Olympic Kingsway skipper Mitch Oxborrow, in action at Armadale last week, said Friday’s clash against Perth Glory should be a good contest. (Photo courtesy of Cat Bryant Photography)

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.

Google Custom Search

14.02.2025

NPL-WA NIGHT SERIES – WEEK FOUR PREVIEW

We head into the penultimate round of the NPLWA Men’s Night Series, and it’s tight in both groups with the top two sides from each advancing to the semi-finals. First in Group A, Kingsway Olympic sit top of the table, and are the only team to have won the first three games, and a win against Perth Glory in the early game at Dorrien Gardens on Friday evening, will see them progress into the next phase. David Tough’s side beat Armadale last week, to move clear at the summit, and skipper Mitch Oxborrow said it was a good team performance, and the squad is blending well, but there is still room for improvement. “A good win last weekend, Armadale are side who score a lot of goals, so it was nice to keep a clean sheet. I thought played well in patches but there are always things to work on,” he said.

“The new boys have been great, all of them have fitted straight in on and off the field. The night series is the perfect opportunity for them to get used to how we play and all of them have added something different to the squad.” Oxborrow, who played 45 games for Perth Glory A-League side in his two spells at the club, said the Glory youngsters also need the points to stay in contention, so it should be a good contest. “Really looking forward to Friday night, especially being the early kick off too,” the midfielder said. “Glory will be up for it and need the win the stay within the mix for the finals. We won’t be focused on anything else apart from doing everything we can to get the three points and progress through the group.”

Glory head coach Joe Heath said that letting the lead slip against Fremantle was disappointing, but he believes his side is improving and is ready for the big test against the leaders. “After going 2-0 up last week, we were disappointed not to come away with three points. I thought we were a yard off the pace and didn’t replicate what we produced in the Balcatta game,” he explained. “The goals we conceded were due to a lack of concentration and not having the experience to control the game at 2-0. We have seen some good contributions throughout the night series. Gio De Abreu, who has been solid for us in the middle during the first three games, got his reward with a nice strike from distance."

“It was a blow losing our striker Louis Sollitt so early in the game to suspected ruptured ankle ligaments, but I thought young Max Naylor had a great game when he came on and showed how capable he is of competing at this level. It was great to see him get on the scoresheet as well, showing great work rate to get his goal. Although it was disappointing not to get a win, there were still some encouraging signs and good moments of play, which we will continue to build on this week against the leaders, Olympic Kingsway. We’re looking forward to it.” The other games in the group are played on Saturday evening, Balcatta Etna take on Fremantle City in the early game at Frank Drago Reserve, both looking for their first wins, while Armadale will look to bounce back from defeat last week when they take on hosts Bayswater City in the late game.

In Group B leaders Stirling Macedonia can almost book their spot in the semi-finals, with a win against Sorrento in the late game on Saturday evening at Macedonia Park. The top three teams in the group are unbeaten so far, with Stirling two points clear at the top, but the Gulls return to the NPL has been impressive and will be up for this one. Sorrento fought out a draw with Perth SC last week, while Stirling beat traditional rivals Floreat, and young striker Joshua Bilaloski said they had to work for it. “Derby games are always good to play in and always a tough game. I feel like we battled well all game and put up a good contest,” he said. “It was a big result for us now that we are top of the table, now we just have to keep pushing to stay there.”

The former Perth SC striker said the new group are starting to gel well, and believes coach Ago Mujic has a good blend of youth and experience, and Sunday’s game against newly-promoted Sorrento will be another test. “Yes, I feel like the new signings have made a great impact on the squad. They’ve already adapted really well to the way Ago wants us to play and it’s been really good how they have gelled with the squad. The mix of young players and the experienced are good, and us young players are always learning off them as well them being good role models. As well, training has been a good competitive spirit with the well-balanced squad we have,” Bilaloski explained.

“Sorrento have been impressive so far, and we know they’re going to be a tough challenge. However, we’re focused on our own performance and making sure we stick to what’s been working for us. If we can secure the win, it’ll be a huge step toward confirming our place in the next phase, so we’re motivated and determined to take all three points. It’s important to stay sharp and not underestimate them, but we’re ready for the challenge. In the other games in the group, Perth SC welcome Western Knights to Dorrien Gardens in the at game on Friday evening, while in the early game at Macedonia Park on Saturday Floreat Athena take on Perth RedStar.

14.02.2025

STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SEREIES – WEEK THREE PREVIEW

It’s the final week of the State League Night Series group stage, with quarter finals spots up for grabs, with most groups seeing the top two teams meeting. The six group winners will advance to the quarter-finals, along with the two best second-place sides, so there is some big games this weekend. It kicks off on Friday and in Group C at Wanneroo Reserve, and Kingsley Westside are in pole position. But second placed Joondalup City could overtake them with a big win when they meet in the early game at the venue. Both sides are coming off hard fought wins last week, Joondalup edging out East Perth, with Kingsley doing likewise against Wanneroo. Kingsley defender Neil Gilles said it was a tough game, and he’s expecting another on Friday. “Yes, it was a tough and physical game against Wanneroo, but I thought we defended very well and limited them to only a few chances, while we created some good chances to score more especially in the second half, so there are positives to moving forward,” he explained. “Joondalup are coming off a good win against East Perth, so we know it will be another tough game, but we are looking to continue to improve on our last two performances and secure our place in the next round.” In the late game at the venue Wanneroo City host East Perth. (8.30pm)

It’s also tight in Group D, with three teams in contention for top spot, and in the early game at the Paintseal Arena, Ashfield Reserve, Quinns take on Curtin University, with both sides still in contention. Both sides need a win, and hope leaders Subiaco slip up, when they meet hosts Ashfield in the late game at the venue. Finally on Friday in Group E at Dalmatinac Park, its winner takes all, when the two unbeaten teams Murdoch University Melville and Cockburn City meet in the early game. MUMFC sit on top on goal difference, but both sides could still make the next phase, with both sides on six points and would be one of two best second placed finishers. In the late game at the venue Gosnells City and Rockingham will look for their first points in the group when they meet. (8.30pm)

On to Sunday and Group A, and a spot in the next stage is on the line when leaders Inglewood United host second placed Gwelup Croatia in the late game at Inglewood Stadium. (7.30pm) Alex Stanojevic and Basil Lenzo’s sides are unbeaten so far so this should be a tight affair with top spot up for grabs. New Inglewood striker Ciaran Byrne bagged a brace in last week’s win against Wembley, and he said they are getting stronger with each game. “It was a slow start to the game from us to be honest, we didn’t really have much control of the game and they were pressing us and winning second balls which put some pressure on us. But our quality of player kept us in the game and we scored a goal which was really against the run of play,” Byrne explained

“Second half was completely different we came out and pressed a bit harder and started to find space out there to get on the ball more and we started creating more chances. We pretty much scored from each chance we got which to be fair to Wembley, they didn’t have a bad performance and probably wasn’t a fair result on them in the end. Over all it was a good performance but plenty to work on going forward. As for Sunday, Gwelup won’t be an easy game that’s for sure. It will be a nice test for both teams as I’d imagine two of us will be making a big push for the league this year. But it’s still early days and we’re all working on our game and making sure lads are getting some game time so we’re all ready for the new season.” In the early game at the venue Wembley Downs meet Swan United, with both searching for a first win.

It’s the same in Group B, with Balga and Mandurah City batting it out for top spot when they meet in the early games at the Poolmart Stadium, Peelwood Parade. Balga beat Canning last week, while Mandurah needed a late penalty to beat Kalamunda. Balga finished the game with nine men, but defender Cian Guest said they did enough to seal the win, and playing Mandurah this week is good preparation for the season ahead. “It was good to get the win despite finishing the game with nine men. The first half definitely showed we have plenty to work on, but a positive result puts us in a good position going into the last group game,” he said.

“The goal for us this season is promotion, so to play a tough Division One team like Mandurah is a great opportunity to see the level of competition. The goal is to prepare like we have been and do what we can to get through to the next round.” In the late game at the venue, Canning City take on Kalamunda City, with both teams looking for a first win in the competition. Finally in Group F, UWA Nedlands are top of the table, after back-to-back wins, but they need a point in the final game when they meet second placed Dianella White Eagles in the early game at Crazy Domains Stadium, Hartfield Park, while in the late game Forrestfield United, who are third, host Carramar Shamrock Rovers. (7.30pm)

14.02.2025

IS THE NATIONAL SECOND TIER MOVING CLOSER?

The announcement in October that Football Australia was launching the National Second Tier, came with many plaudits, with many in the football family seeing it as the A-League Second Division. Unfortunately, it went quiet for many months, with the eight foundation clubs APIA Leichhardt FC (NSW), Avondale FC (VIC), Marconi Stallions FC (NSW), Preston Lions FC (VIC), South Melbourne FC (VIC), Sydney Olympic FC (NSW), Sydney United 58 FC (NSW), and Wollongong Wolves FC (NSW) waiting for the big announcement, which never came.

