Perth Glory striker Adam Taggart celebrates his goal, but the Wanderers leave with the points - Photo by Tom McCarthy

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14.01.2025

GLORY EDGED OUT BY WANDERERS

Perth Glory couldn’t build on their fantastic win against Auckland over the weekend, going down 2-1 to Western Sydney Wanderers in Week 14 of the Isuzu Ute A-League at HBF Park on Tuesday evening. It was always going to be tough for David Zdrilic’s side, playing their fifth game in only 19 days, while the visitors were coming off a bye. An own goal by Andriano Lebib wasn’t the start the hosts were looking for, but skipper Adam Taggart leveled early in the second half. Both sides had chances in an end-to-end game, but it was Zac Sapsford who won it for the visitors, giving former Glory coach Alen Stajcic a perfect return to his former employers.

Zdrilic said they gifted them two goals but was pleased his players had a go. “Five minutes in, and we obviously conceded a goal like that, but I’d have to say, if you compare the difference from the start of the season, that could easily have become two or three goals,” he said post-match. “The guys fought very quickly to get back into the game, and I thought, for the rest of the half, the back end of the first half, we were pretty dominant.

“We gifted them two goals, but we kept fighting back. At 1-1, when we got that goal, I thought we were going to win the game, to be honest. That was the feeling I had, but again, we gifted them a goal. Even after that, I thought we were pushing. It was the first time I really had the belief, even at 2-1, that we could come back and win the game, so I’m very pleased with the mentality of the group to come back and have a really good crack at it.”

Zdrilic made one change to the starting lineup, with Jarred Carluccio, who is rumored to be leaving the club in the transfer window, missing out. Teenager Will Frenry came in for his A-League starting debut. The visitors arrived in eighth place, and they were given a helping hand when they opened the scoring in the fourth minute. Former Glory and Inglewood United defender Jack Clisby’s cross from the left found Brandon Borrello, and the Socceroos midfielder’s shot was parried by Oli Sail. The rebound fell to Tomi Mrcela, who inadvertently scooped the ball goalward, and it went in off the unfortunate Lebib.

They came close to a second five minutes later. Borrello’s cross from the right to the back stick found Sapsford, whose stooping header flew inches over the top. Glory then lost Nicholas Pennington to injury, and he was replaced by Brandon O’Neill. It didn’t take the midfielder long to get involved, finding Zach Lisolajski, whose shot flashed wide of the far post. Then 18-year-old Frenry tried his luck from distance, but he couldn’t keep his shot down, and both sides had chances before the break. Lawrence Thomas got down to save O’Neill’s shot, and Sail did likewise at the other end to deny Nicolas Milanovic. At halftime, the visitors held a narrow lead.

The hosts made a bright start to the second half when Taggart’s long-range shot fizzed over the top in the opening minute, and two minutes later, they were level. O’Neill found Josh Risdon on the right of the penalty area, and his low cross was turned home by Taggart, who raced off to celebrate with the Shed and Active area. They went close to hitting the front ten minutes later when Jaylen Pearman’s shot from the edge of the box almost crept under the legs of Thomas, but the Wanderers custodian held on.

After the bright start, it was disappointing when the visitors regained the lead just before the hour mark, again with a helping hand from Glory. A poor goal kick went straight to Milanovic on the halfway line, and his first-time ball sent Sapsford racing clear. Sail raced out to meet him but was caught in no man’s land, with the striker rounding him and firing home to silence the home faithful. Things went from bad to worse in the 73rd minute when the sprinklers at the venue came on, causing a short delay. However, it did cool the players down on another hot evening in Perth.

Glory pressed for the equalizer and went within inches of doing so four minutes later. Taras Gomulka’s corner from the left found Lisolajski, who rose highest to head inches wide of the far post. Moments later, Taggart had another opportunity after the ball fell to him in the box, but the skipper couldn’t keep his shot down. Borrello should have sealed the game late on after good work from substitute Ayden Hammond found the midfielder in the middle of the park. His first pass picked out substitute Marcus Antonsson on the left, and the Swedish striker cut the ball back to Borrello on the edge of the box, but he blazed over the top.

The win leaves the Wanderers in eighth place, but they close the gap to just two points from the top six. While the defeat keeps Glory in 11th, they will have a well-earned rest with a ten-day break until they are in action again, with a trip to McDonald Jones Stadium to take on Newcastle Jets. Stajcic said it was a good win and great to catch up with friends he still has at the club. “Before and after the game, I’m catching up with a lot of friends and players that I coached last year, so it’s always nice when you can reconnect for that short period of time,” he said post-match.

“It’s good to see all the boys, especially the young boys, doing well. It’s good to see Tags doing well again. Obviously, I’ve got a soft spot for all of them, having spent 12 months working with them and trying to make everyone a little bit better. Great to see some of the staff as well, the smiling faces, and even the fans there behind the coach’s dugout. Great fans of Perth Glory and great contributors to Australian football.”

Perth Glory: GK Oli SAIL, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON (6 Brandon O’NEILL 16'), 12 Taras GOMULKA, 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI, 19 Josh RISDON, 20 Trent OSTLER (21 Abdul FAISAL 89'), 22 Adam TAGGART, 24 Andriano LEBIB, 25 Jaylan PEARMAN (14 Nathanael BLAIR 89'), 27 Will FRENEY (31 Joel ANASMO 64'), 29 Tomi MRCELA - Subs not used: RGK Cameron COOK, 3 Anas HAMZAOUI, 16 Adam BUGARIJA

Western Sydney Wanderers: GK Lawrence THOMAS, 4 Alex BONETIG, 7 Zac SAPSFORD (9 Marcus ANTONSSON, 62'), 14 Nicolas MILANOVIC (21 Aydan HAMMOND 71'), 18 Oscar PRIESTMAN, 19 Jack CLISBY, 22 Anthony PANTAZOPOULOS, 23 Bozhidar KRAEV (27 James TEMELKOVSKI 89'), 25 Josh BRILLANTE, 26 Brandon BORRELLO (10 Alex BADOLATO 89'), 64 Juan MATA (13 Dean PELEKANOS 62') - Subs not used: RGK Jordan HOLMES, 31 Aidan SIMMONS - Attendance: 5,147 - Referee: Shane Skinner

13.01.2025

STAJCIC RETURNS AS GLORY LOOKS TO BUILD ON AUCKLAND WIN

Perth Glory will look to back up their upset win against former Isuzu Ute A-League leaders Auckland FC on Saturday when former coach Alen Stajcic brings his Western Sydney Wanderers side to HBF Park for Tuesday evening's Week 14 clash (6:45 PM). Youngster Jayan Pearman’s stunning strike gave Glory their 1-0 win—his first goal for the club—and handed David Zdrilic’s side their first home win of the season. The coach believes it was a deserved win, adding that "that one was for the fans."

“The atmosphere after the win, with the fans and everything, I mean, everybody was so happy and relieved that it all came together. Not just to win, I thought we deserved to win,” Zdrilic said. “We created a lot of chances and played probably the best football we’ve played all season. It wasn’t just about getting the three points; it was the way we did it, and that was important for the guys. Now, we’re ready to kick on."

“At home, that has been our issue; we weren’t able to get points or score goals. But in the last two games, we’ve been able to do that. We had a disallowed goal that was very tight, and we had other chances, so we were creating and looking more positive. Now, we want to continue that at home.”

Tuesday’s encounter continues the tough schedule for the club, marking their fourth game in just 11 days. However, Zdrilic believes his players have enjoyed meeting the challenge posed by the hectic schedule. “Everyone has pulled up well from the Auckland game, and they are all putting their hand up to play,” he said. “We’ve got another training session today [Monday], so we’ll assess everyone and go from there, but I’m hoping it’ll be a similar lineup."

“We’ve embraced this little period, but we knew it was coming. The mentality of the group is that we know what we’re in for. We didn’t get the result in the first two of these four games, but the performances against Western United and in the first half against Sydney FC were very good, and obviously, then against Auckland. Mentally, we’re well aware of what we’re capable of, and we’ll put aside any feeling that there’s too much football. The guys are relishing playing football, especially now back at home after a win.”

The last time the Wanderers travelled to Perth was in Week 21 last season, when the visitors scored late to win 2-1. Socceroo Brandon Borrello gave them the lead early, before skipper Adam Taggart levelled in first-half stoppage time. Glory had the chances to win it, but Daniel Bennie, Jayden Gorman, and Riley Warland failed to find the target. Seven minutes from time, Lachlan Brook won it for the NSW outfit.

It will be the first return to the club for Stajic after he was sacked last year. Zdrilic knows the talent his side has, including former Manchester United Spanish midfielder Juan Mata, who has recently broken into the starting side. But he said there is no specific plan to quell his influence; instead, he’s looking for an all-round team performance like Saturday evening’s. “I think in the A-League, there are a lot of players with good quality, and Mata is just another one,” Zdrilic said.

“We’ve seen that in glimpses he’s been able to provide, especially on the ball, with his final pass, and he scored a goal a couple of weeks ago, so he’s got that quality. But we need to make it a physical game, so it’s harder for him and all the other players. I think we did that against Auckland, and we need to do the same thing against the Wanderers. They’re a very talented squad, especially up front, with a lot of star quality."

“They have four very good attacking players that start, and they can bring on another one or two to add to it. When they go forward, they’re very quick, and they like to get in behind. So, for us, we’ll have to be at our best, but again, it’s similar to Auckland. We were expecting a very strong physical team in Auckland, but we matched them, and we’re expecting the same from the Wanderers.”

The Wanderers arrive in the west in eighth spot, seven points ahead of Glory, and are coming off the bye. Their last game was a 2-2 draw against Melbourne Victory, with Ayda Hammond and top goalscorer Nicolas Milanovic on target, but they let the win slip late, with Ryan Teague scoring the equalizer from the spot with three minutes remaining. Borrello, Bulgarian midfielder Bozhidar Kraev, Zac Sapsford, and Swedish striker Marcus Antonsson lead the way to goal, but they have conceded 22 goals at the other end—something Glory will hope to exploit on Tuesday.

Perth Glory squad: GK Oli SAIL, GK Cameron COOK, 3 Anas HAMZAOUI, 6 Brandon O’NEILL, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 12 Taras GOMULKA, 14 Nathanael BLAIR, 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI, 16 Adam BUGARIJA, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 19 Josh RISDON, 20 Trent OSTLER, 21 Abdul FAISAL, 22 Adam TAGGART, 24 Andriano LEBIB, 25 Jaylan PEARMAN, 26 Khoa NGO, 27 Will FRENEY, 29 Tomi MRCELA, 31 Joel ANASMO *Two to be omitted* - Ins: FAISAL, FRENEY - Unavailable 9 David WILLIAMS (injured), 10 Nikola MILEUSNIC (injured)

Western Sydney Wanderers squad: GK Lawrence THOMAS, GK Jordan HOLMES, 4 Alex BONETIG, 7 Zac SAPSFORD, 9 Marcus ANTONSSON, 10 Alex BADOLATO, 12 Ben HOLLIDAY, 13 Dean PELEKANOS, 14 Nicolas MILANOVIC, 18 Oscar PRIESTMAN, 19 Jack CLISBY, 21 Aydan HAMMOND, 22 Anthony PANTAZOPOULOS, 23 Bozhidar KRAEV, 25 Josh BRILLANTE, 26 Brandon BORRELLO, 27 James TEMELKOVSKI, 31 Aidan SIMMONS, 41 Jesse CAMERON, 64 Juan MATA *Two to be omitted* - Ins: PELEKANOS (returns from suspension), CAMERON (promoted) - Unavailable: 2 Gab CLEUR (injured), 5 Dylan SCICLUNA (injured), 8 Jeong TAE-WOOK (injured)

11.01.2025

PEARMAN STUNNER GIVES GLORY WIN AGAINST AUCKLAND

Perth Glory have secured their first home win of the 2024-25 Isuzu Ute A-League season, and in style, beating the high-flying Auckland FC 1-0 in the week 13 game at HBF Park on Saturday evening. It was a battling performance from David Zdrilic’s side, with the only goal of the game coming from teenage striker Jaylan Pearman. However, it was a team effort, and after all the concerns this season, they will be hoping to build on this win in their next game, at the same venue against Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday evening.

Pearman was delighted after the game and said it felt good to get the win. “It feels amazing, it was one of the best strikes of my life, if I’m honest,” the young striker said of his stunning goal. “It’s a turning point for us, our first win at home, and we need to kick on, keep going, and secure some more wins. In the past few weeks, although the results haven’t been there, you could see we’ve been getting better. It’s so good playing next to Tags (Adam Taggart), he is so encouraging, and he helps me out on the pitch, off the pitch, and at training. Today, he made those runs, and I’m always looking for him. He’s so good to play with.”

Zdrilic kept the same starting line-up from the loss against Sydney FC in midweek, and they made a positive start against the New Zealand outfit, who, with a win, would have gone back to the top of the table. Pearman tried his luck from distance, but the shot flashed inches wide. The crowd thought the hosts had taken the lead moments later, when Pearman and Nicholas Pennington combined to find Jarrad Carluccio, whose shot flew past Paulsen. However, his celebrations were cut short as the flag was up for offside.

Auckland responded, with Oli Sail saving Guillermo May’s long-range shot before Liam Gillion fired into the side netting. But on the half-hour mark, Glory found the opener. Carluccio went wide down the left and cut the ball back to the edge of the box, where Pearman fired home superbly into the top corner, giving Paulsen no chance. They almost doubled their lead in the shadows of halftime, when Carluccio’s cross was pushed away by Paulsen, with Trent Oster ready to pounce.

The visitors made a double substitution at the break and went close early, with May firing just over the top. The Uruguayan striker was proving to be a real handful. Sail then made a smart save to deny him again on the hour. The Glory custodian was having a blinder, and three minutes later, he made a point-blank save to deny Max Mata, with Josh Risdon alert to block Jesse Randell’s follow-up shot. It was end-to-end football, with chances at both ends keeping the small crowd on the edge of their seats.

First, Adam Taggart sent Pearman through, but the youngster fired wide from a tight angle. Then Mata somehow looped an effort over the top after a dangerous low cross from Logan Rogerson. The Black Knights pressed late, but Sail was in no mood to concede. The big Kiwi made a superb save to thwart May again in the final minute. The visitors ended the game with ten men after Adama Coulibaly was shown a straight red card by referee Nathan Shakespear for bringing down Glory's Andriano Lebib, denying him a goal-scoring opportunity. Brandan O’Neill went close to a second moments later but was denied by Paulsen. After eight minutes of stoppage time, the whistle blew, and the long wait for a home win was finally over. Players, coaches, and supporters celebrated as one.

Perth Glory: GK Oli SAIL, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON (14 Nathanael BLAIR 96’), 12 Taras GOMULKA, 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI (3 Anas HAMZAOUI 75’), 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO (26 Khoa NGO 75’), 19 Josh RISDON, 20 Trent OSTLER (31 Joel ANASMO 86’), 22 Adam TAGGART, 24 Andriano LEBIB, 25 Jaylan PEARMAN (6 Brandon O’NEILL 75’), 29 Tomi MRCELA - Subs not used: GK Cameron COOK, 16 Adam BUGARIJA

Auckland FC squad: GK Alex PAULSEN, 2 Hiroki SAKAI (17 Callan ELLIOT 45+6’), 4 Nando PIJNAKER, 5 Tommy SMITH, 6 Louis VERSTRAETE, 10 Guillermo MAY, 14 Liam GILLION (9 Max MATA 58’), 15 Francis DE VRIES (16 Adama COULIBALY 82’), 22 Jake BRIMMER, 25 Neyder MORENO (27 Logan ROGERSON 46’), 28 Luis Felipe GALLEGOS (21 Jesse RANDALL 46’) – Subs not used: GK Michael WOUD, 8 Luis TOOMEY – Referee: Nathan Shakespear

10.01.2025

DOUGLAS ON TARGET AS GLORY DRAW AGAINST SYDNEY FC

Caitlin Doeglas made an immediate impact on her return to Perth Glory, giving Stephen Peters' side the lead early, but an equalizer in first-half stoppage time from Sydney FC midfielder Lucy Johnson gave both sides a share of the spoils in the Week 11 Ninja A-League clash at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Friday evening. “I was really pleased with the first half, we moved the ball around well, got the goal, and I’m stoked for Doegie, but we fell off the cliff after that,” Peters said post-match.

“It was disappointing, I thought we respected them too much, and the goal was really disappointing; we have to stop conceding goals like that. In the second half, they started better, but we hung in there, and Casey came up with a couple of good saves. The last fifteen minutes were ours, the subs made a great impact, but the execution wasn’t quite right. In the end, with the chances we created, we should have won, but I’m sure Ante (Juric) has got a different view. We need to turn these sorts of performances into wins.”

Doeglas was one of two changes to the starting lineup from the side that was beaten by Wellington Phoenix last week. The striker came in for Megan Wynne, while Claudia Valletta replaced Isabella Foletta. It was a packed house at kick-off, and it was an even opening. The best early chance fell to the visitors, with Casey Dumont producing a fingertip save to push Shea Connors' shot onto the crossbar. The Glory custodian did even better moments later, with Connors racing one-on-one after a great through ball from Maddie Caspers, but Dumont stood tall to deny her. Glory settled, and on 25 minutes, they found the opener.

A ball into the penalty area by Miku Sunaga wasn’t dealt with by Sky Blues keeper Tahlia Franco, and Gabby Hollar pounced on the rebound, squaring the ball to Doeglas, who fired home, much to the delight of the 1,139 spectators. Doeglas went close to a second before the break, as a quick counter-attack ended with a shot that flashed over the top. But in stoppage time, the visitors found the equalizer. Natalie Tobin found Johnson, who was given far too much room on the edge of the box, and her shot flew over Dumont to send the sides into the sheds level.

The visitors were on the front foot after the break, and Dumont came to the rescue just before the hour mark, saving at her near post after good work from Indiana Dos Santos. Dumont was keeping her side in the game, producing another fine save, quickly out to save at the feet of substitute Mackenzie Hawkesby, before making a smart save to her right to deny Princess Ibini moments later. Glory finished the game well and went close to the winner on 83 minutes.

Sunaga sent substitute Ella Lincoln racing down the left. The former Perth SC striker raced into the penalty area, and her shot on the run was well saved by substitute keeper Brianna Edwards. Glory was now dictating terms, and Georgia Cassidy’s free kick from the right almost caught Edwards napping at the front post, but she did enough to keep it out. Then in stoppage time, Glory had one last chance to win it. Cassidy took another set piece from distance, but it flew inches over the top with Edwards beaten. Both sides had to settle for a share of the spoils.

