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

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20.3.2026

ARMY AND GULLS LOOK TO KICK START THEIR SEASON

It’s week four of the New Balance NPLWA Men’s competition, and most teams are on the board with a win this season, but our ‘Match of Round’ takes us to Alfred Skeet Reserve, as Armadale and Sorrento go in search of their first wins for the new season. (All games kick off at 3:00pm unless stated) The Gulls sit tenth, after gaining a point in their opening game against Glory, while the hosts have lost all three, and sit joint bottom of the table, but they showed good signs last week narrowly beaten by Azzurri in an 11-goal thriller, so it may be still early in the season, but this one is three vital points for both teams.

Last time they played at the venue was in week 20 last season, with Armadale securing a 4-2 win. The visitors made a great start Franco Villa giving them the lead, and the striker doubled their advantage on 20 minutes. But the hosts hit back after the break, Amir Ajan firing home, before Pieter Jacobsz levelled. The Gulls then had keeper Ben Ratajczak sent off, and from the resulting free kick Ajan curled home to give Armadale the lead, before substitute Joshua Willis sealed the points late.

New Armadale coach John Baird said they had played well in the last two games, against Bayswater and Azzurri, but came home empty handed. “Look of course it’s been frustrating start to the season so far, we expected a bit of pain before going forward as group, 19 new players into the squad but the performance Bayswater game I felt we deserved the points especially down to ten-men for an hour into the game,” he explained. “Saturday scoring five away from home is outstanding and very positive, but losing six is extremely frustrating to say the least. We need to get better as a defensive group as a team not solely on the defence it’s the team that we need to get better as and it will I’ve no doubt about it.”

New signing Leigh Griffiths and Abraham Mathet both scored twice last week, and Baird said the other players stepped up in front of goal, and he will be looking for more of the same against Sorrento. “Yes, Leigh getting two goals is very good, and same with Abraham also and Hamza getting his first of the season. I’m really pleased on how we’ve went about our business in the last two games, and certain things we’ll have to improve on quickly and we have a honest group and am sure they will,” the Scotsman said. “We’re at home on Saturday, and something I’m looking forward to. I know our game plan and what we’ll be looking to achieve and I know the players are in the same why of thinking.”

Like his Armadale counterpart, Sorrento coach Andres Oliveira said their last two games were good, but came away with nothing, but he believes they are heading in the right direction. “We’ve put together two very strong performances against Stirling and Dianella, so of course it’s frustrating to come away without anything to show for it especially losing in the second half,” he explained. “But the important thing is the level of football we’re playing is intent, the structure, and the chances we’re creating are all there. The group is heading in the right direction, and if we keep performing at that standard the results will turn.”

The return of skipper Dean Cummings has been a huge plus for the Gulls, the striker returning from injury, and he scored a stunner last week, but the coach said to conceded four was disappointing. “Yes, it was great to see Dean get on the scoresheet, he’s worked hard coming back from an injury,” Oliveira said. “But conceding four is never part of the plan, but we’re a new look side and we cannot get a consistent team due to injuries each week. Both of these issues will take time to gel. There are good signs in how we’re trying to play, now it’s about tightening the details and cutting out the moments that hurt us.”

They head on the road for the first time this season, but Oliveira knows both sides will desperate for their first wins of the season, so he’s expecting a tough game. “Armadale away is always a tough trip, and with both teams chasing their first win it sets up a big game,” he said. “For us, it’s a good opportunity to turn our performances into points. If we bring the same energy and quality we’ve shown in the first two rounds and add a bit more ruthlessness in both boxes, we give ourselves every chance of getting the result.”

The round starts on Friday evening when league leaders Western Knights makes the trip to Frank Drago Reserve to take on Bayswater City, who will be looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season at RedStar last week (7:00pm) On Saturday afternoon Perth RedStar will hope to build on that win, when they host Perth Glory at the RedStar Arena. It’s the annual Ferrari Cup at Dorrien Gardens, when Perth Azzurri hosts Balcatta Etna (3:15pm) In the late games, fresh of their first win in the NPL at Sorrento last week, Dianella White Eagles will hope to make it back-to-back when they welcome Fremantle City to Dianella Reserve.

In the final game we have a repeat of the Night Series Final at Macedonia Park, where Stirling Macedonia entertain Olympic Kingsway (6:00pm) It’s a massive weekend for the hosts, as they celebrate their 40th anniversary at the ground. It kicks off Saturday with all three NPL teams playing, while their will be a game between the club’s legends, with some of the club’s best players involved. There is entertainment and food trucks throughout the weekend, so it should be a great way to celebrate 40 years of football, culture and community at Macedonia Park.

20.3.2026

JOONDALUP READY FOR 2026 AFTER LAST SEASON’S PLAYOFF DISAPPOINTMENT

The 2026 State league Division One starts this weekend, and it looks like being one of the closest fought campaigns for many a season, with many teams hoping for promotion to the NPL. Our Week One ‘Match of the Round’ involves two sides who are among those sides, as Gwelup Croatia entertain Joondalup City at the Croatian Sporting Complex on Wishart Street. (All games kick off at 3:00pm, unless stated) The visitors were one game away from promotion last season, beaten in the playoff final against Fremantle, and they will hope to start the new season with a win.

Meanwhile, Gwelup, who won the Third-Placed Playoff in the recent Night Series, will be trying to return to the NPL for the first time since 2022, so this should be a great opening game of the season. The last time the sides met in the league at the venue was in week ten last season, when Joondalup left with all three points after a 1-0 win. It was a game both sides had their chances, but it was Joondalup who took the decisive one six minutes from time. A quick throw in found Callum Stocks, who played the ball to Eddie Wilcock who got to the by-line and crossed to Jayden Rowles, who fired low past Rocco Liberti.

Joondalup will be looking for a good start to the season, after missing out in the play-off final last season, and coach Guy McDonold said last season is forgotten, and they are ready for another big one this season. “Our preseason has been really positive. We have a few new lads in, so the focus has been integrating them into the squad and making sure they understand how we want to play,” he said. “Last year is gone, we are fully focused on this season and making sure we compete every single week.

“First and foremost, there isn’t one weak side in this league, and if you don’t compete every week, more than likely you will drop points. So, the preseason is finally done, and we’re looking forward to Saturday game against Gwelup. It’s always a tough competitive contest between the two of us, but we are ready and hungry for three points, it should be a good game.”

Gwelup coach Basil Lenzo said preseason has been OK at the club, and a third placed finish was pleasing, but he played a number of younger players, which was good heading into a new season. “Yes, it was an OK preseason, and we were able to play a few of the younger lads which was pleasing,” he explained. “Whilst it was nice to finish third, our Night Series was inconsistent. Like many coaches, we want to get in a habit of winning, however focus on getting ready for the first game of the season was paramount.”

The club have added some quality to their squad for the new season, and Lenzo said they need to be at the best each week, with the talented teams in the league this season, starting with Joondalup City this weekend. “What a season it’s going to be with some powerhouse names in the State League, everyone focuses on themselves and we are no different,’ he explained. “No one game is easy and it’s about bringing your very best every week. To do that, we needed some additional depth and that’s what we did.

“There are good teams who have gone pretty hard in recruitment which is kudos to them and good for our league, and I’m prepared to say that I think 2026 may see two teams actually go up. We start against Joondalup, who are always up for a tough game. They are well organised and a play a direct style. We are all excited and look forward to opening up with three points, and know that it will have to be done with hard work.”

In other games in week one, Floreat Athena welcome UWA Nedlands to E&D Litus Stadium on Friday evening, in a repeat of last week’s Hahn Australia Cup tie, which UWA won 4-3 (7:00pm) Also on Friday evening Subiaco AFC head up the Kwinana Freeway to take on Mandurah City at the Poolmart Mandurah Stadium. (7:30pm) On Saturday Inglewood United host Kingsley Westside at Proto DPS Inglewood Stadium, the club will be honouring former Life Member, John Nemeth who sadly passed away. Newly promoted Cockburn City welcome Murdoch University Melville to Dalmatinac Park, while the other promoted side Quinns hit the road to take on Curtin University in the late game at Green Promo Park at Edinburgh Oval. (5:00pm)

20.3.2026

A MASSIVE DAY FOR NORTH BEACH AS THEY MAKE THEIR STATE LEAGUE DEBUT AT ASHFIELD

It’s a huge day for North Beach on Saturday afternoon, the club playing their first State League game, and they feature in our Division Two Week One ‘Match of the Round’ when they visit the Ashfield Arena to take on Ashfield. (All games kick off at 3:00pm) Nick Di Carlo’s side won the promotion playoff last season, sending Swan United out of the league, after finishing runners-up in the Belt Up Amateur Premier Division. It’s been a tough job to get the club ready for State League football but the coach said they have worked hard in the preseason, and they are ready to go.

“We’re really excited to kick off season 2026 in a new era for the club in State League. It's been a massive preseason transitioning from Amateurs which has had its challenges along the way, but we've been working hard on and off the field as a unit and are really happy with where we have ended up going into Round One,” Di Carlo explained. “We are under no illusions of the step up in difficulty we will be facing over 22 rounds, but are also confident on our day we will be able to match it with the best.”

They face a difficult start to the new season, having to play their first four games on the road, and it starts at Ashfield on Saturday, and De Carlo said they can’t wait to get started. “We are really pleased with the squad we have put together across the off season. The difficulty is integrating new players into a club culture whilst improving the overall team with experience,” he said. “A lot of the work has been identifying not only quality players, but quality people.

“And I think we've certainly done that over the last few months and the new faces have added tremendous value. We will be treating every game this season as a challenge that will require us to be at our best to walk away with a result, and that starts at Ashfield this week. Not being at home for the first four weeks will be a real test of resilience amongst the squad, but something we can't wait to get started.”

It’s a new challenge for new Ashfield coach Malcom Tshuma, and he’s been pleased how things are going heading into the new season. “We’ve had a solid preseason and I’m happy with the output from the players,” he said. “The players have had to adapt to my ideas and I’ve had the chance to learn about them as footballers and people and overall, I’m quite pleased with how preseason has gone. We enter Round One with a full bill of health which is important.”

They come up against the newly-promoted North Beach in the opener, and Tshuma said he is looking forward to the new challenge and seeing what his new look squad can produce. “I think we assembled a squad that will represent the type of football Ashfield wants to play moving forward,” the coach explained. “This is a total rebuild so you will probably see our best football as the season progresses.

“I’m fully confident in my players and hopefully we can deliver a brand of football that will get people coming down to watch Ashfield again. It’s important we focus on the game ahead and not the occasion. Winning or losing the first game won’t define our season by any stretch. It’s important we stick to our game plan and adapt within the game where we have to. It’s never easy playing the newly promoted side first up but it’s an exciting challenge and one we’re looking forward too. We will be ready.”

In the other games in the opening week, Morley Windmills return to the State League, after also winning in the promotion playoffs last season, and they entertain East Perth at Wotton Reserve. The two clubs who were relegated last season start on the road, Kalamunda City travel to Grandis Park to take on Carramar Shamrock Rovers, while Gosnells City meet Forrestfield United in the local derby at Luxwin Stadium, Hartfield Park. Wembley Downs welcome Balga to Butlers Reserve, while in the final game Rockingham City head to Willetton Reserve to take on Canning City.

20.3.2026

TIMMINS READY FOR CITY CLASH

It’s been a frustrating season for Perth Glory midfielder Callum Timmins, after returning for a third spell at the club, with injuries curtailing his appearance for his hometown club, but he hopes to make emends in the last five games of the season as they press for a finals berth. They start that on Sunday, when they welcome Melbourne City to HBF Park in the week 22 clash in the Isuzu Ute A-League on Sunday afternoon. (4:00pm) “Yes, it’s not been the season I’d have hoped for returning to the club, it’s been stop and start,” he explained. But I’ve to focus on the next couple of games, do my best for the club, and we’ll see what happens.

“Anything can happen on this league, we have to take it step by step, and we get a result this week, who knows what can happen. We still think we can get in the finals, and there is a lot of belief in the squad. I’m looking forward to playing at HBF Park again, and our 12th man, the fans. It’s important they get behind us to help us make that finals spot.”

The English-born midfielder said the two-game trip to New Zealand was a good bonding experience for the squad, but the loss against Wellington had put a dampener on the trip. “We got a good point against one of the stronger teams in competition (Auckland), and we could have won it I thought,” the former Newcastle Jets midfielder said. “But the game in Wellington we let ourselves down and the performance was flat, and it’s made the lads more eager to make up for it this week against City. We have to improve after our performance in Wellington, and that’s what Griff and the players have emphasized at training.”

Glory sits second-bottom on the ladder, but still can play finals football, but need to win all their games and hope the other teams around them slip up. Sunday’s visitors Melbourne City are one those teams in the final mix, they sit in seventh place, but only three points ahead of Adam Griffiths side, and they will be buoyed after a big win in Sydney in midweek. Griffiths he is looking for a response from his chargers, after a poor performance in Wellington.

“The performance against Auckland was what we expect, and when I look back at that performance, I felt it was a nice building block going into the Wellington game and unfortunately it did not end up the way we wanted it to,’ Griffiths explained. “We wanted four points minimum out of the trip and we didn’t get that. I was very disappointed with the performance [against Wellington] and we need to rebound and respond back here at home in front of our fans. The Glory fans deserve a big performance and that’s been the message this week. We want a response, there’s still a big opportunity and we need to focus upon our performance first, and a big strong performance normally results in a win.”

The last time City headed West was in week four last season, and it’s a game many Glory supporters will want to forget, the visitors leaving with a comprehensive 5-0 win. A first half brace from Steven Ugarkovic set City on their way, with second half goals from Austrian midfielder Andreas Kuen, Israeli striker Yonatan Cohen and Albanian striker Medin Memeti sealed the rout. Griffiths is expecting the City Boys to be up for the clash, after the big win against Sydney FC, and he knows it will be a very competitive game, like playing finals football.

“They’ve been up and down, but they’re a very strong team, and they just brought four key players into their team during the January transfer window,” Griffiths said, “They just had a really strong win against Sydney FC, but every team is beatable on their day and as a coaching group and a club, we’re expecting a big performance from our boys. I’m expecting a very competitive game, they’re a physical team who are good in transition and are very dangerous, but we want to take the game to them.”

In team news Trent Ostler’s season is over, after the midfielder broke his jaw in two places, while Adam Taggart returns after injury, but unfortunately Tom Lawrence’s foot injury will keep the Welshman out again. There is a return to the squad for Gabriel Popovic and Seb Despotovski, who missed the two-games in New Zealand, but who was in sparkling form in the NPL over that time.

Perth Glory Squad: GK Matt SUTTON, GK Ryan WARNER, 2 Charbel SHAMOON, 3 Sam SUTTON, 4 Scott WOOTTON, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 8 Callum TIMMINS, 9 Jaiden KUCHARSKI, 16 Gabriel POPOVIC,17 Arion SULEMANI, 18 Luca TEVERE, 19 Josh RISDON, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Anthony DIDULICA, 24 Andriano LEBIB, 25 Seb DESPOTOVSKI, 27 Will FRENEY, 39 Gio DE ABREU, 45 Brian KALTAK, 67Stefan COLAKOVSKI - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: POPOVIC, TAGGART, DESPOTOVSKI - Unavailable: GK Cameron COOK, 6 Brandon O’NEILL, 11 Lachlan WALES, 20 Trent OSTLER, 31 Joel ANASMO, 34Tom LAWRENCE (All Injured)

Melbourne City squad: GK Patrick BEACH, GK James NIEUWENHUIZEN, 2 Harrison DELBRIDGE, 4 Liam BONETIG, 8 Ryan TEAGUE, 11 Elbasan RASHANI, 13 Nathaniel ATKINSON, 14 Daniel ARZANI, 15 Andrew NABBOUT, 16 Aziz BEHICH, 17 Max CAPUTO, 19 Zane SCHREIBER, 22 Germán FERREYRA, 26 Samuel SOUPRAYEN, 28 Marcus YOUNIS, 35 Medin MEMETI, 36 Harry SHILLINGTON, 39 Emin DURAKOVIC, 41 Lawrence WONG, 47 Kavian RAHMANI. - In: BONETIG (promoted), NABBOUT (returns from injury), WONG (promoted) - Unavailable: 7 Mathew LECKIE (hip), 10 Takeshi KANAMORI (knee), 21 Alessandro LOPANE (quad), 30 Andreas KUEN (suspension)

20.3.2026

BADAWIYA LOOKING FOR MORE GOALS IN FINALS PUSH

Perth Glory striker Rola Badawiya broke her goal drought in last week’s loss to Adelaide, and she will be looking for more on Saturday, as Glory welcomes her former club Central Coast Mariners to Sam Kerr Football Centre in the week 20 of the Ninja A-League (2:00pm). Badawiya’s opener wasn’t enough in Adelaide last week, Glory going down 2-1, but the striker said it was an important goal for her. “I’ve had a bit of a dry spell, so it was important to get on the scoresheet,” the American striker said. “So many strikers around the world go through that, so it was just important to keep your head up and keep focusing and the goals will come, so hopefully I can take that momentum into the next game.”

Badawiya, who played 24 games for the Mariners in 2023-24, before joining Portuguese SC Braga club, said they have three games left this season and all are big games for the club. “Every game is a grand final for us, and we have to give it everything on the field, because our season depends on it,” she explained. “It would be nice to beat last season’s champions, but we have to respect them, but not too much. I’m expecting a lot of goals, with both sides having goals in them, but we have been spoils at the back recently, so if shut them down we should be ok.”

The Mariners sit one point and one place behind Glory on the table, but have only won once in their last five games, but Glory coach Stephen Peters knows they are also chasing a finals birth, but a win for his side would give them a huge boost, as they chase a first Finals appearance since 2019. “I can only hope that Saturday presents a good opportunity for fans to come out and support us,” he said. “Obviously we’re going to need them there and I just think it’s a tremendous opportunity for us to showcase what the home crowd means to us. Going into a crunch game like this and fighting for a direct role in the top six, I don’t think it gets any bigger in recent memory.”

That being said, Peters knows the enormity of a win in Saturday’s game, and knows his players are ready for the challenge. “I think there’s been no room for error since we lost those four games in a row earlier in the season,” he said. “The players have been pretty used to that pressure, to making sure that we’re ready to fight for points, particularly at home and this week is no different. Obviously, there are three rounds to go, but it’s definitely in our control and that’s something we need to be proud of, that we’ve got it to that point. Now it’s about making sure we don’t slip.”

Peters will be looking for his side to bounce back from a loss against Adelaide United last week, and he said it was a disappointing performance. “I think it was definitely a missed opportunity for us to take something from the game,” he said. “I think we started really well, but then we weren’t particularly pleased with our approach after that and we got a bit gun-shy there and it was a disappointing outcome in the end. There were some positives for us to take away from it, but overall, we were a bit disappointed.”

The Mariners took the points the last time these two sides met in week eight, with Jade Pennock scoring the only goal of the game five minutes from time, in front of over 2,400 supporters at HBF Park. Peters said they arrive in a poor run of form, but he is certainly not underestimating them. “I think they’re a quality side, and they are still the Champions,” he said. Isabella Gomez and Peta Trimis are fantastic players and we have to be ready for them.

“They’re a dangerous team and if they get on the ball, they’re going to put some good stuff together, so hopefully we can cancel that out and also show what we’re about as well. I think it should be a good match-up for us.” In team news defender Onyi Zogg will miss the game, with a one-game suspension after her red card in Adelaide, and Natalie Tathem will miss again with injury, but Daisy McAllister, Bronte Trew, Olivia Wood and Tanika Lala have been added to the squad.

Perth Glory Squad: GK Teresa MORRISSEY, GK Jessica SKINNER, 2 Mischa ANDERSON, 3 Emma TOVAR, 4 Daisy MCALLISTER, 5 Grace JOHNSTON, 6 Tijan MCKENNA, 7 Megan WYNNE, 8 Georgia CASSIDY, 9 Gabby HOLLAR, 12 Bronte TREW, 16 Olivia WOOD, 17 Rola BADAWIYA, 19 Sarah O’DONOGHUE, 23 Isobel DALTON, 25 Ella LINCOLN, 26 Tanika LALA, 27 Charli WAINWRIGHT, 28 Clancy WESTAWAY - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: MCALLISTER, TREW, WOOD, LALA - Unavailable: 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM, 11 Natalie TATHEM, 13 Naomi CHINNAMA, 20 Ella ABDUL MASSIH, 24 Julia SARDO (All Injured), 29.Onyinyechi ZOGG (suspended)

20.3.2026

SEASON SPOTLIGHT: STATE LEAGUE 2026 PREVIEW

This week we take a look at what might lie ahead in the State League this season.

In Division One, Floreat Athena are strong favourites to win the title and bounce straight back to the NPL-WA. However, the likes of Inglewood United, UWA-Nedlands FC and Joondalup City will also fancy their chances.

Division Two also looks set to be a tight competition this year. Forrestfield United and East Perth are among the favourites, while a much improved Rockingham City will be one of the teams to watch.