But on Wednesday it was announced there will be an Australian Championship, which will be run in the off-season for the NPL clubs across the country, not a league, but a knockout competition, with foundation clubs being joined by eight Member Federation NPL Clubs, drawn from their respective NPL competitions across Capital Football, Football Queensland, Football NSW, Football South Australia, Football Tasmania, Football Victoria, Football West and Northern NSW Football.

It's not what many clubs were after, but it’s a start. This sort of format was played before the FFA/Australia Cup came in, with NPLWA club Bayswater City, coached by Chris Coyne, were beaten 3-1 by NSW side Blacktown City in the NPL Finals Series Final in 2015 at Dorrien Gardens. But with the opportunity of representing the state in this national competition, it will give the 2025 NPLWA season a huge boost. The only downside is the players who do represent WA in the competition will not have much of a break, with the regular season not finishing till late August or the middle of September, if the top four finals series are held. Yes, it’s a huge challenge, but it’s one all NPLWA clubs will be up for.

The Championship is scheduled to kick off in October 2025, creating new opportunities for players, clubs, and communities to shine. Football Australia Chief Executive Officer James Johnson hailed the Australian Championship as a bold leap forward for the sport. “The Australian Championship is much more than a competition – it’s a national celebration of football; uniting proud historic clubs, emerging talent, and inter-generational community connection. It reflects the core values of Australian football: authenticity, opportunity, and ambition,” he said.

“This competition will complement the A-League, NPL, and Hahn Australia Cup, providing a connected, meaningful pathway for players and fans alike. Today’s brand launch is a statement of our commitment to grow domestic football in Australia and unlock its full potential.” The competition format will include a group stage – four groups of four teams playing home and away matches – with the top two in each group crossing over to a high-stakes elimination Finals Series, culminating in the inaugural Australian Championship Final in early December 2025.

14.02.2025

MELBOURNE CITY V PERTH GLORY – WEEK 19 ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE PREVIEW

Perth Glory will take their improved form to Victoria on Saturday afternoon, when they take on seventh-placed Melbourne City, in the week 19 Isuzu Ute A-League clash at AAMI Park. (2.00pm WA Time - live on 10Play, 10Bold and Paramount Plus) A batting 1-1 draw last time out against Central Coast Mariners has given the squad a boost, and Head Coach David Zdrilic said they are relishing the contest, and he will be looking for his side to take the game to City, who have lost their last three games.

“The mood in the camp is pretty upbeat, the last five games have seen a big improvement and we’ve had chances to win all five, so we’re going to Melbourne City with a very attacking mindset,” Zdrilic explained. “It’s been a long season for us with all of the changes and the results, but the freshness in training with the new-look group, you can just feel there’s a new optimism… it’s a different and re-energised playing group.”

It will the second meeting between the two sides this season, the first was in week four, when a brace from Steven Ugarkovic and others to Andreas Kuen, Yonatan Cohen and Medin Memeti secured a 5-0 win for City, but Zdrilic believes his squad has come a long way since then. “It’s hard to compare because things are totally different,” he said. “We had moments back then where one goal would turn into three and you look back at those games and that underneath mindset needed to change. That’s a lot of the work that you can’t see, and now the players’ mentality is different and we’re fighting every time.”

Glory will want to forget their last visit to AAMI Park in round 24 last season, when the hosted thrashed them 8-0. The hosts dominated from the off, with Leo Natel and Togay Arslan scoring doubles, while defender Kaelan Majekodunmi scored an own goal. Arsan competed his hat-trick after the break, with Jamie Maclaren and Steven Ugarkovic completed the scoring.

Zdrilic is well aware Aurelio Vidmar’s side haven’t been in the best of form, but he knows the quality they have in their side. “We understand that they’re a tough team,” he said. “They have a very strong squad and even when they had injuries, they had young ones to come in and they’re able to balance the squad and still get results. When they’re on, they are one of the best sides in the league, so it’ll be a tough test… but we’re up for the challenge.”

In team news, Glory have added Khoa Ngo and Japanese import defender Takuya Okamoto to the extended squad, but they will again be without the injured Josh Risdon, Lachie Barr and Andriano Lebib, while Jayan Pearman, Zach Lisolajski and Adam Bugarija are away for the Young Soceroos in China. Adam Taggart looked like he picked up an injury last week, but he been named in the squad, while Nikola Mileusnic and Brandon O’Neill will be pushing for a spot in the starting side, the latter being an unused substitute last week, meanwhile Lachie Wales and Taras Gomulka will come up against their former club.

Melbourne City squad: GK Patrick BEACH, GK James NIEUWENHUIZEN, 2 Callum TALBOT, 6 Steven UGARKOVIC, 7 Mathew LECKIE, 13 Nathaniel ATKINSON, 16 Aziz BEHICH, 17 Max CAPUTO, 19 Zane SCHREIBER, 22 Germán FERREYRA, 23 Marco TILIO, 26 Samuel SOUPRAYEN, 36 Harry SHILLINGTON, 38 Harry POLITIDIS, 39 Emin DURAKOVIC, 41 Lawrence WONG, 42 Ben DUNBAR, 46 Ben MAZZEO, 47 Kavian RAHMANI, 50 Mikey GHOSSAINI - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: SHILLINGTON, DUNBAR (both promoted) - Unavailable: 8 Jimmy JEGGO (achilles), 10 Yonatan COHEN (knee), 15 Andrew NABBOUT (knee), 21 Alessandro LOPANE (knee), 27 Kai TREWIN (groin), 30 Andreas KUEN (hamstring), 34 Jayden NECOVSKI (knee), 35 Medin MEMETI (international duty)

Perth Glory squad: GK Oli SAIL, GK Cameron COOK, 3 Anas HAMZAOUI, 4 Tass MOURDOUKOUTAS, 6 Brandon O’NEILL, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 10 Nikola MILEUSNIC, 12 Taras GOMULKA, 14 Nathanael BLAIR, 17 Yuto MISAO, 18 Lachie WALES, 20 Trent OSTLER, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Patrick WOOD, 26 Khoa NGO, 27 Will FRENEY, 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI, 29 Tomi MRCELA, 31 Joel ANASMO, 36 Takuya OKAMOTO - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: NGO, OKAMOTO - Unavailable: 5 Lachie BARR (injured), 9 David WILLIAMS (injured), 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI (international duty), 16 Adam BUGARIJA (international duty), 19 Josh RISDON, (injured), 24 Andriano LEBIB (injured), 25 Jaylan PEARMAN (international duty)

12.02.2025

YOUNG SOCCEROOS OFF TO FLYER IN UNDER 20’S ASIAN CUP

The Young Socceroos have started their AFC U-20 Asian Cup campaign in style, after a 5-1 win against Kyrgyz Republic in Shenzhen, China. Striker’s Luka Jovanovic and Musa Toure starred with a brace each, while former Perth Glory midfielder Daniel Bennie added the other, as Australia now look to secure knockout qualification from Group A, after they crashed out in the quarter-finals in 2023.

Despite the big win Jovanovic believes they should have done better in their opener, and the 19-year-old Adelaide United, who also netted twice against Afghanistan in the Qualifiers, is pumped up to add more goals to his name. “We put five against them but we should have put in some more,” he said. “It’s a good way to start overall and very important for our confidence as a win like that sets us up for better performances to come. I think I played well, but I could have got a hat-trick but let’s save it for the next game.”

Glory midfielder Jayden Pearman was in the starting line-up, along with Queens Park Ranger midfielder Bennie, while his Glory teammates, Zach Lisolajski and Adam Bugarija were among the substitutes. Australia only needed four minutes to take the lead, a quick counter attack saw skipper Sebastian Esposito find Jovanovic, who shrugged off two markers before finishing clinically via the near post. The goal stung Kyrgyz Republic into action, but attempts by strikers Yryskeldi Madanov and Umar Madavinov and midfielder Baybol Ermekov were either off target or blocked by keeper Steven Hall.

But it was 2-0 on 15 minutes, Bennie pouncing in a goalmouth scramble, and the Queens Park Rangers midfielder finished well past keeper Aziret Ysmanaliev. Then ten minutes later they added a third, Jovanovic shot was saved, only for Toure to pounce on the rebound and coolly put it past Ysmanaliev. The points were securing just after the half hour mark, Toure found space on the left, outran defender Ivan Nastaev and drilled the ball between Ysmanaliev’s legs. Young Socceroos coach Trevor Morgan made a number of changes to his side with one eye firmly on the next two group matches against Qatar and China PR.