Perth Glory: GK Casey DUMONT, 4 Claudia VALLETTA (7 Megan WYNNE 59'), 5 Grace JOHNSTON, 8 Georgia CASSIDY, 9 Gabby HOLLAR, 11 Natalie TATHEM, 12 Caitlin DOEGLAS (25 Ella LINCOLN 80'), 13 Naomi CHINNAMA, 14 Miku SUNAGA, 27 Charli WAINWRIGHT (6 Tijan MCKENNA 59'), 29 Onyinyechi ZOGG – Subs not used: RGK Miranda TEMPLEMAN, 18 Isabella FOLETTA

Sydney FC: GK Tahlia FRANCO, (RGK Brianna EDWARDS 46'), 2 Margaux CHAUVET, 3 Faye BRYSON, 4 Tori TUMETH, 9 Shea CONNORS (24 Caley TALLON-HENNIKER 46'), 12 Natalie TOBIN, 16 Jordan THOMPSON, 20 Princess IBINI (18 Amber LUCHTMEIJER 90'), 21 Lucy JOHNSON, 22 Indiana DOS SANTOS, 26 Maddie CASPERS (15 Mackenzie HAWKESBY 68') – Subs not used: 14 Abbey LEMON – Attendance: 1,139 – Referee: Rachel Mitchenson

10.01.2025

AUCKLAND HEAD WEST FOR THE FIRST TIME

Perth Glory welcome Isuzu Ute A-League leaders Auckland to WA for the first time when the pair meet in Week 13 at HBF Park on Saturday evening (6:45 pm). It’s been a fantastic start to the competition for the New Zealand outfit, with only one defeat in their first ten games under the tutelage of former Sydney FC coach Steve Corica. They head west in a confident mood. They had the bye last week and are coming off a home scoreless draw against Melbourne Victory in front of another healthy crowd of 14,997.

Glory, on the other hand, have had little time to prepare for the league leaders, only flying back to Perth on Thursday following their 0-3 defeat against Sydney FC on Wednesday evening. But Head Coach David Zdrilic said the spirit in the squad remains high, and they will do all they can to secure their first home win of the season on Saturday evening. "They [Auckland FC] have the luxury of not having played since I think New Year's Day, whereas we've had two games in that time," he said.

"They also came here to Perth before we got back from Sydney, so I think they will be ready to go, but so are we. These guys want to play— not one of them, when they looked at the schedule, said, 'Maybe we should rest here or rest there.' They all want to play; they're all putting their hands up, which I think is great. The guys who aren't playing are coming in and asking, 'Why am I not playing?' In terms of the spirit and motivation of this squad, it's top-notch during this period we're going through, and I can't ask for more from them than that."

Zdrilic, who was part of the Sydney FC coaching staff, came up against a former colleague, Ufuk Talay, in midweek and will go head-to-head against another on Saturday, with former Sky Blues coach Corica in charge of the Black Knights. "I know Stevie well; we're close friends and family friends as well," he said. "We played together at Sydney FC and overseas and coached together as well.

"I know all the work they [Auckland FC] did and all the resources they have. They've put together a very good club, not just on the field, but off the field as well. All the pieces were looked at, and you can see that now. They've got a very athletic and experienced squad with very good players that they've brought together. I think they've just started perfectly as a new club. So, it's going to be a big challenge, and I'm looking forward to a very competitive match."

Glory skipper Adam Taggart was replaced at half-time, sending a scare through the camp, but Zdrilic said he should be available and hopes there are no other problems heading into the game. "We had no fresh injuries from the Sydney FC game," he said. "Taggs was feeling tightness, and we spoke about it at half-time. He was willing to go on, but it was risky, and we didn’t want to take that chance with two games coming up… but he's recovering now and should be all right [for Saturday]. Also, Taras Gomulka broke a tooth, but that shouldn’t keep him out."

Auckland have been the surprise team this season and are two points clear of Melbourne City at the top of the table, with a game in hand. Former Glory midfielder Jake Brimmer has been good in his new surroundings, scoring three goals and adding one assist. Meanwhile, Uruguayan import Guillermo May, who joined from Argentine giants Newell's Old Boys, has scored three. New Zealand international goalkeeper Alex Paulsen, who is on loan from English Premier League side AFC Bournemouth, has kept six clean sheets. In the middle of the park, Belgian midfielder Louis Verstraete and Colombian Neyder Moreno have also been outstanding, so they head into the game as strong favorites.

Perth Glory squad: GK Oli SAIL, GK Cameron COOK, 3 Anas HAMZAOUI, 6 Brandon O’NEILL, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 10 Nikola MILEUSNIC,12 Taras GOMULKA, 14 Nathanael BLAIR, 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI, 16 Adam BUGARIJA, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 19 Josh RISDON, 20 Trent OSTLER, 21 Abdul FAISAL, 22 Adam TAGGART, 24 Andriano LEBIB, 25 Jaylan PEARMAN, 26 Khoa NGO, 29 Tomi MRCELA, 31 Joel ANASMO - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: BUGARIJA, ANASMO - Unavailable: 9 David WILLIAMS (injured)

Auckland FC squad: GK Alex PAULSEN, GK Michael WOUD, 2 Hiroki SAKAI, 3 Scott GALLOWAY, 4 Nando PIJNAKER, 5 Tommy SMITH, 6 Louis VERSTRAETE, 8 Luis TOOMEY, 9 Max MATA, 10 Guillermo MAY, 14 Liam GILLION, 15 Francis DE VRIES, 17 Callan ELLIOT, 18 Finn MCKENLAY, 21 Jesse RANDALL, 22 Jake BRIMMER, 25 Neyder MORENO, 27 Logan ROGERSON, 28 Luis Felipe GALLEGOS - *One to be omitted* - Ins: TOOMEY

10.01.2025

DOEGLAS RETURNS TO GLORY

Perth Glory’s injury problems have been eased somewhat, with the signing of experienced striker Caitlin Doeglas has joined the club’s Ninja A-League squad as an injury replacement for Kelli Brown. The New Zealand striker has struggled with injury all season, and Head Coach Stephen Peters said that Doeglas is a perfect fit, both on and off the park, and the striker is eligible for tonight’s clash with Sydney FC at the Sam Kerr Football Centre.

“Caitlin has been training with us for a number of weeks and has made a big impression,” Peters said. “She’s mobile, quick and can finish and she also brings that invaluable experience from her previous stint in the competition. As well as being a quality player, she is a great character and will be a really positive influence on our predominantly young playing group.”

The 28-year-old returns to the club from NPLW side Perth RedStar, bagging 17 goals to help the club to the title last season. She also played NPLW football in both Victoria and New South Wales, and made 49 appearances and scored seven goals for Glory between 2015 and 2021, and scored what was, at the time, the fastest goal in ALW history when she found the net after just 14 seconds against Western Sydney Wanderers during the 2016-17 season and also featured for Glory in the 2019 ALW Grand Final.

10.01.2025

LINCOLN LOOKING FOR MORE GLORY

Perth Glory striker Ella Lincoln made her NPL A-League debut for the club last week. The 20-year-old came off the bench in the 0-2 defeat against Wellington Phoenix. The talented goalscorer, who won the NPL Golden Boot last season with Perth SC, said that getting her debut was amazing, but then she was told about another milestone.

“It felt amazing. It’s always been a dream of mine to make my debut for my hometown club, and it was great to achieve the milestone of being the 1000th ALW player. I didn’t know until Tijan and Stephen showed me, which was really cool,” the striker explained. “I’ve had to bide my time to get into the squad, and I thought I was getting closer, but I didn’t expect it to be in New Zealand. It was a long trip, but I really enjoyed it, and it was a great experience.

“The result wasn’t what we wanted, but we can only move forward. All our focus is on Sydney FC this week. I’m expecting a fast, transitioning game. They are coming off a draw against Melbourne City last week, and they are the reigning champions, so we know what to expect. We need to dig deep. We’ve got a strong squad with a lot of talent, and Stephen trusts every one of us. As long as we give 100%, we can grab points off anyone in the league.”

Lincoln won the NPL Gold Medal last season, emulating her father Paul, who won the Football West Gold Medal in 1997 with Spearwood Dalmatinac and had a stellar career in local football. He also played for Bayswater City, Stirling Lions, Floreat Athena, Inglewood United, and Swan IC. The striker said he was really proud of her debut last week. “It’s really special that we both achieved this (Gold Medal), and he was super proud that I made my professional debut. He watched the game in Bali and cheered me on,” she explained.

“The step up to the A-League has been really challenging, going from two days a week of training to training every day in a professional environment. It takes a toll on the body, physically and mentally, but I’ve enjoyed every single minute of it. The girls and the coaching staff have been amazing. They’ve made the environment so enjoyable to be around, and it’s cool to see so many local girls in the squad. A couple of weeks ago, our midfield consisted of Chari (Wainwright), Georgia (Cassidy), and Tijan (McKenna), all from my NPL team at Perth SC, which is really good to see.”

It’s been a long journey for Lincoln, but after a stellar season at Dorrien Gardens last year, she earned a youth contract with the Glory. However, it’s business as usual for the striker this week—training hard and trying to earn a spot in the squad for the visit of Sydney. It would be amazing to play a part in the game in front of family and friends. “I set goals last season at Perth SC: to score more than 20 goals, win the Golden Boot, and earn myself a Glory contract. I managed to do all that, which I was super proud of,” she said.

“Going into this season at Glory, my goal is to earn more minutes, sustain a spot in the team, and hopefully create and score a lot of goals. To play my part this weekend against Sydney would be amazing. I’ve had the privilege of playing at Sam Kerr Football Centre last season in the NPL, and it’s just a great facility. We have some great fans, and when they get around us, it feels amazing. I wasn’t part of the squad last time we played there, but the energy and vibe are awesome, so it would be nice to be a part of that in front of my family and friends. Although dad is still in Bali, I know he will be watching.”

10.01.2025

CHAMPIONS HEAD TO PERTH IN WEEK 11

Perth Glory Head Coach Stephen Peters believes that Friday’s home clash against reigning Ninja A-League Champions Sydney FC at Sam Kerr Football Centre, is set to be one of his side’s most important games of the season so far. (7.00pm). Glory was beaten in Wellington last week, which made it back-to-back defeats for Peters’ side, leaving them tenth, while Sydney arrives in the west bottom of the table, a position few would have expected them to occupy before the season got underway, so three points are massive in this encounter.

“I think they [Sydney FC] probably looked at this game on paper and said it’s a game they’re sure they can win,” Peters said. “We know they’re going to be coming here pretty determined to get the three points because as you’ve seen on the table, back-to-back wins catapults you up pretty quickly. It’s a massive, massive game for us, so we have to be ready for the energy that we need to put in to get the points. They’re a team that’s very well-organised typically and they’ve always got a big danger on the counter-attack.

“That’s been their mantra for the last couple of years. They’ve had matchwinners all across the park and they still do. It’s just a matter of time until they start showcasing that more consistently and get the wins on the board. In terms of us, we’re obviously not going to be rolling out the red carpet for them. We’ve got to get in their face and welcome them to Perth the way we know how.”

Peters said difficult playing conditions didn’t help them in the loss in Wellington, but believes his young side got some valuable experience ahead of the week 11 clash with the Sky Blues. “I don’t think a lot went wrong; it’s just where we’re at the moment,” he said. “The first half and the first half result were good. We went in at 0-0 and I thought we were cagey enough in that game to give them a few problems.

“But unfortunately, and I don’t want to blame the conditions, but we seemed to have a bit of an issue with having the wind behind us first half. And then being so far away from the bench with the wind against us, it was difficult for a lot of the young players that we had out there. It was a very good experience for them and I think that will come back to us down the track, but for the time being, it’s very difficult for some of these girls to execute a 90-minute performance.”

The last game against the Sky Blues in Perth was in round eight last season, which saw a player of the match performance from keeper Morgan Aquina, to secure a 0-0 draw for the hosts in front of over 1,500 supporters at Macedonia Park. In early team news, late decisions will be made on a number of Glory’s walking wounded, including co-captain Izzy Dalton and Tijan McKenna and Ella Abdul Massih, but Gabby Hollar has been given the green light to feature despite being forced from the field after a stray elbow against Phoenix.

As for Sydney FC, their poor start to the current campaign has come as a major shock given their recent dominance of the competition. Ante Juric’s side have won just one of their nine fixtures to date and are the competition’s lowest scorers with six. Former Glory forward Millie Farrow is yet to get off the mark for her new club in five appearances, while fellow-attackers Indiana Dos Santos and Princess Ibini have managed just two goals between them. Unfortunately, former Glory midfielder Hana Lowry will miss the game after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the team’s draw against Melbourne City earlier in the season.

Perth Glory squad: GK Casey DUMONT, GK Miranda TEMPLEMAN, 4 Claudia VALLETTA, 5 Grace JOHNSTON, 6 Tijan MCKENNA, 7 Megan WYNNE, 8 Georgia CASSIDY, 9 Gabby HOLLAR, 11 Natalie TATHEM, 13 Naomi CHINNAMA, 14 Miku SUNAGA, 18 Isabella FOLETTA, 20 Ella ABDUL MASSIH, 23 Izzy DALTON, 24 Caitlin DOEGLAS, 25 Ella LINCOLN, 26 Tanika LALA, 27 Charli WAINWRIGHT, 29 Onyinyechi ZOGG - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: MCKENNA, ABDUL-MASSIH, DOEGLAS - Unavailable: 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM (injured), 16 Bella WALLHEAD (injured), 19 Sarah O’DONOGHUE (injured), 44 Kelli BROWN (injured)

Sydney FC squad: GK Brianna EDWARDS, GK Jasmine BLACK, GK Tahlia FRANCO, 2 Margaux CHAUVET, 3 Faye BRYSON, 4 Tori TUMETH, 9 Shea CONNORS, 12 Natalie TOBIN, 14 Abbey LEMON, 15 Mackenzie HAWKESBY, 16 Jordan THOMPSON, 18 Amber LUCHTMEIJER, 20 Princess IBINI, 21 Lucy JOHNSON, 22 Indiana DOS SANTOS, 23 Rubi SULLIVAN, 24 Caley TALLON-HENNIKER, 26 Maddie CASPERS - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: SULLIVAN (promoted), BLACK (promoted) - Unavailable: 5 Kirsty FENTON (knee), 6 Shay HOLLMAN (calf), 7 Millie FARROW (hammy), 8 Hana LOWRY (knee), 19 Kyah SIMON (calf)

9.01.2025

COOK TO CALL LEEDS UNITED HOME

Former Perth Glory youth goalkeeper Robert Cook has become the latest West Australian to head to England, with the talented shot-stopper signing for Championship outfit Leeds United on a three-year-deal. The 17-year-old has signed for the Yorkshire club, who sit top of the Championship, and on course for a return to the Premier League.

Cook, like a number of Glory youngsters in the past, leaves our shores having never played a senior game for his hometown club, but was part of their academy set-up and turned out for their NPL side last season. He has been pursued by several English clubs over the past few months, having trialled with Sunderland earlier this year. Manchester United, who recently signed another Glory youngster James Overy, were also reportedly interested, while Birmingham City — now in League One, but pushing for promotion — made a late attempt to beat Leeds to the youngster.

Leeds has been a happy hunting ground for several Australians over the years, with Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka and former Glory midfielders Neil Kilkenny and Jacob Burns having played for the Elland Road club. Cook was recently named Goalkeeper of the Tournament while representing WA U16s at the 2023 National Youth Championships, and it is expected his move will result in some small financial compensation for the Glory.

9.01.2025

FORRESTFIELD ADD EXPERIENCED DUO FOR 2025

Forrestfield United head into 2025 looking to improve on last season’s fifth-place finish, and their cause has been helped by the signing of experienced duo Brian Patterson and Rhys Loxley. Patterson joins the club from Mandurah City, and the former Fremantle City and Armadale midfielder said it’s a new challenge he is looking forward to.

“I had a very enjoyable time at Mandurah and met some quality lads down there, and we were very unlucky both seasons not to win the league, and then getting beaten in the playoffs was a hard pill to swallow,” he explained. “But the time was right for me to leave, and hopefully they go one better this year and win the league. I’m looking forward to a new challenge at Forrestfield, a great young team, and with a bit of experience in there, hopefully, we can challenge for the league.”

Forrestfield Head Coach Daryl Platten said adding Patterson to the squad is a huge boost for the club, and his leadership will be invaluable as their pre-season begins. “We are delighted to get Brian over the line; both Alec and I have known Brian for a long time, and he fits the profile of player we are looking for. Having such a young team last year, Brian adds the experience, leadership, quality, and winning mentality that we were maybe missing last season,” he explained.

“We can't wait to see him in the black and yellow for the coming season, and we can already see in training what he will bring to the team. Pre-season has been going well, with a few new faces added to the array of talent that we have coming through the under-18s and reserves. It should be an exciting year for the Forrie faithful in what seems to be a very competitive Division Two.”

It’s a return to Hartfield Park for Loxley, the former club skipper heading back after a spell at Swan United. He said it’s good to be back home. “I’m delighted to return to the club where I have had my fondest memories as a footballer,” he said. “I left the club because I needed a new challenge, and while I enjoyed my time playing at Swan and coaching at Olympic Kingsway, I feel that now is the time for me to return. I have been really impressed with the squad so far. There are some really talented youngsters that, with the right guidance, can become the next crop of players to take the club back to the very top again.”

“I’m also excited to be working under former teammate Daryl, alongside Alec and Bully, who have really laid the foundations for a successful campaign so far. There is a good feeling of ambition both in the squad and the club as a whole, and with a good pre-season, I feel that we can definitely be challenging for promotion in 2025. I will be doing all I can to contribute and help the club achieve its goals this season. Division Two will be a really tough league this season, though, with a lot of teams sharing a similar ambition to us. But we are a determined group and are relishing the challenge.”

Platten said, like Brian, Rhys brings a vast amount of experience, and he has had a hand in the development of some of the youngsters in the squad. “We’re very excited to get Rhys back to the club,” he said. “He will bring so much experience to the team, and it’s nice for him to come into a team with so many players he himself helped develop over the years he was at Forrestfield. Those young boys trust him and will learn so much from him on the pitch.”

8.01.2025

INJURIES BITE HARD FOR GLORY WOMEN

Perth Glory Women’s injury crisis continues to throw curveballs at coach Stephen Peters who has revealed co-captain Isobel Dalton is still struggling with a hamstring injury. And not even injury-replacement players have been spared, with Peters confirming recent addition Olivia Wood suffered a serious injury prior to the weekend loss at Wellington Phoenix.

Nonetheless, Peters has urged his team to defy expectations and not let Sydney FC dictate terms when they meet on Friday night at Sam Kerr Football Centre. Glory might have to battle Sydney without Dalton, with Peters admitting the midfielder’s hamstring issues had re-surfaced. “It’s a bit of a weird one, it’s right on the cusp of a tendon injury as well,” he said.

“It’s quite painful for her, so, unfortunately, we’re a bit unsure about her. It’s a bit of a week-to-week proposition now. It’s quite annoying in that way because she’s obviously not getting the preparation she needs in terms of being able to put a full week of training in, so that’s difficult mentally for her.”