The footballwa.net team takes a look at all 12 clubs, joined by footballwa’s very own “The Insider”, Murray Stevens from The World Football Programme radio show, footballwa.net founder Jacob Aufdemkampe, and for the first time, predictions from ChatGPT, offering their thoughts on how 2026 might unfold.

17.3.2026

FOWLER AND KERR SEND MATILDAS INTO ASIAN CUP FINAL

The Matildas have moved into the final of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, after defeating defending champions, China PR 2-1 in the semi-final at Optus Stadium on Tuesday evening. In front of over 35,000 a first half strike from Caitlin Foord gave Australia the lead, but Zhang Linyan levelled for China from the spot. But the decisive goal came from Sam Kerr, the former Perth Glory captain rounding the keeper to score and celebrated with the WA faithful in the crowd. China pressed late but they couldn’t find an equaliser, with the Tillies hold firm. The result means that they will play either Japan or Korea Republic in the final at Stadium Australia on Saturday.

Matildas coach Joe Montemurro said they showed plenty of resilience, but he wasn't happy with the way his team played. "If we ask the football question it was a bit of both, it wasn't great from us in the first half. Second half we found a few opportunities, we're going to have to be better,” he said post-match. "We scored a very good goal and I thought we were starting to find our rhythm, and [then] we just backed off. We went very deep again. It must be in the DNA. it must be in the water. We just need to play higher, and we need to be braver. But look, it's tournament football, we got the result we wanted."

Montemurro made two changes to the side that beat North Korea in the quarter-finals. Steph Catley came into the back line after being cleared to play after concussion, while Kyra Cooney-Cross made her first start of the tournament in midfield. Winonah Heatley and Emily van Egmond were the two players to start from the bench. It was good start from the Matildas and they should have scored early, Kaitlyn Torpey’s cross picking out Mary Folwer at the back post, but she blazed over the top. But the miss didn’t faze the Manchester City striker and on 17 minutes she was involved in the opening goal. She sent Ellie Carpenter racing down the right, and the Chelsea defender then fed Fowler, who had continued her run, and she cut the ball back to Foord, and she finished with aplomb past Peng Shimeng.

But nine minutes later China levelled. A back header by Claire Hunt was pounced on by Linyan, who raced into goal and fell under the challenge of Mackenzie Arnold, and the referee pointed straight to the spot, much the displeasure of the Australian custodian. VAR checked it and there was a little contact, but Linyan stepped up and sent Arnold the wrong way from the resulting penalty. Fowler went close on two occasions shortly after, as the Matildas looked to respond, but Linyan went close at the other end, racing on to a flick, but good defending from Catley denied her, but at the break it was all to play for.

The chances were few and far between after the break, but China looked dangerous going forward, but Australia defended well, and hit on the counter attack and they regained the lead on 58 minutes. Kaityln Torpey found Kerr, who picked out Foord in the middle of the park, and Kerr made a darting run through the middle and a delightful through ball from Foord sent her clear, she rounded the keeper and finished well from a tight angle. They went close to a third, a corner swung in towards the penalty area where Kerr heads just wide of the target.

It was a tense finish, with China pushing players forward looking for the equaliser, and they went close in stoppage time. Wang Aifang was found just inside the penalty area, but her shot flashed wide of the target. Moments late the crowd stood as one with Emily van Egmond coming on with Charlize Rule to make her 170th appearance, a new record for the Matildas. But after seven minutes off stoppage time the whistle sounded, with Australia into the final. "It's a massive relief," Foord said post-match. “We're building with confidence, and building with momentum. I think you've seen that. I think every minute we grew more into the game. Tonight, we were in control and we got the job done, I’m just really proud of all the girls."

Australia: GK Mackenzie Arnold (GK), 4. Clare Hunt (3. Winonah Heatley 61'), 7. Steph Catley, 8. Kaitlyn Torpey, 9. Caitlin Foord, 11. Mary Fowler (17. Amy Sayer 78'), 14. Alanna Kennedy (24. Charlize Rule 90'), 19. Katrina Gorry (10. Emily van Egmond 90'), 20. Sam Kerr, 21. Ellie Carpenter, 23. Kyra Cooney-Cross (6. Clare Wheeler 78') – Subs not used: RGK Morgan Aquino, RGK Chloe Lincoln, 2 Courtney Nevin, 5 Jamilla Rankin, 13 Alex Chidiac, 15 Kahli Johnson, 16 Hayley Raso, 22 Michelle Heyman, 25 Holly McNamara, 26 Remy Siemsen

China PR: GK Peng Shimeng, 3 Chen Qiaozhu (4 Wang Linlin 87'), 5 Wu Haiyan, 8 Yao Wei, 9 Wurigumula (13 Jin Kun 71'), 10 Wang Yanwen (16 Liu Jing 77'), 15 Wang Aifang, 19 Zhang Linyan, 20 Zhang Chengxue (24 Yuan Cong 87'), 23 Shao Ziqin, 26 Zhang Rui (14 Li Qingtong 77') – Subs not used: RGK Zhu Yu, RGK Chen Chen, 2 Wang Ying, 6 Zhang Xin, 11 Wu Chengshu, 17 Xie Zongmei, 18 Tang Jiali, 21 Li Mengwen, 25 Lyu Yatong - Attendance 35,170

15.3.2026

DUNCANSON SEALS NIGHT SERIES FINAL FOR BALCATTA

Balcatta Etna are the 2026 New Balance NPL-WA Women’s Night Series winners, after a narrow 1-0 win against Perth Azzurri in the Final at Percy Doyle Reserve on Sunday evening. The only goal of the tight encounter came early in the second half, Frankie Murray’s effort coming off the crossbar and Jaime Duncanson forced the ball over the line. Both sides had chances after the break, with Azzurri keeper Dayle Schroeder making some good saves to keep her side in the game, which saw her take out the Tracey Wheeler Medal as Player of the Match, but it was in vain, Balcatta claiming back-to-back preseason competition.

"Incredibly proud of this playing group and the signs of improvement and champion mentality they're showing each week,’ Balcatta coach Peter Rakic said post-match. “It has been a rewarding start to the season and to go back-to-back in night series is just another bonus and another sign of what we are aiming to achieve as a club. The team spirit has been huge, with every individual playing their role in the squad and that was something that was heavily discussed when we began the campaign, so I couldn't possibly ask for more on that front. We still have a lot to show, and we're looking forward to a very competitive season with hope to be pushing everyone for more silverware.”

Skipper Abbey Meakins said it was a tough game, but delighted to lift the trophy. “I’m super proud of the girls and the effort everyone has put in throughout night series. It probably wasn’t the prettiest or cleanest game of football, but finals are always tight and cagey, and sometimes you just have to find a way to get the job done,’ Meakins explained. “It’s always nice to add another piece of silverware for the club and reward the hard work the players have been putting in. Now the focus quickly turns to Round One this weekend, and we’re really looking forward to building on this result and seeing what this group can do over the course of the season.”

Balcatta who beat the Azzurri in group stage, created the better chances in the first half, the best falling to former Azzurri striker Duncanson, who was played into goal by Rachel Jarvis, but she was denied by the alert Schroeder. The decisive moment came two minutes into the second half, Murray’s ball into the box hit the crossbar and Duncanson challenged Schroeder to force the ball over the line. Perth pressed looking for the equaliser, and they almost found it late, substitute Ailsa Zindell sending Jessica Flannery in on goal, but a great last-ditch tackle from substitute Monique D’Opera denied her the opportunity. Balcatta defender Frankie Murray said she was delight to play her part in the win and the goal. “I think Duncs got it over the line, but nice to be involved in the winner,” Murray said.

“It is always a tough match against Perth especially a final. It was a defensively strong match across the park for both teams making it hard to break lines. There were some tough battles on and off the ball and the desire from both teams was definitely there, it wasn’t the prettiest of wins but we got across the line which is always important - We want to keep building from this, focusing on each week of the league as it comes and really focusing on improving our style of play.” In the Third-Place Playoff an early goal from Lacey Heys, and a late effort from Leyna Wood gave Fremantle City a 2-0 win against Perth RedStar in the early game at the venue.

Perth Azzurri GK Dayle Schroeder, 3 Grace Warburton, 5 Epril Nossent (14 Alanna Ottobrino 80’), 6 Hannah Collins (18 Macey McCready 23’) (12 Xuri Dalton 72’), 7 Ruby Marshall (16 Ailsa Zindell 72’), 9 Louise Tana, 10 Maja Archibald (4 Lauren Continibali 80’), 11 Matilda Boehm, 13 Sam Mathers, 15 Jessica Flannery, 17 Kimberly saw McCartney - Subs not used: RGK Emme Ingrey. 2 Violet Longmore

Balcatta Etna: GK Rebecca Bennett, 4 Frankie Murray (2 Monique D’Opera 67’), 5 Carys Davis, 6 Carla Bennett (3 Sofija Nikoloska 64’), 8 Abbey Meakins, 9 Ella Marwick, 11 Alyssa Van Heurck, 12 Jaime Duncanson (16 Isabella Foletta 64’), 14 Caitlin Doeglas, 15 Ellis Glanfield, 19 Rachel Jarvis (7 Mohammad Zainuurafiq 87’) – Subs not used: RGK Isabella Comito, 17 Mia Britton, 18 Vanessa Nalder

15.3.2026

HAHN AUSTRALIA CUP (WA) – ROUND THREE SUNDAY REVIEW

The Hahn Australia Cup (WA) was completed on Sunday, and we had no upsets on the day. In the opening game, Rockingham City returned from Dalmatinac Park with a 4-0 win against Spearwood Dalmatinac. Will Hayes gave the visitors the lead at the break, before Celeston Fuller added a second just before the hour mark. Josh Soto made it 3-0, before Shaun Mukwevho wrapped up the scoring eight minutes later. “Great to get back on the park in competitive games, the lads played with good control and intent,” Rockingham coach Matthew Brook explained. “Credit to Spearwood they made it difficult for us and provided a danger on the break. All round a professional performance and a good hit out heading into round one.”

Morley Windmills also won on the road, beating Canning City 4-0 at Willetton Reserve. “The lads played very well, keeping possession for good periods and creating some very good passages of play,” Morley coach John O’Reilly explained. “Canning were resilient in defence and made it hard for us to get our goals.” The Windmills were ahead on the quarter hour, a cross into the box was headed down by Luke Salmon, and Isaac Toah Ntow turned the ball home. It was 2-0 before the break, Brennan Borzecki sent into the box by Samuel Marta and the winger finished from the angle. They sealed the tie late, with long-range strike from Vasqui, before Gino Hampshire beat his marker and rolled the ball across to Ntow to score.

East Perth were the big winners, easing into the next round after a 16-2 win against Eaton Dardanup. New signing Ceilum Maher bagged seven goals, and Liam McLaughlin scored a hat-trick in a dominant performance, while Dylan Doney and Stephen Kane were on target for the hosts. East Perth coach Sully Sullivan said the hosts made them really welcome. “Happy to move into the next round, it was a clinical performance from the lads,” he said. “But I must pay credit to Dardanup they never stopped all game and they put out red carpet for us more than any other club we have ever played against, so thanks to coach Alan Buckley and the club for their hospitality.”

Murdoch University Melville made the trip to the Poolmart Mandurah Stadium, and returned with a 4-1 win against Mandurah City. The visitors put the tie to bed in the first half, leading 3-0 at the break. First on the half hour a stunning free kick from Takayuki Sone, before two good finishes from Adrian Campini had MUMFC with one foot in the next round. But the hosts pulled one back ten minutes from time with an own goal, but Delano Adams rounded off the scoring with a well-taken finish at the death. “It was a great win, in hot conditions,” MUMFC coach Marc Anthony said. “It was also a valuable hit out before the league starts next week.”

Perth AFC have moved into the next round after a 4-1 win against Chipolopolo at Camberwell Park. Goals either side of half time from Lucas Pickering and Oscar Pit had Perth in control, but Geoffry Kipnach reduced the margin for the hosts on the hour. But a second yellow card to Emmanual Kahoro saw the hosts reduced to ten men, and late goals from Steven Da Silva and Ante Jukic sealed the tie. “Great to get the win and progress to the next round, wasn’t the best game we’ve ever played and we conceded a sloppy goal,” Perth AFC coach Nathan Thorp said. “But advancing was the main objective against a tricky Chipolopolo side.”

Dunsborough Town caused an upset in round two beating Swan United, but their cup run came to an end after an 8-0 defeat by Forrestfield United in the South West town. Forrestfield coach Daryl Platten was pleased with his side in the tricky tie. “It was a very professional performance. The boys stuck to the game plan and went about their business well,” he explained. “A three-hour drive on a Sunday afternoon wasn't ideal for the boys, but they got on with it and got the chocolates. All in all, a good day's work and we now focus on the season opener.” The visitors went into the break 2-0 up, courtesy of a Josh Bell double. Matt Evans scored a brace either side of the hour mark, to put Forrestfield in control, before a hat-trick by Austin Reynolds put the game to bed. He made it 5-0, after great through ball from Jung bin Lim, then getting on the end of new signing Marvin Masso cross to make it six, before a tap in four minutes from time made it 7-0. Sam Platten then finished the day off with a bullet of a strike from 25 meters, to end a good road trip for Forrestfield. In the final game Northern City beat South Perth United 5-4 at Dryandra/Pendula Reserve

14.3.2026

HAHN AUSTRALIA CUP (WA) ROUND THREE SATURDAY REVIEW

The 2026 Hahn Australia Cup (WA) round three continued on Saturday, and in the early game Subiaco AFC needed extra time to beat Balga 3-2 at Proto DPS Inglewood Stadium. Tomas Despotovski gave Subiaco the lead in the first half, before Samir Ramos levelled on 69 minutes to send the game to extra time. Balga’s Menghoung Chroek was sent off in the first period of extra time, and the game took a twist in the second period. A high tackle caused a melee, with the referee sending three players off, Seamus Edwards and Martin Gorong for Balga and Ben Bathgate for Subiaco. Subiaco took advantage of the eight-man Balga side with Kaleb Morrison giving them the lead. But Balga hit back with Riley Chapman restoring parity. It looked like going to penalties, but at the death Ivan Skorich won it for Subiaco. “We expected a tough battle against a resilient Balga side,” Despotovski said. “The boys showed great determination over the 120 minutes and secured the breakthrough in extra time.”

Gwelup Croatia had to come from behind against Amateur Division One club Cracovia to move into the next round, after a 3-1 win at the Cracovia Club. “It took us some time to get into the game and conceding one very early didn’t help,” Gwelup’s Tarek Atta said. “But once we found our rhythm the game turned in our favour. It’s always good to get into the later stages of the cup so we can challenge ourselves against opposition in the NPL.” Marc Eldridge had given the hosts the lead early, and they led by that goal at the break. But Gwelup levelled on the hour, with Atta scoring, and it looked we would be off to extra time, but late goals from Jamie Sinnott and another from Atta, sealed the win. Gwelup coach Basil Lenzo said Cracovia made it really hard for them. “Full credit to Cracovia who made it very difficult for us and highlighted what the Cup is all about,’ he explained. “They had a lot of good players (Passerelli, Boi, Zimarino, Carlino, Elridge) who we have coached, and full credit to them and their supporters for making their environment as uncomfortable as possible. Sometimes, an ugly win is what it takes and we look forward to what’s installed for the next round.”

Cracovia coach Nathan Falcone said they were proud of the players on the day. “We led 1–0 for the majority of the match and could have easily taken a 2–0 lead into the break with the chances we created,’ he said. “Unfortunately, the boys just ran out of legs late on, but it was a very spirited performance and the effort from the group couldn’t be questioned. Chris and I are very proud of the effort from the players and are really looking forward to the season ahead.”

Gosnells City also need extra time to beat Amateur Premier Division club Hamersley Rovers 3-1 at Walter Padbury Reserve. “It’s all about getting through to next round,” Gosnells coach Peter Allen said. “We took the lead and looked in control but credit to Hamersley they dug in and gave us a scare. But also, a lot of credit to my lads for digging out the result when tested, we have a lot of young lads and they all stood up.” Armeyas Teklu gave the host the lead on the half hour, but Toby Kynaston levelled for Rovers, to send the tie to extra time. but two late goals for Gosnells, from Abdul Dofash and own goal sent Gosnells into the next round.

Despite the loss, Rovers’ coach Antony Benetti was pleased with his side’s performance. “Yes, really pleased with the effort despite the disappointment. We didn't start the game as well as we would have liked but we certainly felt we dominated in the second half,” he said. “It was a good game for the neutral with both teams pushing for a winner in extra time and unfortunately a few errors cost us. Considering we had a few players out and the tough opposition I am optimistic in the direction we are heading. We are certainly an honest group and the boys know that round one is now the focus and are willing to put the work into ensuring a good league start.”

Carramar Shamrock Rovers were too strong for Bunbury Dynamos, running out 5-1 winners at Grandis Park. Nathan Diaz gave them the lead early, but Jeremy Stevens levelled for the visitors from the spot. But Dean Cowbrough regained the lead for Rovers in the shadows of half time, and second half goals from Jack Reilly, Kieran Harrison and an own goal secured the tie. In other games Ashfield beat Queens Park 7-0 at the Ashfield Arena, while a brace from Issac McVittie gave Cockburn City at 2-0 win against Port Kennedy at Dalmatinac Park. Inglewood United eased through to the next round, with an 8-0 win against Peel United at the Proto DPS Inglewood Stadium, with Owen Goodliffe bagging a brace off the bench, while goals from Ryder Leasor, Max Adamson and Jon Hulme gave Kingsley Westside a 3-1 win against North Beach, with Luke Wearing scoring for North Beach.

Ellenbrook United won a ten-goal thriller against Swan Valley at Ellenbrook District Open Space, with Didier Cheri scoring a hat-trick for the hosts. Wembley Downs beat Kwinana United 3-0 at Butlers Reserve, with late goals from Rory Hannon, Billy Templeton-Knight and Mella Loding. Curtin University also moved through after beating a fast-finishing Quinns 3-2 at Green Promo Park, Edinburgh Oval. The hosts raced to a 3-0 lead, with goals from Declan Tanna, Jude Baillie and an own goal. Chad Samuels pulled one back on the hour for Quinns, and Ben Johns pulled another one back from the spot eight minutes later, but Curtin held firm to go into the hat for the next round. “It was a tough game and a good battle from both sides,” Curtin’s Nathan Smith said. “We started well and Quinn’s fought their way back into it for a tough finish. Proud of the guys for getting the result and we push onto the next round.”

14.3.2026

NPLWA – MENS – WEEK THREE REVIEW

Perth RedStar have won for the first time this season, after a 2-1 win against reigning champions Bayswater City, in our Week Two ‘Match of the Round’ at the RedStar Arena on Saturday afternoon. “Feels great to get the three points after drawing our first two games,” RedStar striker and former Bayswater captain Gordon Smith said post-match. “I thought we were in control for large parts of the game and fairly comfortable, and deservedly went 2-0 up. But once we let them back in the game, naturally Bayswater put on a bit of pressure for the last period of the game but we showed great resilience and worked extremely hard to see out the game. We now turn our focus to Glory who had a great result themselves today.”

Both sides went into this one in contrasting form, Bayswater winning both of their games, while RedStar had drawn both, but it was Callum Salmon’s side who found the breakthrough on 24 minutes. A loose back pass saw Smith press Bayswater keeper Lewis Italiano the ball broke to Aaron Black, and the Scottish striker passed the ball into an empty net. The hosts doubled their advantage early in the second half, Riley Warland’s free kick wide on the left went into the wall, but he returned the rebound back into the box and Liam Murray finished clinically into the roof of the net.

Bayswater found a lifeline just after the hour, RedStar failed to clear Sean McManus’ cross from the right and Bor Bor Sam headed over Liam Reddy. The visitors pressed for the equaliser, but RedStar held firm to take the points, and kick start their season. RedStar coach Callum Salmon said his players deserved the win. ‘The boys worked hard and deserved the result,” he said. “I enjoyed the game, and Bayswater always play very direct and it’s tough to get a rhythm going but we’re happy with the win and we move on to Glory next week.” Footballwa – Man of the Match – Ryan Finnie (RedStar)

Western Knights have moved to the top of the table, despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Fremantle City at Nash Field. Both goals came early in this one, the visitors found the opener after only three minutes, with Chad Nilson grabbing his third goal of the season, following up after Charlie Chechlacz’s stinging shot was parried by Sam Reilly. But the Knights levelled six minutes later with Justin Tang shot on the turn beating Luke Radonich, also adding his third of the campaign. Fremantle assistant coach Dale Wingell said it was a game of two halves. “We certainly had the ascendancy in the first half but couldn’t finish off the chances we created,” he said. “They probably had the better opportunities in the second half, as we relied more on the counter but we were desperate to protect our goal and were determined to not lose that game. They are a good attacking team and this is a tough place to go to, so we take the point and look to progress on that performance next week.”