But it didn’t stop them adding a fifth on the hour, this time Jovanovic latching onto a saved Toure effort and putting the ball past the keeper. Kyrgyz Republic pulled one back 17 minutes from time, Beknaz Almazbekov converted a penalty after a foul by defender Panagiotis Kikianis but it was too little too late. The Young Socceroos are back in action on Saturday, when they meet Qatar

Australia: GK Steven Hall, 3 Sebastian Esposito, 4 Panagiotis Kikianis, 5 Fabian Talladira, 6 Paul Okon-Engstler (11 Tiago Quintal 71'), 7 Daniel Bennie (17 Frans Deli 60'), 8 Jonny Yull (20 Louis Agosti 60'), 9 Luka Jovanovic, 10 Alex Badolato, 15 Jaylan Pearman (2 Joshua Inserra 60'), 19 Musa Toure (21 Dean Bosnjak 71') – Subs not used: RGK Alexander Robinson, RGK Gus Hoefsloot, 13 Lucas Herrington, 14 Zach Lisolajski, 16 Oliver Randazzo, 22 Medin Memeti, 23 Adam Bugarija

GK A. Ysmanaliev, 2 E. Kydyrshaev (6 A. Eshenkulov 46’), 4 I. Nastaev, 5 N. Alizhanov, 8 B. Ermekov (7 K. Abdirasulov 75?')?, 9 A. Emilbekov (12 E. Ernisov 77?'), 10 U. Madavinov (11 N. Oruntaev 75?', 17 A. Istrashkin, 19 Y. Madanov, 20 S. Nematov, 23 B. Almazbekov (22 A. Dolotkeldiev 84’) – Subs not used: 3 D. Koldoshev, 13 A. Abdyrayymov, 14 N. Moldaliev, 15 D. Omarov, 16 S. Urustamov, 18 A. Tashbaltaev, 21 M. Ishenaliev, 22 A. Dolotkeldiev - Referee: Choi Hyun-jai (Korea Republic)

11.02.2025

THE GAP IN ASIAN HAS CLOSED SAYS SAINSBURY

Central Coast Mariners captain Trent Sainsbury said the gap has closed in Asia ahead of this week’s Asian Champions League Elite showdown with Malaysian giants Johor Darul Ta’zim. Central Coast are bottom of their group and out of the running for the knock-out stage of the tournament whereas Johor are sixth in the standings and on track to progress from Group A.

Sainsbury, 33, is no stranger to football in Asia, having featured in two previous Champions league campaigns with his club as well as turning out for Chinese outfit Jiangsu and Al Wakrah in Qatar. The former Armadale junior hailed the investment of clubs who have closed the gap on the “bigger nations”.

“The gaps closed,” Sainsbury said. “Back in the day, you could kind of pick and choose. You knew who was going to beat which team. Now countries are investing a lot more money into it. They’re getting smarter with their investing, picking areas where they can gain that one and two per cent and start to close the gap on the bigger nations.”

“I really like the style that the league format that they’ve introduced with the Champions League now, it’s really good for the competitiveness and different countries competing against each other. So it’s always more entertaining and it’s going to be a lot more difficult in the coming years to really predict who’s going to come out on top.”

11.02.2025

DAVIES WANTS VICTORY FROM AUSTRALIAN HOMECOMING

Perth-born Matthew Davies is looking forward to returning to Australia for this week’s Asian Champions League Elite clash with Central Coast Mariners. For the past decade, the 30-year old defender has been based in Malaysia where he’s played over 250 games for Sri Pahang and Johor Darul Ta’zim.

Davies, whose professional career started with Perth Glory, will be part of the Johor side which travels to Central Coast on Tuesday. “It is really good coming back. Amazing country, obviously I love it very much. Amazing place in the world,” said Davies.

“It has been little over 10 years since I played in Central Coast. It is a nice feeling to be back with a different team (JDT). It is a team that’s ambitious, that is taking this competition seriously. Nice place in the world for us to be, but we are here to get a result.”

Davies played for Glory between 2013 to 2015 but was limited to only 16 appearances. He moved to Pahang in 2015 before switching to Johor for the 2020 season. Eligible to represent Malaysia through his mother, he has worn the national team colours on 55 occasions.

Davies last faced Central Coast while with Glory’s youth team but concedes a lot has changed since then. “They (Central Coast) rotate or change the squad every year. They create local home grown players and sell them,” he said. “They have been inconsistent this year, but they have had some great results in the league.”

“But this is no illusion for us. It will be a difficult game. A tough place to come and get a result. It will be a physical game. This is our sixth year in the competition, and the Mariners‘ first in a long time. We have an advantage in terms of experience and we are looking to get a positive result.”

10.02.2025

SQUAD DEPTH DRIVES BURGESS TO BE HIS BEST

Ipswich Town defender Cameron Burgess would like to play more minutes in the Premier League but understands that competition in the squad will increase their chances of avoiding relegation. The Blues have plenty of options in most areas at the pitch, including centre-back, where the 29-year old Socceroo is one of four natural options competing for two starting spots.

Manager Kieran McKenna does not tend to carry one on the bench, with versatile duo Axel Tuanzebe and Ben Godfrey also capable of covering those positions. Burgess has played just 10 Premier League games for Ipswich this season, however, he’s focused on performing to the best of his ability to give himself the best chance of gaining selection.

“Everyone wants to play games, that’s what we’re here to do,” Burgess explained. “If you could finish the season and you have played every game in the Premier League, you’d be pretty happy, right? That’s not always going to be the case. With the group we have got here, it’s going to be competition for places. You have to knuckle down and be ready when you get the chance.”

“Many of us have been in that situation in the last two or three years that we have been here, so it’s definitely a squad game for us. That’s where our strength lies for us in this league. We have to continue to remember that. It’s the manager’s decision, who he picks to play. The competition is what drives us forward and that probably gives the manager some tough decisions to make at times.”

“On that front, I’m thankful it’s not my decision to make! I want to play as many games as I can. Hopefully I have shown that I can play at this level and I guess that’s the ultimate goal – to play as many games as you can, to win as many games as you can, and continue to stay in this league.”

9.02.2025

NPL-WA NIGHT SERIES – WEEK THREE SUNDAY REVIEW

Olympics Kingsway moved to the top of the NPLWA Men’s Night Series Group A table and handed Armadale their first defeat in the pre-season competition after a 3-0 win in the late game at Alfred Skeet Reserve on Sunday evening. A tight first half burst into life seven minutes after the break when David Tough’s side took the lead, with former Perth Glory youth striker Jayden Gorman on target. Gorman, who played for Heidelberg United last season, added a second moments later, and the points were sealed 12 minutes from time, with substitute Jacob Evans adding a third. “It’s another step in the right direction. We’re still working on implementing our style of play, but there are positive signs early,” midfielder Tyler Garner said. “We can only further improve as a squad with the more games we play.”

In the early game at the venue, current holders Perth RedStar won for the first time this campaign after a 2-0 win against Western Knights in Group B. Again, it was a tight first half, but half-time substitute Joel Chianese made an immediate impact and opened the scoring on the hour before skipper Bair Govan made sure of all three points, adding the second in the final minute. “It was probably the worst we’ve played in preseason in that first half,” RedStar’s head coach Callum Samon told the club’s media post-match. “I thought we’d played well in the opening two games but conceded a couple of goals. Tonight, we only had one player out there in the first half, and that was keeper Sonny Inzalaco. But the reaction of the players in the second half was a lot better. All the players who came off the bench played well, and I don’t know my best starting eleven, so it definitely has put the cat amongst the pigeons.”

9.02.2025

STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES – WEEK TWO SUNDAY REVIEW

The State League Night Series Week Two games were completed on Sunday evening, with two Group B matches at Poolmart Stadium, Peelwood Parade. In the early game, Balga consolidated second place in the group with a 3-1 win against Canning City. Balga took the lead before the break, with Christian Vest scoring, although the striker missed a penalty shortly after. Gerhard Janssen’s side started the second half well, with Mark Edur adding a second. Soon after, Martin Gorong’s header was played back across goal, and Beron Mamudi was on hand to make it 3-0. Canning scored a consolation goal, with Shale Moothen on target.

“The game against Canning was expected to be difficult, but it was still very tough for a preseason match. In the first half, we underperformed but still managed to take the lead, and that was the start of a phase in which we dominated,” explained Balga head coach Gerhard Janssen. “In the second half, we started extremely well and were rewarded with two more goals. Overall, the game wasn’t played at a very high level, and we need to improve our performance. It is now in our own hands to win next week against the favourites, Mandurah, to stay in the competition.”

In the late game, hosts Mandurah City maintained their perfect start to the competition, but only just, scoring late to seal a 1-0 win against Kalamunda City. It seemed destined to end in a draw, especially when Mandurah’s Rodrigo Albayeros was sent off late for two yellow cards. But the Dolphins held their nerve and won it in the 90th minute, with Gerry Clark calmly sending the Kalamunda keeper the wrong way from the penalty spot. “It was a scrappy game, to be honest. The game became very slow and never really got going,” said Mandurah coach John Baird. “But overall, we’re really happy with another clean sheet, another win, and we’re looking forward to next week now.”