Glory are already without attackers Kelli Brown, Sarah O’Donoghue and Susan Phonsongkham, all to ankle injuries. To make matters worse, injury-replacement signing Wood had travelled to play Wellington only to rupture the anterior talofibular ligament in her ankle the day before the game.

In some better news for Perth, Peters was hopeful the returning Tijan McKenna (foot) and Ella Abdul-Massih (calf) would be able to see some action on Friday. “They (Sydney) probably looked at this game on paper and said it’s a game they feel they can win, so we know they’re going to be coming here pretty determined to get the three points,” Peters said.

“It’s a very massive game for us. They’ve got match winners all across the park, so I think it’s a matter of time until they start showcasing that more consistently and get the wins on the board. We’re not going to be rolling out the red carpet for them; we’ve got to get in their face, and welcome them to Perth the way we know how.”

7.01.2025

O’NEILL URGES GLORY TO BUILD GOOD HABITS

Perth Glory midfielder Brandon O’Neill has compared stringing together winning games to brushing your teeth: “the more you do it, the more it becomes natural.” But with Glory stranded in 12th spot on the A-League ladder with just one win to their name, it appears his team are in urgent need of a trip to the dentist ahead of O’Neill’s return to former side Sydney FC.

Glory will play their second game in six days - part of a slate which features four games in 12 days - away to the Sky Blues tomorrow night, and O’Neill says Glory need to use the hectic schedule to revitalise their season. With the sting of their injury-time loss to Western United still fresh, O’Neill urged his team to start to building good habits.

“As gut-wrenching as it was, you’ve got now three games in seven days to put it right and come the end of this cycle, you could look back and go ‘we’ve started something here to build on,’” O’Neill said. “It’s a great opportunity to get a bit of momentum. One result can turn into two, two can turn into three and especially these home games coming up (next week) we’ve got, it’s a great opportunity for us to get maximum points.”

After facing Sydney, Glory head back home for Saturday night’s clash with Auckland. “The travel obviously is demanding, but as players, you forget about that when games are coming thick and fast,” O’Neill said. “You play, you recover, you travel back, you recover again, you play, you recover. If you ask any of the any of the squad members, they love that; the more games, the better.”

So far this season O’Neill has not performed to his own lofty expectations due in no small part to injuries, which have seen his spot in midfield go to Taras Gomulka. “I’ve got to be on the pitch first and foremost and a few injury interruptions has obviously cost that, but I think you just try win the day,” O’Neill said. “You win the day, and you move on to the next day, and you know yourself if you’re doing all the right things.

“You know yourself if you’re working hard and you’re trying your best and I think if we can all do that, individually and collectively, each day, what can we do today to be better than tomorrow? On the weekend, they (the fans) could feel, probably for the first time this year, that the lads had a crack here - the challenge for us now is to bring that week in, week out, that competitiveness, and turn that into results.”

7.01.2025

LOLLEY HAT-TRICK SINKS GLORY IN THE RAIN

It wasn’t a happy return to Sydney FC for Perth Glory head coach David Zdrilic, as the Sky Blues ran out 3-0 winners in wet conditions in Wednesday's Week 11 Isuzu Ute A-League clash at Allianz Stadium. English striker Joe Lolley was the hero for the hosts, bagging a second-half hat-trick. The win moved them up to seventh, while the loss left Glory second from the bottom, extending their horror season.

Zdrilic made one change from the side that was edged out by Western United last week, with Jarrod Carluccio coming in for Khoa Ngo, who dropped to the bench. It was a huge game for Glory defender Josh Risdon, who became only the third Glory player to play 150 games for the club, joining new East Perth FC striker Andy Keogh and Perth RedStar keeper Liam Reddy. There was a sombre moment prior to kick-off, with players, coaches, and supporters observing a minute's silence in honour of former Sydney FC CEO Stefan Kamasz, who sadly passed away today.

The hosts were on the front foot early, with Anthony Caceres and Lolley being a constant threat, but Glory were defending deep. The first real chance fell to the Sky Blues on 27 minutes. Nicholas Pennington brought down Moroccan midfielder Anas Ouahim on the edge of the box, but Lolley’s free-kick was pushed away by the alert Oli Sail. Adam Taggart was a lonely figure up front for the visitors, but he had Glory’s first real chance seven minutes later.

A great turn by Carluccio in the middle of the park sent him racing away, and he found the skipper on the edge of the box. Taggart’s shot was deflected behind for a corner by Zac De Jesus. Sydney went closer in the first minute of stoppage time. Joel King’s cross from the left wasn’t dealt with by Sail, and the ball fell to Caceres, whose shot was cleared off the line by Andriano Lebib. Zach Lisolajski then knocked the ball away to safety, and at the break, it remained scoreless.

There was a surprise at the break, with Taggart being replaced by Nathanael Blair. However, it was still Sydney dictating terms, and Caceres was inches away from Lolley’s low cross early on. Then on 52 minutes, their early pressure was rewarded with the lead. Caceres cut in from the right, played a give-and-go with Lolley, and the former Nottingham Forest striker got a lucky deflection off Lisolajski. The ball fell into his path, and he finished with aplomb past Sail.

Glory almost had an immediate response. Carluccio made space down the left and picked out Blair, who fell under a tackle from Hayden Matthews. The ball rolled to Trent Ostler, whose snap shot flashed inches wide of the post. They went close again just after the hour mark when Taras Gomulka’s corner picked out Tomi Mrcela. The defender climbed above his marker but couldn’t find the target.

The home faithful thought they had a penalty on 68 minutes after a handball from Lebib off Lolley’s cross from the right, but referee Sam Kelly waved away the protests. However, he was asked to review the decision by VAR, and after viewing the screen, he pointed to the spot. It looked a little harsh, but Lolley made no mistake from the resulting penalty, taking him to the top of the goalscoring chart.

Sail then made a smart save to deny Lolley eight minutes later, as the hosts looked to wrap up the game. They thought they had a third moments later when Patryk Klimala’s shot from the edge of the box beat Sail, but the flag was up for offside. Two minutes from time, they did find a third. Substitute Adrian Segecic’s cross from the left picked out Klimala. His shot was parried by Sail, and Lolley was on hand to fire home the rebound and complete his first-ever A-League hat-trick.

Sydney FC: GK Harrison DEVENISH-MEARES, 5 Hayden MATTHEWS, 6 Corey HOLLMAN (13 Pat WOOD 90’), 8 Anas OUAHIM (7 Adrian SEGECIC 71’), 9 Patryk KLIMALA (20 Tiago QUINTAL 90’), 10 Joe LOLLEY (25 Jaiden KUCHARSKI 90’), 15 Leo SENA, 16 Joel KING, 17 Anthony CACERES, 21 Zac DE JESUS (4 Jordan COURTNEY-PERKINS 76’), 23 Rhyan GRANT – Subs not used: RGK Andrew REDMAYNE, 3 Aaron GURD

Perth Glory: GK Oli SAIL, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON (10 Nikola MIEUSNIC 71’), 12 Taras GOMULKA, 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 19 Josh RISDON (26 Khoa NGO 91’), 20 Trent OSTLER (21 Abdel FAISAL 63’), 22 Adam TAGGART (14 Nathanael BLAIR 46’), 24 Andriano LEBIB, 25 Jaylan PEARMAN (6 Brandon O’NEILL 63’), 29 Tomi MRCELA – Subs not used: RGK Cameron COOK, 3 Anas HAMZAOUI - Attendance: 7,634 - Referee: Sam KELLY

7.01.2025

WA STADIUMS VOTED THE BEST SPORTS VENUES BY AUSTADIUMS

West Australian sporting facilities have taken out four major awards in the 2024 Stadium Awards, with Optus Stadium taking top honours once again. The multi-purpose stadium, located in Burswood was completed in late 2017 and officially opened on 21 January 2018. The stadium's total capacity is 61,266, including standing room, making it the third-largest stadium in Australia (after the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Stadium Australia).

The stadium can be extended up to 65,000 seats for rectangular sports, with Perth Glory hosting the 2019 A-League Grand Final, and has hosted English Premier League clubs, Manchester United, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur, European giants AC Milan and Roma, as well as Championship high flyers Leeds United. The Matilidas have played out to a sell out crowd in 2023, and the Socceroos play Japan in a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier in June.

The sixth edition of the fan-voted awards held on Austadiums during December saw Western Australian venues dominate again, taking out four of the six awards. Optus Stadium was voted as Australia’s best, claiming 45% of votes, with the MCG second on 14% and Suncorp Stadium 12%, and it was also voted as Australia’s Best Oval Stadium, in front of the MCG and Adelaide Oval. The Western Australian public continue to show their patriotism, getting behind the awards in a big way since their inception in 2019 and 2024 was no different, with 43% of entries from the west.

The Best Rectangular Stadium was taken out by HBF Park, the home of Perth Glory and the Western Force, (ahead of Suncorp Stadium and AAMI Park), while RAC Arena, the home of the Perth Wildcats and Perth Lynx, was voted as the Best Indoor Arena (ahead of Rod Laver Arena and Qudos Bank Arena). In other awards, Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium was voted as Australia’s Best Regional Stadium, ahead of Queensland Country Bank Stadium and Sunshine Coast Stadium. And finally, the new Most Picturesque Stadium category was taken out by the Adelaide Oval, just ahead of Industree Group Stadium on the Central Coast.

7.01.2025

GLORY HEAD TO HARBOUR CITY IN WEEK ELEVEN

It’s a quick turnaround for Perth Glory after their heartbreaking defeat against Western United on Friday, as they travel to Allianz Stadium on Wednesday evening to take on Sydney FC in week 11 of the Isuzu Ute A-League (kick-off 4:00 pm WA time). Last time out, Glory put in an improved performance, but their defensive frailties were there for all to see. Head Coach David Zdrilic is hoping to build on the performance as they search for a second win away from home this season. He knows it’s tough for his side to travel and back up from a tough game on Friday, but he said it’s the same for both sides.

“The result we had against Western United was not what we wanted, but the performance was much, much better, and we need to build on that,” he said at his pre-game press conference. “For us, we want to be playing games, and sometimes in these situations, playing games replaces the training, so we’re just focusing on that. We’re already relying a lot on the young ones, and we want to try and get them in at the right time and use them at the right time, like Jaylan Pearman, for example. But in terms of rotating, it’ll depend on their bodies. For this Sydney game, I think we’re okay, but for the next two games after that, we’ll have to see how we’re looking when we return from Sydney.”

The last time Glory played the Sky Blues at the venue, it was a day to forget, losing 7-1 in the final game of last season, which was also the last game in charge for Allen Stajcic. Jordan Courtney-Perkins gave the hosts the lead early, and two late first-half goals from Joe Lolley and Nathan Brattan gave Sydney a 3-0 lead at the break. Adam Taggart pulled one back on the hour, but that was as good as it got for the visitors. Slovak winger Robert Mak bagged a brace before Lolley added his second in stoppage time to secure a comfortable win.

The coach has some fond memories of the Sky Blues. The NSW-born striker played 59 games, scoring five goals, before returning in 2023 as an assistant coach to Steve Corica. But he said playing them for the first time since departing and coming up against Ufuk Talay, whom he also worked with during his time at the club, hasn’t provided him with any extra incentive this week. He knows his side needs results. “I spent a lot of my A-League time at Sydney FC, both as a player and as a coach in different forms,” Zdrilic explained.

“But other than that, it’s just business as usual. We need to get points and produce a good performance to back up the good performance from the weekend and hopefully get a better result for us. I’m fully focused on what we’re doing here, and obviously, the challenge here is big. I think both of us [clubs] are coming into the game under different types of pressure. We’re trying to rebuild and get results while doing that, and they’re obviously a big club that’s used to winning and expects to win every game.

“But other than that, it’s just another game in which we need to move forward. The type of football that we’re playing here now is not as aggressive as the kind of football we were playing [during my time] with Sydney, and he [Talay] is not playing that way at the moment either. But generally, they’ve got very good technical players, we know that, and they’re very good on the ball; he’s improved his squad. A lot of the foreigners that have come in are very, very high quality, so they’re able to keep the ball even more.

“That’s the style of football that they’re playing at the moment…but they’re flexible in the way they play. There might be a surprise there, so we’ll just have to wait and see. I’m expecting both of us [teams] to come in very motivated and try to get that win.” Sydney FC currently sits eighth on the ladder, four points outside the top six, and has struggled for consistency this season. But the form of English striker Lolley and Polish forward Patryk Klimala will give Zdrilic headaches. At the other end, the Sky Blues have kept just one clean sheet, so he will hope to target that on Wednesday.

In early team news, Zdrilic confirmed that Nikola Mileusnic is poised to return to the squad for the first time since the former Adelaide United midfielder injured his hamstring against Melbourne City in round four, while Riley Warland and former Sydney FC midfielder Brandon O’Neill will also be pushing for a starting role. The coach must also be delighted with the performances of youngsters Andriano Lebib and Jayden Pearman, leaving only David Williams (ACL) as a confirmed absentee.

5.01.2025

LEEDS SNAP UP GLORY YOUTH GOALKEEPER COOK

Former Perth Glory youth goalkeeper Robert Cook has become the latest West Australian to head to England by signing with Championship outfit Leeds United. The 17 year-old has signed for the Yorkshire powerhouse, currently top of England’s second tier and on course for a return to the Premier League, on a three-year deal.

Cook has been pursued by several high-profile English clubs over the past few months, having trialed with Sunderland earlier this year. Manchester United were also reportedly interested, while Birmingham City - now in League One, but pushing for promotion - made a late attempt to woo Cook.

Cook’s move follows that of 18-year old Daniel Bennie, who has so far chalked up nine appearances for Queens Park Rangers since leaving Glory in May. Another former Glory academy member James Overy, signed for Manchester United in June following previous interest from Everton.

4.01.2025

ZDRILIC DEFENDS LATE-GAME TACTICS, PRAISES TEENAGER PEARMAN

Perth Glory coach David Zdrilic has defended his team’s deep defensive positioning and his tactical moves in the aftermath of last night’s heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Western United. But amid the gloom of yet another home loss, Zdrilic lavished teenage debutant Jaylan Pearman with praise, hailing him as the “future of the club” after an eye-catching performance.

It will be little relief to Perth fans though as Glory let slip a 2-1 lead heading into injury-time. With 10 minutes to go, the home side retreated deeper and deeper into their own half and, although they had the odd chance in transition, Glory’s shape opened the door for United to come forward.

While Glory are not the first team to sit too deep and nor will they be the last, Zdrilic said the state of the game contributed to their positioning. “It’s also momentum in games, they felt like they needed to come at us, so they kept dribbling at us and risking a little bit,” he said.

“It was just the momentum of the game, they get deeper and deeper and any high ball in the boxes are more dangerous. We were defending quite well in our box in that second half, Oli (Sail) made some saves again, it just didn’t fall our way. We need something to fall our way in terms of luck. It didn’t happen tonight, but we’ll keep going.”

Zdrilic said it was an inability to keep possession that contributed to United’s late revival. “The problem was we were just not holding the ball,” Zdrilic said. “It’s a psychological thing. It (dropping deeper) happens to nearly every team and I don’t think that was a factor. We had some players come on and be able to hold the ball for us, and that’s what we needed.”

There was a glimmer of light in the form of 18-year old Pearman, who added some spark in attack and provided an outstanding chipped assist for Adam Taggart’s first-half goal. “Jaylan is the future of this club,” Zdrilic said of the Australian Under-17 international.

“He’s been unbelievable in training. He was in the NPL, he’s gained strength, and because he’s gained that strength, I felt comfortable that he was able to come in, and then the players feel comfortable with him. He can link up, he’s got good technique, he’s got a great shot. I was just really happy he didn’t show any nerves, just went straight into it.”

4.01.2025

INJURY-HIT GLORY BEATEN IN WELLINGTON

An injury hit Perth Glory have been beaten 0-2 in the Distance Derby by Wellington Phoenix in week ten of the Ninja A-League at Porirua Park - Jerry Collins Stadium on Saturday morning. Without the injured Kelli Brown, Tijan McKenna, Sarah O’Donoghue, Bella Wallhead, Ella Abdul Massih and long-term absentee Susan Phonsongkham, it was always going to be a big test, and second-half goals from former Glory striker Grace Jale and Olivia Fergusson secured the points for the hosts. The win moving them up to fifth in the standings, while Glory are tenth and five points outside the top six, after a three-match winless run.

Head Coach Stephen Peters made two changers to the side that were edged out by Central Coast Mariners last week, with Miku Sunaga coming in for Tanika Lala and Isabela Foletta coming for co-captain Izzy Dalton. It was the hosts who were on the front foot early and Grace Johnston did well to block Mebae Tanaka’s close-range shot after Casey Dumont mis-judged a cross from the left. The Japanese midfielder went close again on 14 minutes, this time getting on the end of Wellington skipper Annalie Longo’s cross, but she couldn’t keep her header down.

The hosts were creating the better chances, with Glory defending desperately. The lively Tanaka was the supplier on the half hour, her low cross was fired wide by Fergusson. Glory custodian Dumont was called into action five minutes later, saving from Gale, and she was in the action again moments later, as the Phoenix continued to dominate, this time Tanaka fired straight at the Glory custodian. Despite the dominance Dumont had not really been tested, and the Glory had their best opportunity in the shadow of half time, Natalie Tathem trying her luck from distance, but she couldn’t keep it down, and at the break it was scoreless.

After the break the hosts had the strong winds at their backs, and two minutes in they found the opener. Jale picked the ball in the middle of the park from a clearance from keeper Carolina Vilao, and strode forward before unleashing a shot from distance which beat Dumont and found the bottom corner. Moments later the horror trip across the ditch got worse for Gabby Hollar. The American striker was fined $400 for taking and apple off the plane into New Zealand on Friday, this time she was caught be a stray elbow from Ferguson, and she was replaced five minutes later by Lala.

It was backs to the wall for Glory as the Phoenix had the wind in their sails, and it wasn’t a surprise when they doubled their advantage on 69 minutes. Lala Wall’s cross from the left found Ferguson, and the English striker got in front of her marker and headed powerfully past Dumont. Glory went to the bench soon after with Claudia Valletta coming on for debut for the club, replacing former Perth SC midfielder Charli Wainwright. Glory wasn’t finished and ended the game well, and went close to reducing the margin five minutes from time.

Sunaga ball found Lala, who went one-on-one with Vilao, the Portuguese keeper stood tall to deny her shot, the rebound fell to Sunaga on the edge of the box, whose shot crashed off the crossbar. There was another Glory debutant late with former Perth SC and NTC striker Ella Lincoln coming off the bench, replacing Megan Wynne. Both debutants performed well, which will give a boost to Peters’ squad in weeks to come. The hosts went close to a third deep into stoppage time, but Longo’s curing free kick from the edge of the box flashed inches wide.

