria and Harry Souttar. "For the way we're playing at the moment, it suits us," Burgess said. "We've taken the messages on board. We've seen that the last two performances. It's something that a lot of us have played before throughout our careers, certainly I have, so yeah, it's positive signs."
Burgess helped Ipswich secure promotion to the Premier League, but is yet to play a minute in England's top flight. "It's tough not playing football," he said. "That's what I want to do. That's what I grew up, trying my best to do. It's tough at times. "But it's the biggest stage in the world, the Premier League, and then to play for the national team as well, it's a huge honour."
"So to be a part of both those things is massive for me in my career. And it's a process, and I'm there to help the team, and when called upon I'll be ready. It's a long season and I'll be ready when my time comes." Burgess will be on contention when 17th placed Ipswich meet Everton, who are one rung higher up the ladder, this Saturday.
16.10.2024
RESILIENT SOCCEROOS TAKE A POINT IN JAPAN
The Socceroos have earned a vital point in their FIFA 2026 World Cup qualification campaign, after holding Group C leaders Japan to a 1-1 draw at the Saitama Stadium on Tuesday evening. The Socceroos defensive shape worked well in a hard-fought encounter, and despite not having a shot on goal, it looked like they might secure a historic win, after taking the lead through a Shogo Taniguchi own goal, but Cameron Burgess also scored into his own net to give Japan a share of the spoils. The results in the rest of the group games went the Socceroos way, with China winning and Saudi Arabia and Bahrain drawing, to leave them in second place, with games against the Saudi’s and Bahrain in the next international window in November.
Socceroos Head Coach Tony Popovic was delighted with the resolute performance of his side. "It was wonderful character in the group, we're happy with the result, of course, but we want to expect more,” Popovic said post-match. “We tried to play … [but] they win the ball back quickly. This was a huge test, but they hung in there the whole time. We were very resolute at the back, and we’ll reflect on a good October window, and in November, we want to play better. I thought it was a very resolute display defensively. We came up against a nation that has scored 14 goals in three games now.
“They have a first 11 that all play in Europe, in the top leagues in the world, so to keep them to very minimal chances. Obviously, they’ll always have their moments because they have the quality, but it’s a very good display. Not just from the defenders, but I think as a team, we were very well-structured and organised. We can do much better with the ball, and that’s a goal for us to move forward and keep working on that aspect of our game. But without that desire, without that will to win, you start off without a chance.”
Popovic made six changes to the side that beat China last week, with Jason Geria, Burgess, Jordy Bos, Riley McGree, Ajdin Hrustic and Luke Brattan, who was making his Socceroos debut, all coming into the starting eleven. Thomas Deng, Kye Rowles, Aziz Behich, Aiden O’Neill, Nestory Irankunda and Craig Goodwin all made way. It wasn’t the best of starts for the Australian players, arriving late to the ground, after they were caught in traffic after an accident. Both teams requested a delay to the kick-off and were rejected by the Asian Football Confederation, a decision that was pretty ordinary, and after only 35 minutes, from getting to the ground, warming up, the Socceroos took the field.
The hosts were on the front foot early, and had the majority of possession without really threatening, the best chance fell to Takefusa Kubo, but the Real Sociedad fired into the side-netting from a tight angle. Mitch Duke was then picked out by Hrustic’s free kick, but the big striker headed wide. That was as good as it got in attack, but Harry Souttar, Burgess and the rest of the Socceroos defence were working overtime, as the hosts pressed, but they couldn’t breakdown a well-marshalled Australia outfit. The best chance for Japan came just after the half hour, Kaoru Mitoma cutting in from out wide, but the Brighton midfielders curing effort was cleared by the alert Jason Geria.
Popovic made one change at the break, with Patrick Yazbek replacing Brattan in midfield, and they had more possession to start the second half, but didn’t trouble Zion Suzuki in the Japanese goal. The home faithful were becoming frustrated, as chances came and went, the best falling to Takumi Minamino, who headed wide when well placed. Then moments later the crowd were silenced when the Socceroos found the opener. Lewis Miller found space on the right, and his curling cross was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Taniguchi, much to the delight of the small pocket of Australian supporters in the sell-out crowd.
It was the first goal conceded by the hosts in round three qualification, and they looked for an immediate response, but Ao Tanaka’s shot from range was saved by Joe Gauci. But 14 minutes from time Japan did find the equaliser, substitute Keito Nakamura sped past Yazbek on the left of the penalty area, and his low cross was deflected home by the unfortunate Ipswich Town defender Burgess. Japan pressed for the winner, but Gauci was alert to save from Koki Ogawa’s close-range effort, the Socceroos holding firm to claim a valuable away point. They will back in action on Thursday 14 November when they host Saudi Arabia at the AAMI Park
Socceroos skipper Jackson Irvine said getting to the ground late is what it is, but he was proud to lead the side to a valuable point against the group leaders. “My experience as part of this team is that the boys stand up in the most difficult moment: no excuses. I’m very proud of that performance as captain – the calmness and composure that we showed in defence, it’s a top foundation for us to move forward,” the midfielder explained.
“It’s tough to put into words (on captaining the side), I’ve got a very strong emotional connection to this team and it’s a very proud moment, and I’ve got some family here which makes it even better. On the delay getting to the ground late, it is what it is. When circumstances are out of your control, it makes it simple, you’ve just got to do it. I can’t speak highly enough of all our staff for the way they prepare us, they gave us the best opportunity to perform tonight and we did that.”
Japan: GK Zion Suzuki, 3 Shogo Taniguchi, 4 Kou Itakura, 5 Hidemasa Morita, 7 Kaoru Mitoma, 8 Takumi Minamino (15 Daichi Kamada 70'), 9 Ayase Ueda (19 Koki Ogawa 83'), 10 Ritsu Doan (14 Junya Ito 62'), 16 Koki Machida, 17 Ao Tanaka, 20 Takefusa Kubo (13 Keito Nakamura 70') – Subs not used: RGK Keisuke Osako, RGK Kosei Tani, 2 Yukinari Sugawara, 6 Joel Chima Fujita, 11 Daizen Maeda, 18 Henry Mochizuki, 21 Reo Hatate, 22 Ayumu Seko
Australia: GK Joe Gauci, 3 Lewis Miller (17 Keanu Baccus 82'), 8 Jason Geria, 19 Harry Souttar, 21 Cameron Burgess, 5 Jordy Bos (16 Aziz Behich 73'), 22 Jackson Irvine, 20 Luke Brattan (6 Patrick Yazbek 46'), 10 Ajdin Hrustic (23 Craig Goodwin 88'), 14 Riley McGree, 15 Mitch Duke (7 Nishan Velupillay 73') – Subs not used: RGK Maty Ryan, RGK Paul Izzo, 2 Thomas Deng, 4 Kye Rowles, 9 Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, 11 Nestory Irankunda, 13 Daniel Arzani – Attendance: 58,730 – Referee: Ahmad Al Ali (Kuwait)
16.10.2024
GILSENAN WORKING HARD FOR BLACKBURN RETURN
Zak Gilsenan says he’s seeing the light at the end of the tunnel beaming brighter every day as he nears his long-awaited return from injury. The Republic of Ireland Under-21s international enjoyed a fine 2023/24, featuring regularly for his club’s Under-21s, making his first team debut scoring his first professional goal.
Whilst those milestones were memorable for Gilsenan, there was also a frustrating run of minor knocks which saw the former Sorrento junior miss out on game time. Back for pre-season, the 21-year old was eager to hit the ground running and aiming to impress coach John Eustace in a bid to be part of the senior set-up for the new campaign.
However, things haven’t panned out as planned with a thigh issue keeping Gilsenan sidelined since the end of July. “I am definitely (making progress),” Gilsenan told RoversTV. “It has been tough. I really wanted to impress the gaffer and his staff, but things happen in football where sometimes you just have to get on with, keep your head high and come back stronger.”
“I had a really good season last year, injury free for most but I had a few niggles toward the back end. The way it panned out, I was scoring goals for the 21s and felt a bit unlucky really. It is tough dealing with it mentally, it took me a week or so. I have a good family and they definitely helped.”
Gilsenan is staying positive and believes past experiences can help him this time around. “It is just knowing my ability and knowing you will never lose that part of your game, it is more the fitness side coming back which will take a while,” he explained. “I have belief in myself and I know that I have done it before with my ACL, I will come back stronger.
“With injuries, you always have to look at the positives. I have been doing a lot of work outside football just to get myself stronger in areas where maybe I wasn’t as strong before. Dealing with my ACL quite young was tough, I felt like I missed a year compared to most of the lads. I have had two injuries and they have both been quite big ones, but I am strong mentally and believe in my abilities.”
Having had a taste of first team football last season, Gilsenan is desperate to be back among it and show what he can do. “I am back out running now, which is always nice,” commented Gilsenan, whose team sit in eighth spot in the English Championship. “It always goes quicker when you are on the pitch. I should be back training with the team in bits and bobs.”