8.02.2025

NPL-WA NIGHT SERIES – WEEK THREE SATURDAY REVIEW

In Saturday’s NPLWA Men’s Night Series, Stirling Macedonia jumped to the top of Group B after a 2-1 win against Floreat Athena in the late game at Macedonia Park. "We started the game very well and created a few chances, and we took a deserved lead," Stirling coach Ago Mujic said. "They hit back and leveled, but a late goal from Sam (Dweh) secured the points. It was a tough game, which we expected, but the boys worked very hard and got a well-deserved win."

The hosts found the opener on 13 minutes, a quick counterattack after clearing a Floreat corner saw Sam Wynne race clear before finding Alex Tanevski, whose shot was deflected past Jason Saldaris. Floreat, who were looking for their first win in the competition, found the equalizer nine minutes into the second half, with Noah Shamaki finishing past James Bosdet. But with ten minutes remaining, Stirling won it through great work from Euan Cameron, who picked out Sam Dweh, and he made no mistake.

In the earlier game at the venue, Perth SC and Sorrento played out a 1-1 draw, keeping both in the mix for a semi-final spot. "It was a really tough first half against a good, young Perth side, and we knew they'd be fit and well-drilled on the ball with Kenny Lowe," Gulls midfielder Tim Hill said. "But fortunately, we grew into the game in the second half and managed to get a goal back. I think, in the end, we probably felt unlucky not to win, as we had a few big chances towards the end of the game, and Mark Birighitti came up big for them." The Azzurri were ahead on 14 minutes, with Ethan Banks scoring, and they held the lead at the break. But on the hour mark, Steven McGarry’s side leveled when a back pass from Federico Achilli was overhit, and the ball beat Birighitti, going into his own net. Both sides shared the spoils.

Also, on Saturday evening in Group A, it was as you were, with both games at Frank Drago Reserve ending in draws. In the early game, Fremantle City came from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw with Perth Glory. The Glory youngsters raced into a two-goal lead, with Alex Bolton opening the scoring on 24 minutes, before substitute Max Naylor doubled their advantage four minutes later. Fremantle halved the deficit five minutes later through Charlie Betts, and they leveled in the hour with halftime substitute Karl Moody on target.

It was exactly the same in the late game, with Balcatta Etna squandering a two-goal lead, eventually drawing 2-2 with hosts Bayswater City. "We're all disappointed to come away with a draw considering the fight we showed to come back from 2-0 down," City defender Alex Ishida-Livings said. "There were plenty of positives to take—we created a lot of chances and had some great passages of play. Ultimately, though, we can't be conceding two goals early in the manner we did."

Balcatta hit the front on 23 minutes. The hosts were caught in possession, and a quick counterattack saw Declan Hudson play a first-time through ball to Ben Hinshelwood, who raced clear and found the bottom corner past Lewis Italiano. They doubled their advantage two minutes later with some neat build-up, which ended with Declan Hudson out wide. He beat his marker and crossed to Hinshelwood, who lost his marker and headed home.

Bayswater received a lifeline four minutes before the break when referee Alex Stojcheski pointed to the spot after Ollie La Galia was bundled over by the onrushing Connor Campbell following an under hit back pass, and Pat Loughrey made no mistake from the resulting penalty. They restored parity five minutes into the second half when Cameron Teece’s shot was parried, and La Galia was on hand to fire home the rebound. "Very disappointed not to have won the game. Again, we created so many chances to win, but we made life hard for ourselves by conceding two goals inside 25 minutes, which made it difficult for us," Bayswater coach Matthew Sparrow said.

"Second half, I thought we dominated the game for large spells and got the second early on. After that, we created a lot of good chances but couldn’t find the winner. Overall, disappointing result, but for me, it was a really good performance from the boys. In terms of effort and commitment, they gave it everything, as they’ve done from day one. But little lapses of concentration and composure are hurting us at the moment at both ends of the field. Week by week, we are no doubt getting fitter and sharper, and next week will be another great test for us against Armadale."

8.02.2025

STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES – WEEK TWO SATURDAY REVIEW

The State League Night Series continued this weekend, kicking off on Saturday evening in Group A with both Gwelup Croatia and Inglewood United winning convincingly. In the early game, Gwelup were too strong for Swan United, running out 4-0 winners. They led 3-0 at the break, with Jeremie Mba opening the scoring from the spot on 23 minutes. Robert Ferrante added a second three minutes later, and Mba made it 3-0 just before halftime. The points were wrapped up in second-half stoppage time, with Ferrante scoring his second. “Really impressed with our form up top at the moment. The lads are scoring plenty of goals. Jeremie (Mba) is always proving a threat for defenders with his speed and accuracy in front of goal,” Gwelup defender Paul Grant explained.

“Rob (Ferrante) is really showcasing his clinical side for us this year. Two goals each for the pair of them, who deserved all their praise over the 90 minutes. We had a few new faces in our squad this week, but nevertheless, the boys stepped up and followed the game plan set by the new management at Gwelup. The three goals in the first half really helped us see the game off, and we added a fourth after the break. Really happy with how we displayed our football in last night’s game. A lot of positives to take into the game against Inglewood next weekend.”

In the late game, hosts Inglewood United proved too strong for Wembley Downs, running out 6-0 winners. “Full credit to Wembley, who had us under the pump for a good bit in the first half. They are very organized and have some intelligent players who could’ve created a few goals early on,” Inglewood defender Ciaran Salinger said. “In the second half, we stepped up the intensity and took nearly every chance we had. Overall, a good performance from our lads, but we still have a lot to improve on before the season starts."

It was an even first half, with chances at both ends, but the only goal went to the hosts on ten minutes. Jason Hogan was played in and finished with composure. Hogan added his second ten minutes into the second half when Jordan Brown’s cross found Chad Nison, whose ball into the box was back-heeled into the net by Hogan. Ciaran Byrne made no mistake from the spot on the hour to make it 3-0, and the hosts ran away with the game late. First, Jason Dunphy added a fourth, and Nilson raced clear one-on-one with Ciaran Macquillan to score the fifth. They made it 6-0 moments later, another fast break saw the ball crossed to Ciaran Byrne, who made no mistake.

In Group C, East Perth’s chances of qualification have all but ended after losing 1-2 to Joondalup City in the early game at Wanneroo Reserve. Colm Costello’s side saw their win last week against Kingsley reversed after an error on the match card, but the win sees Joondalup back in contention. “Great performance from the boys, we fully deserved the result,” Joondalup coach Guy McDonald said. “It was a performance we have been searching for all preseason, and we can’t wait to get back on the training pitch Tuesday to build on tonight and look forward to Friday’s game.”

A tight game burst into life 12 minutes from time, with Joondalup opening the scoring. Jayden Rowels beat the fullback one-on-one and squared the ball for Sam McKernan, who scored with a clever backheel. But two minutes from time, East Perth leveled with substitute Stewart Mills on target. It looked like the points would be shared, but Joondalup had other ideas. A quick break from Jack Overy saw him send the ball over the top of the East Perth defence, and Jamie Sinnott raced into goal and lobbed the oncoming keeper Jordan Brown to win it.

In the late game at the venue, Kingsley Westside moved to the top of the table after a 1-0 win against hosts Wanneroo City. “It was an old-fashioned, scrappy cup game where Wanneroo were very organized and hard to break down,” Kingsley coach Richard Abrams said. “We managed to win it with a penalty after halftime, but like all teams in preseason, we appreciate the competitive minutes.” The only goal of the game came on 54 minutes when Ellis Lawson’s cross from the left found Max Adamson, who was brought down, and referee Sailota Phiri pointed to the spot. Daniel Harrison made no mistake from the penalty.

In Group D, Quinns and Subiaco AFC ran out convincing winners at the Paintseal Arena, Ashfield Reserve on Saturday evening. In the early game, Quinns were too strong for hosts Ashfield, winning 4-2. Quinns were ahead on 18 minutes, with Joel Sollitt cutting in from the left and finishing clinically. But Ashfield leveled five minutes later, with Fabrice Kikuni on target. Quinns regained the lead when Sollitt’s shot was deflected home, but the hosts restored parity with Nathan Scully converting from the spot. But Quinns weren’t to be denied and hit the front six minutes from time when Jamie Gardiner slipped the ball into James Elkington-Soan, whose shot was saved, but Patrick Hughes was quickest to react to score. They added a fourth moments later, with Gardiner losing his marker in the box and hooking the ball home.

In the late game at the venue, Subiaco AFC beat Curtin University 4-1. “Most importantly, it was great to come away with the three points, but also a great opportunity to implement a lot of things we’ve been working hard on in training this preseason,” Subiaco defender Daniel Dols explained. “The game was played at a good tempo, and I think we defended quite well and also showed some versatility in how we can build in attack. Some really valuable minutes into legs and strong positives to take away, but we will continue fine-tuning and take that into next week’s game against Ashfield.”