Wellington Phoenix: GK Carolina VILÃO, 2 Zoe MCMEEKEN (5 Alivia KELLY 71'), 3 Tiana JABER (11 Manaia ELLIOTT 71'), 4 Mackenzie BARRY, 6 Maya MCCUTCHEON, 7 Grace JALE, 9 Olivia FERGUSSON, 10 Alyssa WHINHAM (20 Emma MAIN 80'), 14 Mebae TANAKA (15 Daisy BRAZENDALE 80'), 16 Annalie LONGO, 21 Lara WALL - Subs not used: RGK Aimee DANIELI

Perth Glory: GK Casey DUMONT, 5 Grace JOHNSTON, 7 Megan WYNNE (25 Ella LINCOLN 85'), 8 Georgia CASSIDY, 9 Gabby HOLLAR (26 Tanika LALA 55'), 11 Natalie TATHEM, 13 Naomi CHINNAMA, 14 Miku SUNAGA, 18 Isabella FOLETTA, 27 Charli WAINWRIGHT (4 Claudia VALLETTA 73'), 29 Onyinyechi ZOGG - SubS not used: RGK Miranda TEMPLEMAN, 23 Izzy DALTON - Attendance: 675 - Referee: Mikayla Ryan

4.01.2025

LATE HEARTBREAK FOR GLORY

Perth Glory were only minutes away from their first Isuzu Ute A-League win at home this season, but two late goals from Western United, including a spectacular last minute overhead kick from Jordan Lauton secured them a 3-2 win in the week 12 clash at HBF Park on Friday evening. Skipper Adam Taggart had given the hosts the lead on the half hour with his 50th goal for the club, but Matthew Grimadi found the equaliser moments later. A stunning strike from half time substitute Jarrod Carluccio looked like it had won it for Glory, but in stoppage time Tate Russell levelled before Lauton broke the hearts of the Glory supporters.

It was an improved performance from David Zdrilic’s side, especially after all the distractions off the pitch, but again their defensive frailties came back to haunt them. “What do you say? It’s a game where I thought that was the turning point at home,” a disappointed Zdrilic said post-game. “The second half was better, and we got that 2-1 and those last few minutes — look that happens in football. These things happen, to lose to a scissors kick like that, last kick of the game, what are you going to say. Even a draw we would have taken that, I didn’t expect us in injury time to concede two goals.” The coach made three changes to the side that were well beaten by Macarthur FC last time out, with Oli Sail coming in for Cameron Cook in goal, while teenager Jaylan Pearman and Zach Lisolajski replaced the injured Riley Warland and David Williams.

With the cricket Big Bash on at the same time over at Optus Stadium, there was a sparse crowd in the ground at kick off. It was a lively start to the game, with both sides having early chances. First on three minutes Sail got down well to save Riku Danzaki’s effort, before Pearman’s shot on the run was saved by Matthew Sutton. Sail came to the rescue again on 14 minutes, the Kiwi international stood tall to save Grimaldi in a one-on-one situation. The visitors were in again ten minutes later, the lively Danzaki got in behind, but Lebib, who was already on a yellow card, did enough and he fired wide.

Then on 29 minutes the Glory faithful saw something, for the first time this season the Glory were on the scoreboard. Lebib found Pearman in the middle of the park, and the Australia Under-17 international midfielder turned away from his marker and sent Taggart in on goal, he timed his run superbly, and the skipper duly converted past Sutton, much to the delight of the Shed and Active supporters behind the goal. But three minutes later the visitors levelled, Ben Garuccio slipped the ball into the unmarked Angus Thurgate, who found Grimaldi with was also in acres of space, and he fired low past Sail.

Glory made a change at the break, bringing on Carluccio for Khoa Ngo, but clear-cut chances were few and far between early, but it was Glory who had the best on 65 minutes. Nicholas Pennington finding Taggart, but the skipper’s effort was deflected wide. Then from the resulting corner Lebib saw his effort deflected wide. It was the best period of the game for the hosts, and two minutes later they capitalized, hitting the front again. Taggart held the ball up well on the left, and fed the overlapping Carluccio, who raced into the penalty area and drilled his shot past Sutton.

United pressed for the leveller, substitute Hiroshi Ibusuki almost continued his good goalscoring record against the Glory, but this time his header was well saved by Sail, before Lebib was forced to clear off the line from a goalmouth scramble with three minutes to play. With the game heading into injury time, it looked like the Glory had done enough to take the points, but two minutes in United levelled. Luke Vickery’s cross into the box wasn’t dealt with and Russell poked the ball home, and after a VAR check the goal stood.

It was a huge disappointment for the 4,564 crowd, but it got worse moments later. Thurgate’s cross from the right picked out substitute Lauton on the edge of the box, and the 21-year-old, who had only come on the pitch eight minutes from time, saw his acrobatic overhead kick fly into the corner of the net to win it for John Aloisi’s side. Unfortunately for him he took his shirt off to celebrate, and was shown a second yellow card by referee Ben Abraham and sent off, but the three points were heading back to Victoria.

Perth Glory: GK Oli SAIL, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 12 Taras GOMULKA, 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI, 19 Josh RISDON, 20 Trent OSTLER, 22 Adam TAGGART, 24 Andriano LEBIB, 25 Jaylan PEARMAN (6 Brandon O’NEILL 60'), 26 Khoa NGO (17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO 46'), 29 Tomi MRCELA - Subs not used: RGK Cameron COOK, 14 Nathanael BLAIR, 16 Adam BUGARIJA, 31 Joel ANASMO

Western United: GK Matthew SUTTON, 6 Tomoki IMAI, 7 Ramy NAJJARINE (9 Hiroshi IBUSUKI 46'), 10 Matthew GRIMALDI (37 Luke VICKERY 76'), 13 Tate RUSSELL, 17 Ben GARUCCIO, 19 Noah BOTIC, 23 Rhys BOZINOVSKI (44 Jordan LAUTON 82'), 30 Dylan LEONARD, 32 Angus THURGATE, 77 Riku DANZAKI - Subs not used: GK Tom HEWARD-BELLE, 22 Kane VIDMAR, 24 Michael RUHS, 34 James YORK – Red Card: Lauton 95’ - Attendance: 4,564 - Referee: Ben Abraham

4.01.2025

KERR STEPS UP RECOVERY AT CHELSEA TRAINING CAMP

Sam Kerr is stepping up her recovery from a long-term knee injury by joining English champions Chelsea on their mid-winter training camp in Portugal. The Matildas' captain hasn't been in a Chelsea squad since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury at last January's training break in Morocco.

Head coach Sonia Bompastor said last month 31-year old Kerr was expected to make her eagerly awaited return to action in either February or March. But the club are adamant Kerr won't be rushed into training with the rest of the squad, and the striker has made it clear she won't be rushing back until she is completely satisfied she is fully fit.

It will also be no cakewalk for Kerr to get straight back into the team that she's graced for so long, with unbeaten Chelsea having won 15 out of all their 16 matches this term and having soared six points clear in the Women's Super League race in her absence. They've also reached the quarter-finals of the Women's Champions League with a perfect winning record.

3.01.2025

WYNNE HOPES TO INSPIRE IN QUEST FOR GLORY

Welsh international Megan Wynne is drawing on her bountiful experience in England to provide leadership to the Perth Glory Women’s side, including putting her away days nous to good use this weekend. While Wellington Phoenix are recovering from a virus that swept through the team, Glory will be seeking to overcome one of the world’s longest away trips and take three points tomorrow.

Taking on Wellington in New Zealand is a new experience for Wynne, having spent more than a decade in England with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Watford and Southampton, the winger said she was prepared for the arduous trip. “Back home, I’m used to spending it on a coach — we used to travel to Sunderland, six, seven hours on a coach,” she said.

“For me, flying seems a bit more of a walk in the park than jumping on a crammed coach, but it’ll be difficult. My roommate will be Izzy Dalton hopefully and she’s done it plenty of times before, so I’ll learn off her and find ways to deal with the time difference because that’s going to be an issue.”

Given the late start to pre-season, which meant 31-year old Wynne trained on her own for four months to stay fit, she said it had taken time for the side to gel. “I feel like we needed a few more weeks to get into it, but things are starting to settle now, and friendships are building on and off the pitch, it takes a little while,” she said.

“We’ve probably noticed in the last few games, losing 1-0, it’s been tough, and there are little mistakes in there that that might not happen if you’re a little bit more experienced, so it’s managing games and teaching the young ones in terms of what we can do better to manage games and see out results.”

Having spent most of the past five years in England’s Championship — the second-tier competition below the Women’s Super League — Wynne said she was enjoying the A-League Women’s competitive nature. “You never know what you’re kind of going to get weekend to weekend, everyone seems to be beating everyone at the minute, there’s a hell of a lot of goals,” she said.

“The transitional side of it as well is very fast-paced attacking, something probably I’m not used to as much but I’ve been learning a lot in my last few weeks, and hopefully I can continue to improve and make a bit more of a mark than I’m doing at the minute. I’ve been battered around a little bit, so a few bumps and bruises, but I like a physical battle.”

Wynne represented Wales at youth level before gaining her first senior cap in 2011. She has gone on to tally up 19 appearances for the Welsh national team and having missed out on selection for the squad in recent times, she is eager to represent her country again.

“There’s no better feeling and it’s been bittersweet watching the girls back home. I haven’t been selected for the last couple of camps,” she said. “I’m hoping now I’m back playing regularly and getting good minutes, I can push my way back in there and be in contention for a place, maybe at the Euros.”

3.01.2025

RIGHT TIME TO MOVE ON SAYS BODNAR

Perth Glory defender Luke Bodnar has become the latest player to leave the A-League club, after they announced he had his contract terminated by mutual consent in order to take up an opportunity overseas. The 24-year-old joined the Glory Academy as a teenager, and was a standout in their NPL side, before heading to ECU Joondalup, under former Glory coach Kenny Lowe, where he helped the Jacks to NPL title in 2020.

He returned to the Glory the next season, and made his senior debut in the 2020 AFC Champions League clash with Shanghai Greenland Shenhua, where Glory was beaten 2-1 in the Group Stage at the Education City Stadium. He went on to make 45 A-League appearances, 29 of which were starts and scored his maiden goal against Newcastle Jets in February 2023 in the 2-2 draw at Macedonia Park.

Bodnar, who also played in midfield at the Glory, said he is grateful for the opportunity to play for his hometown club. “It was the right time to move on from the club, and look at options elsewhere,” Bodnar said. “I’d like to thank the Glory supporters for the support they have given me since I’ve been there, and I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to play for my hometown club.”

It looked like Bodnar was on the outer under new coach David Zdrilic, and only made one appearance in the league this season, but Glory Football Director Stan Lazaridis wished Luke all the best in his future football endeavours. “This represents a good outcome for both Luke and the club,” he said. “Luke has not been getting the game-time that he needs and wants at this stage of his career and that situation was unlikely to change, especially with new players set to be added to the squad in January.

“We worked closely with Luke to help facilitate a move overseas and an exciting opportunity has come up for him as a result of that. “We would like to thank him for his service to the club and wish him all the very best in the next chapter of his football journey.” From everyone at Footballwa - Good luck Luke!!

2.01.2025

SPARROW FLIES INTO FRANK DRAGO RESERVE

After two successful seasons as Head Coach at Fremantle City, Matthew Sparrow has found a new challenge, the 43-year-old taking the reins at Baywater City for 2025. Sparrow who arrived in WA in 2017, after a successful career in UK football, playing over 500 career games over 17-years as a professional. This including 371 games for Scunthorpe United in two-spells, and he bagging a brace to help the Iron beat Millwall in the 2008-09 League One Play-off Final at Wembley Stadium. He also had spells at Brighton, Crawley Town, and Lincoln City, before joined Sorrento for 2016.

He immigrated to WA the next season, and joined Joondalup United, before other stints at Gwelup Croatia, Fremantle City and at Bayswater. Sparrow is enjoying life in WA, and he said the decision to leave Hilton Park was a tough one, but he has nothing but good memories at the club. “Yes, I really enjoyed my time at Fremantle City first as a player and secondly having the privilege to manage the club for the past couple of years where we had two fantastic seasons, taking advantage of the play offs for the first time after they got introduced that season and then coming from behind to beat Joondalup in the final was the icing on the cake for everybody involved in the club,” he explained.

“We knew getting promoted to the NPL for the first time would prove challenging and it’s fair to say the players really stepped up and showed they could compete at that level week in week out, it was a rollercoaster of a season started the league bright by winning six games in mid-season, unfortunately we lost both our strikers and that hurt us but we adapted well and had some really good results along the way upsetting a few of the so called bigger teams. It was a difficult decision for sure as I made some good friends on and off the pitch, I’ve left the club with great memories and in a good position and no doubt they can kick on and have another successful season. The Highlight for me was the club achieving success via the play offs and coming back the way we did on the night was emphatic.”

Sparrow said a move to Bayswater was the challenge he was looking for, especially in his relatively short coaching career, but it’s a challenge he is looking forward too. “Absolutely it’s a challenge I’m very much looking forward too, they are a big club with good players and have experienced winning the league before but over the past few seasons it’s clear something has been missing for whatever reason,” the former midfielder said. “My job now is to try and turn things around and use my experience as a player and now coach along with my coaching staff, Matt Lenzo and John Kearney, and to give it everything we have between us all to get us back to challenging for titles again.”

Bayswater City President Mr Oriano Colli said they are delighted to welcome Matthew to the club, but firstly praised the outgoing coaches, who just missed out on the Night Series title, losing to Perth RedStar in the Final, and Top Four Finals, edged out by only three points. “Gary (Williams) and Stewy (Moses) came to the club at the back end of 2023 when the we needed a change, and they did an amazing job to reinvigorate the team and produce the results required to reignite our season,” he said. “I believe they have left the club on sound foundations in order for us to build and kick on in 2025.

“Matthew is no stranger to our club, having joined the club for a brief stint in 2020 as a player and most recently being part of our all-conquering over 45’s team. He has brought a team of good coaches to the club, and a young fresh approach coupled with Matty’s wealth of professional playing experience. He is extremely thorough, dedicated and driven individual who will leave no stone unturned to bring success to Baysie in 2025.”

2.01.2025

SHANMUGANATHAN PROMOTED TO FIFA LIST OF MATCH OFFICIALS

It’s going to be an exciting 2025 for Football West referee Arvin Shanmuganathan, after he was promoted to the FIFA list of match officials, becoming the first WA official on the list since Mathew Cheeseman in 2016. The 31-year-old said when he got the call he was over the moon. “Getting the phone call to say I had been nominated to be included in the FIFA International list was probably the best moment in my time refereeing, and even sitting here now it truly hasn’t completely sunk in,” Shanmuganathan explained. “To be nominated to represent your country on the international stage is a real honour, and when the moment comes where I can finally fix the badge on my shirt before a game for the first time it will be unreal and a moment to cherish.”

Shanmuganathan, who began officiating in 2008, has more than 60 A-League Men’s assistant match appointments to his name. He was an assistant referee in the high-profile games between AC Milan-AS Roma game earlier this year and the Crystal Palace-Leeds United friendly in 2022, both at Optus Stadium, occasions he will never forget. “To officiate on the Milan/Roma and Leeds/Palace games were yet again two more occasions where all the hard work and time on the training pitch and in local NPL, State League and even Amateur league games make you realise it was all worthwhile. Games like these are where you sit back and think of all the ups and downs that you have been through, and realise it was all worth it to get to be on such a huge stage such as those two games,” he said.

“I remember before the Milan/Roma game, sitting in the change rooms and thinking back to the very first game I refereed as 15-year-old back in 2008 – an Under 13s match between South Perth United and Lynwood Soccer Club down at Challenger Reserve. I remember pinching myself and still in disbelief that I had come all this way, to be then officiating on a game between 2 of the biggest clubs in world football, in front of almost 60 000 people at an arena like Optus Stadium.”

Along with Josh Mannella, Shanmuganathan been a stalwart in A-League games in Perth, but he has also been assistant in games away from WA, including the Australia Cup Final this season between Macarthur United and Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park, and he is looking forward to the future. “I’ve been extremely fortunate to be a match official on the A-League for the past several seasons – it is something that not many (especially here in Perth) have the opportunity to experience so that alone has been an unbelievable ride,” he said.

“Josh has been a mainstay and real beacon for referees in WA, and to have been at the top level of football in this country for as long as he has is a testament to his dedication and quality as a match official. Any final for a match official is a great moment, but to be appointed to the Australia Cup final at AAMI Park this year was another real highlight. I have also had the great fortune of doing games interstate this past 12 months, with highlights including two finals in Sydney and Central Coast, as well as the A League All Stars game against Newcastle United at Marvel Stadium. These are all moments where I will hopefully look back on when I am much older and cherish.”

Football West General Manager of Football David Lewis said Shanmuganathan has worked extremely hard and deserves his elevation to the FIFA list. “This is an outstanding achievement by Arvin following years of dedication to refereeing at both a state and national level,” he said. “We are thrilled he is now in the running to be appointed to games at the highest level of our sport and look forward to seeing him flourish among the best match officials in the world. Arvin’s achievement also demonstrates that there are opportunities for referees in Western Australia to be recognised and to have opportunities to officiate at the top level.”

It's exciting times for Shanmuganathan, and he can’t wait to get started, and he is realistic on his goals. “In terms of the future, I have learnt to just give it my absolute all and not have too many expectations. Of course it is important to have goals, and it would be absolutely unreal to possibly one day get to a World Cup,” he explained. “However, it takes many years and dedication just as a FIFA official, to then be amongst the absolute best few in Asia to be even considered for a World Cup. I would never put limitations on myself, but being realistic if I can experience officiating in maybe the Asian Champions League, or World Cup Qualifiers then that in itself would be an immense achievement.”

Shanmuganathan said the future is bright in WA, with young referees coming through the system, and he knows the game will be in good hands for years to come. “It’s important that the governing body have a structure in place for young referees to come through and thrive to hopefully get to an elite level, and to see the work that the referees’ department at Football West are implementing is pleasing. Having guys like Shane Skinner and Josh around is important as well, and if any young match official has dreams of getting to a high level, then it is important to tap into the knowledge and experience that these guys possess,” he explained

“As well as the other NPL/State league referees to then adopt themselves – you have to have the mindset of an elite match official before becoming one. Simple things like attending training and coaching nights are great steps to not only make yourself known, but to show that you are willing to put yourself on a platform to achieve whatever goals you have. It’s great to see a number of both male and female referees coming through, and hopefully this will continue so that we can continue to see WA being represented on not only the national stage, but internationally as well when Shane, Josh and myself are long gone in years ahead.”

2.01.2025

GLORY HOPING FOR A BETTER START TO 2025

Perth Glory will go in search of some New Year home comfort when they host Western United at HBF Park in the week 12 clash in the Isuzu Ute A-League on Friday evening. (6.45pm) It’s been a 2024 to forget for the club, but there is only one way for them to go in 2025, and that is up. The off-field problems are making all the headlines at the moment, and Head Coach David Zdrilic said everyone is working hard to turn things around. “It should be clear to everyone, it was always going to be a big job, not just for me, but for everyone involved at the club to make the changers we need to make, to get this club back to where it needs to be,” he explained. “Obviously the results are not good, and that distracts from the many things we need to change.