“I get a scan in about three weeks’ time and hopefully, if that shows I am progressing well, we can move forward from there and get back training with the lads. It is a bit cold out there now. But being in and around it and watching the lads train, it is a lot nicer than being in the gym. No footballer wants to be injured. It is a tough period so making sure that everything is right this time is a big factor for me, I am sure it will be.”
15.10.2024
GLORY NAME CAPTAINS FOR UPCOMING SEASON
Perth Glory kicks off their Isuzu-Ute A-League season on Sunday, and today they launched their season at Frasers Restaurant at Kings Park, and it was announced that Adam Taggart will be the captain for season 2024-25, while Isobel Dalton and Onyinyechi Zogg were appointed as co-captains of the Ninja A-League Women’s team. Taggart, who was joint skipper last season, will be assisted by fellow-striker David Williams who has been named as vice-captain. The Socceroos striker said it’s a new start this season, with new coaches and new look squad and he knows final football is their aim.
"It's definitely a new era and a fresh start, and I think for all of us, it just gives us a fresh opportunity and that bit of optimism that we can be a bit of a surprise package this year, and use all of that freshness and new people to push this club forward,” Taggart explained. "I think we obviously need to be in the top six as an absolute minimum. I know that everyone says that, but I think for the club not finishing in the top six the last [four] seasons, it's obviously something that needs to be rectified. Challenging for finals football is an absolute minimum. For me, that is winning every home game ... and improving our away record."
The 31-year-old, who took out the A-League Golden Boot last season, has now scored a remarkable 47 goals in 86 appearances for Glory and his stellar performances in 2023/24 saw him take out the Most Glorious Player, Players’ Player of the Year and Members’ Player of the Year awards, but he knows they need to improve this season, after picking up the wooden spoon. “(Last season) was extremely disappointing. Anyone who finished last is always going to have a bit of motivation for next year. I think there were definitely some positives to come out of last year,” he said. “Going forward I think we were very good, especially in the first half of the season. We just probably lost our way a little bit more towards the end of the year. As much as we’re a new side, a new team with fresh opportunities I think it’s important to realise we did have some positives and to build on those things we did well last year, scoring lots of goals.”
The club have made huge changes to their squad during the off-season. Gone are the likes of Daniel Bennie (Queens Park Rangers), Aleksandar Susnjar (Newcastle Jets), Stefan Colakovski (Wellington Phoenix) and Josh Rawlins (Melbourne Victory), while imports Mark Beevers and Darryl Lachman have also departed. In their place, familiar faces Josh Risdon and Brandon O'Neill have returned to their hometown club, the experienced Nikol Mileusnic and Nicholas Pennington, along with imports Anas Hamzaoui, Luis Canga and Cristian Caicedo.
They have also added some talented youngsters, the likes of Nathanael Blair, Zach Lisolajski and Abdelelah Faisal, and new coach David Zdrilic remains optimistic about what the team can achieve. "You always go into a season wanting to win everything you can," he said. "We've got the mindset to be very aggressive in every game, home and away. The belief is for us to find a way to win every game. "Everything's new, so there's no reference to anything other than this is a totally new culture and entity."
Glory women will have joint-captains for the season, midfielder Dalton, who made 19 appearances in what was her debut campaign for the club last year, the 27-year-old scoring a spectacular maiden goal for the club against Canberra United in Round 13, will share the armband with central defender Zogg who signed for Glory during the off-season from Swiss side Servette, having previously played extensively at the top level in Germany and France. Zogg, 27, has also tasted UEFA Women’s Champions League action and represented Nigeria at senior international level. New Head Coach Stephen Peters has been busy re-building the squad, adding experienced keepers Casey Dumont and Miranda Templeman, former Tottenham Hotspur and Wales winger Megan Wynne, American striker Gabby Hollar, and New Zealand striker Kelli Brown, and a number of talented youngsters.
Glory CEO Anthony Radich believes that all three players will serve the club with distinction on and off the pitch this season. “We’re thrilled to confirm Adam, Isobel and Onyinyechi as our captains for the new season,” he said. “In addition to being top-quality performers in their respective positions, all three are excellent characters who have demonstrated strong leadership skills and attributes. “They will provide exactly the kind of guidance that our young, dynamic, new-look ALM and ALW squads need, while also playing a key role in spearheading our efforts to reengage with the local football community and reignite Glory in 2024/25.”
15.10.2024
TAGGART DECLARES FINALS A 'MINIMUM' FOR NEW-LOOK GLORY
Perth Glory captain Adam Taggart reckons his team can be the A-League Men's surprise packets this season, declaring finals as a minimum target. Glory collected the wooden spoon last season in a campaign that yielded just five wins and seven draws from 27 matches. Along the way the team conceded a league-high 69 goals.
Although the highly-rated David Zdrilic has been thrust into the coaching hot seat, the outside predictions aren't looking pretty with Glory tipped to finish near the foot of the table again. But with new owners in place to go with a new coach and a new-look squad, Taggart is confident Glory will buck the odds this season.
"It's definitely a new era and a fresh start," Taggart said at today's season launch. "I think for all of us, that (new era) just gives us a fresh opportunity and that bit of optimism that we can be a bit of a surprise package this year and use all of that freshness and new people to push this club forward."
"We obviously need to be in the top six as an absolute minimum. I know that everyone says that, but I think for the club not finishing in the top six the last (four) seasons, it's obviously something that needs to be rectified. Challenging for finals football is an absolute minimum. For me, that is winning every home game ... and improving our away record."
Glory made huge changes to their squad during the off-season. Gone are the likes of Daniel Bennie, Darryl Lachman, Mark Beevers, Aleksandar Susnjar, Bruce Kamau, Stefan Colakovski and Josh Rawlins. Familiar faces Josh Risdon and Brandon O'Neill have returned to their hometown club along with a host of little-known entities.
Zdrilic remains optimistic about what the team can achieve. "You always go into a season wanting to win everything you can," Zdrilic said. "We've got the mindset to be very aggressive in every game, home and away. The belief is for us to find a way to win every game. Everything's new. There's no reference to anything other than this is a totally new culture and entity."
15.10.2024
OXTOBY CALLS FOR MORE SUPPORT FOR MENTAL HEALTH IN WOMEN’S GAME
Northern Ireland women’s coach Tanya Oxtoby believes more needs to be done to support mental health in the women’s game. With increasing popularity over recent years and a move into the mainstream, players are now facing bigger pressures, whether it is dealing with higher expectations or the pitfalls of social media.
Oxtoby, who worked as a government psychologist in Western Australia specialising in mental health for young people, acknowledges progress has been made but says resources remain inconsistent across the game. “I think it’s probably more discussed now, which is a real positive thing,” former Perth Glory Women captain Oxtoby said.
“I think the support for players is there, which is good. I think there’s still a disparity between leagues in the women’s game and maybe even between clubs in leagues, as to the amount of resources there for mental health. With the success of the women’s game and how it’s growing now.”
“The pressure that goes with that, whether that be on social media or internally within clubs or fanbases, it has an impact on individuals and the support needs to be in place. There’s still work to do. It’s probably not exactly where it would like to be, but it’s definitely a recognised area that is hopefully going to be catching up as the game progresses.”
Oxtoby, who leads Northern Ireland into a crunch Euro 2025 qualifying play-off against Croatia later this month, is working on the Chase Football Coaching Programme, which provides fully-funded access to coaching qualifications for individuals from low-income backgrounds across the United Kingdom.
Oxtoby believes the programme will particularly help women get into coaching and break down some barriers which still exist. “It’s about taking away some of the barriers around the inclusivity,” she said. “I know being a female, going on some of those coaching courses can be quite daunting at times.
“You want to feel like you belong on courses and it’s important we get more role models in those spaces so that we can encourage more people to take the big step forward. Particularly in female football, coaches don’t get paid the massive, massive bucks. So it’s an investment, which is why it’s really important with programmes like this.”
Research has shown that 64 per cent of existing coaches have said coaching has improved their mental health while also offering transferable skills. “It has a really positive impact on the mental health and transferable skills, like teamwork and communication,” Oxtoby continued.
“I would say communication is probably the biggest skill that I’ve learned and especially as you go further up in terms of the coaching sphere when you’re working in high-pressure environments, communication is massive.”
14.10.2024
O’NEILL WANTS TO MAKE AMENDS FOR MESSY EXIT
Two years ago, Brandon O’Neill was persona non grata among Perth Glory fans after a messy exit from his hometown club; now, he wants to win back their trust. The local product’s departure in 2022, after he won multiple titles with Sydney FC before returning to the club and being named captain, still rankles many Glory fans.
But now he is back in Perth, eager to make amends, determined to right wrongs and help correct Glory’s on-field fortunes in what will be his third stint for the club. And he is well aware not everyone has welcomed him back with open arms just yet, although he is hoping they warm up to him again in the long run.