Olympic Kingsway have moved to joint leaders after a 2-1 win against Balcatta Etna at the Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve. “It was a good win away, and looking at the other games, we knew people would take points off each over so it was important to walk away with three points,” Olympic assistant coach Ross Edwards said. “The last few seasons away at Balcatta has not been great for us. So extremely happy with the boys with getting the win. Credit to Balcatta they stayed in the game and got an excellent equaliser to push us all the way.” The visitors were ahead just after the half hour, Mitch Oxborrow sending Will Ferson into the box and he finished with aplomb past Stefan Sotirovski. But the home side, who were still searching for their first win of the season, levelled 15 minutes from time, with Charlie Betts’ glancing header beating Adrian Sinagra. But Olympic secured the points four minutes later, Tyler Garner raced down the right and picked out substitute Daniel De Silva, and he neatly dinked the ball over the oncoming Sotirovski to move the Green Machine to joint leaders on the table.

We had an 11-goal thriller at Dorrien Gardens, with Perth Azzurri winning for the first time this season, beating Armadale 6-5 in a goal feast. Ethan Banks gave the hosts the lead early, but Armadale hit back on ten minutes, with Leigh Griffiths on target, after Abraham Mathet’s shot was saved by Liam Driscoll. But Kenny Lowe’s side hit back, with Banks adding his second, finishing well from Pieter Jacobsz cross, only for Mathet to head Armadale level on the half hour. Mathet then gave John Baird’s side the lead four minutes before the break, after Griffiths cut the back to him. But on the stroke of half time the hosts levelled, Julian Kelly firing home to send the sides into the break all-square.

The goals kept coming after the break, with Sam Pollard regaining the lead for the Azzurri in the opening minute, superbly volleying over David Keenan. But their lead only lasted ten minutes, with Hamza Hina making it 4-4, after he was sent clear by Craig Barker and he beat Driscoll at his near post. The game would have been a defensive nightmare for the coaches, but for the neutrals it was a great game, and the Azzurri took control with two quick goals. First Sam Riak poked home from close-range, and former Armadale striker Peiter Jacobsz added a sixth after Keenan dropped a cross. A late penalty from Griffiths gave Armadale a fifth, but they couldn’t find the equaliser and are still to pick up a point this season, but they have to take great encouragement on their performance, in a crazy game of football at the Gardens.

Perth Glory have also won for the first time this season, after a 4-2 win at Macedonia Park, against the previously unbeaten Stirling Macedonia. “I was very pleased with our performance today, we scored some good goals and defended well for 90 minutes,” Glory coach Joe Heath said. “Stirling are a very strong, aggressive team and I was impressed with how our young lads dealt with that. It was a good team performance with some moments of individual quality.” The visitors made the best possible start, ahead in the first minute. Santiago Flores’ cross found Louis Sollitt, and the striker made no mistake. But Stirling were level 17 minutes later, a long throw fell to Kai Matthews, who fired home.

But it was Glory who took the lead into the break after Oliver Evans found space on the edge of the box and fired low past Nic Speca. Joe Heath’s side took control with two quick goals late. First on 75 minutes skipper Seb Despotovski shot on the run found the bottom corner, and three minutes later it was 4-1, Evans adding his second with great shot from just outside the box. Stirling did pull one back late, with Pacifique Dufitimukiza scoring from close range after an initial header bounced off the crossbar, but it was too little too late. Glory finished the game with ten-men, after Flores received a second yellow card and was sent off.

Dianella White Eagles have won their first game in the top flight of WA football for 28 years, after a 4-2 win against Sorrento at Percy Doyle Reserve. “Ian and I are very happy to get our first win in the NPL,” Dianella assistant coach John Lavery said. “But most of all it’s great for the players who have put so much work in pre-season, the club and our fans.” Both sides went into the game in search of a first win, and it was the Gulls who found the opener on 18 minutes, with Connor Simpson heading home. But in the shadows of half time Ian Ferguson’s side levelled, with Asher Nelson given far too much room in the box to fire low past Ben Ratajczak. The visitors took control early in the second half with Corey McNellis looping a header over the keeper, before Nelson made it 3-1 turning home Lachlan Collions’ cross at the back post. Sorrento skipper Dean Cummings did pull one back shortly after for Andres Oliverira’s side, with great strike, but the points were wrapped up nine minutes from time with Nelson completing his hat-trick heading home Collins’ cross from the right

14.3.2026

MATILDAS TO TAKE ON CHINA FOR A SPOT IN THE ASIAN CUP FINAL

After the hard fought 2-1 win against North Korea on Friday evening at HBF Park, the Matildas will take on China in the semi-final at Optus Stadium on Tuesday evening (6:00pm WA Time). In the second quarter-final at HBF Park on Saturday, China beat Chinese Taipei 2-0 after extra time, and it sets up a thrilling clash, and the Matildas wants the Perth public to get along and cheers them on to the final.

This will mark the 44th meeting between the two sides since first playing each other back in 1988. The last meeting came in a two-match home series in 2024 ahead of Australia's 2024 Olympic Games campaign. A late goal to Michelle Heyman in Adelaide saw us seal a 1-1 draw against the side, then goals to Hayley Raso and Clare Wheeler saw the team beat China PR 2-0 at Accor Stadium.

China are the reigning AFC Women's Asian Cup champions after beating Korea Republic 3-2 in stoppage time in the 2022 edition of the final. The side has had a perfect run to the semi-finals, recording a 2-0 win over Bangladesh, a 3-0 win over Uzbekistan and a 2-1 victory over Korea DPR to top Group B.

There will be a familiar face in China PR's dugout, former CommBank Matildas head coach Ante Milicic, the head coach of the side. Milicic was previously the head coach of Australia, managing the team to the Round of 16 at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. The 17th-ranked side were forced to go to extra time in their game against Chinese Taipei, with both sides unable to find the go-ahead goal in normal time.

Matildas defender Ellie Carpenter said the team are raring to go after their hard-fought 2-1 victory against North Korea on Friday evening. "We pulled up well, we're used to playing congested games at our clubs, which has prepared us well for this tournament. We know it's a quick turnaround and I'm happy that we didn't have to travel [after the quarter-final], but we're looking forward to the game on Tuesday,” the Chelsea defender explained. "We watched their game yesterday. China is a strong team, and I think it's going to be a tough game. Ante Milicic is a great coach, and he and Ivan run a tight ship.

With us, he was very structurally organised, and I know he has China very structured and organised in and out of possession. They're a tough team to break down, and they have great attacking threats as well. We obviously know their coaches, and we were coached by them at the World Cup in France... But I think for us, we just need to focus on ourselves and bring our game plan. Anything can happen in this tournament, and we saw that when China PR went into extra time with Chinese Taipei. We're not expecting them to be tired. We need to prepare ourselves and be focused on the game." Get your tickets for the game at - https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/event/2500630FE6FB1D81?brand=wac

14.3.2026

GLORY UNIMPRESSIVE IN DEFEAT IN WELLINGTON

Perth Glory’s Isuzu Ute A-League Finals chances have taken a huge hit, after a disappointing 2-0 loss against bottom of the table Wellington Phoenix at Hnry Stadium on Saturday morning. It was a tight first half with chances few and far between, but second half goals from Corban Piper and an own goal from Nicholas Pennington gave the hosts the points, and moving them above the Glory on the table. The unimpressive defeat leaves Adam Griffiths’ side second bottom of the table, and only one point ahead of bottom side Western Sydney Wanderers and the prospect of another wooden spoon is staring them in the face with only five games remaining.

“It was a lack of quality on our part, I can’t remember the Wellington keeper having to make a save, and that something we’ve not been good enough most of the season, so it was poor from our part,” a disappointing Glory skipper Scott Wootton said post-match. “We came here looking for three points to keep our season alive and we’ve not managed to do that so it’s bitterly disappointing. We need to win all our remaining games, and we’ve given ourselves a massive up hill task. Yes, we are missing a lot of key players, but today was not good enough.”

Glory went into this one unchanged from last weeks draw against Auckland, but Adam Taggart was missing off the bench due to injury, with Gio De Abreu coming back from suspension, with Arion Sulemani also on the bench, with Gabriel Popovic dropping out. It was a must win game for Glory, and Luca Tevere tried his luck from a free kick early, but it was over the top. But it was the hosts on the front foot, and they should have taken the lead on five minutes.

Piper picked Kazuki Nagasawa in the penalty area, and with the goal at his mercy the Japanese winger fired wide of the target. It was a huge let off for the visitors, but they were struggling to cope with a Wellington side who also had finals hopes. Ramy Najjarine corner was then headed over the top by Bill Tuiloma, before a quick break saw Nagasawa find Tim Payne down the right channel, but his shot on the run flew wide. The home side thought they had a penalty on the half hour.

Ifeanyi Eze’s shot struck the arm of Scott Wootton, but referee Nathan Shakesprear waved away their strong appeals. I’ve seen them given before, but VAR checked it and gave it the all clear. The hosts were knocking on the door, and Eze’s shot from the edge of the box flew over the top, but Glory held firm, and had a chance of their own in the final minute. Stefan Colakovski finding Tevere, but the midfielder dragged his shot wide, but at the break it was scoreless, and not a game for the purists.

Glory made a change at the break with De Abreu coming on for Callum Timmins, and they had their best chance early in the second half. Tevere’s corner picked out Brian Kaltak, but the big defender headed straight at Wellington’s Nigerian keeper Josh Oluwayemi. But on 55 minutes it was the Nix who opened the scoring. They had forced three consecutive corners, and from the third, Najjarine found Piper, who rose highest to head home.

Still Glory couldn’t create a good chance, the side looking lethargic and Matt Sutton was alert to save Eze’s shot shortly after. The Glory custodian then got down well to deny the lively Najjarine, as the hosts looked for a second to kill the game off. Piper then raced clear on 73 minutes, with Glory looking for the offside flag, that never came, and he dragged his shot well wide, before substitute Lukas Kelly-Heald headed over when well place, after being picked out by Eze.

It was still only 1-0 and many thought Glory would press late looking for the equaliser, but it was Phoenix doing all the attacking, and Sutton pushed away Matthew Sheridan’s effort on 80 minutes. Their pressure final told four minutes later, a break down the right saw Sheridan’s cross into the box hit the unfortunate Pennington which beat Sutton and into the net. Glory are back in action next Sunday, when they welcome Melbourne City to HBF Park, and the Glory faithful will be hoping for a better performance in that one.

Wellington Phoenix: GK Josh OLUWAYEMI, 3 Corban PIPER, 6 Tim PAYNE (27 Matt SHERIDAN 65'), 7 Ifeanyi EZE (29 Luke BROOKE-SMITH 89'), 8 Paulo RETRE, 12 Dan EDWARDS (18 Lukas KELLY-HEALD, 65'), 14 Alex RUFER, 15 Isaac HUGHES, 20 Ramy NAJJARINE, 25 Kazuki NAGASAWA (16 Sander KARTUM 89'), 28 Bill TUILOMA (4 Manjrekar JAMES 78') – Subs not used: RGK Alby KELLY-HEALD, 11 Carlo ARMIENTO

Perth Glory: GK Matt SUTTON, 2 Charbel SHAMOON, 3 Sam SUTTON, 4 Scott WOOTTON, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 8 Callum TIMMINS (39 Gio DE ABREU 46'), 9 Jaiden KUCHARSKI (17 Arion SULEMANI 60'), 18 Luca TEVERE, 27 Will FRENEY (23 Anthony DIDULICA 70'), 45 Brian KALTAK, 67 Stefan COLAKOVSKI (20 Trent OSTLER 70') (19 Josh RISDON 84’) – Subs not used: RGK Ryan WARNER, 24 Andriano LEBIB - Referee Nathan Shakesprear

14.3.2026

HAHN AUSTRALIA CUP (WA) ROUND THREE FRIDAY REVIEW

The Hahn Australia Cup (WA) started on Friday evening and there was a seven-goal thriller at the UWA Sports Park, with UWA Nedlands beating Floreat Athena 4-3. The visitors raced to a two-goal lead early, Jordan Langley giving them the lead on 12 minutes, and he added a second from the spot seven minutes later. But two quick goals to UWA, from Nicolas Falco, from the spot, and Roberto Soares levelled things up. It was a see-sawing game, and Moustafa Mohamed regained the lead for Alun Vernal’s side shortly after. The hosts restored parity six minutes from time with Jordan Pokler on targe to send the game to extra time, and it was the hosts who win it, with a stunning strike from Luke Salis. “We showed great resilience and never panicked going two down,” UWA coach Kris Donnell said. “Floreat are a dangerous side coming forward and I thought we were calm and composed and got our reward with an unbelievable finish at the end from Luke (Salas).”

In the other Friday tie, Joondalup City have come away from Wanneroo Reserve with a hard fought 2-1 win against Amateur Premier Division club Wanneroo City. “A good performance from the lads against a big strong and physical side,” Joondalup coach Guy McDonald said. “Credit to Wanneroo they made it hard for us but proud of the boys in the way they played and controlled the game in the second half to come out with a win.” Louis Hadfield gave Guy McDonald’s side the lead on 38 minutes. A corner from Luke Steer to the back post, and Liam Peacock headed back across for Hadfield to tap in.

But the hosts hit back and levelled two minutes later with a stunning long-range striker Jack Wilson. But seven minutes into the second half Joondalup won it, a turnover on the halfway line broke to Steer who played Hadfield in behind to finish calmly at the near post for his second on the night. The hosts pressed for an equaliser and Jason Winter’s side gave it their all, but couldn’t find it. “City are very good side, there movement is so good, they will be competing up the top of Division One, again this season,’ Wanneroo coach Jason Winter said. “We are delighted with our boys on the night they gave it a right go, they did everything we asked.”

14.3.2026

MATILDAS THROUGH TO ASIAN CUP SEMI-FINALS

Australia have moved into the semifinals of the 2026 Asian Cup, and also qualified for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. It was a gritty performance from Joe Montemurro’s side. In front of 16,466 supporters at HBF Park, Alanna Kennedy was on the scoresheet again early, before skipper Sam Kerr added a second early in the second half.

World No. 9 North Korea dominated for large parts of the match and pulled a goal back in the 65th minute via Chae Un-Yong. They pressed for the equaliser but found Mackenzie Arnold in fine form, making a number of saves, the best from a long-range effort from An Kuk-Hyang. It sets up a semi-final against either China or Taiwan at Optus Stadium on Tuesday.

Skipper Sam Kerr said it was a hard-fought win, and she praised the crowd for getting them over the line. "It was a really good team performance defensively. They're a good side and they had a lot of the ball, and there was a lot of pressure at the end of the game, and in both halves to be fair,” the former Perth Glory striker explained.

“I think our mindset today showed. We came out both times and scored early, and that allowed us to go on and win the game. The crowd was immense today, they got us over the line. We're gonna need them again in the semi-final. These games are hard, and it's an advantage for us to have the home field. We need everyone cheering us on and hopefully they can sell out Perth Stadium.”

Montemurro made two changes to the side that drew 3-3 with Korea Republic on Sunday, with Kaitlyn Torpey replacing the injured Steph Catley at left-back, while Emily van Egmond started in midfield in place of Clare Wheeler.

It was a perfect start for the hosts, as they hit the front on nine minutes. Kerr won possession on the right and, racing into the box, cut the ball back across. It was deflected into the path of Kennedy, who fired home her fifth goal of the tournament and moved to the top of the Golden Boot race, which sent The Shed and the rest of the crowd into raptures.

After that, North Korea dominated large parts of the game, with the Matildas on the back foot. Arnold was called into action on 26 minutes, saving Kim Kyong-Yong's header, before the Matildas custodian made a smart save to deny Chae Un-Yong's angled strike seven minutes later. Arnold was beaten just before half-time by Hong Song-Ok's angled strike, but the woodwork came to her rescue. Despite dominating possession, North Korea were behind at the break.

It was another great start to the second half from the Matildas, and they doubled their lead two minutes in. An errant pass from Kim Song-Gyong was pounced on by Kerr, and the Chelsea striker finished clinically from the edge of the box. North Korea continued pushing, however, and were rewarded on 65 minutes. Song-Ok sent Kim Kyong-Yong down the left, and her cross was turned home by Un-Yong.

The goal saw the intensity lift once again, but the Matildas held firm, with Arnold producing another strong save after a long-range shot from North Korea captain and centre-back Kuk-Hyang. But Montemurro’s side held on to seal the win, and the coach said it was a gutsy performance from his side. “In tournaments, you have to just take the game for what it is. We knew they'd have a lot of the ball. We knew that, in areas, they could hurt us. The next game will be different,” Matildas coach Joe Montemurro said post-match.

“My remit is to win football matches and sometimes you have to have that flexibility, and the players know that. It's part of adapting to the situation… in tournament football, you've got to play the like-for-like scenario and find a way, and allow the world-class players like Sam and others to do what they need to do. They took the moments. At this level, it's all about moments. That’s all it is.

“They're the best team in the tournament. They really are, they're a great side. They have their reasons for the way they play. It’s very difficult and it's very unpredictable. So we just had to be methodical, and where we won the game were the little bits in between, as we were losing the ball or as we were winning the ball, to keep our shape and keep our organisation. Yeah, we didn't create much. We had to resist a lot. But it's the way you beat these teams. You have to manage the game in a certain way, and fortunately enough for us, we did it.”

Matildas: GK Mackenzie Arnold, 3 Winonah Heatley, 4 Clare Hunt, 8 Kaitlyn Torpey, 9 Caitlin Foord, 10 Emily van Egmond (6 Clare Wheeler 70'), 11 Mary Fowler (17 Amy Sayer 70'), 14 Alanna Kennedy (24 Charlize Rule 90'), 19 Katrina Gorry (23 Kyra Cooney-Cross 90’), 20 Sam Kerr (22 Michelle Heyman 90+4'), 21 Ellie Carpenter Subs not used: RGK Chloe Lincoln, RGK Morgan Aquino, 2 Courtney Nevin, 5 Jamilla Rankin, 13 Alex Chidiac, 15 Kahli Johnson, 25 Holly McNamara, 26 Remy Siemsen

North Korea: GK Yu Son-Gum, 2 Ri Myong-Gum, 5 An Kuk-Hyang, 7 Myong Yu-Jong, 9 Kim Song-Gyong (10 Ri Hak 51'), 11 Han Jin-Hong (8 Choe Il-Son 51'), 12 Hong Song-Ok, 16 Song Chun-Sim, 17 Kim Kyong-Yong, 20 Chae Un-Yong, 23 Ri Hye-Gyong - Subs not used: RGK Pak Ju-Mi, RGK Kim Jong-Sun, 3 Ri Kum-Hyang, 4 Oh Sol-Song, 6 An Pok-Yong, 13 Jon Ryong-Jong, 14 Hwang Yu-Yong, 15 Jo Pom-Mi, 19 Sin Hyang, 22 Kim Hye-Yong, 24 Ri Song A

14.3.2026

KERR HOPES BEST IS STILL TO COME

Samantha Kerr is regaining all her old confidence but the Matildas captain reckons her best is still to come as Australia edge closer to a second Women's Asian Cup crown. The Matildas secured a spot in the Asian Cup semi-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 win over North Korea in front of 16,466 fans in Perth last night.

Alanna Kennedy's sublime early strike got Australia going before Kerr made it 2-0 in the second half by intercepting a pass and rocketing in a shot from the edge of the box. Australia will face either defending champions China or world No.40 Taiwan in a semi-final at Optus Stadium on Tuesday night.

Kerr has now scored three goals for the tournament, and the way she set up Kennedy's first by stripping an opponent of the ball showcased just how important her pressure acts are to the team.

Before the tournament started, Kerr said she only felt at about 85 per cent capacity, given she was still on the build following a 20-month stint on the sidelines with a knee injury. She has started all four games of the tournament and the extra minutes into her legs has helped with her confidence.

"Obviously a goal like tonight gives me a lot of confidence," Kerr said. "But I'm probably still around the same level to be honest. I've played a lot of minutes in the last week that I hadn't played over the last few months, but I'm working towards getting there. It's more about confidence and feeling now."

"I'm playing where I am, but I know there's still moments in the game where I think I can turn and I can do more, but I've been obviously out for a while. I've got to find my feet again. I've got to find my confidence, and it's more a mental game now than anything."

The win also guaranteed Australia qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. "Obviously for us as a footballing team, it's the pinnacle," Kerr said. "So to put our team there is an amazing feeling. That's the biggest stage in world football, and it's a dream to go to a World Cup."

13.3.2026

GLORY LET IT SLIP IN ADELAIDE

Perth Glory have let the lead slip against the in-form Adelaide United, going down 2–1 at Coopers Stadium in the Week 19 Ninja A-League clash on Friday evening. Rola Badawiya had given Glory the lead after 11 minutes, her fourth goal of the season, but the hosts hit back with Fiona Worts scoring before the break, and Sarah Morgan grabbed what proved to be the winner early in the second half. Glory finished the game with ten players after defender Onyi Zogg saw red for a foul on Lara Gooch.

“Once we got that first goal we dipped a little bit and let them come back into the game,” Glory’s Grace Johnstone said post-match. “We had a few chances in the game as well, so it’s a disappointing loss for us, but we’ve got three games left to make finals and we’ve got to focus on them now. We’ll analyse this game and where we went wrong, but we’ve got to move on quickly. It’s a quick turnaround. We didn’t agree with the decision for the red card, but we have to move on. It’s hard when you are a player down, but we’ll see if she’s available next week.”