Subiaco were ahead at the break when a low cross was finished well by Francisco de Almeida. They doubled their lead after the break, with Ruben finishing well after Curtin failed to clear a corner. Curtin were back in the game when Janno Saks made it 2-1, but that was as good as it got for them. New signing Ludovic Boi turned home De Almeida’s cutback, before Kaleb Morrison was brought down, and referee Andre Ferreira pointed to the spot. De Almeida made no mistake from the resulting penalty.

In Group E, Murdoch University Melville made it back-to-back wins after a 4-1 victory against Gosnells City in the late game at Dalmatinac Park on Saturday evening. “Another positive performance to begin the year. Great to get minutes in legs and look at new combinations within the lineup,” MUMFC assistant coach Gavin Brown said. “We’re looking forward to the next test against a revamped Cockburn.” New signing Farruh Mavlonov opened the scoring, before Josh Macri and Eddie Wynne-Willson made it 3-0. Mavlonov added his second. Gosnells scored a consolation goal in the final minute with Amro Atta on target. In the late game, hosts Cockburn City beat Rockingham City 2-0 with goals from Isaac McVittie and James Bourne.

Finally, in Group F, Dianella White Eagles bounced back from their loss against Forrestfield last week by thrashing ten-man Carramar Shamrock Rovers 8-0 in the early game at Crazy Domains Stadium, Hartfield Park on Saturday evening. The Eagles began well, but the sending off of Rovers’ defender Aaron Kane early saw them go on to win it convincingly. Magai Deng scored a hat-trick, Paul Zimarino bagged a brace, with singles to Albert Luwi, George Ballah, and Sam Burgess.

In the late game, UWA Nedlands came from behind to beat hosts Forrestfield United 2-1. The hosts were ahead on 24 minutes, with Rhys Loxley scoring his first goal since returning to the club, but seven minutes before the break, UWA found the equalizer with Sebastian Hooshangian on target. UWA won it just after the hour mark, with substitute Josh Flynn scoring. “I thought we gave Forrestfield too much respect in the first half and invited the pressure. We were a lot more aggressive in the second half, and our changes all made a difference,” UWA coach Kris Donnell said. “All round, another good strong performance from the boys and now looking forward to a tough final game against Dianella.”

7.02.2025

LEEDS SIGN GLORY TEENAGER COOK

English Championship side Leeds United have signed Perth Glory academy goalkeeper Robbie Cook. The “highly rated and much-sought-after” teenager has signed a two-and-a-half-year professional contract with Leeds, which takes him through to 2027.

A youth international for Australia at Under-17 and Under-20 level, 18-year old Cook leaves Glory without making a senior appearance, although he was twice named in the A-League matchday squad last season and was the substitutes in a 2023 Australia Cup fixture.

“Everyone at Leeds United would like to welcome Robbie to the club and we look forward to seeing his future development,” Leeds said in a statement. Leeds have a rich history with Australian players which includes Mark Viduka, Harry Kewell, Neil Kilkenny, Hayden Foxe, Paul Okon, Joel Griffiths and Jacob Burns.

7.02.2025

SAIL HOWLER SEES MARINERS TAKE A POINT

A howler from Perth Glory goalkeeper Oli Sail saw Central Coast Mariners share the spoils in a 1-1 draw in the week 18 Isuzu Ute A-League clash at HBF Park on Friday evening. Skipper Adam Taggart gave the hosts the lead early but sent a scare through the camp with an injury just before the break, though he was able to carry on. On the hour mark, the Mariners leveled when 16-year-old Haine Earnes’ long-range shot slipped through the arms and legs of the Glory custodian, who surely wanted the ground to open up and swallow him. It was a shame, as the Kiwi ‘keeper had been in superb form recently, but Glory had their chances to win it late but couldn’t find the target.

“The progress we’ve made in terms of the mentality of the group is pleasing, although I thought in the first half, we were flat. But we got the goal and were able to manage the game a lot better. In the second half, we stepped it up and had some good moments, but the reaction after we conceded was excellent,” Glory head coach David Zdrilic said post-match. “There was only one team that was going to win it with the chances that we had. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to take them, but we created chances and we’re having a go. If you look at the last five games, we had the chances to win those games, which is a change from the start of the season, so we’re building. I was really impressed with the guys who have come in. We had to make changes tonight with international call-ups, and Riso (Josh Risdon) was out, but we took the fight to them and were just unlucky.”

Zdrilic was forced into three changes from the side that was beaten by Melbourne Victory last week. Zach Lisolajski and Jaylan Pearman were away with the Young Socceroos, while Josh Risdon was out with a rib injury, so Anas Hamzaoui, Tara Gomulka, and Lachie Wales came into the starting lineup, with Wales making his starting debut for the club. Also, off the pitch, WA assistant Josh Mannella officiated in his 150th A-League game – well done, Josh!

It was a perfect start for Zdrilic’s side, who found the opener in the 8th minute. Nicholas Pennington fed Wales, who found a pocket of space in the middle of the park. He drove goalward before slipping the ball to Taggart, and the skipper found the bottom corner of the net past Dylan Peraic-Cullen for his sixth goal of the season. The chances were few and far between after that, but six minutes from the break, Taggart looked finished for the night after what appeared to be a hamstring injury, though he carried on after treatment.

The Mariners came close to an equalizer two minutes later, with Christian Theoharous wriggling free of his marker. His shot on the run was well saved by Sail at full stretch. Moments later, Glory went close to a second when Wales found Patrick Wood, but his effort was deflected wide. They came even closer in stoppage time; neat build-up down the left ended with youngster Will Freney, who cut the ball back to Taggart on the edge of the box. Taggart’s first-time shot fizzed past the far post, leaving the hosts with a narrow lead at the break.

The visitors made a triple change at the start of the second half, with Theoharous, Ryan Edmondson, and former Glory winger Abdu Faisal making way for Lucas Mauragis, Alou Kuol, and Miguel Di Pizio. But it was Glory who created the first opening after the break, with Pennington finding Freney, who raced into the box, but his shot from an angle flew over the top. On 61 minutes, the visitors leveled. It seemed there was little danger when Mikael Doka rolled the ball to Earnes, but his low shot crept under Sail and into the net.

It was a bitter blow for Sail and the Glory, but they rolled up their sleeves and pressed for the winner. Peraic-Cullen made a smart save to deny Taggart after he was found by substitute Joel Anasmo, who was again making an impact. The young striker should have scored shortly after; Hamzaoui’s low cross found him, but with the goal at his mercy, he failed to make contact with the ball. He was in again on 78 minutes, cutting in on his right foot, but a combination of Trent Sainsbury and Peraic-Cullen blocked his effort.

The Mariners were on the ropes as Glory pressed for the winner, with former Armadale youngster Sainsbury working overtime. Pennington then saw an effort from the edge of the box fly into the Shed. After good work from substitute Nathanael Blair, he crossed from the by-line on the right, but Pennington’s volley whistled inches wide of the post. That was the final chance of the game, with both sides sharing the spoils. The result leaves Glory in 11th spot on the ladder, while the Mariners’ title defence is looking shaky, sitting in ninth, three points outside the top six.

Perth Glory: GK Oli SAIL, 3 Anas HAMZAOUI (17 Yuto MISAO 85'), 4 Tass MOURDOUKOUTAS, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 12 Taras GOMULKA, 18 Lachie WALES (10 Nikola MILEUSNIC 68'), 20 Trent OSTLER, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Patrick WOOD (14 Nathanael BLAIR 75'), 27 Will FRENEY (31 Joel ANASMO 68'), 29 Tomi MRCELA - Subs not used: RGK Cameron COOK, 6 Brandon O’NEILL, 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI

Central Coast Mariners: GK Dylan PERAIC-CULLEN, 3 Brian KALTAK, 4 Trent SAINSBURY, 7 Christian THEOHAROUS (23 Miguel DI PIZIO 46'), 10 Mikael DOKA (44 Lucas SCICLUNA 90'), 15 Storm ROUX (27 Sasha KUZEVSKI 75'), 16 Harry STEELE, 21 Abdul FAISAL (12 Lucas MAURAGIS 46'), 33 Nathan PAULL, 36 Haine EAMES, 99 Ryan EDMONDSON (9 Alou KUOL 46') - Subs not used: RGK Adam PAVLESIC, 24 Diesel HERRINGTON -Attendance: 5,139 - Referee: Adam Kersey

7.02.2025

REDS TOO STRONG FOR GLORY

Perth Glory’s search for an away Ninja A-League win continues after a brace from Erin Healy and another from Chelsie Dawber gave Adelaide United a 3-0 victory at Coopers Stadium on Friday afternoon. The Reds are one of the form teams in the competition and were too strong, with American striker Healy giving the hosts the lead early before Young Matildas striker Dawber doubled their advantage on the half hour. Glory pressed to get back into the game after the break but couldn’t find the target, and the hosts sealed the points in stoppage time with Healy on target again.