O’Neill is still guarded when asked about the manner of his previous departure from the Glory. “I’ve been asked probably about 20-30 times now and I don’t think I’m in the position to go back and speak about the nitty-gritty of everything that went on two years ago,” O’Neill said.
“The only thing I can say in that regard is that, two years ago, the context and the position myself, the club, and the whole circumstance was completely different to the circumstance here.” Glory’s statement released in 2022 cited O’Neill’s belief he was unable to perform to the best of his abilities while living in Perth.
O’Neill is aware of the need to make amends after re-joining Glory in the off-season. “I can completely understand how people see a former captain of the club leaving in the circumstances and you straight away question, why would you take him back? Why would you be okay with someone like that coming back to the football club?” he said.
“If I was in their position, I would think the exact same thing. I completely know I have to win the trust back of the footballing community here in Perth, and I’m hoping to do that not by words or an interview like this, but solely down to my actions down at the football club on the pitch and off it.”
13.10.2024
GLORY TAKE OUT THE GOLD FIELD CHALLENGE CUP
Perth Glory have begun their preparation for the new Ninja A-League season, with a 5-2 win against the Gold Fields WA State Team in Sunday afternoons Challenge Cup clash at Dorrien Gardens. New recruit Kelli Brown gave Stephen Peters side the lead early, before Georgia Cassidy doubled their advantage after Balcatta Etna keeper Rebecca Bennett punched her cross into her own net. Another new recruit Gabby Hollar scored twice to increase the lead, before the WA side pulled two back through Momo Sakairi and a Baxter Thew, who was a Glory trialist in the game, scored an own-goal, but Miku Sunaga added a fifth late to seal a good win in Peters’ first game in charge.
“There were some really good moments, but some not so great, but it is to be expected in our first full hit-out in pre-season,” Peters said post-match. “We had a real mix in our squad today, and very happy with the start in both halves, and some individuals played well, but as a collective I think we can improve significantly. We need to improve defensively, especially in transition, but overall, we were decent with the ball in parts. Great to see Gabby and Kelli hit the back of the net, which will give them plenty of confidence going into the season.”
It was a perfect afternoon for football, and a big crowd was on hand at kick off, and it was new look Glory squad, with only four players from last season’s squad, who made the best possible start, hitting the front after only two minutes. Brown found space just inside the box, and her shot flew past Bennett. They doubled their advantage on the half hour mark, Cassidy’s cross from the right was punched into her net by Bennett. Brown was replaced moments later with a niggling injury, with Sarah O’Donoghue replacing her, and with the Glory injury problems, they will hope it’s nothing serious. The best opportunity for the state side came late, a ball sent Abbey Green racing forward, but a well-timed tackle from Abdul Massih cleared the danger.
Glory added a third eight minutes into the second half, an inch-perfect through-ball from Sunaga sent Hollar clear, and the American striker finished clinically. It was 4-0 moments later, Megan Wynne picking out Hollar, who beat her marker before toe-poking home. It looked all over for the state team, as both sides cleared the benches, with recent recruits Ella Lincoln and Chari Wainwright making their debuts for Glory after signing from Perth SC in the week on youth development agreements. But credit to the state side they hit back and reduced the margin nine minutes from time.
Fremantle City’s Abbey Green played in Perth RedStar’s Sakairi, after Glory gave the ball away in the middle of the park, and the striker rounded Jessica Skinner and rolled the ball home. They pulled another goal back seven minutes later, Subiaco’s Stella Zampogna sent Balcatta Etna’s Jamie-Lee Gale down the right, and her cross into the box was turned into her own net by the unfortunate Thew, who impressed as a trialist. But Glory would have the final word in stoppage time. Wynne and Lincoln combined to send the other trialist Lucy Jerram down the left, and her cross was spilled by RedStar’s Gabby Dal Busco and Sunaga bundled the ball over the line from close-range to seal a comfortable win.
Gold Fields WA State Team: GK Rebecca BENNETT (Balcatta) (RGK Gabby DAL BUSCO (RedStar) 46’), 2 Sarah CARROLL (RedStar), 3 Olivia WOOD (RedStar) (7 Daisy MCALLISTER (Perth SC) 61’), 5 Reina KAGAMI (RedStar) (6 Stella ZAMPOGNA (Subiaco) 61’), 8 Jamie Lee GALE (Balcatta), 10 Abbey GREEN (Fremantle), 11 Abbey MEAKINS (Balcatta), 12 Andreia TEIXEIRA (RedStar), 14 Caitlin DOEGLAS (RedStar) (4 Sam MATHERS (Perth SC) 72’), 21 Queyan DOAN (RedStar) (9 Sofia OSBORNE (Fremantle) 52’), 43 Annabelle LEEK (Fremantle) (13 Momo SAKAIRI 61’) – Subs not used: None
Perth Glory: GK Miranda TEMPLEMAN (RGK Jessica SKINNER 62'), 2 Mischa ANDERSON (17 Charli WAINWRIGHT 62'), 3 Baxter THEW (Trialist), 5 Grace JOHNSTON (4 Lucy JERRAM (Trialist) 57'), 6 Izzy DALTON, 7 Megan WYNNE (15 Ella LINCOLN 71'), 8 Georgia CASSIDY, 9 Gabby HOLLAR, 10 Kelli BROWN (19 Sarah O’DONOGHUE 34'), 13 Ella ABDUL MASSIH (16 Tanika LALA 62'), 19 Miku SUNAGA – Subs not used: None - Referee: Niall GILMOUR
12.10.2024
FOOTBALL WEST AWARDS – STATE LEAGUE AND REFEREES
Football West’s season awards began last week with 2024 State League and Referee Awards were held at the Sam Kerr Football Centre. First on Thursday evening Sorrento skipper Dean Cummings won the State League Division One Player of the Year, and also took out the Golden Boot, after scoring 29 goals. The Gulls also took out the Fair Play Award, while coach Steven McGarry, who guided the club back to the NPL next season, won the Division One Coach of the Year Award. Cummings, who was unable to attend the event, said winning the award capped a great season for the club and himself. “Delighted on a personal note, to have won the Player of the Year and the Golden Boot,” he said. “And it’s the icing on the cake for a great season for the club.”
The one award Sorrento did not collect was the Division One Goalkeeper of the Year, which went to Dianella White Eagles’ Peter Pilkadaris. “It’s always good to win an individual award, and I thought we had a pretty good season overall, although we fell short of our goal at the end,” Pilkadaris said. “I’d like to thank Dianella White Eagles as a whole, this includes committee, fans, coaches and of course the players. Special thanks to Simon Mills, our keeper coach. Every session we had always had a purpose and there was a reason for everything we did.” in other awards from the State League Division One, Reserves Player of the Year went to Joondalup United’s Alexander Wheelhouse, with Sorrento’s Rhys Thompson winning the Reserves Golden Boot with 24 goals. Mandurah City’s Sam Lovell won the 18s Player of the Year, and he also took out the Golden Boot with 17 goals.
The Division Two Player of the Year was won by East Perth striker Ryan McCready, who was recognised for a fantastic campaign in which he also won the Golden Boot with 25 goals. Curtin University, who are heading to Division One, won the Fair Play Award, while Kalamunda City coach German Montealegre was rewarded for sealing promotion to Division One, by winning the Division Two Coach of the Year, with keeper Rain Blauberg taking out the Division Two Goalkeeper of the Year. The Division Two Reserves Player of the Year was won by Dylan Briggs from Curtin University, while Forrestfield United’s Cooper Holland won the Golden Boot with 13 goals. The Division Two U18s Player of the Year was won by Craig Barreiro from Wanneroo City, who also won the Golden Boot, after scoring 34 goals.
The Hyundai Womens League Division One Player of the Year was won by Mandurah City’s Georgia Aiesi. The Dolphins skipper as instrumental in Mandurah’s third-place finish, just two points behind champions Perth AFC, and she said it’s an honour to win the award, but it was a team effort all-season. “It was surreal to be a finalist for this award let alone win it. The standard of football in Division One, and the quality of the players this year was definitely elevated so this outcome came as a shock to me,” Aiesi explained.
“It’s worth noting that Lola Price, another finalist, is one of our youngest players in our team and for her to be up there is an incredible testament to her. Personally, winning this award is a token to the girls that I shared the field with. Football isn’t ever won by one person it’s won by an entire team. I’m fortunate to be a part of an incredible culture at Mandurah City.” League winners Perth AFC were recognised with Cynthia Kuman named Goalkeeper of the Year. Subiaco’s Graham Normanton took out the Coach of the Year Award, while Sally Rojahn, also of Subi, collected the Golden Boot for her 25 goals. Murdoch University Melville won the Fair Play Award.
The Football West match officials celebrated their season at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Friday evening, with the 2024 Referee Awards were presented. Josh Mannella was named Golden Whistle Male Referee of the Year. “It is very humbling to have been recognised as the Golden Whistle winner for the 2024 season,” Mannella said. “I’ve been lucky to have a lot of support on and off the field, especially my wife Kristen’s and my kids as they are there behind me on the good days and the bad. Also, to Steve, the team at Football West and those who help keep me out on the park, I really appreciate their help. I am looking forward to another A-league season over the summer and whatever 2025 may hold.”