Glory went into this one with the same starting line-up from the side that beat Newcastle Jets last time out, while on the bench there was a welcome return from injury for Megan Wynne. It was a fast-paced opening with chances at both ends early. Glory ‘keeper Teresa Morrissey denied Worts from close range, before at the other end Badawiya shot into the side-netting from a tight angle. The Glory striker was in again on nine minutes, getting on the end of a ball from Charli Wainwright, but Ilona Melegh made a smart save. But two minutes later Glory did find the opener, and it was Badawiya who scored it.

Emma Tovar broke up play in the middle of the park and played a through-ball to the American striker, who cut inside her marker before thundering a shot into the top corner of the net from the edge of the box. But on the half-hour the hosts levelled. Adriana Taranto made space down the right, her cross found Hodgson, whose first shot was saved by Morrissey, but the Reds captain forced home the rebound. Glory went close to regaining the lead just before the break, but Melegh pushed away Tovar’s lob.

Both sides had early chances after the break, Morrissey saving from the dangerous Taranto before Izzy Dalton volleyed into the side-netting for the visitors. But on 56 minutes it was the hosts who hit the front, Morgan’s corner going straight in. It looked like Morrissey had been impeded, but the goal stood. The hopes of a Glory fightback were hit on 81 minutes, with Zogg sent off after bringing down Gooch when the Adelaide substitute looked to race into goal.

From the resulting free kick Adelaide went close to a third, but the alert Morrissey tipped substitute Paige Zois’ effort over the top. It looked all over, but Glory almost salvaged a point deep into stoppage time. Dalton got away down the left and picked out substitute Wynne, unmarked in front of goal, but the Welsh international fired straight at Melegh. The result leaves Stephen Peters’ side still occupying fifth place ahead of the remaining Round 19 games, while Adelaide’s eighth win in their last ten outings moves them to within one point of leaders Melbourne City.

Adelaide United: GK Ilona MELEGH, 2 Emily HODGSON, 3 Matilda MCNAMARA, 5 Sarah MORGAN, 6 Melissa TARANTO (9 Paige ZOIS 63'), 8 Emily CONDON (10 Chelsie DAWBER 63'), 13 Ella TONKIN, 15 Adriana TARANTO (7 Emilia MAKRIS 72') (16 Dylan HOLMES 78'), 17 Zoe TOLLAND, 22 Erin HEALY (25 Lara GOOCH 72'), 23 Fiona WORTS – Subs not used: RGK Claudia JENKINS

Perth Glory: GK Teresa MORRISSEY, 3 Emma TOVAR, 5 Grace JOHNSTON, 6 Tijan MCKENNA, 9 Gabby HOLLAR (7 Megan WYNNE 67'), 11 Natalie TATHEM (2 Mischa ANDERSON 59'), 17 Rola BADAWIYA (28 Clancy WESTAWAY 87'), 23 Isobel DALTON, 25 Ella LINCOLN (8 Georgia CASSIDY 60'), 27 Charli WAINWRIGHT (19 Sarah O’DONOGHUE 67'), 29 Onyinyechi ZOGG – Subs not used: RGK Jessica SKINNER – Red Cards: Zogg 81' – Referee: Mikayla RYAN

13.3.2026

DE ABREU EARNS INTERNATIONAL CALL-UP

After a breakout first season with Perth Glory, talented midfielder Gio De Abreu has been rewarded, after being selected in the Young Socceroos squad for this month’s two-game Australia – China Friendship Series. De Abreu will be joined by a number of WA players in the squad, with AIK Footboll midfielder Alex Bolton, Leeds United keeper Robert Cook and Manchester United’s James Overy, who all were signed from Perth Glory and UC Sampdoria defender Delano Cecchi have also been selected.

The midfielder played four times for the Australia under 17’s, and he is looking forward to being back in the green and gold. “I am really grateful to have been selected for this international tour, and have really wanted to play for Australia again,” De Abreu said. “It’s an honour and privilege to represent Australia and I am really looking forward to it, and it will be a reunion for some of us WA boys too.”

De Abreu started his junior football at Sorrento FC, before coming through the ranks of the ECU Joondalup / Perth RedStar Academy, before joining the Glory Academy and he made his A-League debut off the bench against Adelaide United in week nine. The 18-year-old impressed coach Adam Griffiths, who gave him his starting debut in the 3-0 home win against Central Coast Mariners in week 12, and has gone on to make seven starts for the club. His no nonsense football and putting his body on line in games, has seen him become a crowd favorite, but he links up well between defence and attack, and has been vital in the middle of the park this season, espeacially for someone so young

The Friendship Series games will played during the upcoming FIFA international window, the series will see Australia’s U20s take on their Chinese counterparts at Yiwu Meihu Sports Center Stadium in Yiwu, Zhejiang Province on Saturday 28 and Tuesday 31 March. The games will form a key part of the preparations for the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifying tournament which is scheduled for to take place in August and September. Should the young Aussies succeed in qualifying, they will travel to China for the tournament next year and Head Coach Trevor Morgan is looking forward to seeing how his young charges gel and adapt to local conditions, and he has added five new faces, De Abreu, Cecchi, Cook, Bolton and Newcastle Jets Will Dobson, while Marcus, son of former Socceroos captain Lucas Neill, has also been selected.

“Following a successful year in 2025 with the U20 program, we’re excited to assemble in China as we build towards the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers,” Morgan said. “We are keen to see how this group of players take on the challenge of strong opposition on home soil and experience playing in the host country of next year’s U20 Asian Cup. After exposing this age group to international football in two tournaments last year, we see this as great opportunity to build on our squad depth and give new players experience that can accelerate their development before our focus turns to FIFA U20 World Cup qualifying.”

Young Socceroos Squad: GK Robert COOK (Leeds United, England), GK Daniel GRASKOSKI (Melbourne Victory), GK Jai AJANOVIC (Central Coast Mariners), Max ANASTASIO (Bologna FC, Italy), Peter ANTONIOU (Melbourne City), Alex BOLTON (AIK Fotboll, Sweden), Delano CECCHI (UC Sampdoria, Italy), Maxwell COOPER (Newcastle Jets), Giovanni DE ABREU (Perth Glory), Arthur DE LIMA (Central Coast Mariners), Luka DIDULICA (Urawa Red Diamonds, Japan), Will DOBSON (Newcastle Jets), Haine EAMES (Central Coast Mariners), Mathias MACALLISTER (Sydney), Quinn MACNICOL (Brisbane Roar), Lewis MARINUCCI (Melbourne Victory), Jayden NECOVSKI (Melbourne City), Marcus NEILL (Sunderland AFC, England), James OVERY (Manchester United, England), Jai ROSE (Western Sydney Wanderers), Amlani TATU (Adelaide United), Danilo TREFFILETTI (AC Monza, Italy), Lawrence WONG (Melbourne City)

13.3.2026

MURRAY AND SCHROEDER RELISHING NPL NIGHT SERIES FINAL REMATCH

It’s the 2026 New Balance NPLWA – Women’s Night Series Final on Sunday evening, and it’s a repeat of last season’s decider, with holders Balcatta Etna taking on Perth Azzurri at Percy Doyle Reserve, Duncraig (kick-off 7:15pm). Last season’s final went the way of Balcatta, with the 1–0 win breaking a four-year wait for silverware for the club. Jamie-Lee Gale’s corner was turned into her own net by the unfortunate Perth keeper Dayle Schroeder. It was a tight game, and Sunday’s clash should be more of the same, with a big crowd expected to be on hand to watch.

Both teams were in Group A, with Peter Rakic’s side beating UWA Nedlands 4–0 in the first game, helped by a brace from Caitlin Doeglas. Then Doeglas bagged another double in week two as Balcatta drew 3–3 with the Hyundai Football West Academy. They sealed top spot in the group in the final game, with goals from Gale and Abbey Meakins giving them a 2–1 win against Azzurri. In the semi-final, Balcatta came from behind to beat Fremantle City 2–1, with Doeglas again scoring twice. Defender Frankie Murray said they were made to work hard for the win, and she is expecting Sunday to be just as tough.

“The Fremantle game was very tough. They are defensively strong and finding those pockets on the night was hard. It wasn’t the prettiest of wins, but we got the job done with some class finishes from Dougie,” Murray said. “We know Perth are always a hard game. They are a well-structured team and can be clinical in front of goal. Our main focus is to go out there and play good football, be patient, and make use of our moments in front of goal.”

Tom Glavovic’s side drew their opening game in the group stage, with goals from Sam Mathers and Jessica Flannery securing a 2–2 draw against the Hyundai Football West Academy. A brace from Mathers then helped them to a 7–1 win against UWA Nedlands. The defeat in the final group game against Balcatta saw Azzurri take on Perth RedStar in the semi-final, and in a five-goal thriller, goals from Grace Warburton, Maja Archibald and Flannery saw them run out 3–2 winners. Schroeder said it was a great win and hopes they can repeat the performance on Sunday.

“It was a challenging game against RedStar, and they always keep me on my toes and make me work in goal. We really worked for each other and kept pushing to find the goals we needed. It was great to see different players stepping up in big moments to get the result,” the Azzurri keeper explained. “Yes, it is a repeat of last season’s Night Series final against Balcatta, and I’m really motivated to set the standard. There is lots of energy in the group, and I think that goes for the whole team. We want to win an early trophy and put on a good show. Balcatta are a strong side, so it will be a good match, but we are ready to bring it all on the night.”

13.3.2026

CHAMPIONS VISIT REDSTAR IN NPL WEEK THREE

It’s week three of the New Balance NPLWA-Men’s competition, and our week three ‘Match of the Round’ sees league leaders Bayswater City head to the RedStar Arena to take on Perth RedStar. (All games kick off at 3:00pm) Matthew Sparrow’s side have bagged nine goals in the opening two games, and conceded none, the latest one a 2-0 win against Armadale, so they head north in a confident mood. Meanwhile Callum Salmon’s RedStar are also unbeaten, but have drawn both games, the latest a 0-0 draw against Olympic, so this should be a great game.

The last time the two sides met at the venue, was in week 14 last season, when the hosts scored later to share the points in a 1-1 draw. It looked like Bayswater would leave with all three points after Patrick Loughrey converted from the spot early in the second half, but Daryl Nicol fired home at the back post in the final minute, for his tenth goal of the season, to earn the hosts a point.

It was a successful season for Bayswater City, locally and nationally in the Australian Championship, missing out on the knock out stage on goal difference, and defender Sam Mitchinson said they are hoping for more success this season. “Yes, 2025 was a great year for the club. To win the NPL title and the Top Four Cup was massive, and then to test ourselves on the national stage in the Australian Championship was a really good experience for the group,” Mitchinson explained. “It showed the quality we have in the squad but also the standards we need to keep pushing if we want to keep competing at that level. Overall, it was something everyone at the club should be proud of, but the focus now is on making sure we keep improving and not just living off last year.”

Matthew Sparrow’s side have kicked off the new season in similar fashion, winning their two opening games, and Mitchinson said it’s been a solid start to 2026 and they are looking to build on it. “The win against Balcatta was a strong performance from the group and then the Armadale game was one of those tougher matches where you have to grind it out and find a way to get the three points,” the defender said. “Early in the season it’s about building momentum, improving each week and making sure we keep the standards high, so it’s been pleasing but there’s still a long way to go.”

This week Bayswater will come against former skipper Gordon Smith, who rejoined RedStar this season, and Mitchinson is expecting a tough contest. “It’s always a tough trip up to RedStar and they’re a quality side. We know it’ll be a challenging game, but those are the ones you look forward to,” he said. “We are going in full of confidence and the boys are eager to come away with three points. We know they have quality all over the park and experience in the likes of Blair Govan and Gordon Smith so we are under no illusions and we’ll have to work harder than them, run for the full 95+ minutes. Credit to them, they’re a very good side, so it should be a great contest.”

On the other hand, 2025 was a year to forget for RedStar midfielder Tom Hough, with injury curtailing his football. But the talented midfielder is back to full fitness and is enjoying being back on the park. “Yes, it was a frustrating time sitting on the sidelines, so it’s good to be back playing again,” he explained. “I decided to have surgery on my troublesome shoulder to stop it from dislocating, and everything went well. It’s been a long recovery but everything is going well and feeling strong.”

RedStar have drawn their first two games at the Campus this season, a draw against Dianella in the opener, before a hard fought 0-0 draw against Olympic, and Hough said they had chances in both games to take the three points. “I think both games we defended well, especially against Kingsway to keep a clean sheet is a big positive,” Hough explained. “I thought we were unlucky not to walk away with the three points with the chances created in the second half, but it’s good to see the team gelling together with the more games we play.”

Hough said Saturday’s opponents were the benchmark last season, and knows they arrive after two wins to start the season, but he is confident a strong performance from RedStar will see them collect their first win of the season. “It’s always a tough game against Baysie, and they had a great season in 2025, so they are the Benchmark for the rest of us,” he explained. “We know our best can beat anyone, so if we can stick to the way we like to play and finish our chances, we will be able to collect the three points off them.”

In other games this weekend, Stirling Macedonia welcome Perth Glory to Macedonia Park, looking to keep their winning start to the season, likewise Western Knights, who welcome Fremantle City to Nash Field. Olympic Kingsway continue to play on the road, with Kingsway Reserve being used as a training facility for the Women’s Asian Cup, when they visit the Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve to meet Balcatta Etna, Sorrento welcome Dianella White Eagles to Percy Doyle Reserve, while Armadale make the trip to Dorrien Gardens to take on Perth Azzurri, with both sides still searching for the first win of the season.

13.3.2026

HAHN AUSTRALIA CUP (WA) – ROUND THREE PREVIEW

It’s round three of the Hahn Australia Cup (WA), and the State League teams enter the competition at this stage, and there are some cracking ties this weekend. It kicks off on Friday evening, with the tie of the round, when UWA Nedlands welcome Night Series winners Floreat Athena to the UWA Sports Park (7:00pm) UWA missed out on promotion to the NPL last season, losing in the playoffs, while at the same time Floreat were relegated from the NPL, but they will look to bounce back, and they have started well, winning last week’s Night Series Final.

“Yes, it’s another opportunity to get minutes into the legs, but the lads are working hard and looking forward to the season kicking off proper,” Floreat coach Alun Vernals said. “It’s a tricky tie for us, especially after coming off the high of the night series final win, and to be fair it’s probably a game we’d like a bit later in the cup, but that’s the luck of the draw. Kris’s team were very good last year, reaching the playoffs, so we know we’ll need to beat our best to get anything out of it, it should be a good game under lights.”

In the other Friday game, Wanneroo City welcome Joondalup City to Wanneroo Reserve. (7:30pm) Like UWA, Joondalup just missed out on promotion in the playoffs, while Wanneroo lost their state league spot, after losing the relegation playoff. New Roos Coach Jason Winter has been pleased with the response of the players, and believes they have nothing to lose on Friday. “Yes, we are looking forward to Friday night, we know we will be up against it’s as there a very good side, narrowly missing out on NPL last season in the play-offs,” Winter said.

“They’ve added some really good lads in the off season as well, but we have nothing to lose really. All I want from the lads is to have a go and be competitive and give a good account of themselves. Yes, we are going ok after the group stages of the night series, but I’m sure all the lads know we can improve in a lot of aspects of our game. We have been rotating in night series and we will again Friday, a few more lads getting there first start of the pre-season.”

On Saturday, there is an intriguing tie at the Cracovia Club, where Gwelup Croatia take on the hosts Cracovia (All games are 3;00pm kick off unless stated) Gwelup reached the 2018 State League Cup Final, losing 0-2 against Armadale, and they go into this one as strong favourites. But the hosts have started the preseason well and new coach Chris Bamber said he hopes to build on their win in the last round. “Our opening cup fixture against Mindarie was hard fought under challenging weather conditions however, our team know the expectation is to not focus on external factors and simply get on with the job at hand,” Bamber said. “Our players stayed focused, refusing to let external factors distract from the task at hand, and delivered a determined performance to secure the win.

“Full credit to Mindarie though, who pushed us all the way and made us earn every moment of the result. It was a great start to the cup campaign and a testament to the squad's resilience. But we have already turned our attention to the next round, where we host Gwelup Croatia at home, a side competing several divisions above us, they represent a strong test. The team will approach the game fully prepared, motivated to deliver a performance that makes the club, our supporters, and the wider Cracovia community proud. With no pressure, we’re excited to measure ourselves against quality opposition and embrace the opportunity to compete at this level. I encourage everyone to come down and support the boys and make it a memorable night at home.”

The other Saturday games are: Carramar Shamrock Rovers v Bunbury Dynamos at Grandis Park (2:30pm), Kingsley Westside v North Beach at Wanneroo Reserve (2:30pm) Kwinana United v Wembley Downs at Butlers Reserve, Ashfield v Queens Park at Ashfield Arena, Balga v Subiaco AFC at Proto DPS Inglewood Stadium (12:00pm), and Port Kennedy travel to Dalmatinac Park. Port Kennedy surprised North Perth United last round, and coach Aaron Paul Rigby said they will need another strong performance on Saturday.

“My boys showed in the last round against North Perth, that we can mix it with superior opposition. They showed grit and determination and took their chances when they came,’ Rigby explained. “We are really looking forward to playing Cockburn in what is a big occasion for the club. We understand it’s a big step up in quality and all of my boys are going to have to be on top of their game but we are going there buoyant and full of confidence. Hopefully we can continue surprising people and get another positive result.”

The games continue on Saturday evening are, Ellenbrook United v Swan Valley at Ellenbrook District Open Space (5;00pm), Kalamunda City v Football Bhutan at the Spanish Club of WA (5:00pm), Inglewood United v Peel United at the Proto DPS Inglewood Stadium (6:00pm), while Curtin University welcome Quinns FC to Green Promo Park at Edinburgh Oval (7:00pm) In the final Saturday game Hamersley Rover travel to Walter Padbury Reserve, to meet Gosnells City. (4:00pm)

Rovers had a good night series, pipped on goal difference for a semi-final spot, and new coach Antony Benetti knows Saturday will be a tough prospect. “The group is very excited for the upcoming tie at Gosnells City. To play knock-out format football is always a good learning environment and we recognise we will be up against strong competition,” Benetti said. “Whilst disappointed to not go through to the next round of the night series, we took some confidence from positive performances and will be looking to build on that in this weekend’s game.”

On Sunday, East Perth travel to Eaton Dardanup (1:00pm), Chipolopolo host Perth AFC at Camberwell Park (2:30pm), Spearwood Dalmatinac welcome Rockingham City to Dalmatinac Park, Mandurah City host Murdoch University Melville at Poolmart Stadium, Canning City meet Morley-Windmills at Willetton Reserve, South Perth United travel to Dryandra/Pendula Reserve to take on Northern City (4:30pm), while in the final game Dunsborough Town host Forrestfield United at the Dunsborough Playing Fields (3:00pm)

13.3.2026

THREE POINTS VITAL FOR GLORY IN FINALS RACE

Perth Glory will look to build on last week’s hard-fought draw against second-placed Auckland FC when they take on Wellington Phoenix at Hnry Stadium on Saturday morning in the Week 21 Isuzu UTE A-League clash (kick-off 10:00am WA time). The players and coaching staff have stayed in New Zealand this week, which will help with their preparation for this vital clash. A win would move them to within one point of the top six with only five games of the regular season left to play.

They take on a Phoenix side who have struggled recently. Their last win came back in Week 13, when goals from former Glory defender Carlo Armiento and Isaac Hughes saw them beat Sydney FC 2-0. Since then, however, they haven’t secured three points, and after a humiliating 0-5 loss at home to Auckland, coach Giancarlo Italiano resigned. They did secure a hard-earned point in Adelaide last week, leaving them 11th on the table, just one point behind 10th-placed Glory. So, if either side are to play finals football this season, three points are vital in this one.

Glory had to hang on last week against the Black Knights, but it showed real fighting spirit — something coach Adam Griffiths has instilled in his side. He is now looking for another strong performance, but with three points at the end of it. “The mentality of the group was strong in the last two games and they’ve shown real character,” he said. “We sort of lost our way a little bit after the Newcastle and Adelaide games, but we’re starting to find our feet and our rhythm again. The group knows that we expect to go home with three points. So, we’ll be playing to win and that’s no different to the Auckland game. Even in the 95th minute we were pushing for that winner, so the mentality of the group will be that we’re going out to win, and the expectation on the group is that.”

Despite the Nix’s current poor form, Griffiths — who had a stint as an assistant coach at Wellington before joining Glory — is well aware they want the points just as much as his side and knows they have some talented players who will pose a major threat. “They’re a good club and a strong club and they develop good young players. It’s going to be a real challenge,” he said. “We’re expecting Wellington, from the previous two games, to sit in something like a mid-block and then press aggressively from there. They don’t leave you a lot of space, so we’ve just got to find moments where we can find those pockets of space and try to hurt Wellington.”

Glory opened the season with a 2-2 draw at HBF Park, with Adam Taggart and Jaiden Kucharski giving them a 2-0 lead. However, goals from Ifeanyi Eze just before half-time, and another from Armiento, saw the points shared. Glory will have happy memories from their last trip to the venue, with Taggart bagging a brace to seal a 2-0 win in the final game of last season. A similar result on Saturday would be great for Griffiths’ side.