Glory made just one change from the side that was edged out in Canberra last week, with Miku Sunaga coming in for Izzy Foletta, who dropped to the bench. There was some good news on the injury front for coach Stephen Peters, as Kelli Brown made her return from injury and was among the substitutes. The visitors made a bright start and went close to the opener in the ninth minute. Tijan McKenna’s cross from the right picked out Caitlin Doeglas, whose first-time effort was saved low by Reds’ custodian Claudia Jenkins.

But the hosts soon took control, and seven minutes later they hit the front. Emily Condon and Healy combined on the edge of the box, with the latter finishing clinically past Casy Dumont. The home side continued to dictate terms and added a second just after the half hour. Lucia Leon’s low cross was met by Dawber, who managed to lose her marker and dinked the ball over Dumont. It should have been three moments later, but Emily Hodgson blazed over the top when well-placed. Still, the hosts were in control at the break.

Glory made a double change at the break, with Foletta and Sarah O’Donoghue coming on for Charli Wainwright and Caitlin Doeglas. They started the second half well but struggled in the final third. The best effort came from distance just after the hour, with O’Donoghue’s long-range shot saved by Jenkins. The hosts still looked dangerous, and substitute Dylan Holmes was picked out in the penalty area. However, with the goal at her mercy, she fired wide.

It was the Reds who completed the scoring in stoppage time. Substitute Tiarna Karambasis got away down the right, and her cross was turned home by Healy. The result not only sends the Reds up into second on the ladder, but also sees them go eight matches unbeaten in the Ninja A-League—the first time they’ve ever achieved such a feat in their 17-year history. For Glory, they remain ninth and will welcome sixth-placed Wellington Phoenix to the Sam Kerr Football Centre next Sunday.

Adelaide United: GK Claudia JENKINS, 2 Emily HODGSON, 4 Matilda MCNAMARA, 5 Sarah MORGAN, 8 Emily CONDON (16 Dylan HOLMES 63'), 10 Chelsie DAWBER (23 Fiona WORTS 75'), 12 Nanako SASAKI (27 Sian DEWEY 62'), 13 Ella TONKIN, 14 Lucía LEÓN (6 Tiarna KARAMBASIS 84'), 17 Zoe TOLLAND, 22 Erin HEALY – Subs not used: RGK Annalee GROVE

Perth Glory: GK Casey DUMONT, 5 Grace JOHNSTON, 6 Tijan MCKENNA (20 Ella ABDUL MASSIH 73'), 7 Megan WYNNE, 11 Natalie TATHEM, 12 Caitlin DOEGLAS (19 Sarah O’DONOGHUE 46'), 13 Naomi CHINNAMA, 14 Miku SUNAGA (44 Kelli BROWN 67'), 23 Izzy DALTON, 27 Charli WAINWRIGHT (18 Izzy FOLETTA 46'), 29 Onyinyechi ZOGG - Subs not used: RGK Miranda TEMPLEMAN - Referee: Bec Mackie

7.02.2025

NPL-WA NIGHT SEREIES – WEEK THREE PREVIEW

We’ve reached the half way mark of the NPLWA Men’s Night Series, and all this week three games could have a huge bearing on the semifinal lineup. First in Group A, the two unbeaten sides meet at Alfred Skeet Reserve on Sunday evening, when Armadale welcome Olympic Kingsway in the late game. (7.30pm) Both sides are coming off big wins last week to maintain their perfect start to the preseason competition, and the winner of this one will be in pole position to claim a spot in the last four.

Armadale head coach Alun Vernals is well they are only in preseason, but he’s been pleased his players attitude and preparation as they prepare for the new season ahead, and taking on champions Olympic is perfect opportunity to see where they are at, and they are looking forward to the challenge. “Yes, it’s been a good start for us, with most of the lads able to get good minutes into their legs, whilst picking up no injuries which is important this time of the season,” Vernals explained. “Sunday is another chance to do that, but we know Kingsway are the benchmark, so another challenge to see where we are as a unit. They play good football so it should be a good watch for the neutral at the Skeet.”

Back-to-back wins to start the competition has also pleased Olympic assistant coach Ross Edwards, but he is aware it’s a preseason competition, but the players have worked extremely hard to come back in good shape, and they are getting their rewards. “As you said it’s preseason but the boys are looking sharp. We challenged them this year to go away have a break after a long season, but come back fitter than they have ever been and it’s been pleasing to see how they have conducted themselves,” Edwards explained. “Armadale are a very good team, and they pushed us to final minutes in both games last year and look very strong again this year. Alfred Skeet is a tough place to go, but what else are you going to do on a Sunday night.”

The other games in the group are on Saturday evening at Frank Drago Reserve, and in the early game Perth Glory take on Fremantle City. (6.30) The port side are still searching for their first win in the competition, while Glory will be buoyed by their win against Balcatta last week, and new head coach Joe Heath was pleased how his young group stood firm late to secure the points. “It was very pleasing to pick up our first win of the night series, but equally pleasing to see a good performance while doing so,” Heath explained. “All three goals from, Seb Despotovski, Khoa Ngo and Nathaniel Blair, came from a willingness to play forward and run forward at the right times. We Controlled the game for periods in possession and created chances but the most pleasing was how the lads applied themselves out of possession.

“This is a young group of players but I thought they managed the game well, especially when Balcatta equalised and started to apply some pressure on us. Right now, we are taking each game as it comes and concentrating on our own style of play. The objective for the season ahead for us as a squad is to produce talent for our A-League setup whilst also being competitive. Fremantle will be physical and have a lot more experience in their side, as will a lot of teams we play this season in the NPL, however, I thought we dealt with this well in the game against Balcatta.” In the late game at the venue Bayswater City hosts Balcatta Etna in the Italian Derby. (8.30pm)

In Group B the top two teams also meet, although it’s a little bit closer, with only one point separating the top four sides. Firstly, in the early game on Saturday evening, group leaders Perth SC take on second placed Sorrento at Macedonia Park. (6.30) Both sides are unbeaten, with a win and a draw, and last week Sorrento beat local rivals Perth RedStar to kick start their campaign, while the Azzurri scored deep into stoppage time to earn a draw against Stirling. Sorrento coach Steven McGarry said they are getting better with each game, and he is expecting a stern test on Saturday.

“It’s been a positive start and overall, we have been pleased with how we are progressing. The new lads have come in and settled pretty well and it’s been great to see the group already show some signs of improvement and evolving,” McGarry explained. “Perth will be another tough test and there will be no easy game’s this year. But our focus will be mainly on what we do and again we will be looking to raise the bar in our performance levels.”

The late game on the evening sees Stirling Macedonia, who are third and on the same points as the top two, host Floreat Athena. (8.30pm) Stirling coach Ago Mujic said it’s been a positive start, and Sunday is another challenging game. “Yes, it’s good start to the night series for us and I think we heading in right direction with two games being unbeaten against two very good opponents in Knights and Perth,” he said. “We are looking forward to another challenge this week against Floreat which is always big game between two clubs and I’m sure it will be good game of football this Saturday. We will prepare ourselves the best we can and try to add another win and in same time keep going in right direction before season starts.” The other game in the group is on Sunday evening, in the early game at Alfred Skeet Reserve, when the Knights will look to build on their first up win last week when they take on Perth RedStar. (5.30pm).

7.02.2025

STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES – WEEK TWO PREVIEW

It’s week two of the State League Night Series, and it kicks off on Saturday evening at the Inglewood Stadium and in the early game in Group A, Swan United take on Gwelup Croatia. (6.30pm) Both sides will be looking for a first win in the competition, after a loss and a draw respectively in week one. Gwelup scored late to share the spoils against Wembley Downs, while Swan was beaten by Inglewood. Swan coach Colin Morgan said mistakes cost them last week. “Look, all in all I was really pleased with the performance against Inglewood. We had the better of the chances in the first half and I don’t think we deserved to be trailing at the break,” he said.

“We got our goal early in the second half, but the reality is, if you make mistakes against a good side, they will punish you and that’s exactly what Inglewood did. Really pleased with how the squad carried out the pre-match instructions, they have been working their socks off pre-season and we went into the match with two things in mind, style of play as much as we can, and minutes in the legs.

Morgan said they will mix it up a bit on Saturday, against another good side. “We’re looking forward to this weekend, against another good side in Gwelup, another side from the league above which we enjoy the test of playing against,” he said. “Bazil (Lenzo) and his team have put together a good group, and I’m sure they will be looking to build into pre-season much like us. Bit of rotation and testing players out in different roles for us over night series and this weekend will be no different.” In the late game at the venue, Inglewood United host Wembley Downs. (8.30pm)

In Group B on Sunday evening, the early game at the Poolmart Stadium, Peelwood Parade sees Canning City meet Balga. (5.30pm) Canning were beaten by Mandurah last week, while Balga fought out a goalless draw with Kalamunda, and Balga coach Gerhard Janssen said it was a good workout. “We could see that the boys try to transfer our training sessions into the game, and of course we would have liked to have three points to start a night series, but we respect that our opponents had chances as well,” he said.