“The mindset of the club, the culture of the club, the infrastructure of the club, with new facilities coming, so there is a lot of things happening. Players leaving, changes in all departments of the club it’s happening in the background, so there is short term pain. We want better results and performances, we know that, but there is plenty happening at this club, we know it was a big job, and we’re not going to be standing around waiting for it to happen, we’re going to be proactive and make sure that happens very quickly.”

The Head Coach went on to confirm that the club are working hard to bolster the squad with a number of new recruits during the January transfer window. “We’re proactive and we’re not going to sit and wait to the end of the season to make changes,” he said. “We tend to focus on the results now and clearly everyone’s disappointed and I’m the most disappointed of all, but I also know how much needs to change at this club and that starts with personnel. “In terms of the team, there will be changes coming and hopefully very soon. We need to freshen up the team. We’re going to keep continuing to strengthen the squad as best we can and we’ll definitely be doing that in this [transfer] window.”

The Glory are coming off a fourth straight home defeat last week against Macarthur FC, and the coach said they need to tighten up at the back, if they are to give their members and supporters some New Year cheers. “Against Macarthur, I thought we were quite comfortable and then it’s just a ball over the top and it ends up in a goal,” he said. “We haven’t got to the break keeping a clean sheet [at home] and you see the results that we’ve got away from home have always been on the back of having a good solid defensive performance. Then we’re able to at least keep ourselves in the game. That’s been a big factor and something we’ve spoken about, it’s definitely something we’ve addressed.”

They have already played United this season, a 1-3 defeat in the Unite Round in Sydney in week five, and after Trent Ostler gave them the lead early in the second half, but John Aloisi’s team hit back to seal the game with three goals in 16 minutes. Zdrilic said he was pleased with the performance on the day, and is adamant his team have what it takes to avenge that defeat. “I was very happy with our first sixty to seventy minutes against them last time,” he said.

“I thought that was a game where they had a couple of chances, but we also created and that was some of the best counter-attacking football that we’d played up to that point in the season. We scored a very good goal and had some other good chances, but again we got caught out by a set-piece which gave them a way back into the game and they killed us off with two goals in quick succession, which has been the story of our season. They’re a team that has won three in a row… and they’re playing with confidence. It’s another big challenge, but one that we’re ready for. We’re ready to go again.”

The last time Glory hosted United was in week 25 last season, when the visitors won a seven-goal thriller at HBF Park. Matthew Grimaldi gave United the lead early, but Adam Taggart levelled, and put the hosts ahead two minutes into the second half. But United hit back, with Riku Danzaki and Abel Walatee scoring to regain the lead, and in stoppage time Oliver Lavale added a fourth. David Williams did pull one back moments later but United left with all three points.

In terms of squad news Brandon O’Neill returns to action having missed the last two games due to the effects of a concussion sustained against Newcastle Jets in Round eight, while Lachlan Barr and Joel Anasmo have also been added to the squad. Nikola Mileusnic and Anas Hamzaoui are still not available, despite training this week, while David Williams’ season is sadly over as striker sustained an ACL injury in the first half of last week’s home meeting with Macarthur.

Perth Glory squad: GK Cameron COOK, GK Oli SAIL, 2 Riley WARLAND, 5 Lachlan BARR, 6 Brandon O’NEILL, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 12 Taras GOMULKA, 14 Nathanael BLAIR, 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI, 16 Adam BUGARIJA, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 19 Josh RISDON, 20 Trent OSTLER, 21 Abdul FAISAL, 22 Adam TAGGART, 24 Andriano LEBIB, 26 Khoa NGO, 27 Will FRENEY, 29 Tomi MRCELA, 31 Joel ANASMO *Two to be omitted* - Ins: BARR, O’NEILL, ANASMO - Unavailable: 3 Anas HAMZAOUI (injured), 9 David WILLIAMS (injured), 10 Nikola MILEUSNIC (injured)

Western United squad: GK Tom HEWARD-BELLE, GK Matthew SUTTON, 6 Tomoki IMAI, 7 Ramy NAJJARINE, 9 Hiroshi IBUSUKI, 10 Matthew GRIMALDI, 13 Tate RUSSELL, 17 Ben GARUCCIO, 19 Noah BOTIC, 20 Abel WALATEE, 22 Kane VIDMAR, 23 Rhys BOZINOVSKI, 24 Michael RUHS, 29 Charbel SHAMOON, 30 Dylan LEONARD, 32 Angus THURGATE, 34 James YORK, 37 Luke VICKERY, 44 Jordan LAUTON, 77 Riku DANZAKI - Ins: GARUCCIO, YORK, VICKERY (promoted) - Outs: 14 Jake NAJDOVSKI (omitted) - Unavailable: 4 James DONACHIE (injured), 21 Sebastian PASQUALI (injured), 43 Khoder KADDOUR (injured)

2.01.2025

GLORY HEAD ACROSS THE DITCH IN WEEK TEN

Perth Glory head over the ditch in week ten of the Ninja A-League, to take on Wellington Phoenix, in Saturday’s Distance Derby at Porirua Park - Jerry Collins Stadium. (11.00am WA Time) A narrow defeat last time out against Central Coast Mariners was tough to take for Stephen Peters’ side, but the coach has been pleased how the side are growing as a team, despite the injury toll increasing. “The injuries haven’t been very kind to us, but that’s all part of football,” he said. “Every team goes through it and it just provides the next opportunity for someone to step up and put in a shift like Charli Wainwright has done in the last couple of weeks, she’s done an exceptional job.”

Peters said the long-trip of 5000km, plus the five-hour time difference is daunting, but he knows a good performance and a win will make it all worthwhile. “The trip is what it is, we can’t think about it too much, we’ve just got to think about the football aspect and try and prepare the players as best we can and try and have an energetic performance,’ he said. “We’re looking forward to it… we look forward to any opportunity we get to go out and fight for three points.

“We’re making fantastic strides as a team, our attack has actually improved, even though it’s not showing in terms of the goals we’re scoring. If you actually look at the style that we’re playing, we are evolving as a team and are creating better opportunities. There are just those small margins that we’re not managing 100% and we have to better at those to turn 1-0 losses into 1-0 wins. The thing that’s eluded us is the clean sheet, so moving forward, we really need to keep fighting for that clean sheet and that is probably where our next bit of evolution is for the team.”

The last time Glory played Wellington on the road was in week six last season, when the host come from behind at half time to secure a 2-1 win at the Go Media Stadium in Auckland, in front of 5,532 supporters. Millie Farrow gave the visitors the lead on 21 minutes, but three minutes into the second half Hope Breslin levelled for the hosts. Then just after the hour the Phoenix won it, with Chloe Knott on target.

They head into Saturday’s game without Kelli Brown, Tijan McKenna, Sarah O’Donoghue and Ella Abdul Massih due to injury, and have added former Perth RedStar defender Mischa Anderson and Young Matildas defender Claudia Valletta to the extended squad. Peters is expecting another tough game, against a Wellington side who are sitting two points and two places above Glory on the table, but they are also coming off a narrow loss against Melbourne City last time out, but did beat Sydney FC in the last home game. “I think Wellington are an excellent side, they are probably the closest team in terms of what we’re trying to do.,” he explained.

“They’re very similar… they’re in the opposition’s face a lot and causing a lot of errors in the opposition’s back third. So, it’s going to be a pretty interesting match-up and from all reports, they’re quite a physical team as well. It’s going to be tough, but I think if we play our game and get ourselves into the game the way we want to, I think we’ll be right in it.”

Wellington Phoenix squad: GK Carolina VILÃO, GK Aimee DANIELI, 2 Zoe MCMEEKEN, 3 Tiana JABER, 4 Mackenzie BARRY, 5 Alivia KELLY, 6 Maya MCCUTCHEON, 7 Grace JALE, 9 Olivia FERGUSSON, 10 Alyssa WHINHAM, 11 Manaia ELLIOTT, 14 Mebae TANAKA, 15 Daisy BRAZENDALE, 16 Annalie LONGO, 17 Ela JEREZ, 19 Olivia INGHAM, 20 Emma MAIN, 21. Lara WALL - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: JEREZ - Outs: 8 Amelia ABBOTT - Unavailable: 18 Ella MCCANN (injured), 23 Rebecca LAKE (injured)

Perth Glory squad: GK Casey DUMONT, GK Miranda TEMPLEMAN, 2 Mischa ANDERSON, 4 Claudia VALLETTA, 5 Grace JOHNSTON, 7 Megan WYNNE, 8 Georgia CASSIDY, 9 Gabby HOLLAR, 11 Natalie TATHEM, 13 Naomi CHINNAMA, 14 Miku SUNAGA, 17 Morgan ROBERTS, 18 Isabella FOLETTA, 22 Ischia BROOKING, 23 Izzy DALTON, 26 Tanika LALA, 27 Charli WAINWRIGHT, 29 Onyinyechi ZOGG - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: ANDERSON, VALLETTA - Unavailable: 6 Tijan MCKENNA (injured), 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM (injured), 16 Bella WALLHEAD (injured), 19 Sarah O’DONOGHUE (injured), 20 Ella ABDUL MASSIH (injured), 44 Kelli BROWN (injured)

1.01.2025

PETERS LOOKS TO EXPERIENCE IN WELLINGTON

Perth Glory coach Stephen Peters will be leaning on his most experienced players when his side face Wellington Phoenix this weekend. Glory are set to head to New Zealand with several members of their squad having never made the trans-Pacific trip as they seek to return to the winner’s circle.

The distance between Perth and Jerry Collins Stadium in Porirua is more than 5000km and Peters is embracing the challenge of the long-haul flight. “Apparently it’s the biggest trip in world football, so that’s pretty exciting; we’re history makers,” he said.

“We can’t think about it too much, we’ve just got to think about the football aspect, try and prepare them as best as we can, and have an energetic performance. That’s probably the main concern, that you won’t travel well, so we’ve just got to make sure we do that part well.”

Peters said given it was first trip from Perth to Wellington, he would lean on those players who had undertaken the arduous travel before to guide the others. “It’s going to be interesting to see how people adapt to that,” he said.

“Hopefully the ones that have done it before give us a little bit of leadership in that aspect. From all the discussions we’ve had, there’s been lots of positive feelings about previous trips to New Zealand. Any opportunity we get to go out and fight for three points, we look forward to it.”

31.12.2024

GLORY UNDER SCRUTINY AFTER AMINI AXING

Perth Glory announced over the weekend that former skipper Mustafa Amini had his contract terminated by the club, and was shown the door, but that hasn’t gone down well with the former Socceroos midfielder and the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), who have confirmed he is to challenge Glory’s unilateral termination of his playing contract on the basis that it was unlawful and in contravention of the playing agreement and the rules and policies which govern the employment relationship.

It's another problem the club don’t need at the moment, and upon initiating judicial proceedings against the Club, Amini’s contract will remain on foot until a final determination is made. PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch said it’s a tough time for the player. “Mustafa is hugely respected by his peers across the league, and we will ensure he is fully supported during this difficult time for him and his young family,” he said.

“Whilst we are confident of a successful resolution for Mustafa, recent seasons have seen a rise in several clubs attempting to deploy abusive practices aimed at forcing players to waive their contractual rights. In the absence of an effective A-Leagues governance model that ensures uniform club compliance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the PFA will consider alternative responses to ensure the players’ rights are respected across the league.”

It could turn out to be a minefield for Glory, and among the alternative responses the PFA could consider are workplace inspections, Fair Work Commission compliancy and legal action through the FA National Dispute Resolution Chamber or the courts. The West Australian tried to contact the club over the matter, but they said they would not be issuing any further comment on the matter, and declined to comment again when contacted on Monday.

It’s been a nightmare for Amini, battling injuries in the off-season, and the club were initially eager to work and assist him — however, the relationship has soured in recent months, with the midfielder stood down and left feeling isolated. The West Australian understands the Glory were willing to work with Amini to seek an amicable solution for both parties and reach a settlement. If the player does accept any pay-out of his contract from the club, it would have meant he would have been left without a club, as he sought to continue his rehabilitation.

The football family were shocked when the PFA’s 2023-24 A-League Men’s report found 11 per cent of players felt unsafe in their club environment at some point last season, and 20 per cent said they or a team-mate were unwilling to discuss issues with coaching staff due to fear of intimidation or retribution. The report also found seven per cent of players reported instances of players being forced to train alone at their clubs, which is pretty poor in today’s game. But money might be the root cause of the problem, as when Amini was brought in on a three-year deal in 2022, he was as believed to be among the highest earners at the club.

New owner Ross Pelligra looks to be tightening the budget, with a number of players leaving the club recently, as he looks to bolster the struggling side, who sit second bottom of the Isuzu Ute A-League ladder. Amini was surplus to requirements, the 31-year-old has made just 36 A-League appearances in two-and-a-half seasons, and he spent the off-season recovering from knee surgery and coach David Zdrilic said Amini had not participated in full-squad training during his tenure, which began in July. 28.12.2024

AMINI SHOWN THE DOOR AT GLORY

Former Perth Glory skipper Mustafa Amini has been shown the door by the club, with the ex-Socceroo midfielder having his contract terminated by the club. It was a surprise move by the Glory, this after South American pair Luis Canga and Cristian Caicedo departed the club over the past fortnight by mutual termination of their contracts, but this one is different, with the club stating they would not be issuing any further comment on the matter.

The 31-year-old made 36 A-League appearances after joining the club in 2022 on a three-year deal from Sydney FC. He started at Central Coast Mariners in 2010, before a dream move to German giants Borussia Dortmund. Things didn’t workout in the Germany and he moved to Denmark, with spells at Randers FC and AGF. He made eight Socceroo appearances, his first starting appearance was at Stadium Australia in a friendly match against Lebanon in November 2018.

The midfielder was made captain for the 2022 season by former coach Ruben Zadkovich, but his time at the club has been plagued by injuries, and he didn’t play at all this season. He missed most of last pre-season with a back problem, but he had surgery in this off-season, but suffered a recurrence of a knee issue which provided a fresh set-back over the past few months.

The rumour mill has been working overtime about his absence from the side and even training with the first team squad, especially when head coach David Zdrilic revealed a few weeks ago Amini had not taken part in a session since his arrival. It a position the club are struggling with at the moment with Taras Gomulka and Brandon O’Neill also struggling with injury, and the absence of O’Neill from the game on Friday against Macarthur has also had the tongues wagging about his future at the club.

Zdrilic and Director of Football Stan Lazaridis have been vocal about the need to strengthen in the January transfer window as they find themselves second-last in the league. The talk is that Luke Bodnar and Kaelan Majekodunmi could have played their last games for the club, while Anas Hamzaoui Zach Lisolajski, O’Neill and Jarrod Carluccio look on the outer, so there are big changers on the way, watch this space.

27.12.2024

BULLS CONTINUES GLORY’S HOME PAIN

Perth Glory’s poor home form has continued, losing their fourth game of the season, and their record is now defeats in all games on home soil, and not scoring a goal. The latest saw them beaten 0-3 by Macarthur FC at HBF Park on Friday evening, in week ten of the Isuzu Ute A-League, and if the result was bad enough an injury to David Williams on 13 minutes saw the veteran striker stretchered off with a knee injury. A first half brace from Jed Drew set the win up for former Glory midfielder Mile Sterjovski’s side, before Ariath Piol added a third to steer the visitors to the win and move them to fourth on the ladder.

Head Coach David Zdrilic welcomed back skipper Adam Taggart to the starting line up from the side that secured the clubs first win of the season in Brisbane last week, he came in for Adam Bugarija who dropped to the bench. The other change saw Khoa Ngo replacing Abdul Faisal, who also dropped to the bench, while Brannan O’Neill was still missing after concussion in the loss to the Jets in round eight.

The hosts were on the front foot early, with Bulls keeper Filip Kurto saving Taggart’s snap shot on four minutes. The skipper was in again eight minutes later, this time he pulled his shot wide from the angle. But Glory was dealt a blow moments later, with Williams was forced off with what looked like a serious knee injury and was replaced by Bugarija. If that wasn’t bad enough, 14 minutes later the visitors found the opener, Marin Jakolis’ ball over the top caught Glory out, and Drew raced into goal and finished calmly past Cameron Cook.

It was 2-0 five minutes later, Glory failed to clear the ball on the edge of the box, and Kealey Adamson wanted the ball more and forced it into the path of Drew whose shot on the turn beat Cook. Glory needed a lift and Nicholas Pennington tried his luck from distance, but failed to keep his shot down, then in stoppage time the home fans thought they had reduced the margin. Trent Ostler made space down the right, his cross picked out Taggart who finished clinically, but the assistant’s flag was up for offside, and VAR agreed with him.

Pennington went close again early in the second half, but he couldn’t beat Kurto, but the Bulls looked dangerous going forward and some great defending from Riley Warland prevented Valerie Germain from side-footing home. But Glory again struggled in the final third, with Taggart isolated, the best chances continued to fall to the visitors, and on 73 minutes they added a third. Bugarija was caught in possession in the middle of the park and was made to pay.

Jakolis through ball sent substitute Piol in on goal and he finished with aplomb past Cook. It could have been worse late with substitute Yianni Nicolaou seeing his long-range striker hit the woodwork, but at the final whistle it was another defeat for Zdrilic’s side and if the Roar win against Western United on Sunday the Glory will again sit bottom of the table.

Perth Glory: GK Cameron COOK, 2 Riley WARLAND (15 Zach LISOLAJSKI 65'), 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 9 David WILLIAMS (16 Adam BUGARIJA 16') (17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO 85'), 12 Taras GOMULKA, 19 Josh RISDON, 20 Trent OSTLER (14 Nathanael BLAIR 85'), 22 Adam TAGGART, 24 Andriano LEBIB, 26 Khoa NGO (21 Abdul FAISAL 46'), 29 Tomi MRCELA - Subs not used: GK Oli SAIL, 27 Will FRENEY -

Macarthur FC: GK Filip KURTO, 5 Matthew JURMAN, 8 Jake HOLLMAN (19 Ariath PIOL 66'), 11 Jed DREW (24 Dean BOSNJAK 67'), 16 Oliver JONES, 18 Walter SCOTT, 20 Kealey ADAMSON (33 Yianni NICOLAOU 77'), 22 Liam ROSE (23 Frans DELI 61'), 26 Luke BRATTAN, 44 Marin JAKOLIS (21 BERNARDO 77'), 98 Valere GERMAIN - Subs not used: RGK Alexander ROBINSON, 27 Joshua DAMEVSKI - Attendance: 6,258 - Referee: Jack Morgan

27.12.2024

MARINERS LATE GOAL SINKS GLORY

Perth Glory have conceded late to go down 0-1 to the Central Coast Mariners, in the first part of the club’s double-header at HBF Park in Friday’s week eight Ninja A-League clash. Glory had their chances, but failed to take them, the visitors taking home the points, thanks to English striker Jade Pennock’s goal five minutes from time after a mix up at the back. The loss saw Glory slip to eighth on the table, while the Mariners move up to fifth.