Glory defender Charbel Shamoon said Saturday’s game is huge and he is confident they can come away with a positive result. “It’s a very important game and a must-win for us, but we’re not really feeling the pressure and we’re still confident,” the defender said. “The last two games have been tough and the results haven’t been what we were after, but we’ve taken a lot of positives into the Wellington game. Training has been good and we’re preparing well.”

Shamoon has been a big part of the defensive unit this season, but the Iraq international also likes to get forward and will continue to do so when the opportunity arises. “As a defender, your first job is to defend, and when we get the opportunity, Griff gives us the freedom to go forward,” he explained. “Personally, it’s been a good season for me. I’ve been injury-free and to play week in and week out is great. It’s good to have the coach’s confidence in you and to play with freedom and express yourself. I’ve been proud of what I’ve achieved and I’ve learnt a lot, but there are still six games to go, so I’m always looking to get better.” In early team news, Griffiths confirmed that no fresh injury concerns came out of the Auckland game and the squad will be boosted by the return from suspension of midfielder Gio De Abreu.

13.3.2026

HUGE TEST FOR GLORY IN ADELAIDE

Perth Glory will look to continue their Ninja A-League finals push on Friday evening, when they make the trip Coopers Stadium, to take on the in-form Adelaide United in week 19 (4:00pm WA Time) Back-to-back wins against Canberra United and Newcastle Jets has seen Stephen Peters’ side move to fifth on the table, moving closer to a finals birth for the first time since 2019. That season Bobby Despotovski took them to fourth, with skipper Sam Kerr scoring a hat-trick to beat Victory in the semi-final, but Sydney proved too strong in the final, running out 4-2 winners.

They face a tough task in the first game since the Asian Cup break, with the third-placed Reds in stellar form, with only one defeat in the last nine games, and they are coming off a win in Brisbane last time out, but Peters is relishing the challenge, and knows it will be a finals-like atmosphere. “It’s a very good challenge for us,” he said. “I think if you’re not mentioning it [Finals], it means you’re scared of it and we’re not scared of it, it’s something we’ve got to be ready for, the pressure that comes with that level of conversation.

“If you want to be playing Finals, you’ve got to be thinking about it and talking about it and just deal with the pressure that comes with it. I think it’s a really unique experience for us as a group. It’s the first time that we’ve had that scenario where it’s in our own hands, but that also means the old cliche has to come out that we’re going to take it one week at a time. You would say this is a Finals-style game at Coopers as a stand-alone game against a team that is in very good form. It’s an exciting prospect for us.”

Glory midfielder Sarah O’Donaghue, who has been outstanding in the club’s push to finals football, and she said the Asian Cup break has been nice, and she managed a short break before getting back to training in earnest. “Over the past two weeks, we’ve defiantly been working on ourselves, and we had a couple of days off to rest and reset, I got down south and really enjoyed my time down there, and then started looking forward to Adelaide,” O’Donoghue said. “We’re coming off that win in Newcastle, but I think the break has really helped us. We’ve still kept the momentum, and channelled what we’ve been doing, to what we need to do in the final four games.”

The Queenslander said the coaching staff has worked them hard on their return, and they are all determined to reach the finals this season, but need to be strong for the last four games. “Yes, we’re defiantly using the F-Word, we are very keen to treat every game as a final. We will be putting everything on the line, and giving our all in every game,” she explained. “There is a real emphasis on winning every game, and Friday is no different, with three points a must to keep in the top six. We know it’s going to be a hard game, we know they are very dangerous in attack, but we’re are just working on ourselves. To make the finals would mean everything to the group, it’s been a couple of seasons since we made finals, so we are all looking forward to making them this season.”

Glory beat the Reds in week eight at Sam Kerr Football Centre, Rola Badawiya scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win, but their last trip to the City of Churches was last season in week 15, the hosts secured a 3-0 win, with a brace from Erin Healy and another from Chelsie Dawber. Peters believes both sides have improved since the game earlier in the season, and said it will be great contest. “I think we’ve definitely improved as a side since then, and they have as well, so it’s going to be interesting to see how that matches up,” the coach explained. “They’re a possession-based team and we expect nothing different there, but the challenge is greater going to Coopers which is a ground that they’ve been very successful at.

“It’ll be a great occasion and I’m looking forward to it. I think most games in the league are that way [low margin] and Adelaide even more so. They’re not exactly a free-flowing and free-scoring side, but I think they can be. I just think it’s probably that teams have been playing quite tight against them because of the threats they pose. There’s a confidence in the group, but we’ve got to make sure that it doesn’t turn into cockiness. We’ve got to make sure that we concentrate on the task in hand, which is a very formidable opponent in Adelaide. They’re a team that we have good respect for, they’re very experienced and if we want to be playing Finals, these are the kind of games that we have to up for and ready for.”

Glory will go in search of a first win in Adelaide since 2016, when a brace from Kerr, and others to Rosie Sutton and Vanessa Di Bernardo gave them a 4-1 win, the season Glory were beaten 0-2 in the Grand Final by Melbourne City. In team news for Friday’s clash, the coach confirmed that Julia Sardo and Susan Phonsongkham will both miss out through injury, but there is some news on the horizon, the coach hoping Megan Wynne could make a return to action after being sidelined for 11 months by a torn ACL.

12.3.2026

LOWRY WRITES NEW CHAPTER IN JOHOR HISTORY

Defender Shane Lowry has help Johor Darul Ta'zim qualify for the Asian Champions League quarter-finals for the first time. The Malaysian Super League earnt their place in the last eight with a 3-2 aggregate win over Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

Lowry is one of the South Tigers longest serving players, having signed on in mid-2021. He was part of the side that had previously twice fallen in the round of sixteen, to Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds in 2022 and Thai outfit Buriram United in 2025.

"It's absolutely amazing," Lowry said following mid-week clash with Sanfreece, which claimed a 1-0 win on home soil. "I'm a little bit older now so I think you definitely appreciate it more. (You) become more grateful. In May, I'll be here five years."

"We never got past the round of 16 stage (before) so to go that one step extra is really satisfying. And it's our boss who pushes us every season to get better and better. This is for him and for all the people of Johor. It was a tight game."

"We knew they were going to come and attack and we had to be resolute defensively, which we (were). We changed our style a little bit (to become) more resolute and were trying to see out the overall result in the end. We're super happy that we did in the end and we're looking forward to the quarter-finals now."

12.3.2026

KERR EMBRACING WIN AT ALL COSTS MANTRA

On the eve of the most important match the Matildas have ever played in Western Australia, Samantha Kerr’s thoughts revolve only around victory. The team captain is hoping for the happiest of homecomings tomorrow night when Australia’s Women’s Asian Cup campaign continues in Perth with a do-or-die quarterfinal against North Korea at Perth Oval.

Despite the absence of star players Steph Catley and Hayley Raso, the squad were in high spirits at their final hit-out before the knock-out clash at the State Football Centre today. Should they beat North Korea, Australia will remain in Perth for a semi-final at Optus Stadium on Tuesday and victory would also qualify them for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

Kerr told reporters at a pre-match press conference the team was not thinking too far ahead, but was simply focused on what it needed to do to win the knock-out game. “If we’re not ready for the battle, it’ll be a loss for us. We have to be ready. They’re always a team we know will fight to the very end, and that’s probably one of their strengths, so we have to be ready to fight from the first minute,” she said.

“As a group, we’ve just focused on each game, and we know the further we go, there’s a World Cup qualification there — but for Friday, it’s just about winning at all costs and we will get the rewards when we win. We know there’s two things at stake tomorrow, but the most important thing is just to win.”

Kerr is looking forward to once more lacing up the boots in front of her home crowd and continuing her scoring run in Perth, where she has scored in her last four matches in Western Australia. “It’s been nice to be back in Perth with the nice weather, but especially after a good couple of days training,” she said.

11.3.2026

GRIFFITHS TAKES PRAGAMTIC APPROACH WITH GLORY

Perth Glory coach Adam Griffiths says his team’s recent shift to long-ball football is a result of a more horses-for-courses approach, and has reiterated his desire for a more possession-based brand. While back-to-back draws has kept Glory in touch with the top six, there is little room for error in the race for the finals.

Glory will be hoping to end their three-game road swing with what would be a first win since January 31 when they travel to Wellington Phoenix on Saturday. In recent weeks, the team have moved away from the steady build-up play through midfield to more of a direct, long balls approach.

Griffiths said the recent change in build-up had been a result of their opponents playing high defensive lines, which he believed they could exploit. “It’s dependent on the opposition, really. If a team plays such a high line, you need to play over to drop that line, and then that creates space in the middle,” he said.

“For us, we have to start to identify what their press is doing, and then how we can utilise different areas of the moments to hurt the opposition. Against Auckland, that was something that was an option for us, because they do play a high line, and there was space behind that.”

Glory forward Stefan Colakovski got under the skin of Auckland fans and players alike with his colourful goal celebrations in last weekend’s 2-2 draw. Griffiths said he did not want to stamp that sort of personality out. “The league and everywhere in world football, if you have characters, that’s what entertains you,” he said.

“We’re in the entertainment business (and) he wants to entertain, he wants to create emotions, and we embrace that, we love the fact that he has character. We want his character to come through, obviously in the right way, with a bit of banter, and he does that.”

9.3.2026

MATILDAS RETURN TO PERTH FOR QUARTER-FINAL BLOCKBUSTER

The Matildas have returned to Western Australia to begin their preparations for the knockout stages of the Women’s Asian Cup. A thrilling 3-3 draw with South Korea in front of more than 60,000 fans in Sydney on Sunday night meant Australia finished second in their group.

Australia will now come up against North Korea in a do-or-die quarter-final at Perth Oval on Friday night, with the winner pressing to a semi-final at Optus Stadium next Tuesday. Star defender Steph Catley did not make the trip west, instead remaining in Sydney after suffering a concussion in the early stages of the South Korea clash.

Friday’s quarter-final was scheduled for Perth Oval ahead of the tournament and will remain there, despite the larger Optus Stadium sitting idle over the weekend. When asked if moving the game to Optus Stadium was under consideration, an Asian Football Confederation spokesperson said the venues locked in ahead of the tournament were final.

8.3.2026

BALCATTA TO TAKE ON THE AZZURRI IN NPLWA – WOMENS NIGHT SERIES FINAL

The 2026 New Balance NPLWA – Women’s Night Series Final will be a repeat of last season’s decider, with Balcatta Etna and Perth Azzurri winning their semi-finals at the Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve on Friday evening. In the opening game of the evening, Perth Azzurri beat Perth RedStar 3-2 in an entertaining clash. “It was a great result for us. RedStar are always a tough opponent and very clinical, so we knew we had to stay switched on for the full 90 minutes,” Azzurri skipper Kimberley McCartney said. “Overall, I think our attack did well in converting chances and securing the win to take us to the final.”

Tom Glavovic’s side made a perfect start bagging two goals in the opening 34 minutes. They were ahead on 18 minutes, with Grace Warburton scoring from a cross into the box, before Maja Archibald doubled their advantage after some good link up play. RedStar were back in the game two minutes later with skipper Sarah Carroll halving the deficit. Azzurri regained their two-goal advantage early in the second half, with Jessica Flannery beating Gabrielle Dal Busco from the spot, but Redstar weren’t finished. They pulled one back 20 minutes from time, Jay Coleman scoring, but Azzurri held firm to seal a place in the Final.

In the late semi-final it was a tight first half with both Fremantle and Balcatta having chances, but it was scoreless at the break. But it was Fremantle City who hit the front on the hour mark, with midfielder Lacey Heys scoring. Balcatta, who had not been beaten in the competition, dug deep and levelled on 71 minutes, with former Perth Glory striker Caitlin Doeglas scoring. Then two minutes later Balcatta won it, and it was Doeglas again on target. Good build up from the back ended with Doeglas on the left, and she raced into goal, and she chipped over the on-coming keeper and into an empty net, sending them into their fourth successive pre-season decider, and they will look to go back-to-back at Percy Doyle Reserve next Sunday against the Azzurri, while Perth RedStar will meet Fremantle City in the third and fourth play-off.

"Not our best performance in the night series campaign so far, but I've always said we have to take the ugly wins with football. I thought our first half we controlled a lot of the ball but didn't carve out any clear goal scoring opportunities and Fremantle made it difficult for us with their defensive structure,” Balcatta coach Peter Rakic explained. “In the second half they certainly brought the game to us which forced us to lift our intensity, there were moments for both sides in terms of dictating the game, so it really could have gone either way. I thought the impact from our subs made the difference and the two quick fire goals from Caitlin Doeglas is something we can always expect from her with the quality she possesses in front of goal. I know the girls will be looking forward to a repeat of last year's final against Perth and it sets up a huge week for us to prepare and be ready for a tough fight.”

8.3.2026

MATILDAS AND KOREA REPUBLIC PLAY OUT A SIX-GOAL THRILLER

The Matildas have failed to top Group A in the Women’s Asian Cup, after a thrilling 3-3 draw against Korea Republic at Stadium Australia in Sydney. An early strike by Mun Eun-ju gave Korea the lead, but goals from Alanna Kennedy and Sam Kerr sent the Matildas into the break with the lead. But two quick second-half goals from substitutes Kim Shin-Ji and Kang Chae-Rim turned the game around. It looked like a loss, but Kennedy levelled deep into stoppage time, sending the record-breaking 60,279 fans into raptures, but the result leaves Korea Republic in pole position.

“We were just careless in certain things," Montemurro said post-match. “We didn't get our distances right, probably the ball speed was a bit too slow at times. It's a pity, because in the first half especially we sort of adjusted tactically and it work, and then in the second-half, the whole idea was to manage the game and we got ourselves caught. You never doubt the fight, you never doubt the confidence and the fight, but we need to manage games better. We were very patchy tonight and I think when you play against a quality team, and when they can retain the ball, you're not going to get the result you want."

Australia made five changes to the side that beat Iran last time out, Mackenzie Arnold, Winonah Heatley, Claire Wheeler, Steph Catley and Katrina Gorry coming in with Chloe Lincoln, Courtney Nevin, Emily van Egmond, Amy Sayer and Charlize Rule dropping to the bench. The Matildas were on the front foot early, Kerr’s shot from distance was straight at Kim Min-Jeong, before Kennedy sent Ella Carpenter down the right, her cross picked out Caitlin Foord, but the Arsenal striker couldn’t keep her shot down. They lost Catley after a head knock, becoming the second Matildas player to leave the field with concussion in the last two games, replaced by Nevin. But on 13 minutes, and with their first attack the Korea Republic opened the scoring.

Kerr gave the ball away and Korea Republic broke quickly, with Jeon Yu-Gyeong racing away down the left, and her cross was turned home low past Arnold by Eun-Ju. They went close to a second moments later, Eun-Ju heading over the top. The crowd were stunned, and Korea went close again, with a quick free kick catching the Matildas napping, but Noh Jin-Young shot from distance was saved by Arnold. The Matildas lifted and on the half hour Kerr found Mary Fowler, and her goalbound shot was deflected wide. Then from the resulting corner the Matildas levelled, Korea Republic failed to deal with it, the ball falling to Fowler, and her shot was turned home by the alert Kennedy.

The Matildas ended the half well, and Fowler sent Kerr in on goal, and the former Perth Glory skipper raced clear, but fired wide of the target. They were in again in the third minute of stoppage time, Foord finding space on the edge of the box, but her shot flashed wide of the target. It looked like they would go into the break level, but Kerr had other ideas, giving the Matildas the lead in the final minute of stoppage time. Foord teeing up Kerr, and she found the bottom corner of the net from the edge of the box, to send Montemurro’s side into the break with the lead.

Korea Republic made a great start to the second half, and restored parity four minutes in. Half time substitute Chae-Rim raced into the box, and her shot was pushed around the post by Arnold. But it looked like her shot struck the arm of Nevin, and after a VAR check Korea Republic were awarded a penalty. The other half time substitute Shin-Ji sent Arnold the wrong way from the resulting spot kick. Then shortly after they hit the front again, Chae-Rim finding space on the edge of the box and finished low past Arnold.

The Matildas were struggling to break down a tight Korean defence, while they were hitting on the counter attack, and on 70 minutes Chae-Rim was denied by Arnold. Substitute Emily van Egmond fired over the top five minutes from time, but time was running out. Kennedy saw her header saved by Min-Jeong, and it looked like defeat, but in the eighth minute of stoppage time the Matildas levelled. Kerr laid off for the onrushing Kennedy and she thundered home, but it wasn’t enough to seal top spot in the group.

Their path to the final will now run through Perth, where they’ll face either North Korea or China in a quarterfinal at Perth Oval and then, in all likelihood, face the other one at Perth Stadium if they progress through that. The South Koreans, meanwhile, will face one of the third-placed finishers in Sydney and then, should they go through there as expected, face off with Japan in a huge semi-final. “We know we needed the win tonight, so it felt like a loss,” Sam Kerr said. “There were a few chances we should have put away and would like to put away. Three goals are nice to score but three goals conceded is disappointing. [China and North Korea are] both good teams. Hopefully it goes better than tonight.”

Australia: GK Mackenzie Arnold, 3 Winonah Heatley (23 Kyra Cooney-Cross 84’), 4 Clare Hunt, 6 Clare Wheeler (17 Amy Sayer 71’), 7 Steph Catley (2 Courtney Nevin 19’), 9 Caitlin Foord, 11 Mary Fowler, 14 Alanna Kennedy, 19 Katrina Gorry (10 Emily van Egmond 84’), 20 Sam Kerr, 21 Ellie Carpenter – Subs not used: RGK Chloe Lincoln, RGK Morgan Aquino, 5 Jamilla Rankin, 8 Kaitlyn Torpey, 13 Alex Chidiac, 15 Kahli Johnson, 22 Michelle Heyman, 24 Charlize Rule, 25 Holly McNamara, 26 Remy Siemsen

Korea Republic: GK Kim Min-Jung, 5 Ko Yoo-Jin, 9 Mun Eun-Ju (26 Kim Min-Ji 90+7'), 10 Ji So-Yun (2 Kim Jin-Hui 71'), 11 Choe Yu-Ri (23 Kang Chae-Rim), 13 Park Soo-Jeong, 14 Jung Min-Young (8 Kim Shin-Ji 45'), 15 Jeon Yu-Gyeong (6 Casey Phair 78'), 16 Jang Sel-Gi, 19 Noh Jin-Young (25 Lee Min-Hwa 90+1'), 20 Kim Hye-Ri – Subs not used: RGK Ryu Ji-Su, 3 Park Hye-Jeong, 4 Shin Na-Yeong, 7 Son Hwa-Yeon, 12 Song Jae-Eun, 17 Choi Yoo-Jung, 22 Choo Hyo-Joo, 24 Lee Eun-Young

8.3.2026

NPLWA – MENS – WEEK TWO REVIEW

Stirling Macedonia have joined the unbeaten Bayswater City and Western Knights, who both won on Friday and Saturday afternoon respectively, at the top of the New Balance NPLWA – Men’s table after a 3-0 win against Sorrento at Percy Doyle Reserve on Saturday evening. “We started the game very well and we should have scored early, but after that Sorrento took control of the game for the rest of first half and we weren’t great on the ball and start losing possession easy and not being patient in our build up play,” Stirling coach Ago Mujic explained. “Second half was different story, we dominated all second half and scored three goals, and also very pleased with clean sheet again.”

A tight first half with both sides having their chances, but it was the visitors who found the opener on the hour. Jamie Bilaloski ball over the top sent Callum Mackenzie clear and he lifted the ball over the on-coming Ben Ratajczak. They doubled their advantage ten minutes later, Mackenzie raced down the left, his cross hit the arm of Ronan Dowling, and the referee pointed to the spot. Mackenzie stepped and sent Ratajczak the wrong way from the resulting penalty. They sealed the points soon after, Joshua Anasmo sending fellow substitute Kai Matthews down the left, and his cross fell to Mackenzie, whose half volley completed his hat-trick.

In Saturday’s other early game, the points were shared at the RedStar Arena, with Perth RedStar and Olympic Kingsway playing out a 0-0 draw. “I thought we played excellent today. It was mostly an even contest although I thought we finished both halves’ better than Kingsway and just need to be more clinical to get the three points,” RedStar coach Callum Salmon said. “We go again Bayswater next week and we’ll be looking to improve again and come away with the win.” The visitors had the better chances in the first half, Robert Harker shot found the side netting after 13 minutes, and Liam Reddy denied the striker again as they pushed for the opener.

Mitch Oxborrow then stung the palms of Reddy, and the former Glory keeper did enough to keep it out, while RedStar’s best chance fell to skipper Blair Govan, who headed wide of the target. After the break RedStar were on the front foot and Aaron Black’s shot on the run flew over the top, before Sonny O’Shea’s dangerous ball into the box was well claimed by Adrian Sinagra, with Black ready to pounce. They went even closer on the hour, Black’s cross shot beat Sinagra, but hit the far post and away to safety. The chances kept coming at both ends, substitute Daniel De Silva’s shot was well blocked by Luke Bodnar, after good work from former RedStar striker Bryce Bafford.