The Golden Whistle Female Referee of the Year went to Jasmine Bremner, which made it back-to-back wins for her, unfortunately she was unable to attend “It was a shame to miss out on the opportunity to celebrate the season with the refereeing group, but I’m grateful to be recognized for the second year in a row,” Bremner explained. “A big thank you to my colleagues and Football West for their continued support - I’m looking forward to seeing what next season brings.” In other awards on the night, Alex Ciccarone was named Assistant Referee of the Year while Dragan Kovaceski won the State League Referee of the Year. The State League Assistant Referee of the Year went to Maria Avramita, Connor Richards took out the State League Youth Referee of The Year, with Manners Garatidye named Amateur Leagues Referee of the Year.
12.10.2024
GLORY SNAP UP LOCAL DUO
After stellar seasons with Perth SC in the NPLWA – Women’s competition Ella Lincoln and Chari Wainwright have been rewarded by signing youth development agreements with Perth Glory. Both have impressed new Glory coach Stephen Peters while training at the club, and both will be good additions to the Ninja A-League squad. Striker Lincoln (20), began her football at Bayswater City, before a move to the NTC where her eye for goal came apparent and she continued that at Perth SC last season scoring 26 times to claim the competition’s Golden Boot.
Lincoln trained with Glory last season, and is delighted to have signed for them, and she was full of praise for the coaching staff at the Azzurri for helping her achieve it. “I’m very grateful to have signed for my home town club, and it was my personal goal going into my NPLW Season this year at Perth, having being involved with the Glory squad last season,” the striker explained. “I really enjoyed my season at Perth, they have always been such a great club to play for and the support has been immense from both Danielle and Fed, and I couldn’t thank them enough for helping me get given this opportunity.”
Wainwright, also 20, started her football journey at Rockingham City, before a season at Queens Park, and then a move to Murdoch University Melville where she established herself as one of the leading attacking midfielders in the state, before joining Perth SC and became one of the best midfielders in the NPLWA – Womens competition. Both players found the net in Perth SC’s spectacular State Cup Final victory over Perth RedStar last month and Glory Head Coach Stephen Peters believes that they are now ready to step up and make their mark at ALW level.
“It’s fantastic to bring another two talented young local players into our squad for the 2024/25 season,” he said. “Ella and Charli both trained with the group previously and have really impressed in pre-season over the last few weeks. They arrive off the back of standout campaigns in the NPLW WA and provide us with important additional attacking options. We look forward to seeing them fulfil their undoubted potential in the weeks and months ahead.” Both Lincoln and Wainwright are expected to feature in today’s Challenge Cup clash with the Gold Fields WA Women’s State Team at Dorrien Gardens.
12.10.2024
WANNEROO CITY TO FILL STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO VACANCY
Wanneroo City will play in the State League next season after a successful application to Football West to fill the spot left by the withdrawal of Joondalup United last month. Football West received eight applications to fill the void, with Wanneroo beating Kelmscott Roos, Hamersley Rovers, Kwinana United, Morley-Windmills, Ellenbrook United, Queens Park and Emerald FC. Wanneroo were relegated to the Amateur Premier Division back in September, but Football West and the State League standing committee believed they were the best club to fill the place.
Football West along with the State League standing committee stated. "Wanneroo City has demonstrated consistent strength across critical criteria, including Football Merit, Ground Facilities, Junior Development, and Club Standing. With a total score of 78.5, they are the top-ranked club, showing robust community engagement, well-developed facilities, and sustainable financial and governance practices."
Wanneroo City President Dean Bell said it had been a stressful couple of weeks, but he is delighted they have regained their State League status. “It’s been a very tough couple of weeks for the club as we’ve gone through the process, and the anxiety has taken its toll, but we are delighted all the hard work from everyone involved at the club saw us successful in our bid,” Bell explained.
“The club played Premier League football in 2006 and 2007, and missed out on spot back in there in 2013 after winning Division One, and that’s where we want to be playing again. I'm just really pleased that we've managed to stay in the state league, all be it given the strange circumstance in which the opportunity came about, but it’s time to reset and prepare for 2025.”
Wanneroo City captain Aaron Louttit said they hope to make emends after a disappointing 2024. “It’s a lifeline for us at Wanneroo to right a lot of wrongs we did over the course of the season,” he explained. “My sympathies go out to Joondalup United in what has resulted in an unfortunate outcome, but it gives us a chance now to prove to the league we’re levels above what we showed this year.”
11.10.2024
GOODWIN STUNNERS HELPS SOCCEROOS TO VICTORY
Socceroos have won their first game in the third phase of World Cup qualifying, coming from behind to beat China 3-1 at Adelaide Oval on Thursday evening, to give new coach Tony Popovic a winning start in his tenure. There were grumblings in the big crowd of 46,291 when Xie Wenneng scored against the run of play, but a Lewis Miller header just before half time got them level, before second half goals from local boy Craig Goodwin, a stunner from distance, and a goal on his debut for Nishan Velupillay gave the Socceroos a much-needed victory to kick start their campaign.
The coach was delighted how his side hit back just before the break, and went on with it after the break. “That can always be a nervy period, where you start forcing the action, and there’s an opportunity to concede another goal. But they looked really composed and just kept playing,” he said. “I’m really happy. That was a good sign for us. Then of course the goal helps just before halftime. Then I thought in the second half we improved in the middle and front third with the ball. It gave us a lot more opportunities to score. There wasn’t much wrong with today. It wasn’t a bad performance at all.”
Popovic made a number of changes, selecting Adelaide local Joe Gauci in goal, while, at the back, Thomas Deng lined up alongside Harry Souttar and Kye Rowles in a three-man defence, with Miller and Aziz Behich as wing-backs. In midfield, Jackson Irvine, who wore the armband, partnered Aiden O’Neill. The attacking trio featured local favourites Goodwin and Nestory Irankunda, with Mitch Duke leading the line. It was a good start from the green and gold, applying early pressure, but clear-cut chances were missing.
Despite the Socceroos good start, it was the visitors who struck first on 20 minutes. A long ball from the keeper Wang Dalei was not dealt with by the Australian defence, allowing Zhang Yuning to knock it down for Xie Wenneng, who finished clinically past Gauci. The crowd was getting restless, with Australia dominating possession, but were held back by a well-organised Chinese outfit. But in first half stoppage time the hosts levelled. Goodwin’s perfectly delivered free kick into the box picked out Miller, the Hibernian defender rose highest to head home his first international goal.
Popovic made two changes at the break, with Irankunda and Deng making way for Riley McGree and Jason Geria. The Middlesbrough midfielder returned after missing the last international window, while Geria made his first appearance for the Socceroos since 2017. It was better start from the hosts, and they were rewarded with the lead eight minutes in. Irvine picked Goodwin in acres of space in the middle of the park, and he drove forward before unleashing an unstoppable shot, much to the delight of the big crowd.
China looked for a quick response, but struggled in the final third, and in stoppage time the Socceroos sealed the game with a third. Velupillay, who had only been on the pitch for nine minutes, was in the right place at the right time to fire home Bos’ cross which wasn’t dealt with by the China defence. It was a great home coming for Adelaide-born keeper Gauci, but he was sure once they got the first goal, they would go on with it.
“In previous games, we may have felt a bit flustered and felt the pressure to score the goal," he said. “Definitely in the two games before, we definitely had that feeling, but tonight we were more patient, trusted the opportunities would come and, when we got them, we would take them. Getting the goal right before half-time definitely swung momentum in our favour." The Socceroos will face a far sterner test on Tuesday, when they take on group leaders Japan in Saitama (9:35pm AEST)
Australia: GK Joe Gauci, 3 Lewis Miller, 2 Thomas Deng (8 Jason Geria 46'), 19 Harry Souttar, 4 Kye Rowles, 16 Aziz Behich (5 Jordan Bos 75'), 22 Jackson Irvine, 13 Aiden O’Neill, 23 Craig Goodwin (10 Ajdin Hrustic 90'), 15 Mitch Duke (7 Nishan Velupillay 83'), 11 Nestory Irankunda (14 Riley McGree 46') – Subs not used: RGK Mathew Ryan, RGK Paul Izzo, 6 Patrick Yazbek, 9 Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, 17 Keanu Baccus, 20 Luke Brattan, 21 Cameron Burgess
China: GK Wang Dalei, 2 Tyias Browning, 4 Li Lei (19 Liu Yang 77’), 6 Wang Shangyuan, 8 Li Yuanyi, 9 Zhang Yuning (11 Lin Liangming 68’), 10 Wei Shihao (15 Cheng Jin 68’), 13 Hu Hetao, 16 Jiang Shenglong, 17 Fernandinho, 20 Xie Wenneng (24 Behram Abduweli 46’) – Subs not used: RGK Yan Junling, RGK Liu Dianzuo, 5 Wei Zhen, 7 Xu Haofeng, 18 Han Pengfei, 21 Wang Haijian, 22 Huang Zhengyu - Attendance: 46,291
11.10.2024
PETERS SET FOR FIRST HIT OUT FOR GLORY
With just under a month to go till they open their Ninja A-League season, Perth Glory will step up their preparations with the traditional Gold Fields Challenge Cup game against Gold Fields Women’s State team at Dorrien Gardens on Sunday afternoon. (Kick off 1pm, admission free) It will be a great opportunity for the Glory supporters to get their first glimpse of new signings Gabbie Hollar, Ischia Brooking, Ella Abdul Massih, Sarah O’Donoghue, Kelli Brown, Miku Sunaga and Megan Wynne, while a number of local players have impressed in trails at the club and could be involved on Sunday.