“For the weekend against Canning City, we will face a real test. Canning has to win this game to have any chance to stay in the night series. I expected the fans can see that we are one step further in our preseason development. Hence, I’m very optimistic that we will get something out of this game. Even when it is a preseason friendly, we have to admit that nobody walks on the pitch in the night series without the intention to win the game.” In the late game at the venue Mandurah City hosts Kalamunda City. (7.30pm)

In Group C we head to Wanneroo Reserve on Saturday evening, and in the early game East Perth take on Joondalup City. (6.30pm) East Perth were too strong for Kingsley last week, while Joondalup were beaten by Wanneroo, and coach Brad McDonald said they were a bit rusty, and is looking forward to another test against East Perth. “I thought last week’s games was a bit dull and non-eventful, just your typical first competitive game where everyone is a bit rusty, and we made one mistake and they scored so credit to Wanneroo,” McDonald explained. “It’s always a good test against East Perth. It’s another step towards round one of the season and part of the process of how we are trying to play this year. They usually bring out the best in us so I’m looking forward to Saturday night.” In the late game at the venue, Wanneroo City host Kingsley Westside. (8.30pm)

Group D games will be played at Paintseal Arena, Ashfield Reserve on Saturday evening, and in the opening game hosts Ashfield take on Quinns. (6.30pm) The hosts were beaten in the opener by Curtin, while Quinns fought out a high scoring draw with Subiaco, and new coach Nick Jennings was pleased with the performance. “Plenty of pleasing aspects in last week’s performance, but it also highlighted areas where we need to improve,” he said. “Our squad will be rotated as it’s important all the players are exposed to competitive minutes. The Ashfield game is basically knockout football for both sides, nothing but victory to keep in the frame for progression to the knockout section, so I expect an action-packed game.” In the late game at the venue, Curtin University will be taking on Subiaco AFC. (8.30pm)

In Group E on Saturday evening, Cockburn City welcome Rockingham City to Dalmatinac Park in the early game. (6.30pm) The hosts began the competition with a win against Gosnells, while Rockingham were beaten by MUMFC, but new Rockingham coach Jordan Rhodes said there were some positives to come out of the defeat. “MUM are a good mature side and Marc has got them going well over a couple years now. For us right now it is just about building the foundations, in particular work ethic and I loved the effort the boys put forward. I am confident the football will follow the hard work,” Rhodes said. “It was a big win for Cockburn last week and they will take some momentum into the game that for sure. I am hoping a big local crowd and under the lights, what more could you ask for, and we will be having a good crack at it. In the late game at the venue Murdoch University Melville take on Gosnells City. (8.30pm)

Finally in Group F at Crazy Domains Stadium, Hartfield Park on Saturday evening, the early game sees Dianella White Eagles take on Carramar Shamrock Rovers. (6.30pm) Both sides are coming off opening game defeats, the Eagles losing to Forrestfield, while Rovers were beaten by UWA. New Rovers coach Mike Hartey said he was pleased with their first game, and found things to work on. “Even though we started with a loss we took a lot from the game. Our first half performance showed that we are taking onboard, and the approach that the players and coaching team are working so hard to implement. I thought we caused UWA a lot of problems and maybe on a different day would have finished a couple of the chances we created. Second half was another story but the positives very much outweighed the negatives,” he explained. “I’m expecting a tough test after their very surprising defeat on Sunday which is exactly what we need. We’ll get the team ready and stay focused on what we want from the game. With the squad embracing the changes, I’m excited to see how the team responds and continues to build towards the start of the season. I’m looking forward to seeing us play against very well coached team with some excellent players.” In the late game at the venue Forrestfield United host UWA Nedlands. (8.30pm)

7.02.2025

PERTH GLORY V CENTRAL COAST MARINERS – ISUZU UTE WEEK 18 PREVIEW

Perth Glory welcome Central Coast Mariners to HBF Park on Friday evening for Week 18 of the Isuzu Ute A-League. After improved performances recently, many Glory supporters are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel as they look to climb out of the bottom two. Head Coach David Zdrilic will have to do it without a couple of young stars, with Jaylan Pearman and Zach Lisolajski away on international duty, while talented defender Andriano Lebib will miss again due to a knee injury. This will give new signings Lachie Wales and Yuto Misao the opportunity for game time, while Anas Hamzaoui, Will Freney, Brandon O’Neill, Nikola Mileusnic, Khoa Ngo, and Nathanael Blair—who both scored in the Glory NPL side's win in the Night Series—will also come into consideration.

Zdrilic said spots are up for grabs and also refused to rule out further business in the transfer window if the right player becomes available. “We’re going to use every opportunity to bring players in, so as long as there’s time and we’re able to do it within our situation and budget, we’re still going to try and bring players in,” he said. “As for Andriano, he’s had knee pain and has now had a scan. We’ve seen exactly what it is, and it’s something we’ll just have to manage. It might need a clean-out or something like that, but we’re just focusing on what’s best for him. For this week, he’s definitely not available.”

One of those players is Will Freney, who joined the club on a two-year scholarship contract from Macarthur FC in the off-season. The 19-year-old midfielder, who has made four appearances in his debut season, said the experienced players have helped him greatly. “I’ve really enjoyed this transition from youth football into men’s football. Our group is so good, so it’s been really easy to transition,” the teenager said. “We’ve got older players acting as mentors for me, like Nicholas (Pennington), Adam (Taggart), and Brandon (O’Neill). They’ve all been really good in helping me smooth the transition into the game.”

“Obviously, Adam (Taggart) is the captain of the squad. He’s a leader. When I first came into the squad, he was really good at making me feel comfortable, feeling welcome, and helping me feel confident in my starting debut against the Wanderers. The speed of the game is much higher than anything I’ve been used to; it’s much higher than NPL football. But I feel like every game, I’m getting more and more used to the speed.”

The coach has been upbeat this week after some strong performances in recent weeks. Against Melbourne Victory last week, if they had taken their chances, they would have secured the points, and he wants to build on that. “The way we performed against Victory, especially the number of chances we had, was a very positive sign and another improvement in terms of the style we’re trying to play,” he said. “It was really frustrating that we weren’t able to score the one or two goals we deserved.

“To have that many shots against a Victory side that doesn’t give away many shots like that was impressive. I felt that if a goal went in for us during that period [at the start of the second half], it would have been a very different game. In the end, it was unfortunate that we conceded the way we did, and the flow went the other way. We’ve got to work to make sure we finish those chances off. The vibe is that we keep improving… and we want to continue that against the Mariners. We’re focusing on continuing the very good performances we’ve had at home and making sure those performances lead to wins.”

The last time the Mariners headed west was in Round 3 last season, when Glory ran out 2-0 winners in front of 6,798 supporters at HBF Park. Stefan Colakovski gave the hosts the lead on 52 minutes, and the Mariners' chances of a comeback were dealt a blow on 76 minutes when referee Shaun Evans sent Ange Torres off after reviewing VAR. Glory had keeper Cameron Cook to thank for staying in front, after the keeper produced a stunning save to deny Christian Theoharous’ long-range effort. But Glory wrapped up the points in stoppage time, with Adam Taggart on target.

Friday’s opponents, the current A-League champions, have been inconsistent this season and arrive into the game sitting in ninth place, four points out of the top six. However, Zdrilic believes they are now starting to hit their straps. “They’ve had to adapt a lot as well, as there have been changes there too,” he said. “But they’ve evolved over the course of the season and gotten stronger and stronger. Their style of play is becoming clearly evident again. I’m expecting a tough side to come here, but we’ll be focusing on ourselves. We want to make sure that we give them a real run for their money.”

It will be a return to WA for Abdelelah Faisal, who left the Glory for personal reasons recently, while it’s also a homecoming for WA-born defender Trent Sainsbury, who has recovered from a pectoral injury that saw him miss a number of games. “We know the potential that Abdul has, and he wanted to go back to Sydney for family reasons,” Zdrilic said. “From where he came from, he developed really well while he was here. He exploded onto the scene. His progression was very good and very rapid, so the potential is there. I think it’ll be an exciting game for him. For us, we’re just focusing on Central Coast as a whole, getting the win, and continuing the very good performances we’ve had at home, but making sure those performances now lead to wins.”