RedStar skipper Gordon Smith was then denied late by Sinagra, before Reddy made a smart save at his post to thwart Harker. RedStar almost won it in stoppage time, Black crossing to teenage substitute Teddie Curran, but his header was saved by Sinagra. “It was a tough game in the extreme heat. I was happy with the effort from the boys and we defended well to limit RedStar to very few chances,” Olympic coach David Tough said. “We had a few chances ourselves but couldn’t take them. The squad was a bit stretched today, but it was good to get more minutes into Bafford and De Silva, and the clean sheet was a positive. Overall, I felt both teams cancelled each other out and a draw was probably a fair result.”

In the late game at the Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve we had a seven-goal thriller, with Fremantle City beating hosts Balcatta Etna 4-3 to win the Sicilian Cup. “It was great to get the job done in the end, and we knew it was going to be a really tough match, with Balcatta looking to bounce back after their match against Baysie,” Inglewood’s Chad Nilson explained. “I thought we controlled the majority of the game, and got a deserved win in the end. For us, now it’s about playing at this level consistently, because we know we can be a top side.”

The visitors were ahead on eight minutes, good work down the left by Nilson, saw him beat his marker and crossed to Iljas Ahmedov, who scored from close-range. But Balcatta were level seven minutes later, a loose pass was pounced on by Matthew Tomassone, his shot was blocked but it fell to Jon Stynes, who volleyed home superbly from the edge of the box. Fremantle were back in front sixty seconds later, Max Naylor cross found Nilson, whose shot on the turn beat Stefan Sotirovski. Balcatta went into the break level, after they equalised just before the half hour mark, with Darius Ghinea cutting inside the left of the penalty area, and he curled home superbly past Luke Radonich.

The hosts hit the front for the first time on the night seven minutes into the second half. Charlie Betts’ shot was saved by Radonich, with half time substitute Charlie Betts headed the rebound back across goal and Ghinea scored from close-range. But Fremantle weren’t finished and two quick goals sealed the win. First on 65 minutes Nilson was brought down in the box by Hayden Lowe, and the referee pointed straight to the spot. Charlie Chechlacz stepped and sent Sotirovski the wrong way from the resulting penalty. Then three minutes later they won it, John Chalmers’ ball out wide found Nilson, and he cut inside his marker and finished clinically to seal the three points. “Not entirely happy with conceding three but a good resilient gritty performance,” Fremantle coach Dale Wingnell said. “Chad Nielson was very good in key moments, so we will take the three points and look to remedy our mistakes and will look to improve next week.”

8.3.2026

GLORY EARN A VALUABLE POINT IN AUCKLAND

Perth Glory have fought an entertaining 2-2 draw against second placed Auckland FC in their week 20 Isuzu Ute A-League clash at the Go Media Stadium on Sunday morning. Sam Cosgrove gave the hosts the lead early, and it looked like being a long day for Adam Griffiths’ side, but goals either side of half time from Brian Kaltak and Stefan Colakovski saw Glory take the lead. The hosts secured a point on the hour, with Cosgrove’s header coming off the post and into the net off the unfortunate Matt Sutton. Both sides had chances to win it, but they had to settle for a point.

The Glory sit four points out of a finals spot, and skipper Scott Wotton said they were disappointed not take all three points. “I think if you offered us a point away to Auckland at the start of the season we would have taken it, so it’s a good point against a very strong team, who have been the benchmark since they come into the league,” Wotton said post-match. “But the circumstances of the game, coming from behind, to go 2-1 up, we’re a bit disappointed not to take three points, especially in the situation we’re in, trying to make the top six.”

It’s been a hectic couple of weeks with travel for Glory, and Adam Griffiths made just the one change to the side that draw in Brisbane last week. Gio De Abreu missed the game due to suspension, with Will Freney replacing him in the heart of the midfield. The hosts needed a win to keep tabs on league leaders Newcastle, and they were out of the blocks early, taking the lead on seven minutes. Glory failed to clear a free kick, the ball falling to Cosgrove who fired low past matt Sutton. Shortly after Cosgrove was the supplier sending Guillermo May into the box, his shot flashed inches past the post.

The visitors were on the back foot as Auckland continued to dominate, and Sutton got down well to save Jesse Randell’s shot, before Logan Rogerson blazed over the top from close-range. Glory weathered the storm and started to get into the game, and Colakovski fired over the top on the half hour, after neat build up from Charbel Shamoon. Then six minutes before the break they levelled, a corner from the left by Luca Tevere, was flicked on by Nicholas Pennington at the front post, and Kaltak, who was playing his 100th A-League game, dived in to head home, before being swamped by his teammates, and it was all-square at the break.

Auckland began well again after the break, Cosgrove downward header bouncing over the top, before Sutton made a good one-handed save to deny Cameron Howieson eight minutes in. But on 56 minutes Glory stunned the home crowd as they hit the front. Tevere was given far too much room in the middle of the park, and the midfielder drove at the Auckland defence, before slipping in a perfectly weighted through ball to Colakovski who finished clinically past Michael Woud, and went off to celebrate in front of the home supporters, which didn’t go down well, and earned him a yellow card.

But six minutes later the hosts were level, Francis De Vries’ cross was powered home by Cosgrove via the post, but the referee spotted a foul and disallowed the goal. But after a VAR check the goal was given, and own goal to Sutton, the ball striking the keeper off the post. Both sides had chances to win it, May’s effort from the edge of the box was saved low by Sutton, before substitute Adam Taggert fired one inches wide of the post from distance, but at full time the points were shared. It’s a return to Wellington next week for Sutton, and he looking forward to the game. “I’m looking forward to Wellington next week, I have good memories playing at that stadium,” the big defender said. “But all the focus will be trying to get the win. It will be a huge game, as we look to get into the top six.”

Auckland FC: GK ?Michael WOUD, 3 Jake GIRDWOOD-REICH, 7 Cameron HOWIESON (22 Jake BRIMMER 65'), 8 Felipe GALLEGOS (77 Lachlan BROOK 65'), 9 Sam COSGROVE, 10 Guillermo MAY, 15 Francis DE VRIES, 17 Callan ELLIOT (35 Jonty BIDOIS 90+4'), 21 Jesse RANDALL, 23 Dan HALL, 27 Logan ROGERSON (6 Louis VERSTRAETE 65') – Subs not used: RGK Jimmy HILTON, 14 Liam GILLION, 52 Luka VICELICH

Perth Glory: GK Matt SUTTON, 2 Charbel SHAMOON, 3 Sam SUTTON, 4 Scott WOOTTON, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 8 Callum TIMMINS (19 Josh RISDON 83'), 9 Jaiden KUCHARSKI (22 Adam TAGGART 67'), 18 Luca TEVERE (20 Trent OSTLER 67'), 27 Will FRENEY (24 Andriano LEBIB 90'), 45 Brian KALTAK, 67 Stefan COLAKOVSKI (23 Anthony DIDULICA 90') – Subs not used: RGK Ryan WARNER, 16 Gabriel POPOVIC – Attendance: 12,777 - Referee: Declan Woods

8.3.2026

BELT UP AMATEUR PREMIER DIVISION NIGHT SERIES – WEEK THREE WRAP

The semi-finalists in the Belt-Up Amateur Premier Division Night Series with Wanneroo City winning Group A, with North Perth United top of Group B, and Kelmscott Roos winning Group C, while Noranda Emerald secured their place as the highest runners-up. In Group A on Friday evening at Wanneroo Reserve, the hosts sealed top spot after a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Maccabi in the late game. “Friday night was a very tough game, Maccabi were a great test, they came to play and have a go,” Wanneroo coach Jason Winter explained. “We conceded just before halftime, but our reaction to going behind was very pleasing from the lad. We made five subs after the break, and all had a great impact, so it was good to win the group and make a semi-final.”

Maccabi, who could have reached the semi-final with a victory, found the opener on 37 minutes, a corner, found Dion Berman at the back post and he brought it down and crossed back in and Langdon Heath headed it in at the near post. But the hosts levelled two minutes later, a great ball from Sam Gammack picked out Robbie Sallis who headed home. Wanneroo were ahead on the hour, with jack Wilson converting from the spot, and it looked like they would go on and win it, but in the final minute Maccabi restored parity. A corner wasn’t dealt with and in the goalmouth scramble Aamon Zothner fired home from close-range. “We’re obviously disappointed at not getting the win we needed to progress to the semis,” Maccabi coach Ricky Berelowitz explained.

“But I’m certainly pleased with a lot of aspects of our performance especially still so early in the year and with a number of key players missing, “They’re a good side who will certainly look to be near the top of the ladder this season but I felt we matched them for long periods especially in the first half, and pleased that we didn’t give up and kept pushing in the last 15 minutes. Unfortunately, there were periods where we went into our shell a bit and didn’t play our usual game, and hopefully with a bit more fitness and as we get into the season, we’ll be able to put in 90-minute performances.”

In the early game at the venue a goal 16 minutes from time from Sam Church, gave Simone Sichel’s Kingsley Westside a 1-0 win against Olympic Kingsway. “It was a very good contest against a strong Olympic Kingsway side with a lot of quality players and a very good coaching staff. Even though it was still a pre-season game, it had the very high pace and a great intensity through all the 90 minutes,” Kingsley coach Simone Sichel explained. “Olympic are a well-organised team and they made it a tough game for us. I thought we created a number of good chances across the match and, overall, we probably did enough to deserve the win, even if we could have been a bit more clinical in front of goal. It was also pleasing to keep a clean sheet against opposition of that quality, our goal keeper Tom (Bull) just after we scored made a great safe to keep us ahead. I’m proud of the work rate and attitude the players showed, and it’s encouraging to start seeing the work we’re doing during the week translate onto the pitch. It’s still early days and there’s a lot to improve, but it was a positive step for the group.”

Also on Friday, at Kingfisher Park North Perth United secured top spot after a thrilling 5-3 win against Hamersley Rovers. A win for either team would see them win the group and it was United who took control with three goals in the opening 25 minutes. First on eight minutes Connor Hartley was brought down in the box, and Barry Boggan converted from the spot. They added a second ten minutes later, great work down the right by Eoin Haverty and Marcus Seydel, saw the ball find Reagan McGoldrick who fired it into the roof of the net from distance. It was 3-0 after new signing Ben Green raced into the box and was upended, and Boggan added his second penalty.

Rovers pulled one back on the half hour, with Callum Duguid scoring, and just before the break North Perth were reduced to ten-men, with McGoldrick sent off. Rovers were right back in the game early in the second half, with Duguid adding his second from the spot, after Alex Wild was sent off to bring United down to nine. But the nine-men added a fourth shortly after, new signing Marcus Seydel got his first goal for the club, after a long diagonal ball split the defence and he took one touch before finishing with aplomb past Jack Telford. Rovers continued to press and pulled another one back 12 minutes from time, with Bryan Nobles making it 4-3 also from the penalty spot, and it was game on. But three minutes from time United sealed the win, Boggan broke away and spotted Shane Wyse out on the right, he took a lovely touch past the defender then lobbed the onrushing keeper. “Happy to reach the semi-final,” North Perth coach Chris Batten said. “It was a crazy game with four penalties and two red cards for us, and there wasn’t even a bad tackle in the game either.”

In the early game Swan United have won their first game in the competition beating Ballajura 4-1. The Swans were ahead when youngster Tom White fired home from the edge of box on his first team debut. Things went from bad to worse for Ballajura five minutes from the break, with Marc Heger sent off, and Liam Merigan converted the resulting free kick in the edge of the box. They added a third on 71 minutes, Aidan Murray volleying home from a free kick out wide, before Dami Afolabi made it 4-0 with a clinical strike from edge of the box. Ballajura found a late consolation goal with Shohab Shujai on target. “Our squad depth has been tested this week with various players unavailable, so it was pleasing to see some of the younger lads step up and end the group with a win,” Swan coach Lee Taylor said. “Our performances have been better in previous weeks and we’ve probably not picked up the points our performances deserved so far. Disappointed not to progress to the next round but pleased with the direction we are heading and we can now focus on getting ready for the main season.”

So, there were two places up for grabs in Saturday evening’s Group C games, and it was Kemscott Roos who sealed top spot with a hard fought 2-1 win against Kwinana United at Kelly Park “It was another good performance from the whole squad, and every player played their part in an important win,” Kelmscott keeper Taylor Warwick said. “Kwinana looked dangerous early, but we weathered the storm on a really hot day, and found an important goal that turned the game into our favour. It’s nice to get into another semifinal, and all our hard work in preseason is paying dividends early which is nice.” Kelmscott were ahead early, a corner was sent to the back post by Gerhard McGahey, and Emmanuel made no mistake, heading home. It was a tight game with Kwinana pushing for the equaliser, but it was Kelmscott who added a second, nine minutes from time. McGahey picked the ball up in the midfield and played a great ball over the Kwinana backline, which found Lemeo Wordu, who took a great first touch and finished low past the keeper. Kwinana found a consolation goal in stoppage time, with Thomas Walsh converting from th spot, but the Roos held firm to seal their semi-final spot.

In the late game, a good win for Noranda Emerald would see them pip Hamersley Rovers for the highest runners up place, and they delivered, with a 7-0 win against a depleted Jaguar side who only had ten players. Rovers had six points and a goal difference of +2, so they just had to win to progress, and they started brightly and were 3-0 up at the break. Darragh Carroll broke the deadlock from a corner, this after some great saves from the Jags keeper Lam Gai to keep the scores level. New signing Aaron McDaid got his first goal for the club, and duly added his second before the break. They went on with it after the break, Conor Hogan added fourth early from another corner, before a quick-fire brace from Lee Wilson made it 6-0, before Ronan Flaherty rounded off the scoring late. ‘We’re happy to have snuck in as the best runner up,’ coach Payl Curran said. “We’ve been using the night series to blood new players and try out some formations and try new players in different positions so we’re happy to continue with hopefully a couple more competitive matches before the league starts. The other three teams look to be in good shape early on, so it should make for two good semifinals.”

7.3.2026

ATHENA TAKE OUT STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES FINAL

Floreat Athena are the 2026 State League Night Series winners, after a 4-1 win against Inglewood United at Proto DPS Inglewood stadium on Saturday evening. Both sides were unbeaten in this year’s competition, but it was Floreat who led at the break after Jacob Young headed home. They added two more early in the second half with Harry Lewis and Luis Adlard on target, and although Royston Griffiths pulled one back for the hosts, a goal seven minutes from time from Jordan Langley sealed the win.

We started slowly but grew into the game, and we’re delighted to win the Night Series, but it’s only preseason, we have a lot of work to do,” Athena coach Alun Vernals said post-match. “We took our chances well and I was pleased how we defended, just one slip up gave them a sniff, but we now prepare for our cup game against UWA Nedlands next week, and our opening league game against them in two weeks time.”

It was a slow start to the game with clear cut chances few and far between, the best for the hosts saw Liam Hudson cut in from the left, but he couldn’t keep his shot down, while at the other end Lewis’ in-swinging corner was pushed away by Inglewood keeper Jordan Barbas. The home side had the ball int the net on 18 minutes, Gavin Byars turning home from close-range. But the flag was up for offside. It was a good spell from Inglewood, and Floreat custodian Devon Lindemann did well to block Byars close-range effort, before Ciaran Salinger volleyed over the top.

Floreat lifted, and their best chance fell to Jordan Langley on 26 minutes, pouncing on a mistake in the middle of the park and raced into goal, but Barbas stood tall to save. It was end-to-end football and the lively Byars saw his shot flash wide, after good work on the right by Declan Hudson. Moments later Tom Wassholm’s teasing cross was pushed away by Barbas at full stretch. But five minutes before the break it was Floreat who made the break through. Wassholm’s corner from the left picked out Jacob Young, who had replaced Rhys Davies earlier, and he rose highest to head home, and send Floreat to the sheds with a 1-0 lead.

Inglewood went close to the equaliser early in the second half, Byars firing over the top, after Floreat didn’t clear a long-throw. But eight minutes in it was Floreat who doubled their lead, Wassholm made space down the left, his low cross picked out Lewis, whose shot was well saved by Barbas, but Tomlinson was first to react to the rebound to score from close-range. Inglewood should have pulled one back moments later, after Lindermann didn’t deal with a long clearance, and Shane McMonagle beat him to the ball, and his lob crashed off the bar, and back into the grateful arms of the Floreat custodian.

That miss came back to haunt the hosts, with Floreat adding a third shortly after, a stunning curling effort from the edge of the box by Luis Adlard. Inglewood found a lifeline on the hour, Ciaran Salinger’s free kick was spilled by Lindermann, and Griffiths scored from close-range. But Inglewood couldn’t find another, and it was Floreat who went close next, Barbas saving well to deny Langley, and the Inglewood shot stopper saved again to deny Wassholm moments later.

The game was put to bed seven minutes from time, when Floreat added a fourth. A cross-field pass by Joshua Willis found Wassholm on the left, he cut inside the box but his shot was well saved by Barbas, but Langley fired home the rebound. In the 3rd and 4th playoff game early, Gwelup Croatia came back from behind to beat Subiaco AFC 2-1. Jonty Pearson gave Subiaco the lead early, but second half goal from McDermott and a Jacob Rossi completed the comeback win.

Inglewood United: GK Jordan Barbas, 4 Ciaran Salinger, 5 Shane McMonagle, 6 Kian Mcguigan, 7 Liam Hudson, 10 Rostyn Griffiths, 11 Declan Hudson (2 Filip Minic 57’), 14 Martin Coughlan (12 Leon Giglia 57’), 15 Gavin Byars (17 Oliver Simpson 79’), 16 Daniel Nikoloski (9 Charlie Nicholson 60’), 18 Jordan Brown – Subs not used: 21 Gianluca De Felice, 38 Oliver Niyobuhugiro, 58 Louis Giglia

Floreat Athena: GK Devon Lindemann, 4 Nathan Ng (20 Mohammed Al-Zaidy 62’), 5 Rhys Davies (16 Jacob Young 29’), 6 Declan Hargreaves, 8 Harvey Tomlinson, 9 Tom Wassholm, 10 Jordan Langley (21 Moustafa Mohamed 84’), 11 Ajang Yuot, 13 Linus Persson, 19 Lewis Adler, 24 Harry Lewis (25 Joshua Willis 62’) - Subs not used: RGK Joshua Hunter, 3 Daniel Nga, 12 Rowan Steed – Referee: Tom Glavovic

7.3.2026

KNIGHTS TOO STRONG FOR DIANELLA

Western Knights have made it back-to-back wins to start the New Balance NPLWA – Men’s season after a 3-1 win against traditional rivals Dianella White Eagles in our Week Two ‘Match of the Round’ at a very warm Nash Field on Saturday afternoon. First half goals from Justin Tang and Aaron Pike set them on their way, before Pike added his second after the break. Franc Gamiz-Quer pulled one back late for the visitors, but the damage had already been done.

"I thought we handled the big game occasion very well and defensively we were very solid, especially when Dianella had a good period in the middle part of the first half,’ Knights coach Adam Kostrencic explained. “We created some very good opportunities in both halves and our goals were well worked and taken. We could have added a couple more but overall, another very good performance and result.”

It was a hot day in Perth, and with the temperature around 32 degrees at kick off and it was a cagey opening to the game, with both sides having half chances. First on eight minutes Dianella’s Miguel Restrepo shot on the run was over the top, and two minutes later Knights’ Konstantinos Sparta found Pike down the left channel, and his low shot was saved by Joel Driscoll. But on 14 minutes it was the hosts who found the opener. Sparta was sent out wide by Kristian Santich, and his cross into the box was turned home by Tang, much to the delight of the home faithful in the big crowd.

First on eight minutes Dianella’s Miguel Restrepo shot on the run was over the top, and two minutes later Knights’ Konstantinos Sparta found Pike down the left channel, and his low shot was saved by Joel Driscoll. But on 14 minutes it was the hosts who found the opener. Sparta was sent out wide by Kristian Santich, and his cross into the box was turned home by Tang, much to the delight of the home faithful in the big crowd.

The Eagles looked for a quick response, but Daniel Zivkovic’s curling effort was just over the top. The Knights lifted the tempo, and had Dianella on the back foot and Santich’s snap shot flashed wide, before Sparta’s free kick was straight at Driscoll. The best chance of the half for the visitors came on 23 minutes, skipper Sasa Njegic was given far too much room in the middle of the park and his shot on the run flashed inches wide of the post, and moments later George Ballah’s long-range shot fizzed wide.

But seven minutes from half time it was the Knights who doubled their advantage. Sparta was the supplier again, crossing from the right to Jesse Lazzaro, and his shot was turned home by Aaron Pike. It was almost three sixty seconds later, the lively Santich racing clear, but his shot was well saved by the alert Driscoll, but at the break the hosts were well in command.

The visitors needed a good start after the break, but they found the Knights resolute in defence, with Daniel Walsh and Noah Lummert outstanding at the heart of the back four. Ian Ferguson’s side did go close on 53 minutes, good work down the right by former Knights striker Albert Luwi, saw him beat his marker and cross into the box, but there was no one there to finish it. Then three minutes later the home side showed them how to do it, adding a third. A neat back-heal from the impressive Sparta found Pike, and the striker still had a lot of work to do, but he weaved his way to the edge of the box before finishing with aplomb past Driscoll.