Glory claimed a 4-0 victory in last year’s game, with Millie Farrow bagging a hat-trick and Sofia Sakalis scoring the other, and new coach Stephen Peters is looking forward to getting started. “It’s our first game, so we want to see if everything we’ve been working on to this point is a true reflection of where we’re at,” new Glory Coach Stephen Peters said. “It’s a nice time for us to get out there and put some more minutes in the legs and see that in a game format. It’s the best players in the NPL in WA [that we’re up against], so we’re expecting them to give us a good game. It’s the most competitive game we can acquire at this time of the year, so we’re very grateful for that. I believe there’s a good camaraderie between the girls in WA and we’re looking forward to seeing that on Sunday.”
They will take on a strong WA side, with champions Perth RedStar having eight players in the 17-player squad. Skipper Sarah Carroll and goalkeeper Gabby Dal Busco are joined by another former Glory player Caitlin Doeglas. Japanese midfield duo Reina Kagami and Momoko Sakairi, defenders Andreia Teixeira and Quyen Doan and striker Olivia Wood. The other keeper in the squad, Rebecca Bennett, is one of a trio of Balcatta Etna representatives along with Jamie Lee-Gale and Abbey Meakins, Fremantle trio Abbey Green, Annabelle Leek and Sofie Osborne, as well as Perth SC pair Daisy McAllister and Sam Mathers, plus Stella Zampogna of Subiaco.
Football West Manager - Female Football & Advocacy and assistant coach and former Perth Glory skipper, Tash Rigby said it will be an entertaining game. “This is a fantastic opportunity for the WA State players to train and play in a high-performance environment and an opportunity to be identified,” she explained. “It’s also great to help the Glory women prepare for their upcoming A-League season.”
Gold Fields Squad: GK Gabby Dal Busco, Sarah Carroll, Quyen Doan, Caitlin Doeglas, Reina Kagami, Momoko Sakairi, Andreia Teixeira, Olivia Wood (all Perth RedStar), GK Rebecca Bennett, Jamie Lee-Gale, Abbey Meakins (all Balcatta Etna), Abbey Green, Annabelle Leek, Sofie Osborne (all Fremantle City), Daisy McAllister, Sam Mathers (both Perth SC), Stella Zampogna (Subiaco). Head Coach: Courtney Owen; Assistant Coach: Tash Rigby; Goalkeeper Coach: Cyril Sharrock.
11.10.2024
LENZO READY FOR CHALLENGE AT GWELUP
Gwelup Croatia will have a new coach at the helm next season, with Basil Lenzo taking over the reins from Darren Veness, who guided them to a seventh-place finish last season. Lenzo said the opportunity to coach at the club is an exciting challenge, and one he is looking forward too.
“I’m extremely excited to be given the opportunity to lead Gwelup for 2025. The multi-year project excited me and given I have worked with Technical Director of Football Lucas Le Marchand before, it was a really good opportunity to work with someone who has a similar vision in what we want to stand for as a football club,” Lenzo explained. “Through the process, we also met with President Jure Denona and the committee, and anyone who has met Jure knows of his passion for the Gwelup Croatian community, so it’s been very much a great match.”
Lenzo has been coaching in WA for 35-years, and has coached at Stirling, Balcatta, Subiaco and Perth SC. He was assistant to Gianfranco Circati in 2010/11 and interim first team coach last year, and he also helped UWA Nedlands to survive from relegation in 2022, as part of the "partnership” between UWA and Perth SC. He will be joined at the club by Paddy Strano and Dom Ciullo as his assistants, while Giancarlo Ando will take the 18’s, and Lenzo said it’s great team to work with. “It was important that we had coaches who were very much aligned to what we wanted to do,” he said.
“We all get along really well and we run a really open and honest team of coaches. They enjoy rolling their sleeves up, taking sessions, doing extra work with the players and I am extremely appreciative that they have joined me on this journey - we are a really great team of coaches. Having Giancarlo in the 18s is a massive coupe for the club as he played an instrumental role at youth level over the last few years and he has really good experience at developing youth footballers. I am excited to see that he has challenged himself by taking this opportunity up.”
The move up the Mitchell Freeway did come with heavy hearts for the new coaches. All have worked tirelessly to develop the young players at Dorrien Gardens, and many of them have gone on to play first team football, something Lenzo is proud of. “We won’t lie, it’s been an emotional few months for us, as we have ‘bled Azzurri’ for years, being engaged across juniors, youth and seniors as well as other aspects of the club,” he explained. “However, many things occurred which led us to move on. We are all Azzurri boys through and through and working with the youth players has been so rewarding including winning trophies yet most importantly being part of developing excellent players and seeing their progression which has been a privilege.”
11.10.2024
ATTACKING PAIR LINCOLN AND WAINWRIGHT JOIN GLORY WOMEN
Perth Glory have strengthened their attacking options with the recruitment of highly-rated local duo Ella Lincoln and Charli Wainwright on youth development agreements.
Lincoln, 20, is coming off a stellar National Premier Leagues Women season for Perth SC where her 26 goals secured the Golden Boot award. Perth teammate Wainwright, 20, is widely regarded as one of the leading attacking midfielders in the local competition.
Stephen Peters believes Lincoln and Wainwright are ready to take thier games to the next level. "It's fantastic to bring another two talented young local players into our squad for the 2024/25 season," Peters said.
"Ella and Charli both trained with the group previously and have really impressed in pre-season over the last few weeks. They arrive off the back of standout campaigns in the NPLW and provide us with important additional attacking options."
"We look forward to seeing them fulfil their undoubted potential in the weeks and months ahead." Lincoln and Wainwright are expected to feature in Sunday's Challenge Cup clash with the West Australian Women's State team at Dorrien Gardens.
10.10.2024
GLORY YOUNGSTERS NAMED IN JOEYS SQUAD
Perth Glory Academy trio Alex Bolton, Max Naylor and Christian Pullella have been named in the Joeys squad for this months 2025 Under-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers. Australia will face Indonesia, hosts Kuwait and Northern Mariana Islands in Group G of qualifiers.
Maloney believes his squad of 23 is well placed to make a strong start to their qualification campaign. "The squad has been fantastic over the last six months, putting in great performances in both Indonesia and the Pacific and we come into these qualifiers feeling well prepared and connected as a group," Maloney said.
"Our preparation will be extremely important given the qualifiers fall out of regular season. The squad has been diligent with their individual training programs and I've been very impressed with their professionalism and commitment ahead of our pre-camp."
Defender Pullella and midfielder Bolton both tasted first team action during Glory's recent pre-season trip to Bunbury and Albany. Striker Naylor scored 11 goals for the clubs' Under-18s and netted a further four goals for the Under-20s in this year's National Premier Leagues campaign.
10.10.2024
GLORY PICK UP EXPERIENCED DUO
Perth Glory have added some experience to their squad for the new Ninja A-League season, after the signing of Matildas keeper Casey Dumont on a one-year deal and Japanese midfielder Miku Sunaga. With the loss of Morgan Aquino from last season, the signing of Dumont, who has been a standout performer in the A-League Women’s competition since debuting in 2008, winning two Premiership and three Championship titles during her spells with Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory, is a major coup for the club.
The 32-year-old, hasn’t been plying her trade between the sticks in the off season, instead playing AFLW for Hawthorn, the utility has shown her versatility in the last two seasons at the Hawks. She is now looking forward to the new challenge in the west. “I’m looking forward to a new challenge, it’s going to be out of my comfort zone being on the other side of Australia at a new club with a whole lot of new faces, but I love being out of my comfort zone and the challenges that come with this,” Dumont said.
“I think Perth will help me grow as an athlete on the field and as a better person off the field. I’m looking forward to taking on a mentor role amongst the team, helping the younger players improve their growth mind-sets and passing on some of my tips from all the experiences I have had in this league. I worked under [Head Coach] Stephen [Peters] a few years ago in the NSW NPLW with Blacktown Spartans and I enjoyed his playing style then and am looking forward to doing so again.