Peters made three changers to the side that drew 1-1 against Western Sydney Wanderers last week with co-captain Izzy Dalton retuning after injury in place of the injured Kelli Brown, Tanika Lala came in for Ella Abdul Massih, while Natalie Tathem replaced Tijan McKenna. It was a lively opening from the hosts and former Glory ‘keeper Sarah Langman saved well to deny Dalton’s long-range shot on 14 minutes.

Then four minutes later Georgia Cassidy’s corner was headed inches over the top by Naomi Chinnama. The Mariners hit back and Casey Dumont, who joined the Glory from the Mariners this season, saved Pennock’s shot. Glory thought they had a penalty six minutes from the break, with Grace Johnston going down under a challenge, but referee Rebecca Durcau was well placed to wave away their protests, and at the break it was all to play for.

Glory was on the front foot early in the second half, Gabby Hollar went close three minutes in. The American striker received the ball in the right channel, she held off her marker, and her shot was heading for the top corner of the net, but Langman produced a smart save to deny her. Moments later Lala was sent clear, but Langman raced out of the area, enough to see the young striker fire wide, the Mariners custodian lucky to get the challenge right, as any contact would have seen a red card.

Mariners started to look threatening late in the game and Pennock wasted a great opportunity on 76 minutes, the Birmingham City loanee was sent clear by Brooke Nunn, but she failed to test Dumont. But five minutes from time it was the Mariners who were handed the winner. There was little danger from a long ball over the top by Tiana Fuller, but miscommunication between Chinnama and Dumont saw the Glory defender push the ball past the keeper and Pennock rolled the ball into an empty net.

Glory pressed late for an equaliser, like they did last week, and they and the crowd were convinced they had a penalty in the second minute of stoppage time when a blatant push by Taylor Ray on substitute Miku Sunaga, but once again the referee waved away their protests. But looking at the replays, I think she got that one wrong, but at the final whistle it was the Mariners leaving with all three points.

Perth Glory: GK Casey DUMONT, 5 Grace JOHNSTON, 7 Megan WYNNE, 8 Georgia CASSIDY, 9 Gabby HOLLAR (18 Isabella FOLETTA 69'), 11 Natalie TATHEM, 13 Naomi CHINNAMA, 23 Izzy DALTON (14 Miku SUNAGA 46'), 26 Tanika LALA (17 Morgan ROBERTS 78'), 27 Charli WAINWRIGHT (22 Ischia BROOKING 78'), 29 Onyinyechi ZOGG - Subs not used: RGK Miranda TEMPLEMAN

Central Coast Mariners: GK Sarah LANGMAN, 3 Ash IRWIN (16 Tess QUILLIGAN 39'), 4 Jessika NASH, 5 Annabel MARTIN (13 Sarah ROWE 78'), 7 Jade PENNOCK, 8 Bianca GALIC, 10 Taylor RAY. 11 Annalise RASMUSSEN (12 Tiana FULLER 64'), 19 Leia PUXTY, 21 Brooke NUNN, 22 Peta TRIMIS (24 Shay EVANS 64') - Subs not used: RGK Chloe CARMICHAEL – Referee: Rebecca Durcau

27.12.2024

ZDRILIC LOOKS FOR DEBUT HOME WIN

After last week’s first win of the Isuzu Ute A-League season in Brisbane, Perth Glory will look to build on the 1-0 win and give their supporters some Christmas cheer when they host Macarthur FC in week ten at HBF Park on Friday evening, in the second game of a double-header at the venue with the Glory women’s side. (kick off 7.45pm) Last week saw Glory Head Coach David Zdrilic get the monkey off his back, securing his first win in charge, and he is determined to build on the result at Suncorp Stadium.

“We were obviously very happy to get our first win and it was important,” he said in his pre-game press conference. “We’ve been through a tough start to the season, so for us to come away with the win against a team that was in a very similar position to us was good for the group and good for our confidence. The guy’s got rewarded for a really good mentality going into the game, they reset and went again in humid conditions.

“It wasn’t always the best football, we know that, but it was a very tense game and for us, it was all about getting the result. In general, we just want to kick on from this very positive result in front of our our fans who have been very loyal. We know the atmosphere at our stadium and what it can be and we want to embrace that and make sure we replicate the same feeling we had in Brisbane at home.”

The visitors were held to a 1-1 draw at home on Monday evening in week nine, with former Glory midfielder Danny De Silva’s early goal, cancelled out by Mariner’s youngster Haine Eames. Zdrilic knows the quality they possess, and he saw it at first hand in the opening game of the season, when they ran out 6-1 winners. They face a quick turnaround having hosted the Mariners on Monday evening, the Head Coach is certainly aware of the threat Mile Sterjovski, who played over 60 games for the Glory between 2009-201, side will pose.

“We definitely know the quality they have and they have a strong front four,” he explained. “They can break, they can counter and transition and get in behind you and be deadly. We know that from the first game and they’ve been doing that regularly not only this season, but last season as well. But it’s about us taking the game to them… and swinging that momentum in our favour.”

The last time the Bulls headed west was in round nine last season, when Glory came from two goals down at half time to win 3-2 in front of 5,163 fans at HBF Park. Matthew Millar gave the host the lead on the half hour, and French striker Valere Germain doubled their advantage in the shadows of half time. The comeback started three minutes into the second half with Salim Khelifi scoring, and Luke Ivanovic restored parity just after the hour. It looked like the points would be shared, but deep into stoppage time David Williams won it. In team news Adam Taggart should return to the squad, after missing last week due to illness, likewise Brandon O’Neill, after completing protocols after suffering a concussion against the Jets in week eight.

Perth Glory squad: GK Cameron COOK, GK Oli SAIL, 2 Riley WARLAND, 5 Lachlan BARR, 6 Brandon O’NEILL, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 9 David WILLIAMS, 12 Taras GOMULKA, 14 Nathanael BLAIR, 16 Adam BUGARIJA, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 19 Josh RISDON, 20 Trent OSTLER, 21 Abdul FAISAL, 22 Adam TAGGART, 24 Andriano LEBIB, 26 Khoa NGO, 27 Will FRENEY, 29 Tomi MRCELA, 31 Joel ANASMO - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: O’NEILL, TAGGART - Unavailable: 3 Anas HAMZAOUI (injured), 8 Mustafa AMINI (injured), 10 Nikola MILEUSNIC (injured)

Macarthur FC squad: GK Filip KURTO, GK Alexander ROBINSON, 5 Matthew JURMAN, 7 Daniel DE SILVA, 8 Jake HOLLMAN, 11 Jed DREW, 13 Ivan VUJICA, 15 Dino ARSLANAGIC, 16 Oliver JONES, 18 Walter SCOTT, 19 Ariath PIOL, 20 Kealey ADAMSON, 21 BERNARDO, 22 Liam ROSE, 23 Frans DELI, 24 Dean BOSNJAK, 26 Luke BRATTAN, 27 Joshua DAMEVSKI, 44 Marin JAKOLIS, 98 Valere GERMAIN - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: ARSLANAGIC (promoted) DELI (promoted), DAMEVSKI (promoted) - Outs: 6 Tomislav USKOK (suspended) - Unavailable: 9 Chris IKONOMIDIS (Injured)

27.12.2024

GLORY AIMING TO KEEP GOOD FORM GOING AGAINST MARINERS

The first game in the A-League double-header on Friday, sees Perth Glory hosting Central Coast Mariners at HBF Park, in week eight of the Ninja A-League. (kick off 5pm) The visitors sit one point and one place ahead of the Glory in seventh on the ladder, but are coming off a 1-3 defeat against Western United last week. The Glory fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against Western Sydney Wanderers, which made it two games without defeat, after their 3-1 win against Adelaide last time out at home.

The last double header saw Glory beat the Jets in week two, and Head Coach Stephen Peters is looking for more of the same on Friday, but he well aware the Mariners are hurting after back-to-back defeats against Brisbane and Western United, and he is expecting a stern test. “I think there’s been some very good recruiting there from [Head Coach] Emily [Husband], particularly in [Jade]Pennock and [Brooke] Nunn,” he explained. “It looks like she’s really settled on some of the players from last year and is looking to play them more and more, which is good.

“It’s a group of players that I know quite well from versing Emily and a lot of those players in the New South Wales NPL and it presents a challenge. No doubt after losing to Western United last week, in fact I think it was back-to-back losses after previously being undefeated, Emily will be highly-motivated to put it right. We’ll need to be on our guard as they are a tough team and it’ll be a good match-up for us.”

Glory will be looking to make it three games unbeaten and they have moved up the table, and Peters has been pleased how is side is tracking. “I think on the balance of play we probably deserved to win [against Wanderers],” he said, “but when you look at the genuine nature of the chances we created, they only really came after they [Wanderers] scored. Overall, I think we showed really good character, to come back considering they scored in the 86th minute.

“We asked [the players] for consistency of performances and I think we’ve performed really well the last three weeks when we’ve had a loss, a win and a draw. I don’t think there’s been too much of a difference between those performances. I think it’s come down the level of the opposition that we’ve been playing against on the day. Overall, I think we’re on the right path.”

The last time Glory hosted the Mariners was in week 17 last season, when the visitors left with all three points after a 3-1 win at Macedonia Park. It started so well for the hosts with Mille Farrow opening the scoring on 25 minutes, but the Mariners levelled in the first minute of the second half, with Kyah Simon on target. Then late goals from Bianca Galic and Annalise Rasmussen sealed the points.

In team news, Peters confirmed that Kelli Brown’s knee injury will keep her out of the game, likewise Ella Abdul Massih, who could be out for an extended period with injury. In better news Izzy Dalton, is expected to return having recovered from the hamstring injury, while Claudia Valletta, former NTC striker Tanika Lala and Perth RedStar’s defender Mischa Anderson have all been added to the extended squad.

Perth Glory squad: GK Casey DUMONT, GK Miranda TEMPLEMAN, 2 Mischa ANDERSON, 4 Claudia VALLETTA, 5 Grace JOHNSTON, 6 Tijan MCKENNA, 7 Megan WYNNE, 8 Georgia CASSIDY, 9 Gabby HOLLAR, 11 Natalie TATHEM, 13 Naomi CHINNAMA, 14 Miku SUNAGA, 17 Morgan ROBERTS, 18 Isabella FOLETTA, 23 Izzy DALTON, 26 Tanika LALA, 27 Charli WAINWRIGHT, 29 Onyinyechi ZOGG *Two to be omitted* - Ins: ANDERSON, VALLETTA, DALTON, LALA - Outs: 20 Ella ABDUL MASSIH, 44 Kelli BROWN - Unavailable: 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM (injured), 16 Bella WALLHEAD (injured), 19 Sarah O’DONOGHUE (injured), 20 Ella ABDUL MASSIH (injured), 44 Kelli BROWN (injured)

Central Coast Mariners squad: GK Sarah LANGMAN, GK Chloe CARMICHAEL, 3 Ash IRWIN, 4 Jessika NASH, 5 Annabel MARTIN, 7 Jade PENNOCK, 8 Bianca GALIC, 10 Taylor RAY, 11 Annalise RASMUSSEN, 12 Tiana FULLER, 13 Sarah ROWE, 14 Greta KRASZULA, 16 Tess QUILLIGAN, 19 Leia PUXTY, 21 Brooke NUNN, 22 Peta TRIMIS, 23 Lily MCMAHON, 24 Shay EVANS - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: KRASZULA - Outs: 2 Brianne RILEY

26.12.2024

PETERS CONFIRMS ANKLE INJURY FOR TOP SCORER BROWN

Perth Glory coach Stephen Peters has admitted the injury bug has bitten his team hard as they look to keep pace with the finals-chasing pack in the A-League Women’s. Peters has forecast at least two changes ahead of Glory’s meeting with Central Coast Mariners tomorrow night at Perth Oval.

Top goalscorer Kelli Brown is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines while Ella Abdul-Massih will also miss the match. “Kelli has probably looking at a probably a grade two MCL injury, so that’s going to put her out for six to eight weeks,” Peters said.

“Ella looks like she’s got a bit of a calf strain, so she’s probably out for a week as well. The challenges keep mounting, but we’ve just got to look within the squad and promote internally, and then give some opportunities to someone else.”

Brown’s injury comes with Sarah O’Donoghue also weeks away from returning from an ankle injury, which will put pressure on Gabby Hollar to lead the line. In better news, co-captain Isobel Dalton is nearing a return from a hamstring issue and should play some part against Central Coast.

But with Glory already missing key winger Susan Phonsongkham, who is at least a couple of months away from returning from an ankle injuries, Peters indicated they would look towards injury replacement players.

“We’re definitely looking at one injury replacement, but there’s a bit that needs to be done there in terms of negotiations,” he said. “We’re on the phone and sending emails and making phone calls and trying to make things happen, because obviously, things of this nature happen, so we’re working around the clock.”

26.12.2024

ZDRILIC HOPING TO BUILD ON FIRST WIN

Perth Glory won’t be focusing too much on their opening round mauling at the hands of Macarthur as they prepare for tomorrow’s return fixture at Perth Oval. After the optimism of their off-season Australia Cup campaign, David Zdrilic’s first A-League game as Glory coach began with a 6-1 spanking by the Bulls.

Zdrilic said his players are looking to build on the positives of last weekend’s win over Brisbane Roar rather than their previous meeting with Macarthur. “We haven’t started the season very well - that was obviously the first game, but we’ve had other results that have not been great for us,” Zdrilic said.

“So in general, we just want to kick on from this very positive result for us and in front of our fans, who have been very loyal. When you’re winning games, it’s a much different feeling. Winning this game has done a lot for the confidence of the group, because they see that we can win games.”

Zdrilic believes Macarthur’s short break - they drew with Central Coast Mariners on Monday - and travel would likely not impact them. Nonetheless, he wants Glory to make things difficult for the visitors. “Anybody coming to Perth, it should be a tough trip for them,” he commented.

“Macarthur can break, they can counter, and they can transition, they can get in behind you and be deadly. We know that from the first game, but they’ve been doing that regularly, not only this season, but last season as well.”

“It’s about us taking our game to them and we know their strengths, but we need to make sure that they’re tested and it can go both ways. We need to make sure we swing that momentum in our favor.”

24.12.2024

JOHNSTON THRIVING ON NATIONAL STAGE (adapted from 'ALW In Focus: Grace Johnston' by Ben Gilby)

Perth Glory’s Grace Johnston has hit the ground running already this season, making a superb comeback from a heartbreaking ankle injury earlier in the year. The 19-year defender was flying in her debut A-League campaign for her home town club, putting together a series of displays that suggested she was a seasoned pro rather than someone taking their first steps in the country’s biggest league.

Johnston stepped up to the national league in a hugely impressive way. “I think the biggest adjustment was the speed of the game,” reflected Johnston. “With better and more experienced players and coaches it’s only natural for the game to be faster and more challenging. Being able to prep and train with the team in pre-season made that adjustment much easier.”

Johnston’s eye-catching performances were rewarded with a call up to the Young Matildas side last November for their matches against China. Just three months later, however, she suffered a devastating ankle injury that ended her season. “Physically, after my surgery, the first couple of weeks were the most difficult as I couldn’t make any progress,” she said.

“Once I got the green light to start physio exercises and could see and feel changes and improvements, it was an easier process. Mentally, obviously it was disappointing to end my season in that way, but I tried to not dwell on that fact and started looking towards the next one.”

As part of her preparation for her second A-League season, Johnston played locally for Perth SC under former Matilda Danielle Brogan. “That was an excellent experience,” she said. “I can’t thank Danielle and the club enough for allowing me to complete my rehab and return to play with them and being a part of a Cup-winning team and Top Four finalists with such a great group of girls was brilliant.”

The group of girls at Dorrien Gardens included several others who have gone on to become part of the Glory squad this season, namely Johnston’s fellow midfielders Georgia Cassidy, Tijan McKenna and Charli Wainwright, along with striker Ella Lincoln. That familiarity helped the settling in process for the Glory playing group ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

“Obviously with some of the Perth girls it was a quicker adjustment period, purely because we’ve known each other for so long and all played together,” said Johnston. “But I think pre-season really facilitated the whole team to bond on and off the field, which was great.”

That pre-season period also included the arrival of new head coach Stephen Peters. “I think his knowledge of the game is next to none, which he proved with his NPLW NSW side (Macarthur Rams) being so successful,” she said. “He’s given me a lot of confidence and allows me to express myself on the pitch, while also adhering to the game plan and his vision, which I have been enjoying.”

Whilst it is still relatively early days in the season, there have been a number of pleasing elements on view already. As the new players and system come together, Johnston is sure that there are good times ahead for the team and its supporters. “I think we can take a lot of positives from our early games,” she said.

“It takes a lot for a new side to gel so quickly in such a short time-frame and I believe we have done that. There are definitely things we need to work on, but I think that comes with time and the constant desire for the whole team to improve.” Glory Women are next in action on Friday when they host Central Coast Mariners at Perth Oval from 5:00pm.

23.12.2024

MUIR FINDS A NEW HOME WHILE CAICEDO MOVES ON

Former Perth Glory defender Jacob Muir has found a new home, after leaving the A-League club by mutual consent last month, meanwhile Colombian forward Cristian Caicedo has also left the club, after his contract was mutual terminated. Caicedo short stint in the west only saw the 22-year-old make three A-League appearances, but he didn’t fit in to the way the club wanted to play, and after being dragged in Adelaide he wasn’t selected in the squad again since, so the writing was on the wall.

“Unfortunately, Cristian didn’t fit the system that we want to play and the move hasn’t worked out for either the club or the player on or off the field and we’ve therefore come to an amicable agreement which allows him to move on,” said Glory Football Director Stan Lazaridis. “He has handled himself very professionally during his short period with us and we would like to thank him for his service and wish him all the very best for the next stage of his football journey.”

Muir has signed for Monterey Bay FC, who play in USL Championship, the second tier of the American soccer league system. The defender has signed a one-year contract with an option for 2026, pending league and federation approval. The 22-year-old played his junior football at Sorrento, before joining the Glory academy, and shone in the clubs NPL side, before signing a contract with the A-League club. He made his professional debut at the age of 19, coming on late 2021 Australia Cup match against Melbourne Victory. The following April, Muir made his A-League debut as a starter on the back line against Wellington Phoenix, playing the full 90 minutes. He went on to finish the season with four additional starts.

“I am extremely excited to be joining Monterey Bay for the upcoming 2025 season,” said Muir. “At Perth, I had come to a point in my career where I was looking for a new challenge, so when MBFC expressed their interest, I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to go and prove myself in a new environment. I have learned a lot during my last four years being in a professional environment under different coaches, and I’m excited to bring my passing, vision, defensive attributes and other skill sets to this side.”