They went close to another on 75 minutes, with Walsh rising highest from Woonsub Sim’s corner, but he couldn’t direct his header home, and moments later Jesse Lazzaro’s curling effort drifted just wide of the post. Dianella found a lifeline three minutes from time, Kristian Despotovski’s corner headed home by Franc Gamiz-Quer, and they went close to a second in stoppage time, Lachan Collins firing over after Gamiz-Quer knock down. But it was too little too late, and it was the Knights taking the points, and making it two wins to start the season. - Footballwa - Man of the Match - Daniel Walsh (Western Knights)

Western Knights: GK Sam Reilly, 2 Regan Hutchinson, 4 Daniel Walsh, 6 Noah Lummert, 8 Woonsub Sim (3 Luke Sprigg 84’), 14 Aaron Pike (10 Jack Sprigg 73’), 15 Konstantinos Sparta (9 Manase Abandelwa 84’), 16 Justin Tang (18 Sammy Barry 64’), 20 Luke Hewings, 21 Jesse Lazzaro, 22 Kristian Santich - Subs not used: RGK Anthony Lance, 17 Asher Hwight

Dianella White Eagles: GK Joel Driscoll, 2 Lachlan Collins, 5 Franc Gamiz Quer, 7 George Ballah, 8 Asher Nelson, 10 Miguel Restrepo, 11 Daniel Zivkovic (23 Kristian Despotovski 63’), 14 Kieran Colwell (3 Michael McDougall 63’), 15 Sasa Njegic, 17 Albert Luwi, 20 Andrew Palmer (16 Jack Heffernan 63’) – Subs not used: RGK Peter Pilkadaris, 4 Jim Oranje, 18 Event Kadenge – Referee: Stewart Beattie

6.3.2026

SPARROW PLEASED WITH GUTSY PERFORMANCE

Bayswater City were made to work hard for their 2-0 win against Armadale on Friday evening and coach Matthew Sparrow said it wasn’t pretty at times against a resolute Armadale side. “It was a really tough game and credit to Armadale, they made it very difficult for us at times,” Sparrow said post-match. “We never really got going in the first half and probably rode our luck a little bit, they were organised, competitive and asked us a few questions that we had to deal with. Sometimes you have to win ugly and that’s exactly what we did. I thought our discipline and resilience were important, especially when we weren’t quite at our best. Lewy Italiano between the sticks had a superb game for us and made some really important saves to keep us in it.

“The second half was much better from our point of view. We used the extra man well, started to move the ball quicker and control the game a bit more, and eventually found the breakthrough from Chris, then he wrapped it up in injury time with a well-taken penalty which gave us a bit of breathing space. Overall, another three points and a clean sheet is extremely satisfying given the circumstances of how the game went. It wasn’t pretty at times but it showed another side to the group and sometimes those are the wins that mean the most over the course of a season.” Bayswater will be on the road next weekend, with a visit to the RedStar Arean to take on their former skipper Gordon Smith’s Perth RedStar (3:00pm)

6.3.2026

GLORY AND AZZURRI SHARE THE SPOILS AS BAYSWATER DOWN ARMADALE

Week Two of the New Balance NPLWA – Men’s competition started on Friday evening, and Perth Azzurri and Perth Glory have played out a 2-2 draw at Dorrien Gardens. Louis Sollitt gave Joe Heath’s team the lead early in the second half, but late goals from Gordon Perkins and Pieter Jacbsz looked to have won it for Kenny Lowe’s side, but substitute Santiago Flores scored at the death to give both sides a hard-fought point.

“Much better performance from the squad this week, and I thought we should have been 3-0 up in the first 15 minutes of the game,” Glory coach Joe Heath said. “We created a lot of chances in the final third first half but just need to be more composed in them moments. We took the lead early in the second half, but I felt like we started to tire after 70 minutes and allowed Azzurri back into the game through switching off defensively, however, we shown great resilience to again snatch an equaliser late in the game.”

Before the game the Azzurri rolled back the years, celebrating the side of 2016 who won the NPL title and Top Four Cup. They took all before them that season, the likes of Catarcione, De Leo, Soale, Madaschi, Keltie, Sabatini, Pizzata, Orr, Milenkovic, and Silla led by the coach Ramon Falzon, and Clarke Keltie tossed the coin prior to kick off, a great team and well done to the club for honouring the players on the night.

It was a tight opening with both sides having their chances, the best for Glory saw Sollitt denied by Liam Driscoll, while Seb Despotovski hit the post, while for the Azzurri Perkins and Jacobsz going close, the latter hitting the woodwork late, but at the break it was all square. It was Glory who found the opener six minutes into the second half. A neat flick in the middle of the park by skipper Seb Despotovski found Oliver Evans, and his through ball picked out Sollitt who finished clinically past Liam Driscoll.

But ten minutes from time the Azzurri levelled. Glory failed to clear the ball down the left, and Sam Riak won a 50/50 ball and found Ethan Banks, who played the ball out to substitute Julian Kelly, and his cross was turned home by Perkins. It was game on, and the hosts thought they had taken all three points, when they hit the front in the final minute. Banks’ cross from the left was well brought down by Jacobsz, and last season’s Golden Boot winner, fired home, with the Glory players looking for an offside flag, that never came. It looked like Glory had let it slip, but straight from the kick off they restored parity. Alfie Knight helped on a Max Argent throw and fellow substitute Flores finished well, to give both sides a share of the spoils.

In the other game on Friday evening, last season’s champions Bayswater City made it back-to-back wins to start the season after a 2-0 win against Armadale at Frank Drago Reserve. The visitors missed an early penalty with Hamish van Dieken’s spot kick hitting the post, and they were reduced to ten men shortly after Corey Sutherland was sent off. Chris Jackson gave the hosts the lead midway through the second half and he sealed the win with a penalty in stoppage time, after Armadale defender Emerson Alexis was sent off for handball in the box.

Armadale, who were coming off a heavy loss against the Knights in the opening round, should have taken the lead on 18 minutes. Cherno Bah sent Abraham Mathet racing clear and he was brought down by Lewis Italiano, and the referee pointed straight to the spot. Armadale skipper Van Dieken stepped up and sent Italiano the wrong way from the resulting penalty, but the ball crashed off the post and away to safety. It was a lucky let off for the hosts, but it went from bad to worse for the visitors with Corey Sutherland shown a straight red card after a heavy challenge on Sam Micthinson. Both sides had chances in the rest of the half, but it was scoreless at the break.

Bayswater made their numerical advantage count after the break, taking the lead on 68 minutes, with former Armadale striker Jackson heading home Declan Hughes’ corner. To Armadale’s credit they held firm, but the hosts sealed the points in stoppage time. BorBor Sam sending Jackson in on goal, he rounded Armadale keeper David Keenan, but his shot was deflected wide by Emerson Alexis. The referee said the defender had used his hand, and awarded a penalty, and sent him off, and Jackson stepped and fired past Keenan to seal the 2-0 win.

6.3.2026

KENNEDY AT THE DOUBLE AS MATILDAS EASE PAST IRAN

Australia have qualified for the knock out stage of the Women’s Asian Cup, after a 4-0 win against Iran at the Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast on Thursday evening. Former Perth Glory defender Alanna Kennedy scored a brace either side of half-time while Amy Sayer and Mary Fowler also found the net, the strike from Sayer was her first goal at a major tournament for Australia. The result means Joe Montemurro’s side will need to beat Korea Republic on Sunday in Matchday 3 in Sydney to top the group, but a draw will see them finish second in the group.

Montemurro said that the victory over Iran was a positive step towards building into the competition. “From day one, it was important we grow into the tournament,” he said. “We made sure that we're taking the steps forward in the way we want to play and in terms of being able to adapt to different structures and organisations against certain teams. So, it was a positive step forward to Korea Republic on Sunday evening.

“It's going to be an exciting game, with two teams that want to dominate the game, want to dominate possession,” he said. “It’s going to be a bit of a wrestling match from that perspective. I don’t like playing the Russian Roulette of goal difference. Those calculations, they never work. To be honest, even if we got the goal scenario, I would never let this team go in and say – ‘all we need is a draw to top the group’. It doesn't work, we go out to play our football, to win games, to excite. We always knew that we needed to win this game. so for me, it's just business as usual.”

Australia made five changes from the side that defeated the Philippines 1-0 in the opening match in Perth, with Charlize Rule and Courtney Nevin replacing Steph Catley and Winonah Heatley. Kennedy and Fowler came into midfield for Katrina Gorry and Clare Wheeler, while Sayer replaced Hayley Raso up front. With the rain pouring down, the Matildas made a perfect start, ahead on eight minutes. Ellie Carpenter played the ball out to Sayer on then right, and her cross shot looped over Maryam Yektaei and into the top of the net for the opener.

The crowd thought they had a second shortly after, but Caitlin Foord’s effort was ruled out due to offside. But the Arsenal striker was involved again on 27 minutes, her cross into the box picked out Fowler at the back post, who poked the ball home, a great return to the starting side for the Manchester City striker after a lengthy knee injury. Then ten minutes before the break they had a third, Emily van Egmond heading down to Sam Kerr, and the skipper teed up Kennedy who finished well. Kerr had another goal disallowed by VAR for offside before the break, but it was the Matildas well in control at the break.

It was more of the same after the break, with Iran defending deep, and Matildas keeper Chloe Lincoln a spectator. Then just before the hour mark it was 4-0, Van Egmond’s corner picking out Kennedy at the back post, who powered her header home. The hosts continue to press, looking for a fifth goal to send them to the top of the group, but they couldn’t find one. The best effort fell to substitute Remy Siemsen late, but she was denied by a smart save from Iran’s substitute keeper Raha Yazdani.

Hayley Raso was forced off the pitch with only minutes to go in the game after showing symptoms of a concussion, after two head injuries in quick succession and replaced by Michelle Heyman. Kennedy said the win has helped build confidence within the team ahead of the final group stage game against Korea Republic. “There's a few things we needed to work on,” she said. “It’s a tough opposition, having to break teams down like that. For us, we wanted to get some goals, and a bit of confidence in our performance as well. I think we got that. Hopefully, we can build and grow in the next game as well.”

Australia: GK Chloe Lincoln, 2 Courtney Nevin, 4 Clare Hunt (7 Steph Catley 72’), 9 Caitlin Foord (16 Hayley Raso 59’) (22 Michelle Heyman 90+11'), 10 Emily van Egmond, 11 Mary Fowler (25 Holly McNamara 59’), 14 Alanna Kennedy, 17 Amy Sayer, 20 Sam Kerr (26 Remy Siemsen 59’), 21 Ellie Carpenter (8 Kaitlyn Torpey 72’), 24 Charlize Rule – Subs not used: RGK Mackenzie Arnold, RGK Morgan Aquino, 3 Winonah Heatley, 5 Jamilla Rankin, 6 Clare Wheeler, 13 Alex Chidiac, 15 Kahli Johnson, 19 Katrina Gorry, 23 Kyra Cooney-Cross

Iran: GK Maryam Yektaei (RGK Raha Yazdani 45’), 2 Atefeh Imani, 3 Atefeh Ramezanizadeh (10 Fatemeh Pasandideh 42’), 4 Melika Motevalli, 6 Cahra Sarbali, 8 Shabnam Behesht (20 Sara Didar 55’), 9 Zahra Ghanbari, 13 Fatemeh Amineh, 15 Mohaddesh Zolfi (21 Golnoosh Khosravi 45’), 16 Fatemeh Shaban, 23 Mona Hamoudi – Subs not used: RGK Kahra Khajava, 7 Afsaneh Chatrenoor, 11 Maryan Dini, 14 Fatemeh Makhdoumi, 17 Shahnaz Jafarizadeh, 18 Sina Sadeghi, 19 Roujin Tamrian, 24 Kosar Anbari, 26 Behnaz Taherkhani

6.3.2026

KNIGHTS HOST DIANELLA IN OUR WEEK TWO NPLWA ‘MATCH OF THE ROUND’

We head into Week Two of the New Balance NPLWA – Men’s season, and our ‘Match of the Round’ takes us to Nash Field on Saturday afternoon, where Western Knights take on traditional rivals Dianella White Eagles. (4:00pm) We do have two games on Friday evening to kick the round off, Bayswater City, who sit top of the league after their big win against Balcatta, and they will look to make it back-to-back when they host Armadale, who were well beaten in the opening week by the Knights, at Frank Drago Reserve, while in the other game Perth Azzurri will look to bounce back from their defeat last week against Olympic, when they host Perth Glory at Dorrien Gardens. (Both kick off at 7:00pm)

In our ‘Match of the Round’ the Knights started the season with a bang, beating Armadale convincingly on the road, while Dianella came home with a hard-earned point in a 1-1 draw against Perth RedStar, and both will be pleased to start their campaigns with solid performances, and will be hoping to build on it this week. The last time these two sides played in the Premier League at Nash Field was in 1998, when the Knights prevailed 6-2, with Ronnie Campbell’s side going on to win the title that season. The last time they played in Division One at the venue was in 2023, when the hosts secured a 5-1 win.

In the game, Alex Kretowicz turned home Albert Luwi’s cross from the right for the opener on five minutes, and Owen Goodliffe put the hosts two up after 26 minutes with a shot on the turn. Dianella player/coach Angel Andres pulled it back to 2-1 almost immediately when he shot went in via the underside of the crossbar, but it was all Knights from that point. Conor Devlin’s powerful shot provided a two-goal buffer early in the second half before Eagles Shane Barnes was shown a straight red card on the hour. Jack Bardsley completed the scoring with two close-range efforts in the final 20 minutes, and in that season, Adam Kostrencic led the Knights to the title, and back to the NPL.

Daniella head into the game in good form, with Daniel Zivkovic securing the draw last week at RedStar, and Ian Ferguson has worked really hard to strengthen the squad that won the Division One title last season, bringing in some experienced players, the likes of Chris Saldaris, Asher Nelson, Ben Hinshelwood and Andrew Palmer. Skipper Saša Njegic was pleased with the performance last week, and he felt they should have taken all three points. “We went into the game knowing it was going to be a tough one from previous experiences travelling there, but the boys did tremendously,” Njegic said. “We fought throughout the entire game, creating chances, controlling possession, and ultimately we felt a bit hard done by not coming away with the three points.”

The former Perth Glory youth midfielder said Saturday is a massive game for their supporters, and one they are all looking forward to, and he hopes the new look side can continue their good start to life in the NPL. “All the additions Fergie and the coaching staff have made have been welcomed with open arms - we know that if we want to be competitive in this league, then that competition has to stem from within the team in a healthy way, which it has,” Njegic said.

“All the boys who have joined us have not only been a big boost on the pitch in terms of quality but also off it, helping create and foster a great atmosphere. This fixture always brings a great atmosphere and quality football for the fans - it’s no secret that this fixture would be pencilled in the calendars of many people. As you mentioned, Western Knights had a good win on the weekend and will be looking to continue the form. However, our coaches and boys will take this like any other match, no difference in our preparation - we will have a game plan that we will be looking to execute and hopefully l come away with a favourable result.”

Western Knights faced a tough opening game at Armadale, but Adam Kostrencic’s side stunned the hosts, with goals from Jack Sprigg, Justin Tang, Aaron Pike, and Kristian Santich sealing a 4-1 win. The coach has added some quality to his squad, with imports Regan Hutchinson and Aaron Pike, joining the likes of Daniel Walsh, Luke Hewings, and last week’s scorer Sprigg. Knights skipper Jesse Lazzaro, said it was pleasing performance, and gives them something to build on.

“Away at Armadale is never an easy game so to come away with a 4-1 win is exactly how we would’ve liked to start our campaign,” Lazzaro said. “Besides one lapse at the back we were solid defensively and limited their chances, and I felt we were clinical going forward thanks to a few new additions. We’ve definitely strengthened the squad, every training session and game together we continue to gel more and more so I’m excited to see just how well we can perform as a team once we have a few more games under our belt together."

Lazzaro said they are hoping to continue their good start on Saturday, but he knows Dianella will be up for a big game, after their strong performance at RedStar, and he can’t wait for it. “I’ve marked this game and also the reverse fixture in my calendar, definitely ones I’m looking forward to the most,” the midfielder explained. “Both clubs have such an amazing and rich history with the best supporters in the league. Dianella are certainly no push overs with some of the best players in league and with their captain Sasa leading them they are going to be a team not to sleep on this year.”

In the other Saturday games there is a huge clash at the RedStar Arena, when David Tough returns to his former club, when Olympic Kingsway takes on hosts Perth RedStar (3:00pm). The hosts were held to a draw last week by Dianella, while Olympic started with 2-1 win against Azzurri. Balcatta Etna, who were stunned last week at Bayswater, will look to bounce back when they host Fremantle City at the Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve. (7:00pm), while Sorrento welcome Stirling Macedonia to Percy Doyle Reserve, also at 7:00pm.

6.3.2026

FLOREAT ATHENA AND INGLEWOOD UNITED MEET IN STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES FINAL

The 2026 State League Night Series, sees Inglewood United host Floreat Athena at the Proto DPS Inglewood Stadium on Saturday (7:15pm) Both sides topped the tables in the group stage, Inglewood winning Group F, with Floreat doing likewise in Group D, before both easing through the quarter and semifinals. Both sides were in the NPL in 2024, with Floreat winning both games, and that season Inglewood were relegated. Both are trying to return to the top flight, so a win in this one for either club would kick start the season, so it should be an entertaining game.

The last time these two clubs met in a Night Series Final, was in the Midland Brick Premier League Night Series in 2000, when Athena ran out convincing 6-0 winners. Vas Kalogeracos opened the scoring for Athena after just seven minutes, and they added a second ten minutes later, with Peter Coci’s shot deflecting off a defender before finding the back of the net. The match was killed off as a contest two minutes later when Doug Ithier made it 3-0 for Michael Roki’s side, before former Inglewood player Scott Daley added a fourth on the half hour. Daley bagged another early in the second half, before club legend Troy Bernard completed the rout 20 minutes from time.

Inglewood United beat holders Kingsley Westside in the quarterfinal, with Harry Lewis grabbing a brace with Jordan Langley bagging his third goal in the competition, in the 3-0 win. They then beat Subiaco AFC 4-2 in the semifinals, with goals from former Perth Glory and Melbourne City defender Rostyn Griffiths, Liam Hudosn and a brace from Gavin Byers. Defender Shane McNonagle said it should be a great contest, and he’s been pleased how the preseason has played out. “It’s been a really solid pre-season for us. The performances have been strong and consistent, and going unbeaten gives the group confidence,” he explained.

“More importantly, we’ve been building good habits and improving each week, and with the new coach coming in and a lot of fresh faces in the squad, there’s been a real positive energy around the group. The experienced lads have settled quickly and helped drive standards along with the young lads bringing energy to the team, and you can see the understanding starting to click on the pitch. Saturday will be a great test. They’ve had a strong run as well, so it sets up a proper final. These are the games you want to be involved in to help us prepare for the league.”

Floreat Athena beat Mandurah City 2-0 in the quarter finals, with goals from Jordan Brown and Shane McMonagle, before a 4-0 win against Gwelup Croatia in the semifinals, with goals from Swedish duo Tom Wassholm and Linus Perrson, with others to Rhys Davies and Nathan Ng. New midfielder Declan Hargreaves, who has joined the club from NPL side Balcatta this season, said the new look side is working hard, and they hope to finish their preseason with a trophy to show for it, but he is expecting a stern test against his former coach Glen Groastate.

“It’s been a good start to the Night Series, but it has been tougher and tougher and the competition has gone forward, you have to earn the right to play,” Hargreaves explained. “It took us a few weeks to get used to how each other play and how the Gaffa wants us to play, but I feel like we are getting better and better with each game and we are getting more consistent in our playing style. All the lads are gelling really well, and it helps that a lot of us are friends outside of football already. I’m looking forward to the game on Saturday, and I’ve played for Glen before, so I’ll know they will be organised and it will be an attacking game.” In the third and fourth playoff at the venue, Gwelup Croatia take on Subiaco AFC. (5:00pm)

6.3.2026

MCGARRY JOINS AMINI IN THAILAND

Former Perth Glory assistant coach Steven McGarry is back in football, after being appointed head coach at Thailand Division Two club Nakhon Si United. The 46-year-old will have a familiar face at the Southern Dragons, with former Glory skipper Mustafa Amini also at the club. The Scottish midfielder played over 100 games for Perth Glory, before stints at Gwelup Croatia and ECU Joondalup in the NPL.

His coaching career started at the Glory Academy, before becoming assistant coach to Richard Garcia. He then coached at Sorrento in the NPL, and after relegation, he brought the Gulls straight back winning the Division One title, and going undefeated. He left Percy Doyle Reserve after keeping the club in the NPL in 2025, and will now have the challenge of turning the club’s fortunes around, currently sitting 17th in the Thai Division Two.