“I’ve seen all the growth and development Stephen has had since then and can’t wait to see him in charge and to be a part of that. I hope I can help Perth Glory challenge at the top of the table and grow the club’s women’s football department. We are planning to aim high and make those Finals spots and I believe that’s doable, especially with the recruitment the club has carried out during this off-season. I appreciated how CEO Anthony Radich, Football Director Stan Lazaridis and Stephen [Peters] reached out to get me to the club and supported me as a dual athlete. I’m excited to get amongst the squad and the club once I have finished this season with Hawthorn FC.”
Dumont will join the club at the conclusion of the AFLW season, and Peters believes she will be a key figure for the club on and off the field during the upcoming campaign. “Casey’s track record speaks for itself and to secure the services of a player with her pedigree is a real coup for the club,” he said. “In addition to being a top-quality player, she will also provide leadership and help drive standards within the playing group. Along with the two other keepers we have brought in, she will form a very strong unit which I know will serve us extremely well this season.”
Born in Sydney, Dumont played for several clubs on the Gold Coast before joining Brisbane Roar for the inaugural ALW season in 2008, making 44 appearances over the next four campaigns, helping the Roar to two Championships and one Premiership and setting a club record of 20 clean sheets which still stands today. She went on to have spells with Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers followed, before joining Melbourne Victory and last season she moved on to Central Coast Mariners and duly took her career tally to 148 appearances, while she has featured for the Matildas on three occasions having previously earned both Under-17 and Under-20 caps.
Meanwhile, Japanese midfielder Miku Sunaga has headed west to join her coach from last season. The 29-year-old arrives at the club off the back of a stellar year in the NSW NPLW under Peters with Macarthur Rams which culminated in her taking out the competition’s Player of the Year Award. Sunaga played a key role in driving Macarthur to three successive NSW NPLW titles, making more than 70 appearances and scoring 24 goals along the way.
Having handed her the Rams’ Coach’s Player of the Year Award for the 2024 season, Peters has no doubt that Glory’s latest recruit has what it takes to thrive at A-League level. “Miku is a talented playmaker who gives us so much attacking versatility as she can play as an inverted winger, a number ten, or even as a false nine,” he said. “We’ve worked closely together for the past three years so she is well attuned to my coaching style and principles. Miku has a great level of humility and discipline and I’m confident that she will prove to be an excellent addition to our squad.”
10.10.2024
COLAKOVSKI HEADS OVER THE DITCH
Perth Glory will be without Stefan Colakovski next season, after the 24-year-old signed a one-year deal with Wellington Phoenix. The striker, who spent two seasons in the west, playing 24 games and scoring six goals, departed the club to take up an opportunity overseas, which didn’t come to fruition, and will head to Nix for season 2024-25. He arrived in Wellington on Wednesday, and trained with new teammates today, and was straight into it. “I’m keen to get started and play with some of the best players in the league like Barbarouses, Rojas, [Alex] Rufer and [Tim] Payne,” Colakovski said. “Playing and scoring in front of all the Phoenix fans is something I can’t wait to do.
“It’s always tough playing for the away team coming to Wellington, but now I’m on their side it’s going to be fun. The Yellow Fever create a top atmosphere and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone ripping their shirts off in the 80th minute. Also, playing under Chiefy is something I’m very excited for. I think the way he wants the team to play suits me and I think his coaching along with the strength of the squad can lead to some really exciting things this season.
“I love to attack, and I pride myself on being a creative player that has the ability to score goals. I love to combine with teammates and get behind the opposition’s defence as often as I can. I would say I’m someone who will do whatever it takes to win, and even if I’m having a quiet game, I know I just need that one moment to make a difference. I want to be a great teammate to everyone and be a part of a healthy culture within the club with a winning mindset. I’ve played in grand finals and I’ve won trophies in this league, so now it’s just about adding to that success with the Phoenix.”
Head coach Giancarlo Italiano moved quickly to sign Colakovski after the opportunity for him in Europe didn’t come to fruition. “It was good timing for us that Cola came back on to the market,” Italiano said. “We’ve always liked him and thought he’d be a good addition to the squad, so we’re happy we could make it work. “Cola can do things that a lot of players can’t. He’s very effective, makes very good forward runs and gets in dangerous positions. Our job as a coaching staff is to refine his skillset, and we think we can get more out of him as well. We’re really looking forward to him showing us what he’s got.”
Colakovski will give Italiano a ready-made replacement for New Zealand international striker Marco Rojas, who is expected to miss the start of the season with injury. “We’re still going to build the team around Marco. We just felt it wasn’t fair to put the burden on our young guys straight away and expect them to bag a bunch of goals. We want to give them time and make these things occur naturally,” he explained. “The fact that Cola has a proven goalscoring record and has experience creating goals it gives us a bit more depth and another layer that otherwise we wouldn’t have. In saying that our pre-season friendlies have been really good for the young guys to see where they’re at. I think the mix with Cola coming in is going to give us a really interesting dynamic.”
10.10.2024
GLORY TRIO SELECTED IN JOEYS SQUAD
Perth Glory NPLWA trio Alex Bolton, Max Naylor and Christian Pullella have been named in the Australia Joeys squad for the 2025 AFC Under-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers which are set to take place in Kuwait later this month. Defender Pullella and midfielder Bolton both played for the A-League side during the club’s recent pre-season trip to Bunbury and Albany, while striker Naylor scored 11 goals for the Glory NPL Under-18s and a further four for the Under-20s in this year’s campaign.
Joeys Head Coach and former Glory midfielder, Brad Maloney, has selected 23 players for the preliminary stage of the U-17 AFC tournament which also serves as qualifying for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, and he believes that his group is well placed to make a strong start to their qualification campaign. “The squad has been fantastic over the last six months, putting in great performances in both Indonesia and the Pacific and we come into these qualifiers feeling well prepared and connected as a group,” he said.
“Our preparation will be extremely important given the qualifiers fall out of regular season. The squad has been diligent with their individual training programs and I’ve been very impressed with their professionalism and commitment ahead of our pre-camp. This is the first step on our journey towards a World Cup and I know the players can’t wait to get started.” The preliminary stage of the U17 continental tournament, which features 43 teams, divided into 10 groups, featuring seven of four teams and three of five teams. Qualifying groups will be contested in a centralised league format, with teams to be seeded based on their final rankings from the corresponding previous edition.
Australia have been drawn in Group G, alongside hosts Kuwait, Indonesia and Northern Mariana Islands in Group G, with all three games scheduled to take place at the Abdullah Al Khalifa Stadium, Mishref. Up first they take on Northern Mariana Islands on Wednesday, October 23 (1.30am), before taking on hosts Kuwait on Friday, October 25 (1.30am, and finally they meet Indonesia on Sunday, October 27 (10.30pm). The 10 group winners and five best second-placed teams will qualify for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia, which will be held from 3 – 20 April 2025.
9.10.2024
IREDALE PUSHING FOR HIBERNIAN DEBUT
Hibernian recruit Jack Iredale is pushing hard to become the answer to manager David Gray's defensive woes. Gray says the 28-year old defender, signed just minutes before the summer transfer window closed, is "ready" to answer the call-up after playing his way up to full match fitness on the training ground.
Iredale has made the bench for Hibernian's last two games and will provides a handy alternative should Gray decide to break up the pairing of Marvin Ekpiteta and Warren O'Hora. "If I called upon him, he's ready to step in already,” Gray said of Iredale. “I’ve seen that with how he's trained. The priority now is just to try and keep him going and get him as fit as he can be."
"He's been on the bench, he's trained consistently, and he's getting stronger every day. He's a real good character in the group as well, which is great. He's jumping about to try and get into the team and that's the focus for him. There's competition for places everywhere; him joining the squad now gives us competition everywhere."
9.10.2024
COWART DEPARTS GLORY WOMEN BY MUTUAL CONSENT
Perth Glory have confirm defender Jessika Cowart has departed the club by mutual consent to pursue an opportunity in the United States of America. The 24-year old Philippines international was born in California and played for Washington Huskies between 2017 and 2021.
Cowart made 22 appearances in what was her first and only A-League Women's season in 2023/24. "We would like to thank Jess for the contribution that she made to the club on and off the field last season and wish her all the very best for the future," said Glory chief executive Anthony Radich.
8.10.2024
STATE TEAM FRIENDLY TO HELP MEASURE PROGRESS SAYS PETERS
Perth Glory Women coach Stephen Peters will use Sunday’s Challenge Cup clash with the West Australian Women’s State team as a yardstick to gauge his new-look squad’s progress. The pre-season fixture will be Glory’s first outing under Peters following three weeks on the training track.
Peters says the fixture is exactly what his team needs as the countdown to Round One of the 2024/25 A-League campaign continues. “It’s our first game, so we want to see if everything we’ve been working on to this point is a true reflection of where we’re at,” he said.
“It’s a nice time for us to get out there and put some more minutes in the legs and see that in a game format. It’s the best players in the NPL in WA [that we’re up against], so we’re expecting them to give us a good game.”
“It’s the most competitive game we can acquire at this time of the year, so we’re very grateful for that. I believe there’s a good camaraderie between the girls in WA and we’re looking forward to seeing that on Sunday.”