Muir went on to make 36 senior appearances (27 starts) in all competitions across three seasons from 2021-2024, and scored the first goal of his professional career in the Australia Cup match against Moreton City Excelsior in the round of 16 this season, which also happened to be his final match with the club. Muir said he can’t wait to get started. “Since signing for Monterey Bay, I have spoken to a few people I know who have visited Monterey, and I have had nothing but amazing reports back from them,” explained Muir.

“I am super excited to be involved in such a great community and can’t wait to meet the many people that make the community as thriving as it is. I hope to give the Monterey Bay F.C. fans the success that they have been looking for since the inaugural season of this club. I will do everything I can defensively and offensively to help my teammates and coaching staff improve on what they were already building last year and help the team make the playoffs for the first time.”

Monterey Bay F.C. Technical Director Simon Dawkins said Muir is a leader, and will become a fan favourite. “Jacob’s versatility and his ability to read the game and make intelligent decisions under pressure set him apart,” he explained. “His physicality and technical attributes have impressed us, and his ability to be composed on the ball will be a vital part of how we want to play next season. With a player like Jacob, you can always expect to see 100% effort. I have no doubt he will become a fan favourite because he is a leader who wants to win.”

22.12.2024

ZDRILIC HOPING GLORY CAN BACK UP AT HOME

Perth Glory’s next step will be to win at after the team avoided equalling an A-League Men’s record 19th match without a win. Under-fire coach David Zdrilic admitted his relief after David Williams fired Glory to a 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar yesterday, a result which gave Glory their first win since February and jumps them off the foot of the table.

Having lost all three games at Perth Oval this season, Glory will be hoping to build on the result in Brisbane by scopping a point or three from Friday’s home clash with Macarthur. “Away from home, we’ve been very comfortable with being able to put in a fight and we’ve got two draws and now a win away from home,” Zdrilic said.

“We need to bring this same mentality and energy back home, because we’ve got such a loyal fan base. They’re always there backing us, and it’s such a great vibe in our stadium and we need to show them that kind of gutsy performance, and hopefully start getting the wins at home as well.”

Four of Glory’s next five matches are at home within a 19-day period. Zdrilic hailed his side’s effort against Brisbane, who have not won yet this season, and was glad to get the monkey off the back. “When you go this long, and it’s both us and Brisbane in the same boat, and you felt that in the game. It just took some moment, either way,” he said.

“I thought in the first half, we were more dominant and I felt after that first half, this was a game we can win;I think that all the time, but just generally, in this game, I was like, ‘we’ve got to go for this.’ There was an underlying nervousness from both teams in the game, and you really felt that with the situation that we’ve both found ourselves in.”

Just as pleasing for Zdrilic was the club’s second clean sheet of the season. Recent arrival Tomi Mrcela was solid in the middle of defence alongside teenager Andriano Lebib, who had not featured since Glory’s opening day thrashing from Macarthur.

“It’s clear we’ve conceded a lot of goals, and the manner that we concede is not so much one goal goes in, it’s another one and another one,” Zdrilic said. “That’s obviously an underlying mentality that we’re trying to fix, but a performance like that, it’s at least three games we’ve gone into the break with a clean sheet, and that helps, it keeps you in the game.”

21.12.2024

WILLIAMS SECURES GLORY’S FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON

Perth Glory have won for the first time in the 2024-25 Isuzu Ute A-League season, and their first league game for 19 games, after a 1-0 win against Brisbane Roar in the week nine clash at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday afternoon. A tight game was decided on 69 minutes, with skipper David Williams scoring the winner, and the celebrations post-match showed what it meant for head coach David Zdrilic, his first win as coach of the club, the three points taking them off the foot of the table, and replaced by the Roar.

“We’ve waited for this for so long and we’ve worked really hard, but we haven’t been good enough in the past weeks, but we have been putting in a lot of work and all the boys are training really hard, so I’m so happy for everyone for the result and we can celebrate for once,” midfielder Nicholas Pennington said post-match. “It was hard out there today, very humid and it was a struggle to play good transition football, and run a lot. It is hot in Perth, but not as humid, so the conditions were not what we are used to, but it was the same for both teams.”

Zdrilic made four changes to the side that were well-beaten by Newcastle Jets last week, Williams, Abdul Faisal Trent Ostler and Andriano Lebib coming into the starting side. Skipper Adam Taggart was missing due to illness, Brandon O’Neill with concussion protocol, import Luis Canga has left the club, while Khoa Ngo dropped to the bench. It was a hot one in the Queensland capital, and clear-cut chances where few and far between early, although Glory did make a positive start. Adam Bugarija goalbound shot was blocked by the alert Lucas Herrington, while Faisal’s low shot from the left flashed wide of the far post.

The first drinks break of the day came on 26 minutes, and four minutes later the hosts had the best opportunity. The ball falling to former Glory midfielder Keegan Jelacic just outside the penalty area, and his sweetly struck shot beat Cameron Cook, but the crossbar came to the rescue of the Glory custodian. Bugarija and Williams had half chances late, but failed to find the target, and at the break the game was still up for grabs.

The Roar were on the front foot after the break, and should have scored five minutes in. Former Glory defender Antonee Burke-Gilroy did well down the left, his ball into the box picked out skipper Jay O’Shea, but with the goal at his mercy he blazed over the top. They were in again moments later, this time Jelacic’s ball into the box caused panic in the Glory defence, the ball falling to another former Glory player Adam Zimarino, but he couldn’t keep his shot down.

Glory settled, with Tomi Mrcela commanding at the back, and they went close themselves on the hour, Faisal eased past his marker on the left, but his low shot was saved by the alert Macklin Freke. Glory was now in the control and went close again six minutes later, Taras Gomulka’s corner picked out Pennington, his header was well saved by Freke. Then three minutes later Glory found the opener, substitute Jarrod Carluccio played in the overlapping Josh Risdon.

His cross to the back post found Williams, and the skipper fired home, the ball deflecting off Herrington to beat Freke at his near post. The host pressed for the equaliser late, and O’Shea’s shot was tipped over the top by Cook, but they rarely looked like penetrating a solid Glory backline, and at the final whistle players, coaches and supporters celebrated a hugely significant and morale-boosting victory, to move them off the bottom of the table, while the home supporters booed their team off the pitch.

Brisbane Roar: GK Macklin FREKE, 4 Ben WARLAND (15 Hosine BILITY 33'), 8 Walid SHOUR, 10 Florin BERENGUER (18 Jacob BRAZETE 67'), 12 Lucas HERRINGTON, 16 Thomas WADDINGHAM, 17 Harry VAN DER SAAG (19 Jack HINGERT 67'), 21 Antonee BURKE-GILROY, 23 Keegan JELACIC (11 Neicer ACOSTA 85'), 26 Jay O’SHEA, 43 Adam ZIMARINO (30 Quinn MACNICOL 67') – Subs not used: RGK Matt ACTON, 35 Louis ZABALA

Perth Glory: GK Cameron COOK, 2 Riley WARLAND (31 Joel ANASMO 80'), 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 9 David WILLIAMS (27 Will FRENEY 90+4'), 12 Taras GOMULKA, 16 Adam BUGARIJA (17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO 63'), 19 Josh RISDON, 20 Trent OSTLER (14 Nathanael BLAIR 63'), 21 Abdul FAISAL (26 Khoa NGO 63'), 24 Andriano LEBIB, 29 Tomi MRCELA - Subs not used: RGK Oli SAIL, 5 Lachlan BARR - Referee: Nathan Shakespear

20.12.2024

GLORY LEAVE IT LATE TO EARN A POINT AT WANDERERS

A goal deep into injury time by New Zealand striker Kelli Brown has given Perth Glory a well-deserved 1-1 draw against Western Sydney Wanderers in their round seven Ninja A-League clash at Wanderers Football Park on Friday evening. Glory created the better chances in the game, but it was the hosts who hit the front four minutes from time, with Wanderers skipper Amy Harrison on target. It looked like Glory would leave empty handed but Brown had the final say firing home from the spot and move them up to seventh on the ladder.

Head Coach Stephen Peters made one change to the side that beat Adelaide United last week, with Ella Abdul Massih coming in for Natalie Tathem, who dropped to the bench. It was cagey start to the game, with clear cut chances few and far between. The first real chance fell to the hosts on 19 minutes, with Cushla Rue heading over the top when well place.

Glory hit back six minutes later, Megan Wynne’s long throw was flicked on by Gabby Hollar, but Brown’s header flashed wide. They were in again two minutes later, Brown sent Wynne away down the right channel, but her shot from the angle was superbly blocked by Ella Buchanan. The visitors went close again before the break, with Naomi Chinnama’s header claimed by Wanderers custodian Sham Khamis, but at the break it was all-square.

Wanderers were on the front foot early in the second half, but the Glory defence held firm, and just after the hour mark Peters’ side went close to the opener. Tijan McKenna’s through ball sent Brown in on goal, but Khamis made a smart save to deny her. Glory went to the bench bringing on Miku Sunaga for Abdul Massih, and the Japanese midfielder had an immediate impact, her shot was cleared off the line by the alert Harrison moments later.

It looked like the points would be shared, but four minutes from time the Wanderers hit the front. They won a free kick on the edge of the box, after Chinnama brought down Amy Chessari, and Harrison stepped up and curled the ball around the wall and past Casey Dumont, via the post. Glory threw everything forward, looking for the equaliser, Brown pouncing on an error from Harrison only to see her shot flash wide, and moments later Hollar raced one-on-one with Khamis, but the Wanderers keeper stood tall to deny her.

It was one-way traffic as Glory pressed, and they thought they had found the leveller early in stoppage time, Sunaga’s ball into the box found Brown, again Khamis denied her. Then from the resulting corner the Wanderers custodian saved well to thwart Onyinyechi Zogg. It looked like time would run out, but in the sixth minute of stoppage time they found a lifeline, after Khamis clattered Sunaga, and referee Rachel Mitchenson pointed straight to the spot. Brown stepped up, and despite Kamis getting a hand to the penalty, it went in via the crossbar, to give Glory a deserved point.

Western Sydney Wanderers: GK Sham KHAMIS, 3 Gemma FERRIS, 6 Amy CHESSARI, 7 Amy HARRISON, 9 Sophie HARDING, 10 Sienna SAVESKA (8 Olivia PRICE 79'), 11 Danika MATOS, 14 Ella BUCHANAN, 15 Cushla RUE (12 Bronte TREW 80'), 19 Talia YOUNIS (13 Talia KAPETANELLIS 69'), 37 Ena HARADA - Substitutes not used: RGK Keely SEGAVCIC, 5 Milly BENNETT

Perth Glory: GK Casey DUMONT, 5 Grace JOHNSTON, 6 Tijan MCKENNA (18 Isabella FOLETTA 86'), 7 Megan WYNNE (17 Morgan ROBERTS 80'), 8 Georgia CASSIDY, 9 Gabby HOLLAR, 13 Naomi CHINNAMA, 20 Ella ABDUL MASSIH (14 Miku SUNAGA 70'), 27 Charli WAINWRIGHT (11 Natalie TATHEM 46') 29 Onyinyechi ZOGG, 44 Kelli BROWN - Subs not used: RGK Miranda TEMPLEMAN – Attendance: 862 - Referee: Rachel Mitchenson

20.12.2024

KEOGH HEADS TO EAST PERTH FOR 2025

After their debut season in State League football, East Perth have shown their intensions to improve their second placed finish with the signing of former Perth Glory striker Andy Keogh for season 2025. The striker will feel at home at the Irish club, and I’m sure he will feel proud to wear the shamrock on his chest for the first time since playing his 30 internationals with the Republic of Ireland between 2007 and 2012.

Keogh started his football at Leeds United in 2023, after junior career at Cabinteely and St Joseph’s Boys AFC in Ireland, before spells at Scunthorpe United and Wolverhampton Wanderers, and he played over 100 games at Molineux. He had loan spells at a number of clubs, including Bury, Cardiff City, before joining Millwall in 2012. He then joined Glory for the first time in 2014, and returned in 2016 after a spell at Thail cub Ratchaburi FC, and helped the club to the premiership in the 2018-19 season.

He headed overseas again in 2019, playing for Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah and Indian side North East United, before re-joining the A-League club again in 2020, the year the Irishman became an Australian citizen. He then went into the coaching ranks with Inglewood United, before a short stint at Amateur Premier Division club, North Beach. Last season the striker was the catalyst for Dianella White Eagles push for a spot in the NPL, bagging 19 goals, but they were beaten in the play-off final against Glory.

East Perth head coach Colm Costello said the signing is a great boost for the club’s promotion push. “We’re all delighted with Andy joining us, we’ve been speaking a bit over the past few months and I think it will be a great fit for the club and the players,” he explained. “He could have stayed higher up the leagues, and we know he had many offers, but after meeting him over the past months it’s evident that he is here for the right reasons. I really believe he will not only be a great addition to the playing squad but also a huge help to grow the club off the pitch, with his good habits and professional approach, and that’s testament to him as a person, we can’t wait to get started, as we have some un-finished business from last season.”

Costello said the signing is part of a fantastic pre-season for the club, and he is delighted to have kept most of last season’s squad, including top goalscorer Ryan McCready. “Yes, really pleased that we have retained nearly every player from last year, including Ryan, who bagged 25 goals last season to win the Golden Boot. It shows the character, commitment and the attitude of the lads which is massive for myself and the club.”

East Perth missed out on promotion in the play off’s last season, and Costello said the players are determined to put things right next season, but knows how difficult the league is, and they start the new campaign in the night series in Group C along with hosts Wanneroo City, Kingsley Westside and the side that knocked them out of the play off’s, Joondalup City. “We know every team will be better again this season so it should be a very strong competitive Division Two again this year,” he said. “The night series group will be some extremely tough games, but we look for a solid month of hard work to prepare ourselves best we can.”

20.12.2024

GOSNELLS CITY BUSY ON AND OFF THE PARK

It’s been a busy pre-season for Gosnells City, both on and off the park. On the park, President Ossie Pereira has resigned coaches Peter Allen and Alan Dunlop for a second season, after the pair steered them clear of relegation last term. Meanwhile off the park, the clubs pitch at Water Padbury Reserve came in for some criticism last season, not being able to take a lot of rain and becoming waterlogged quickly, turning it in to a quagmire some weeks, but the local council have done major work on the pitch to rectify the problem.

The President said they have a close working relationship with the local council, with the clubrooms renovated last season, and now the pitch improvements will make it perfect for playing good football. “Our Club have been working with the City of Gosnells during the off-season by keeping training off Cassidy Reserve so that the city could install sub soil drainage and a new reticulation system, which has now been completed,” Pereria explained.

“We’re just waiting for the ground to be levelled and the new turf should flourish soon with all the water being pumped onto it. The City of Gosnells has done a fantastic job managing this project, and the communication was commendable, as they kept us informed all along the way with regular updates and information. Our Club are looking forward to watching games being played on a pristine pitch next season, to match the recent renovations that was completed on our clubrooms last year.”

Pereria said the decision to continuing Allan and Dunlop tenure was an easy one, both did a fantastic job last year. “Peter and Alan are both home grown Gozzy lads, who have both worn our jersey during their playing careers. They did a fantastic job coaching our First Team last year and keeping us in Division One, as it was a very competitive league and a hard season,” Pereria said. “There are so many good teams in this league and although Gosnells City finished near the bottom, we were never hammered in any of the games that we lost, and the whole team have to be congratulated for their hard work, commitment and positive attitude throughout the season.”

It's a family affair at the club, with wife Dawn, and son Scott also heavily involved, and Pereria said the club is very close to all their hearts. “Dawn and I have been involved with Gosnells City FC for over 25 years, since our son Scott started playing the World Game at the tender age of five, and we hold this Club very close to our hearts,” he said. “Scott has since completed 25 continuous years playing at our Club, which is an exceptional achievement, and has captained our State League team for the last seven years. I’ve been President for the last three years and I’ve never been prouder when I awarded Scott our “Legacy Trophy” for his loyalty and dedication at our Club’s Presentation Night in October.”

On the pitch, like Pereria said, the club were very competitive last season, and although they finished tenth, coach Peter Allen said they were in most games, and there is a great deal to build on. “I thought we were unlucky in some games last season, but the loss at home to Mandurah City and away at MUMFC wasn’t the best,” he said. “When we had a settled side, we never took a backward step, and it showed in our good run in the middle of the season when we won four straight it showed what we can do, and we’ll be looking to build on that in 2025.”

With that in mind, Allen said to sign for the club again in 2025 along with Dunlop is exciting, and they will look to build on last season. “Alan and I are delighted to continue at the club, and preparation for 2025 is well underway,” Allen said. “The club mean a great deal to me, and I’ve played and coached here for many years, so I’m looking forward to giving back to the club and to Ossie for putting the faith in me. We started pre-season early and had a number of trialists down, and we’re delighted to have brought home striker Moses Macauley, and we hope to announce a few more singings in the coming weeks.”

Allen has been a member of the clubs committee for a number of years, which he has had to forego with his coaching duties, but he was rewarded with life membership of the club at the recent AGM, something that is really special to him. “Yes, very proud to be named a life member at the club, and I’ve been here over 20 years in various roles player, coach, committee and bar man,” the coach said. “I don’t do it because I have to, I do it because of my passion for Gozzy, it’s a family club and I’ve made some lifelong friends, the recognition is heartwarming, so here’s to a good 2025 for the club.”

20.12.2024

GLORY GO IN SEARCH OF BACK-TO-BACK WINS

After getting back in the winner’s circle last week with a 3-1 win against Adelaide United, Perth Glory Head Coach Stephen Peters will be looking for back-to-back wins for the first time this season, when they take on Western Sydney Wanderers in week seven of the Ninja A-League at Wanderers Park on Friday afternoon. (kick-off at 4pm WST, - live on 10Play). Despite taking the three points against the Reds, Peters will be looking for greater consistency in all areas of performance, and has challenged his players to maintain and lift the standards they set in that clash with the Reds.

“We’ve just got to find some consistency now,” he said. “It was a good performance, but it won’t mean much if we drop our guard and put in a rubbish performance this week. We definitely want to try and replicate the same type of application and effort against a team that just had a very good win. It’s about growing each week and the consistency aspect is what we’ve been drumming into the players this week. The things we’ve done well, we want to get addicted to those things and keep doing them. We don’t want to get complacent and go away from the things that are working for us.”

Peters’ side are currently tenth on the ladder, but only two points outside the top four, which shows you how competitive this league is, and the coach is well aware consistently is the key, and he knows of how significant a win against the Wanderers could prove to be. “Back-to-back wins in this competition is a huge thing,” he said. “You’ve seen how tight the table is, so if we can back it up and climb the table, that would be brilliant for us. To stay with the pack would be huge. To climb the table is massive and different pressures come with that. We’ve got to be ready for both of those pressures, but the mood in the camp is very good.”