The club announced his appointment on their social media. “Nakhon Si United are pleased to welcome Steven McGarry, whose arrival marks an exciting new chapter for the club. Formerly an assistant coach at Perth Glory, Steven is highly regarded for his strong tactical understanding and extensive experience in player development. His background in the A-League and proven success in Australia highlight the value he brings to the club.

Over the past two years, Steven has also enjoyed significant success as a head coach, securing three trophies, underlining his winning mentality and leadership credentials. The club sees Steven as a long-term investment and is confident he will have a positive impact as he adapts to Thai football and works closely with our players to drive future success. Welcome to the club, Steven. We look forward to the journey ahead.”

6.3.2026

TEVERE READY FOR A-LEAGUE CHALLENGE

Perth Glory midfielder Luca Tevere has hit the ground running in the west after his move from NPL Victoria club Preston Lions, and he was selected in the starting lineup in his first week, and played the last three games, and the 23-year-old has settled in nicely. It was a huge adjustment for the midfielder, who was part-time at Preston and had a full-time job, but that all changes when he got the call from the club. “It was a crazy experienced to be honest, on the Thursday I was training with Preston, and working full time in construction management when I got the call,” Tevere explained.

“I didn’t go into work on the Monday, and I had to tell them I had got this opportunity, and I was super excited, credit to the club, and Griff, for trusting me with this opportunity. I thought it would take a few weeks to settle in but they put me straight in the side, so I’m really grateful to the club and the coach for the trust they have put in me. You have doubts sometimes, but you can only control what you can control. If I’m chasing and chasing it, it’s never going to come. I went away and improved my game every single day, and taking things one-step at a time

“And if the opportunity came you have to take it with both hands, and continue to work hard. All the boys have been really good, and helped me settle in, and Cola (Stefan Colakovski) was the first to reach out to me, as I played with him at Melbourne City in the youth team, he’s helped me, but the rest of the squad are really good guys, so it’s been easy to settle. The setbacks I’ve had to get here, as really helped me as a player, I’ve been told no so many times, but that just makes you more motivated and kept me going.”

Tevere, who has played at a number of NPL clubs, including Green Gully, Avondale and Preston, said the step up to A-League has been hard work, but he’s enjoying it. “It’s just the one-percenters that are the difference between the NPL and A-League. It’s just the little things, and doing them right, the physicality and doing things a little bit quicker,” he said. “But I think I’ve settled in pretty well, and looking to improve at training every day and bring it into the games. I believe in myself, and every footballer should believe in their selves. I’ve come up to this level because I deserve it, and now I’ve got to take that opportunity. There are areas in my game that I want to improve, and help this team get into the top six.”

A hard-earned point in Brisbane last week, with Tevere’s cross setting up the equaliser in the 1-1 draw, and he is looking forward to the trip over the ditch, with games against Auckland this week, and Wellington Phoenix the week after. “I thought we had a decent game against Brisbane, and we showed a lot of fight and hunger during the game and he wants to build on that, and hopefully we can bring it into the Auckland game this week, and keep moving forward.” the midfielder explained. “I’ve had a couple of away trips with the lads, but looking forward to ten days with the team.

“We’re already a tight knit group, so it’s another chance to get six points and we work hard we will get the results. There is a lot of believe in this team, and we have a strong squad, but it’s key moments in games we need to fix, and Griff and the team are working towards that. We know they (Auckland) are a very physical team, they’ve got some big bodies, so we know we have to win our duals and be prepared for every single moment, switched on. We began that last week, and we need to take into this week. I’m really looking forward to the game, it’s a massive opportunity for us in the next two weeks.”

6.3.2026

AUCKLAND NEXT UP FOR GLORY

Perth Glory sits four points outside the top six on the Isuzu-Ute A-League table with seven games to play, and they face the toughest test so far this season, when they head over the ditch to take on second placed Auckland FC in week 20 at the Go Media Stadium on Sunday morning. (10:00am WA Time) The Black Knights have impressed since they entered the league last season, and Steve Corica’s side currently sit two points behind leaders Newcastle Jets.

They are coming off a convincing 3-0 win against Melbourne City, with goals from Logan Rogerson, Jesse Randall and Uruguay striker Guillermo May. Glory’s last win was against Auckland in week 15 at HBF Park and they bounced back from back-to-back defeats with a draw in Brisbane, but they need three points in this one if they are to keep in touch of the final’s places. The last time Glory played at the venue the home supporters were out in force, with 24,221 in the ground, when they lifted the Premiers Plate, and they were rewarded with the three points, with Marlee Francois scoring the only goal in the 1-0 win.

Glory head coach Adam Griffiths is confident his side can build on last weekend’s draw with Brisbane, but knows they need to be brave in the final third. “First and foremost, we have to look at the positives from Brisbane and try and improve on those. The togetherness and the collective fight were much improved, we made it difficult for Brisbane to hurt us significantly and there were a lot of blocked shots in the final minutes, so that needs to continue,” he explained.

“How can we improve? We have to play with a little bit more freedom and that’s been the message this week, be brave, play with freedom and get that confidence back. Some of our ball possession principles, our specific angles, always being a passing option and having multiple passing options are things that sometimes the group goes away from and we need to remember those things that have brought us some form of success. When I see that and there are more positive actions, they build confidence.”

Griffiths said the younger players need the senior players to embrace them, and go out an express themselves. “Playing with freedom is essentially that, when there’s an opportunity to attack, attack, go 1v1, dribble the player, get a cross into the box when there’s numbers. That’s what I want; freedom to get into the box within the structure,” he said. “It’s normal for young players to have some sort of doubts and it’s my job as a coach and for the other senior players to embrace them, give them positive feedback and do it in the right way, so the players can then express themselves. One of the things I want to see from the young players is them not being afraid, doing it with freedom and removing any fear from their mentality. That should translate into confidence.”

The win against Auckland earlier in the season was a highlight for the club this season, but Griffiths is not reading too much into that result, but knows the challenge ahead. “They played a back five recently, then they switched back to a four and they have a lot of threats,” he said. “Against Melbourne City, they scored three goals convincingly in what I thought was a very strong performance over there, so we’ve got our work cut out. Although we beat them here in Perth, it’s a completely different game and we are going to have to be really on.”

It’s a ten-day road trip for Glory in New Zealand, and after Sunday’s game they take on Wellington Phoenix next Saturday, and they will be staying over there, which will help with the hectic travel. It looks like Tom Lawrence will miss the two games, with his foot injury still giving him problems, meanwhile midfielder Gio De Abreu will not be available for selection against Auckland as he serves a one-match suspension after accruing five yellow cards, but he will be available for the Wellington game. Also added to the travelling party is Will Freney, Arion Sulemani and Hayde Foxe

Auckland FC squad: GK ?Michael WOUD, GK Jimmy HILTON, 3 Jake GIRDWOOD-REICH, 6 Louis VERSTRAETE, 7 Cameron HOWIESON, 8 Felipe GALLEGOS, 9 Sam COSGROVE, 10 Guillermo MAY, 11 Marlee FRANÇOIS, 15 Francis DE VRIES, 17 Callan ELLIOT, 21 Jesse RANDALL, 22 Jake BRIMMER, 23 Dan HALL, 27 Logan ROGERSON, 28 Bailey FERGUSON, 35 Jonty BIDOIS, 77 LACHLAN Brook - Ins: VICELICH - Unavailable: 2 Hiroki SAKAI (hamstring), 4 Nando PIJNAKER (ankle) 20 Oli Sail (long-term injury)

Perth Glory Squad: GK Matt SUTTON, GK Ryan WARNER, 2 Charbel SHAMOON, 3 Sam SUTTON, 4 Scott WOOTTON, 5 Riley FOXE, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 8 Callum TIMMINS, 9 Jaiden KUCHARSKI, 16 Gabriel POPOVIC, 17 Arion SULEMANI, 18 Luca TEVERE, 19 Josh RISDON, 20 Trent OSTLER, 22 Adam TAGGART, 24 Andriano LEBIB, 25 Sebastian DESPOTOVSKI, 27 Will FRENEY, 45 Brian KALTAK, 67 Stefan COLAKOVSKI - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: FOXE, SULEMANI, FRENEY - Unavailable: GK Cameron COOK, 6 Brandon O’NEILL, 11 Lachlan WALES, 31 Joel ANASMO, 34 Tom LAWRENCE (All Injured), 39 Giovanni DE ABREU (suspended)

8.3.2026

CIRCATI TAKES “ANOTHER STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION” WITH PARMA

Defender Alessandro Circati has played his part in Parma's move up the Serie A table. Parma extended their unbeaten run to five games on the weekend by playing out a scoreless draw with Fiorentina, a result which moves the Italian club to twelfth on the standings and, more importantly, ten points clear of the relegation zone.

It was Parma's second successive draw after claiming victory over second-from-top AC Milan, Verona and Bologna in the week previous. "We go into every match aiming to take all three points, even if that's not always possible," said Circati. "Today, we secured a point, which is still important; it's another step towards our aim for the season."

"We analysed them (Fiorentina) well and knew their strengths. They're a very strong team, with excellent ball control and attacking players who are dangerous both in duels and individually. However, we stayed focused, compact, and solid defensively, which was essential against an opponent of this level."

"We've been making steady progress, besides a few odd games. We are a united group who know that we must continue working at the same intensity, maintaining balance, discipline, and focus. We need to take it one game at a time, because that mindset is what allows us to keep improving and move closer to our goal."

6.3.2026

OXTOBY WINS MANAGER OF THE MONTH AWARD

Tanya Oxtoby has won the Women's Super League 2 Manager of the Month award for February after steering promotion-chasing Newcastle United to an unbeaten month. After drawing at home to Ipswich Town, the Magpies claimed a 2-1 away win over Southampton before registering a 2-0 victory over Portsmouth.

Oxtoby, who was born in the Pilbara town of Wickham, joined Newcastle in November after a two-year managerial spell with the Northern Ireland national team. The 43-year old has taken four wins from her opening six league games with Newcastle, who are currently fifth in WSL2 but only three points off second place.

5.3.2026

GATESHEAD TAKE GILESNAN ON LOAN

Grimsby Town attacker Zak Gilsenan has been recalled from his loan spell at Buxton to join National League side Gateshead on loan for the remainder of the season. The 22-year old spent two months with the Buxton, where he scored three times in nine appearance and gained valuable senior experience.

"(The coaching team) see me as being a creative spark, and that what I want to be to hopefully help the team," said Gilsenan on joining Gateshead. "I like to get the ball forward, see passes, try to make things happen and get teh fans on the edge of their seats. I just want to be positive and get results."

Gilsenan played locally for Sorrento as a junior before developing his game further through spells in the academy's of Barcelona, Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers. A run of injuries has restricted him to only a handful of first team appearances for Blackburn, and Grimsby and Buxton.

5.3.2026

KERR SPEAKS OF HER ADMIRATION FOR IRAN’S PLAYERS

Australia's players have voiced their support for Iran's football team and noted their resilience despite "interference from their government". The Iran team has been dealing with turmoil back home after the bombing of their country by the United States and Israel.

The Matildas swapped jerseys with their opponents after the hosts' 4-0 win in the Women's Asian Cup clash at the Gold Coast last night. Pre-match, the players had sung the Iranian national anthem and saluted after electing not to do so before the loss to South Korea earlier in the week.

Speaking post-game, Australia captain Samantha Kerr spoke of her admiration for the Iran players. "We were aware that they were excited to play us and staying in the same hotel as us," she said. "It was a nice moment to share with them. They were so lovely on the pitch, and all of us swapped jerseys with them at the end. We obviously have a lot of respect for them and were trying to support and put an arm around them."

2.3.2026

A WEIGHT LIFTED AFTER KERR SCORES HER FIRST INTERNATIONAL GOAL IN 851 DAYS

Striker Samantha Kerr says the monkey is finally off her back after scoring her first international goal in 851 days. The Matildas captain was the hero last night, with her 14th minute header lifting Australia to a 1-0 win over the Philippines in their Women's Asian Cup opener in Perth.

It was Kerr's first Matildas goal since netting against Taiwan in November 2023, just two months before she tore her anterior cruciate ligament and spent 20 months on the sidelines. "I just wanted to get that first goal out of the way," Kerr said after the win in front of 44,379 fans at Optus Stadium.

"It felt like getting the monkey off my back, bagging my first goal for the national team again, because I hadn't scored in a while and the games before, the two camps before, I would have liked to have scored to get that feeling back. Hopefully, it starts me off on a good goal scoring run for the rest of the tournament."

"When I scored that goal, I probably thought we were going to go on and score a couple more. You don't think it's going to be the only goal so the most important thing is we got the win, but I'm really happy at a personal level to be able to score, and hopefully that means I've got a few more in the bag coming up."

The day before the game, Kerr admitted she was still building up her confidence off the back of her return from injury; post-game, she was all smiles. "I feel really lucky that I could be back in this squad for this tournament and play the opening match," Kerr said. "And I just feel like getting my confidence back in the national team - a big part of it is scoring goals."

"So to get that goal is really good for me. Hopefully, it starts me off on a good goal scoring run for the rest of the tournament. The most important thing is that we got the win. But I'm really happy on a personal level, to be able to score, and hopefully that means I've got a few more in the bag coming up."

Australia unleashed 15 shots to one against the Philippines and enjoyed 85 per cent possession, but only had Kerr's header to show for it. For much of the 90 minutes the Matildas captain was shadowed by two Philippines defenders doubling as bodyguards, and she was not the only Australian player who struggled to find space.

"I didn't really have many opportunities. They played a really good low block, they slowed the game down,” Kerr said. "There was lots of stoppages and you come to expect that playing in the Asian Cup. But you've to give credit to The Philippines, they did it pretty well."

Kerr is anticipating more of the same from Iran when Australia face them in Queensland on Thursday. "Probably very similar, a low block, hard to break down," she commented. "We expect that in the first two games and then a totally different game with Korea."

1.3.2026

AQUINO CALLED UP FOR AUSTRALIA

West Australian goalkeeper Morgan Aquino has received an eleventh-hour call-up to the Matildas’ Women’s Asian Cup squad after Jada Whyman was ruled out through injury. The Dianella junior will remain in Perth with the team having arrived as a train-on player earlier in the week with Whyman and Mackenzie Arnold under injury clouds.

The Matildas’ goalkeeping stocks have taken several blows over the past few weeks, with Teagan Micah ruled out due to concussion. And with Arnold barely stepping onto the training track since arriving in Perth earlier in the week, United States-based Aquino was invited into camp.

Aquino is yet to make her Matildas debut but has been involved in several camps as a back-up ‘keeper since coach Joe Montemurro began his tenure. She was named A-League Goalkeeper of the Year and named Perth Glory’s Player’s Player of the Year from the 2023/24 A-League season, earning herself a big money move to American USL Super League side DC Power.

1.3.2026

KERR GIVES MATILDAS A PERFECT START TO ASIAN CUP

An early goal from former Perth Glory striker Sam Kerr has given the Matildas a winning start in the 2026 Asian Cup, after a 1-0 win against Philippines at Optus Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Matildas dominated the game, but couldn’t add a second, and they had to be wary not to be hit by a late counter attack, and the Philippines didn’t make it easy with a high block, but Joe Montemurro’s side held firm to take the points.

Kerr who has struggled for game time at Chelsea since her knee injury, said they are taking the competition one game at a time, so an opening game win gives them confidence moving forward. "I think I'm just finding my confidence again...I'm still my normal self, I've just got to get more touches in and around the box," Kerr said post-match. “We're just taking it one game at a time, today was a good start and there's lots of belief in the team but as you saw today, there are a lot of quality teams in the Asian Cup."

There was shock in the team selection, with keeper Mackinzie Arnold only fit enough for the bench, with Chloe Lincoln replacing her, while former Glory custodian Morgan Aquino was brought in to the squad to replace the injured Jada Whyman. Kerr wore the armband, while Mary Fowler, who has been out all season for her English club Manchester City was amongst the substitutes. The hosts were on the foot early, with the visitors seating deep, but on 14 minutes their early pressure was rewarded with the lead. Clare Wheeler made space down the right, and her cross was headed back across goal by Caitlin Foord, and Kerr made no mistake past Olivia McDaniel, much to the delight of the home faithful.

They should have added a second four minutes later, Hatley Raso finds space on the right and lifts the ball to the unmarked Van Egmond, but her header is sent wide. The crowd thought the Matildas had a second on the half hour, Katrina Gorry lofts a perfectly weighted ball onto the run of Raso in behind the defence, she chests it down and pokes it beyond the advancing McDaniel, but after a VAR check the goal was disallowed. The Philippines were struggling in the final third, but defensively coach Mark Torcaso had his side well set-up. McDaniel then made smart save just before the break to deny Steph Catley’s free kick, but at the break the Matildas held a narrow lead.

With 88% possession in the first half, the Matildas should have been out of sight, but they were on the front foot after the break. Kerr heading wide from Van Egmond’s free kick, before Claire Wheeler long-range strike was straight at McDaniel. The Philippines keeper McDaniel was in the action again on 74 minutes, saving Gorry’s shot. The crowd were getting nervous, with only the one goal to show for their dominance. Then in stoppage time the returning Fowler brought the ball down well outside the penalty area, but she couldn’t keep her shot down, but they had done enough to take out the points.

Matildas and Arsenal striker Caitlin Foord said it was a good start and the Philippines were hard to break down. I think we have a lot to work on. “We would have loved to get a few more goals, but credit to the Philippines. They worked really hard to keep us out. But our goal today was just to get the win and to get the job done, and we did that. So, happy with that,’ the former Glory striker explained. “They did a great job at [staying compact]. I think, for us, we’ve got to build into this tournament. It’s end contrivable while since we’ve played together. We’re just getting back into the flow of things and building relationships again. That’s going to keep growing and growing with every game we play, and hopefully, the next game a little bit better.”

Australia: GK Chloe Lincoln, 3 Winonah Heatley, 4 Clare Hunt, 6 Clare Wheeler (14 Alanna Kennedy 68’), 7 Steph Catley, 9 Caitlin Foord, 10 Emily van Egmond (11 Mary Fowler 68’), 16 Hayley Raso (17 Amy Sayer 81’), 19 Katrina Gorry, 20 Sam Kerr, 21 Ellie Carpenter Subs not used: RGK Mackenzie Arnold, RGK Morgan Aquino, 2 Courtney Nevin, 5 Jamilla Rankin, 8 Kaitlyn Torpey, 13 Alex Chidiac, 15 Kahli Johnson, 22 Michelle Heyman, 24 Charlie Rule, 25 Holly McNamara, 26 Remy Siemsen

Philippines: GK Olivia McDaniel, 3 Jessika Cowart, 5 Hali Long, 6 Jaclyn Sawicki, 8 Sara Eggesvik (14 Jourdyn Curran 83'), 9 Carleigh Frilles (17 Ariana Markey 59'), 10 Chandler McDaniel (24 Mallie Ramirez 59'), 13 Angela Beard, 16 Sofia Wunsch, 21 Katrina Guillou (15 Isabella Pasion 83), 23 Alexa Pino (7 Jael Guy 45’) - Subs not used: RGK Leah Bradley, RGK Nina Meollo, RGK Anicka Castaneda, 2 Matea Cesar, 4 Natalie Oca, 12 Kaya Hawkinson, 19 Alessandrea Carpio, 20. Janae DeFazio, 25 Ava Villapando, 26 Paige McSwigan

1.3.2026

KERR THRILLED TO BE BACK IN PERTH

The anticipation around Perth is palpable as the Matildas prepare for their biggest game in Australia in three years and their captain, Samantha Kerr, could not be happier to be back in her hometown. In 2023, the country was swept up in ‘Matilda mania’ as the national team stormed to the semi-finals of a Women’s World Cup hosted in Australia and New Zealand.

Fast forward to this weekend and the Matildas face the Philippines in Perth for the opening game of the Women’s Asian Cup. Kerr is delighted to be in contention for Sunday’s game after a serious knee injury ruled her out of the 2024 Olympic Games. “It’s been a long journey, but after missing out on the Olympics, my main goal was to be here at the Asian Cup,” Kerr said.

“It’s all been worth it and I’m very excited to play the Philippines. I crossed every finger and toe for the World Cup to be in Perth, but it didn’t come true — the next best thing is the Asian Cup. Not only is the Asian Cup one of the biggest trophies for us, it’s for World Cup qualification. We all get to play in front of family and friends, but when you do it at a major tournament, it’s extra-special.”

With the Matildas arriving in town earlier in the week to begin preparations, approximately 800 fans turned out to an open training session on Wednesday, with the team happily signing autographs for star-struck supporters. The squad was all smiles at their final training session before the game on Saturday, enjoying a light-hearted hit-out.

Making Sunday’s game all the more important for Kerr is the fact her parents will be there, as will her wife Kristie, son Jagger and plenty more family and friends. “It’s the first time being a mum playing in Perth, so that’s special. All my family and friends will be here and not have to fly to the east coast,” Kerr said.

“It feels great, but mostly it feels great to bring it back here for the fans. We have so many West Australian fans that spend so much money and time flying all across the country. To bring a major tournament here, it feels really great, and something that the Matildas can give back to the game is perfect.”