A host of players are in line to make their Glory debuts against the State Team, including Gabbie Hollar, Ischia Brooking, Ella Abdul Massih, Sarah O’Donoghue, Kelli Brown and Megan Wynne.
The State team features a host of former Glory players including Gabby Dal Busco, Sarah Carroll, Abbey Green, Caitlin Doeglas and Jamie Lee Gale. The friendly is being played at Dorrien Gardens, West Perth, with kick-off at 1:00pm and entry is free.
7.10.2024
ZDRILIC HAPPY WITH PRE-SEASON WIN OVER NEWCASTLE
Perth Glory coach David Zdrilic was pleased with his side’s effort and intent in their fiery 2-0 victory over Newcastle Jets in front of a huge crowd in Albany on Wednesday. The second friendly between the two A-League club’s was far from affable with tempers flaring frequently throughout as both sides grappled with the blustery conditions.
Glory captain Adam Taggart netted a brace with both goals on the back of Glory’s new-found high press. Zdrilic lauded his side’s overbearing presence in the first half, a game-plan he learned during his tenure in Europe where he had stints with German side Red Bull Leipzig and Italian outfit Genoa.
“(The high pressing defence), that’s my whole philosophy,” Zdrilic said. “I learned everything at the Red Bull Leipzig, I spent three years there and then started implementing that with the clubs that I worked with in Europe.
“These are the moments we want to create. . . we created many more moments that we could have maybe executed a bit better, and that’s what we’re working on. We really want to be relentless in winning the ball up high, and then from that we create chances.”
Zdrilic conceded his side needs a more assured defence and better fitness after they were lucky not to conceded late in the second half with the hard-pushing Jets creating most of the chances. “We need to be more secure at the back,” he said. “We have to defend high up the pitch, and. . . we need to do that a little bit better.
“We probably should have conceded a couple goals so that’s something we need address. We have a lot of players that are coming in that aren’t even fully fit. I can’t tell (what the first 11 looks like), because the fitness levels of some of the guys are not there yet.”
Zdrilic said the regional trip through Bunbury and Albany provided his side with the “perfect preparation” as they now turn their attention to their round one clash with Macarthur FC on October 20. “It was perfect preparation. We don’t get many games against A-League opposition, so it’s important for us to maximise these two games,” he commented.
6.10.2024
NORTH BEACH HOLD ON TO SEAL AMATEUR CUP FINAL
North Beach have won their first Belt-Up Amateur League Cup Final, after beating fellow Premier Division side Jaguar 1-0 in a thrilling final at Inglewood Stadium on Sunday evening. North Beach dominated the first half without taking their chances, but defender Bailey Simon did find the winner early in the second half. Jags pressed late looking for winner, and went close on a number of occasions, but they could breakdown a tight defence well marshalled by Simon and Luke Wearing,
“Incredible result on an incredible night for the club as a whole. It's been a great season overall but to end it with silverware under lights with so many supporters was something really special,” North Beach coach Nick Di Carlo explained. “Jaguar make every game so difficult to play with their physicality and athleticism and we expected a fairly direct style of play. I thought our defence held up brilliantly for 90 minutes and although we weren't at our clinical best, the boy’s dugs in so well and remained on the front foot for large portions of the game. Really proud of everyone involved and thank you Jaguar for making it a great hit-out.”
North Beach started on the front foot, and Michael Dudek was out quick to save Ben Reynolds’ effort in the opening minute, and the North Perth supporters in the big crowd were on their feet again 15 minutes later. Alex Kretowicz pounced on a poor header back to Dudek by Martin Gorong, and the former Western Knights raced into goal, his shot beat Dudek, but the clubs top goalscorer saw his effort flash agonisingly wide. Jags were struggling to get into the game, although both sides were guilty of giving the ball away, but it was North Beach who continued to carve out the better chances.
Their best chance came on 33 minutes, Luke Jones flick fell to Reynolds and his first time shot was superbly saved by the Jags custodian, before hitting the post. Mathew Sesay then got back with a last-ditch tackle to deny Reynolds, as the hard-working striker was about to pull the trigger. Jags were hanging on, Jack Tozawa’s shot from distance flew wide, before Jones’ was denied by Dudek in stoppage time, but at the break it was scoreless and still everything to play for.
Di Carlo’s side continued to dictate terms after the break and Dudek got his angles right to beat away Clayton Arnez effort early, but on 51 minutes Jags resistant finally ended. Reynolds corner from the left was recycled on the right by Wearing, and his cross into the box picked out Simon, who headed home, much to the delight of the North Beach faithful. That goal lifted the Jags, and they created their first chance on 66 minutes, the lively Sesay finding Abraham Taona, whose shot on the run flashed inches wide of Aaron Persse’s goal.
The game opened up now, with chances at both ends. First Gorong’s long-range shot whistled wide, before a back pass to Dudek was missed by the Jags custodian, but he managed to get back to save on his line to spare his blushes. It was now Jags asking all the questions, and substitute David Nangabo’s long-range shot was too high, but in the second minute of stoppage time Jags thought they had found the equaliser. Sesay pulled the ball back to Andre Kiir, whose shot on the turn beat Persse, but it crashed off the crossbar and away to safety.
Persse then saved low to deny Taona’s shot, and with the final action of the game they went close again. Good work down the right by Kiir, saw him cross to Taona, but the striker couldn’t keep his header down. So, it was North Beach celebrating their first cup win at the final whistle from referee Simon Hicks, and skipper Brodie Martin said it was a great day everyone involved at the club. Yes, a great night for the club, but credit to Jags who made it difficult for us but I feel we deserved the result in the end,” the skipper said. “It’s been a long season with its ups and downs and the club deserves to finish it off with a piece of silverware.”
Jaguar: GK Michael DUDEK, 3 Lazarous EMIL, 4 Akech DENG, 5 Martin GORONG, 6 Brain KIRUJA (42 David NANGABO 74’), 8 Lok MAMAL (11 Andrew KIIR 50’), 10 Mathew SESAY, 12 Abraham TAONA, 17 Juma WADE, 21 Stephen MUSONDA (7 Roy KIMUTAI 74’), 80 Kenel MOUITHYS (2 Maxwell BIWOTT 85’) – Subs not used: 13 Habib HAMEDNALLA, 14 Hamad HAMAD, 15 Yacoub ALZEIDAN
North Beach: GK Aaron PERSSE, 2 Ashley DARLEY, 3 Jack TOZAWA, 4 Luke JONES (12 Kane GRAVES 85’), 5 Luke WEARING, 6 Clayton ARNEZ, 8 Brodie MARTIN (38 Lukas DE LIMA 74’), 10 Ben REYNOLDS (9 Daniel YELLAND 82’), 11 Sam RICHARDSON, 16 Bailey SIMON, 21 Alex KRETOWICZ – Subs not used: 14 Georgios PAOATHANASSIOU, 20 James DI CARLO – Referee: Simon HICKS
6.10.2024
SAINTS AT THE DOUBLE IN METRO CUP FINAL
Perth Saints have completed the league and cup double after beating Perth SC 2-1 to win the Belt-Up Metro Cup Final on Sunday afternoon at the Inglewood Stadium. The Azzurri found the opener early with Sam James on target, but Madison Holman levelled just before the break. The decisive goal came 13 minutes from time when Perth SC’s Anthony Bridger turned the ball into his net. “Happy to come away with the win, and congratulations to Perth SC on their contribution to what was a hard-fought game of football, as you would expect from a Cup Final,” Saints coach Robert McVey explained.
“Plaudits to our guys, who I thought controlled the game for most parts. They're a pleasure to coach and be associated with. Finally, thanks also to the Perth Saints club for all the behind the scenes work that allows us to focus on the football.” It was Perth Sc who made the breakthrough on the quarter hour mark. James was picked out down the left, and he skipped past two Saints defenders before racing across the edge of the box, and his low shot beat Peter Wile for a great individual goal. It looked the Azzurri would take that lead into the break, but in the shadows of half time the Saints levelled. Mark Lucas’ corner from the right was headed home by Madison from close-range.
It was a tight second half, with both sides searching for the winner, but it went to the Saints on 77 minutes. They went close moments earlier, Lucas’ free kick from outside the box beat Anthony Wyatt, but crashed off the post but cleared away to safety by James Duncan. But from the resulting long-throw from Taran Richmond, Levi Reichelt’s flick the ball goalward, and it went in off the unfortunate Bridger. Perth SC looked for a quick response, and it nearly came six minutes later. A short corner caught Saints napping and Alex Duncan’s curling effort crashed off the upright, but the Saints held them at bay to secure the cup.