Glory striker Gabby Hollar bagged a brace last week to steer Glory home, and she said they need to build on it. “Last week’s win was incredible and to get the three points, against a good Adelaide side, in front of our home fans, was great,” the American explained. “It was great to get on the scoresheet, but more importantly was to get the three points. We’ve been building each week, and the steps we’ve taken to progress have shown. There is lots of room for improvement for me, but I’m a striker and scoring goals is what we do, so nice to find the back of the net twice. it’s such a competitive league, and anyone can win on a given day, so it’s about collecting points. We’ve watched film of the Wanderers, and they are good team, but it’s all about us, we need to build on last week’s performance, because we’re heading in the right direction.”

The last time Glory played Wanderers at the venue was in week 20 last season, when a goal from Sophie Harding, secured a 1-0 win for the hosts. The Wanderers, who are sitting at the foot of the ladder, will go into the game buoyed after securing their first win of the season last week, with a big 5-1win Western United, but Peters said they are going there looking for a positive result and performance. “We’re going to go there and try and make a nuisance of ourselves.,” he said. “I actually think we’re coming up against them at a good time because that win obviously was a huge performance for them and they were very hungry in that particular game, but can they replicate that hunger, we’re going to find that out. I think it’s a good time to play them and we’re certainly not afraid of any team in the competition.”

The injury news wasn’t what the Glory faithful were looking for, with midfield duo Sarah O’Donoghue (ankle) and Izzy Dalton (hamstring) both missing once again on Friday. Peters said it was disappointing, but was delighted with contribution of former Perth SC midfielder Chari Wainwright on her starting debut last week. “It’s looking like six weeks for Sarah, which is a massive blow for her because her growth in such a short space of time has been huge for the team and for her personally,” he said.

“We’re all feeling for her, but young Charli [Wainwright] came in and did a great job at the weekend and it was nice to see a local Perth girl getting an opportunity and grabbing it with both hands. Izzy’s hammy is still a little bit tender, so I don’t think we’ll risk it. We’ve got to focus one game at a time, but also look a little bit ahead and make sure you’re not throwing all your eggs in one basket. We’ll probably manage her this week.”

Western Sydney Wanderers squad: GK Sham KHAMIS, GK Keely SEGAVCIC, 3 Gemma FERRIS, 5 Milly BENNETT, 6 Amy CHESSARI, 7 Amy HARRISON, 8 Olivia PRICE, 9 Sophie HARDING, 10 Sienna SAVESKA, 11 Danika MATOS, 12 Bronte TREW, 13 Talia KAPETANELLIS, 14 Ella BUCHANAN, 15 Cushla RUE, 17 Milly CASSAR, 19 Talia YOUNIS, 23 Maya LOBO, 37 Ena HARADA - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: CASSAR (return from injury) - Unavailable: 2 Paige HAYWARD (leg), 4 Maddison MCCOMASKY (Shoulder), 24 Aya SEINO (ankle), 25 Holly CASPERS (Toe)

Perth Glory squad: GK Casey DUMONT, GK Miranda TEMPLEMAN, 2 Mischa ANDERSON, 4 Claudia VALLETTA, 5 Grace JOHNSTON, 6 Tijan MCKENNA, 7 Megan WYNNE, 8 Georgia CASSIDY, 9 Gabby HOLLAR, 11 Natalie TATHEM, 13 Naomi CHINNAMA, 14 Miku SUNAGA, 17 Morgan ROBERTS, 18 Isabella FOLETTA, 20 Ella ABDUL MASSIH, 27 Charli WAINWRIGHT, 29 Onyinyechi ZOGG, 44 Kelli BROWN - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: VALLETTA, ROBERTS - Unavailable: 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM (injured), 16 Bella WALLHEAD (injured), 19 Sarah O’DONOGHUE (injured), 23 Izzy DALTON (injured)

20.12.2024

GLORY HOPING TO TAME THE ROAR

Perth Glory have done plenty of soul-searching this week after their poor performance against Newcastle Jets last week, and this week they travel to Suncorp Stadium to take on Brisbane Roar in week nine of the Isuzu Ute A league (kick off 2.00pm WA Time). Both sides are still searching for their first wins of the season, so three points will be massive in this one, but Glory have struggled at the venue over the years, including the A-League Grand Final in 2019.

But Head Coach David Zdrilic is hoping his chargers make emends for last week’s dismal performance in front of their home supporters, and he has been pleased with the players reaction at training this week. “Obviously the run of results that we’ve had has been tough to take, but as I said before, the guys reset themselves and the training’s been very good,” he said.

“We’re fully aware of the position that we’re in and we want more. The last game against Newcastle wasn’t good enough… but everyone is putting their hand up to play and to train. That, for me, is positive. We’re coming up against a team that’s in a very similar position to us. We need to use that as a positive motivation, which we are doing and training has been very good.”

Zdrilic’s tenure at the club hasn’t gone to plan, a little like Roar, and former Glory coach Ruben Zadkovich, and Saturday’s game is a real six pointer, and Zdrilic is expecting a battle with both sides desperate for the points to kick start their season. “We played them in our first [Australia] Cup match and they are a very good ball-playing side,” he said.

“They’ve obviously conceded goals like we have, but they can also create good moments and score goals, so we’re expecting a fight because they are also fighting for their lives. We expect them to come out at us and pose a very strong challenge, but that’s every game in the A-League. It’s more about us. We need to approach this game by being very aggressive and confident.”

The whole club and their supporters are hurting at the moment with the slow start to campaign, but Zdrilic said it happens to teams all over the world, and he is well aware a first win of the season can turn that around. “You can look around the world at teams that are going through a bad sequence and Manchester City is a perfect example,” he said.

“No-one would expect them to be losing games like they are and they don’t seem to be able to find a solution to it. We’re in a rut now where we haven’t been able to win games, so obviously a win would be massive for the confidence. In a tough period when you’re not getting the results, you have to fight for those moments and we have to keep fighting.”

The last time Glory played the Roar at the venue, was in week five last season with the hosts running out 2-1 winners in front of 9,769 supporters. Former Glory youth midfielder Henry Hore gave the hosts the lead on 56 minutes, and James O’Shea doubled their advantage ten minutes later. Aleks Susnjar pulled one back in stoppage time but it was too little too late.

A shining light this season has been the emergence of teenage winger Khoa Ngo, and he said the players are working extremely hard to turn things around. “Everyone is still working hard, and every week we are re-setting,” he said. “Yes, we’ve had a number of losses but we must make sure we’re on the same page, and get ready for the next game. The mood in the camp is great, and a win on Saturday would be a great booster for us. Tags (Adam Taggart) and the coaching staff have been great, pushing us to maintain the high standards and making sure we’re not slacking, and on our toes, especially the younger players.”

Brisbane Roar squad: GK Matt ACTON, GK Macklin FREKE, 4 Ben WARLAND, 6 Joe CALETTI, 8 Walid SHOUR, 10 Florin BERENGUER, 12 Lucas HERRINGTON, 15 Hosine BILITY, 16 Thomas WADDINGHAM, 17 Harry VAN DER SAAG, 18 Jacob BRAZETE, 19 Jack HINGERT, 21 Antonee BURKE-GILROY, 23 Keegan JELACIC, 24 Sam KLEIN, 26 Jay O’SHEA, 27 Ben HALLORAN, 30 Quinn MACNICOL, 35 Louis ZABALA, 43 Adam ZIMARINO - Ins: CALETTI, JELACIC, KLEIN - Outs: 11. Neicer ACOSTA

Perth Glory squad: GK Cameron COOK, GK Oli SAIL, 2 Riley WARLAND, 5 Lachlan BARR, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 9 David WILLIAMS, 12 Taras GOMULKA, 14.Nathanael BLAIR, 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI, 16 Adam BUGARIJA, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 19 Josh RISDON, 20 Trent OSTLER, 21 Abdul FAISAL, 22 Adam TAGGART, 24 Andriano LEBIB, 26 Khoa NGO, 27 Will FRENEY, 29 Tomi MRCELA, 31 Joel ANASMO - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: LISOLAJSKI, OSTLER, LEBIB, FRENEY - Unavailable: 3 Anas HAMZAOUI (injured), 6 Brandon O’NEILL (concussion protocol), 8 Mustafa AMINI (injured), 10 Nikola MILEUSNIC (injured)

20.12.2024

GLORY KEEN TO AVOID UNWANTED A-LEAGUE RECORD

90 minutes is all that separates Perth Glory from an unenviable record - the longest winless run in A-League Men’s history. In a match-up rich with plot-lines, David Zdrilic’s men will head to Suncorp Stadium on Saturday to face fellow cellar-dwellers Brisbane Roar.

The last time Glory won a game it was against Brisbane back in February, in front of then new chairman and owner Ross Pelligra. But it has been all downhill since for Glory, with an off-season change of coach - from Alen Stajcic to Zdrilic - doing little to alleviate the on-field woes.

Zdrilic is a man under fire following an atrocious start to the season which has seen Glory ship a staggering 24 goals in just eight matches, while scoring only eight. Brisbane coach Ruben Zadkovich is similarly under pressure with his team failing to win any of their first seven games of the season.

Young Glory attacker Khoa Ngo said while three points would no doubt boost confidence, they were not thinking about their 10-month long winless run or avoiding the record. “We think about what we can do that’s positive for this week, and us focusing on what we can do best for our team, and focus on one step at a time,” Ngo said. “That’s all we can do for now.”

Ngo backed Zdrilic and said the coach had remained upbeat despite the poor start to the season. “Right now it’s a challenging time for him and the staff, but the way he’s been dealing with us, and the way he’s been pushing us and maintaining the positivity in this club and this team is exceptional,” he said.

“There’s a lot of times where he could be really mad with us, because we haven’t been the best, but he’s maintained the positivity, and that just helps us wanting to work harder and harder for him to get the win for him.”

19.12.2024

HOLLAR TARGETING MORE GOALS

Having ended her goal drought with a double in last weekend’s win over Adelaide United, Gabby Hollar is targeting more as Perth Glory look to leap up the A-League Women’s ladder. The off-season recruit had not found the net in Glory’s first five games but scored a penalty and a late header on Sunday.

And with a chance to make it two wins on the trot against Western Sydney Wanders, Hollar said it was important they started to build some momentum to stay in touch with the top six. “It was great to finally get on the score sheet but more importantly, just to get those three points with the team was was incredible,” she said.

“We’ve been building each week, and the steps that we’ve been taking to progress have shown and we just kept building off of that, and it was bound to happen. It’s such a competitive league that anybody can win on any given day, so just being able to get all the points we can from every match is so crucial.”

Any forward knows goals are currency, and Hollar was delighted to get off the mark against Adelaide with two decisive second-half goals. “There’s lots of room for improvement, but at the end of the day, that’s what us forwards are supposed to do,” she commented.

When Megan Wynne was felled in the box with 15 minutes to go, it was Hollar who immediately reached for the ball and walked towards the penalty spot. “I wanted it. I practiced them that week, I don’t know why, but I wanted it, and I was confident, and so I was excited to take it,” she said.

Western Sydney are coming off a morale-boosting win of their own after easily accounting for Western United last weekend. “It’s such a competitive league that anybody can win on any given day, so just being able to get all the points we can from every match is so crucial,” she said.

“We’ve watched some film. It’ll be a good game, but if we just keep building and take the momentum from our last performance, I think we’re in good hands. Each week, we just want to keep progressing, keep being able to play for 90 minutes, 100 minutes, whatever it is.”

18.12.2024

FOOTBALL RIFT ROCKS AT REDSTAR

Football is a sport for everyone, the beautiful game has been played all over the world, and it unites families and communities. The thrill of taking part, scoring a goal, and developing your game, and to play with your mates, is what it is all about. But sadly, at Perth RedStar that isn’t the case, with a big rift at the club, which has seen whole junior teams, and club stalwarts leave, after a power struggle with the President.

The club have been a powerhouse in WA football for a number of years, and as ECU Joondalup they unearthed talented players who have gone on to play the game all around the world. Their junior development program has been second to none, with the likes of former Everton defender Mick Lyons and John Brown both contributing greatly to their success.

But the soul has been ripped out of the northern suburbs club, with the in-fighting, and it all came to light after a superb article by Ashley Morrison on his ‘Not The Footy Show’ website. It doesn’t shine a glowing light on the club, and the antics of the President, who I’m sure wants the best for his investment into the club. But is he going about it the wrong way, and many believe he has totally wiped-out years of history of the club.

Please read the article at the link below and have your say, because football is for everyone - https://notthefootyshow.ashleymorrisonmedia.com/a-major-hick-up/

18.12.2024

GLORY DEFENDER DEPARTS

Perth Glory’s season has been a disaster, no wins, sitting bottom of the table, and new head coach David Zdrilic under pressure. Something had to give, and the first part of that was announced by the club on Wednesday, with Ecuador defender Luis Canga given the flick. The club announced the 29-year-old was leaving the club by mutual consent, and last week’s poor performance against Newcastle, when he was dragged at half time, was the final straw.

The club do have cover at the heart of defence, with Tomi Mrcela joining last week, but the club in statement said another central defender will be signed shortly. “We felt it wasn’t working out with Luis and agreed that it was in the best interests of both parties to part ways,” Glory Football Director Stan Lazaridis said. “Luis has conducted himself with great professionalism throughout his short time with us and on behalf of the club, I would like to thank him for his efforts and wish him all the very best for the future. We hope to announce the signing of a replacement centre-back shortly.”

His departure might not be the last, as Zdrilic and Lazaridis look to move other players on and bring in others to strengthen the squad. The transfer window will open in January, and the club have promised to be active in the market, and with support waning, they have to get it right. Defender Jacob Muir has already moved on, while Colombian striker Cristian Caicedo spat the dummy, after being dragged late in Adelaide, after only coming off the bench on the hour, and he hasn’t been selected in the squad since.

The two imports weren’t on their own, with Belgian defender Anas Hamzaoui and Japanese midfielder Hiroaki Aoyama, who signed from Marconi, have both failed to impress, although Hamzaoui is out with an injury at the moment. The local players have also been over looked for selection recently, the likes of Luke Bodnar and Kaelan Majekodunmi, so are they on the way out too, only time will tell. The club need to get it right, they have an owner who doesn’t like to fail, and all Glory supporters hope they do.

18.12.2024

PETERS RELISHING WESTERN SYDNEY OPPORTUNITY

Perth Glory coach Stephen Peters is relishing the chance to take on Western Sydney Wanderers as his side seek to claim back-to-back A-League Women’s wins for the first time in more than a year. With the A-League ladder tight - Glory are third from bottom but also only two points off fourth - Peters preached the need for consistency ahead of a crucial run of games.

Glory are away on Friday to Western Sydney Wanderers, who thrashing Western United 5-1 last time out. “We’re coming up against them at a good time, because that that win was a huge performance for them,” said Peters, who is looking forward to the encounter.

“They were very hungry in that particular game, so I don’t know, can they replicate that hunger? We’re going to find that out. It’s a good time to play them. We’re certainly not afraid of any team in the competition, and we’re going to go there and try and make a nuisance of ourselves.”

The last time Glory Women won on the road was New Year’s Eve, and November 2023 was the last time they won two in a row. “Back-to-back wins in this competition is a huge thing. You’ve seen how close the table is,” Peters said. “If we can back it up and climb the table, that’d be brilliant for us.”

Peters said staying in touch with the lead pack in the finals race was fuelling his side, but they could not afford to get complacent. “It’s a massive motivation for us, just to stay with the pack would be huge, to climb the table is massive and different pressures come with that as well,” he said.

“We’ve got to be ready for both of those pressures. The things that we’ve done well, we want to get addicted to those things that have worked well for us and just keep doing them.” Sarah O’Donoghue and co-captain Isobel Dalton will miss Friday’s game due to an ankle injury and a hamstring strain respectively.

18.12.2024

GLORY PART WAYS WITH CANGA AFTER JUST EIGHT GAMES

Perth Glory’s squad upheaval has begun ahead of the January transfer window with import defender Luis Canga leaving the club by mutual consent. The 29-year old centre-back, who was capped three times by Ecuador, made just eight starts for the club after arriving shortly before the season. And he may not be the last of the Glory’s foreign legion to depart, with several others already out of favour.

Canga’s arrival was greeted with enthusiasm and the early on-field signs were promising. However, his recent performances have dipped and after making a crucial error against Newcastle Jets - which lead to the visitors first goal in a 4-0 hiding - on the weekend, his A-League career ended with the indignity of being substituted at half-time.

“We felt it wasn’t working out with Luis and agreed that it was in the best interests of both parties to part ways,” Glory Football Director Stan Lazaridis said. “Luis has conducted himself with great professionalism throughout his short time with us and on behalf of the club, I would like to thank him for his efforts and wish him all the very best for the future.”

Canga has not been the only import to struggle. Japanese midfielder Hiroaki Aoyama has been replaced at half-time in all four of his starts. Colombian attacker Cristian Caicedo has made only three appearances. And Belgian left-back Anas Hamzaoui is yet to make an impact, although his current absence has been due to injury.

17.12.2024

AQUINO REFLECTS ON BREAKTHROUGH YEAR

Goalkeeper Morgan Aquino has opened up on her farewell A-League Women’s season, attributing her stunning breakout year to a surge in confidence and a clear mindset. And while the 23-year old has no regrets over her off-season move to America as she looks to extract the most out of her burgeoning career, she has left the door open for a potential return to Perth Glory somewhere down the track.

Aquino capped off an outstanding 2024 when she was named in the Matildas’ squad for their recent four-game international series. It came after her final year with Glory ended with a slew of honours, including Professional Football Australia’s goalkeeper of the season and the A-League Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.

At the start of last season, many assumed recently-acquired Young Matildas goalkeeper Sally James would win the number one jersey over Aquino. Instead, Aquino started every game last season, and attributed her confidence to a clearer mindset, while also crediting James for pushing her. “People don’t understand how tough it is having to keep your position,” Aquino explained.

“Either you get that number one spot and you’re not challenged, and then it makes training and games go by ... there’s no challenge with that. But then, on the other hand, when you bring in two people that can play week in, week out, it’s quite stressful. Previous seasons to last, I was more stressed with being in and out of teams, but that last year, I was backed in regardless if I made a mistake or not.”

“I was always kept on my toes; ‘I can’t make a mistake, or I’ll be dropped.’ Whereas last year, I went into it to enjoy it, whatever happens, I knew I was backed in, even if I made a mistake, I would have been okay. But Sally pushed me a lot, and I’m grateful for it, because I don’t think I’d be the same if I wasn’t challenged week and week out.”

Aquino’s season led to an overseas offer from DC Power in the USL W League. “Having soccer purely just to focus on, there’s no external factors. I’ve really got that one main focus, which is good. That’s where I grow as well — the club’s been very supportive and I think I’ve grown a lot already just in this short space of time,” she said. “It’s a higher level and getting consistent game time over there for me was important, and I’m getting that.”

However, that does not mean Aquino does not miss her former stomping ground. “I was at Glory for a long time, and if I play in the A-League again, that’s obviously the club I want to play for; being close to home and having that support week in, week out,” she said. “Every time I played last season, I brought 50 people with me, that was my entourage every time. It was really nice to know that in the crowd, I always had people to look for.”