6.10.2024
EMERALD FINISH SEASON UNBEATEN AND RESERVES CUP WINNERS
Emerald have beaten Kwinana United 1-0 in a highly competitive Belt-Up Amateur Reserves Cup Final on Sunday afternoon at the Inglewood Stadium. There were chances at both ends, but an own goal from the unfortunate Callum Peter ten minutes from time gave Emerald the win, and complete an unbeaten season for the side. “We always knew it wasn’t going to be an easy take against Kwinana. We started well and were unlucky not to be ahead very early on. They definitely came back into it and we were lucky not to be down at half time,” Emerald coach Gerry Gaughan explained. “I think in the second half we were on top and Kwinana’s keeper kept them in it, he was excellent today. We eventually got the goal that was deserved in my opinion.
“It wasn’t our greatest performance but I’m happy to take an ugly 1-0 win for some silverware at the end of the season. Full credit to Kwinana who were a very good side and I hope they return to the amateur premiers soon.” Kwinana had a couple of good chances early, Dominic Sumner firing over the top, Reece Terry’s effort flashed wide, before Alexander Bradshaw clipped the top of the bar. Emerald settled and started to get themselves in the game, and went close three times in as many minutes. First Jamie Kavanagh’s corner picked out Shane Hickey, his shot was cleared off the line by Jake Marshall, and the follow up shot by Ryan Frankland was also cleared away by the alert Marshall.
The Kwinana defender was at it against moments later, this time clearing Shea Loughran’s header off the line, and at the break it was all-square. Emerald piled the pressure on after the break and Kwinana custodian Joseph Arundale produced reaction save to thwart Frankland on the hour. But Emerald’s pressure finally told on 80 minutes, Mark Bailey raced down the right and his low cross was turned into his own net by Kwinana defender Peter. They should have sealed it late, Shane Hickey racing clear one-on-one with Arundale, who stood tall to deny him. But time ran out for Kwinana, with Emarald celebrating at the final whistle.
“It’s great to get the win and get over the line to finish off what has been a great season for us,” Emerald skipper Cathal Quinn said. “The lads put in a serious effort all year at training and it’s no less than what we deserve. I felt we were always in control of the game and played some good football at times but just didn’t put away the chances we created. Kwinana made it tough for us they were very good at the back and hard to break down, and their keeper also made a few great saves to keep us out. The changes in the second half made a big difference for us they brought that added bit of energy and eventually we got the goal to seal the win and finish the season unbeaten.”
6.10.2024
WEMBLEY DOWNS PERTH SC TO WIN WOMENS LEAGUE CUP FINAL
Hyundai Womens Central Division Three champions Wembley Downs have completed a league and cup double after beating Central Division Two champions Perth SC 4-2 on penalties, to take out the Womens League Cup Final, after the game finished 1-1 after normal time. Macay McCready did give the Azzurri the lead early, but Monique Saunders levelled 20 minutes from time, to send the tie to penalties and Wembley prevailed with keeper Alanna Gallatly the hero, to give the northern suburbs club another trophy this season, after the senior men’s side won the Amateur Premier Division.
“It was a great day and vindication that we can match it with the best. Perth is a very good side, but we worked hard in training and I couldn't have asked for more from the players who left it all out there,” Wembley coach Andy Daykin explained. “I thought Rebecca Salsano and Eliza Earl played particularly well and the goal from Mon Saunders was something that we know she has in the locker. Obviously, we are delighted to have got over the line and once again, Alanna Gallatly is the hero in the shoot-out, what a keeper she is.” Perth SC were ahead on 17 minutes, Amie-Leigh Balckwell made space down the right and her cross was played on by Erin Hunt, and Macey McCready made no mistake at the back post.
Wembley found the equaliser on 70 minutes, Saunders’ in swinging corner beat everyone and nestled in the net. Both sides pressed for the winner, but neither could find it, and in the shootout Gallatly saved two penalties and Melissa Montgomery stepped and sealed the tie with the final spot kick. “A lot of us have played together for many years. We have got married together, had kids together and been part of each other’s life,” Wembley skipper Cassandra Greenwell explained. “This has been a special year and to share a double winning seasons with lifelong friends means everything to us. The old girls have still got it.”
5.10.2024
BELT-UP MASTERS CUP FINALS REVIEW
The first day of the Belt-Up Cup Finals Weekend took place at Inglewood Stadium on Saturday, and in the opening game it was Subiaco AFC who won the Belt-Up Masters Over 55’s Cup, beating Joondalup City on penalties, after the game ended 2-2 at full time. Peter Dearlove had given Joondalup the lead before Jim Smith levelled before the break. Dearlove regained the lead for Joondalup from the spot with 13 minutes to go, but Smith levelled instantly for Subiaco, before they prevailed in the penalty shootout.
“A great game and what a way for the 'Shakers' to complete a tremendous season with a heart stopping penalty shootout victory,” Subiaco’s Peter Greaves said. “We had to work hard against a quick and skilful Joondalup side, with keeper Andrew Faragher and captain Ken Taylor both outstanding. We fell behind twice in the game, but managed to fight back on both occasions, and we were unlucky not win it late. It was perhaps inevitable that both teams, who have been evenly matched all year, should have to be separated by penalties at the end of a tough game played in the right spirit by both clubs.
“Commiserations to a really good Joondalup team and congratulations to all in the Subiaco squad, those who played on the day and those who contributed throughout the season. We're all in it together.” It was a tight opening to the game, but it was Joondalup City who hit the front on 20 minutes, Robert Rees’ cross from the right picked out the unmarked Peter Dearlove, whose half volley beat Faragher. But six minutes before the half time Subiaco were level, Greaves through ball sent Smith racing clear, he rounded the keeper before rolling the ball home.
Joondalup regained the lead on 77 minutes, when the referee pointed to the spot after Julian Barley was brought down in the box by Gilles Delmotte. Dearlove stepped up and sent Faragher the wrong way from the penalty. But straight from the kick off Subiaco were level, Liang Tay’s shot was saved by the keeper, but the ball was only cleared as far as Smith on the edge of the box, who lobbed the ball home. In the shootout both sides missed one each, before the final penalty from Scot Anderson hit the post, giving Subiaco the cup.
In the second game at the venue, Bayswater City have completed the league and cup double, after beating Murdoch University Melville 3-1 in the Belt-Up Masters Over 45’s Cup final. Victor Sikora found the opener for City on 24 minutes, and the former Perth Glory striker doubled their advantage six minutes later. MUMFC had it all to do, but their cause wasn’t helped when Stuart Weston was sent off just before the hour, and Bayswater sealed the game with Paul Lincoln adding a third from the spot. MUMFC did pull one back 18 minutes from time, with Bryan Raeburn scoring, but it was too little too late.
“A fantastic effort from the lads today, especially as we only had 13 players available, so it was a great team effort from everyone,” Lincon explained. “We spoke about team focus before the game and I thought we did that and controlled the game and were clinical went it mattered. It capped off another good season for us, with having won the league.” Bayswater were ahead on 24 minutes, Matthew Sparrow’s through ball sent Sikora into the box, and his low shot flew past Michael Linney. They went close to a second moments later, Sparrow turning home Sikora’s cross, but the flag was up for offside.
But they did double their advantage on the half hour, Sikora’s quick feet took him clear of his marker before unleashing an unstoppable shot, before racing off to celebrate. Lincoln thought he had scored before the break, heading in Rob Markovski’s cross, but again in was ruled out for offside. But the former Spearwood and Swan IC striker did hit the target on the hour, Sparrow’s effort was handled on the line by Weston, who was sent off, and Lincoln made no mistake from the resulting penalty. MUMFC scored a consolation goal 17 minutes from time, with Raeburn volleying past Frank Letizia from the edge of the box, but it was too little too late.
In the late game at the venue, Quinns have won the Belt-Up Masters Over 35’s Cup, edging out Hamersley Rovers 2-1 in the final. An own goal set them on their way midway through the first half, before Rob Lund added a second moments later. Daniel Deane pulled one back for Rovers late from the spot, but it was too little too late. “The game was a little scrappy to start as both teams started to work each other out, but then I thought we got on top and were the better team,” Quinns Lee Garnish said.
“We were good valve for the lead, and could have but the game to bed early in the second half, but we never and Rovers never gave up, and they pulled one back to give us a few nervous moments late, but we held firm to seal the win, and big congratulations to coach Danny Allen for a fantastic season. Both sides had early chances, but it was Quinns who found the opener on 26 minutes. A long free kick from Ian McAuley was misjudged by the Rovers defence, and Dean Topliss raced into the box, and his low cross was turned into his own net by a Rover defender Brian O'Keefe. Then two minutes later Quinns doubled their lead, Adam Firych finding Topliss, who turned his marker, before crossing to the back post to Lund, who made no mistake.
Quinns should have sewn the game up after the break, with Lund and Ryan Auld hitting the crossbar, but Rovers continued to press and they pulled one back two minutes from time, after McAuley brought down Deane, and after consulting with his assistant the referee awarded a penalty. Deane’s picked himself up and sent Wayne Cooke the wrong way from the resulting spot kick. It set up a nervy last few minutes for Quinns, and Rovers had one last chance to take the game to penalties, with a free kick on the edge of the box, but the Quinns wall blocked the effort, to win the cup.
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