Perth Glory squad: GK Oli SAIL, GK Cameron COOK, 3 Anas HAMZAOUI, 4 Tass MOURDOUKOUTAS, 6 Brandon O’NEILL, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 10 Nikola MILEUSNIC, 12 Taras GOMULKA, 14 Nathanael BLAIR, 17 Yuto MISAO, 18 Lachie WALES, 19 Josh RISDON, 20 Trent OSTLER, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Patrick WOOD, 26 Khoa NGO, 27 Will FRENEY, 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI, 29 Tomi MRCELA, 31 Joel ANASMO - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: HAMZAOUI, O’NEILL, BLAIR, NGO - Outs: 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI, 16 Adam BUGARIJA, 25 Jaylan PEARMAN - Unavailable: 5 Lachie BARR (injured), 9 David WILLIAMS (injured), 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI (international duty), 16 Adam BUGARIJA (international duty), 24 Andriano LEBIB (injured), 25 Jaylan PEARMAN (international duty)

Central Coast Mariners squad: GK Adam PAVLESIC, GK Dylan PERAIC-CULLEN, 3 Brian KALTAK, 4 Trent SAINSBURY, 7 Christian THEOHAROUS, 9 Alou KUOL, 10 Mikael DOKA, 11 Vitor FEIJAO, 12 Lucas MAURAGIS, 15 Storm ROUX, 16 Harry STEELE, 21 Abdul FAISAL, 23 Miguel DI PIZIO, 24 Diesel HERRINGTON, 27 Sasha KUZEVSKI, 33 Nathan PAULL, 35 Arthur DE LIMA, 36 Haine EAMES, 44 Lucas SCICLUNA, 99 Ryan EDMONDSON - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: MAURAGIS, DI PIZIO - Outs: 39 Logan SAMBROOK, 43 Michael PARAGALLI

7.02.2025

ADELAIDE UNITED V PERTH GLORY – NINJA A-LEAGUE WEEK 15 PREVIEW

Perth Glory will be looking to bounce back after last week’s narrow loss against Canberra United when they travel to Coopers Stadium on Friday afternoon to take on third-placed Adelaide United in Week 15 of the Ninja A-League (1:50 PM WA time). Missed opportunities cost Stephen Peters’ side last week, and they will need to be more clinical on Friday against an Adelaide side that has risen to third place on the table, having lost just once in their last seven games. However, Glory did beat them earlier this season, with a brace from Gabby Hollar and another from Naomi Chinnama securing a 3-1 win in Week 6.

Unfortunately, Peters will have to do without American striker Hollar on Friday, and he will also be missing a number of first-team players, but he is hopeful Kiwi striker Kelli Brown will be available and hopes another player will be able to stay when her work commitments start. “Kelli will get some minutes this week, which will be great for her,” he said. “But Georgia (Cassidy) has a quad tear, which will keep her out for eight weeks, and unfortunately, Gabby Hollar has a series of blood clots, which is super random.

“She’s on medication, which is keeping her from flying and, unfortunately, playing. Susan (Phonsongkham) is hoping to be involved in the last three games of the season, and she’s on track to do that. Caitlin has probably only got two games left with us due to her work as a teacher, which is disappointing, but she’s done great. Her return has been a real positive and changed the narrative around what her memories of Glory are in terms of ending on a good note. Hopefully, we can have a spot for her next season… we’d obviously have to see what that looks like with her work, but I’m hopeful we’ll be able to get her back.”

Peters said the Reds were favourites to win the Week Six game, but on the day, his side deserved the points. He knows they will be looking for revenge on Friday, but they are ready for it. “After that game, their head coach, Adrian Stenta, shook my hand and said, ‘See you in Adelaide,’ so I think he may have put a circle on the calendar there!” he explained. “We were extremely tough when we played them last time, so I think they would have prepared for that. On Friday, they have home advantage, and they’re on a bit of a roll, so we know what’s coming, and we have to be ready for it. We’re quietly confident that we can be a real nuisance.”

Glory’s Tijan McKenna said they have to maintain their focus and not worry about the injury problems in the squad at the moment. “We start well, we do everything we’re supposed to do. I guess it’s (now) switching on for the second half or crucial moments… a set play, or halftime,” the Young Matildas midfielder said. “But we definitely have the engine, creativity, and confidence to do it for a full 90 minutes. It’s definitely frustrating (with the never-ending injury list), with like having a main three, and then someone gets injured, someone else comes in. They have worked for their spot, and I think it’s a gelling time. In training, step by step, we get stronger, and then each game we progress.”

Glory’s last visit to South Australia was in Week 14 last season when the hosts came from behind to run out 2-1 winners at Marden Sports Complex. Hana Lowry gave the visitors the lead early, but in first-half stoppage time, Japanese midfielder Nanako Sasaki leveled. The Reds won it early in the second half with Isabel Hodgson scoring. Peters said they need to be more ruthless when they are in the ascendency, something that was missing in Canberra last week. “When we’re on top in a game, we’ve got to take that moment,” Peters said. “We didn’t, and we left the door ajar for them, and they got the goal from the corner, which was pretty frustrating. If you don’t take your chances in this league, you’re not going to win your matches. We need to understand that.”

Adelaide United squad: GK Annalee GROVE, GK Claudia JENKINS, 2 Emily HODGSON, 4 Matilda MCNAMARA, 5 Sarah MORGAN, 6 Tiarna KARAMBASIS, 8 Emily CONDON, 10 Chelsie DAWBER, 12 Nanako SASAKI, 13 Ella TONKIN, 14 Lucía LEÓN, 16 Dylan HOLMES, 17 Zoe TOLLAND, 19 Katie BOWLER, 22 Erin HEALY, 23 Fiona WORTS, 24 Abby MIDDLETON, 27 Sian DEWEY - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: WORTS - Outs: 28 Chrissy PANAGARIS (Omitted) - Unavailable: 11 Isabel HODGSON (foot)

Perth Glory squad: GK Casey DUMONT, GK Miranda TEMPLEMAN, 2 Mischa ANDERSON, 5 Grace JOHNSTON, 6 Tijan MCKENNA, 7 Megan WYNNE, 11 Natalie TATHEM, 12 Caitlin DOEGLAS, 13 Naomi CHINNAMA, 14 Miku SUNAGA, 18 Izzy FOLETTA, 19 Sarah O’DONOGHUE, 20 Ella ABDUL MASSIH, 22 Ischia BROOKING, 23 Izzy DALTON, 27 Charli WAINWRIGHT, 29 Onyinyechi ZOGG, 44 Kelli BROWN - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: BROOKING, BROWN - Unavailable: 8 Georgia CASSIDY (injured), 9 Gabby HOLLAR (injured), 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM (injured), 16 Bella WALLHEAD (injured)

7.02.2025

HAHN AUSTRALIA CUP (WA) ROUND TWO AND THREE DRAW

The draw for the opening WA preliminary rounds of the 2025 Australia Cup was made on Wednesday afternoon at the Football West headquarters. This season, and for the next three years, the Australia Cup will officially be known as the “Hahn Australia Cup”, marking a new era as Hahn unites with Australia’s largest grassroots-to-professional football competition. The Australia Cup brings together over 750 senior community clubs across the country. This partnership will forge a lasting connection between Hahn and Australia’s active, football-loving communities, underscoring their commitment to uniting people and strengthening bonds through the shared love of the game.

The competition began back in 2014 as the FFA Cup, and each season two WA clubs have competed in the round of 32, and in this season round three draw, we have three clubs who have played in that stage. Cockburn City have made the national stage of the competition twice, first they were beaten 2-1 by Melbourne Knights in 2016 and 3-1 by Brisbane City in 2022. Gwelup Croatia played in 2018, and were beaten 0-4 by Adelaide Comets, while in 2023 Inglewood United lost 4-0 to MetroStars.

This season all three sides face tough opposition in round three, Cockburn City, who will play in Division Two for the first time since 1970, host new state league club Wembley Downs. Gwelup Croatia host new Division One club Joondalup City, while Inglewood United, who will pay in Division One for the first time since 1990, will make the trip to Bunbury to meet the Dynamos. There are just four fixtures scheduled for Round Two, which will be played over the weekend of 22-23 February. Belt Up Amateur Division One side Stirling Panthers will host Premier Division outfit North Perth United, Northern City take on fellow Division Two team Baldivis SC, Spearwood Dalmatinac from Division Three are up against first division Ballajura, while Division One Ellenbrook United meet Dalyellup Park Rangers of the South West Soccer Association.

The Round Three fixtures will see the 24 State League club enter the competition and there are some intriguing ties. Mandurah City travel to Curtin University, Ashfield host Kingsway Westside, while Dianella White Eagles make the trip to Canning City. Subiaco AFC travel to Swan United, East Perth host Premier Amateur club Morley Windmills, while Balga welcome another Premier Amateur side in Maccabi.

The Full Draw is: Curtin University v Mandurah City, Forrestfield United v Kwinana United, Ashfield v Kingsley Westside, Bunbury Dynamos v Inglewood United, Joondanna Blues v Perth AFC, East Perth v Morley Windmills, Swan United v Subiaco, Canning City v Dianella White Eagles, Carramar Shamrock Rovers v Kalamunda City, Cockburn City v Wembley Downs, North Beach v UWA Nedlands, Gwelup Croatia v Joondalup City, Queens Park v Murdoch University Melville, Port Kennedy v Peel United, Stirling Panthers/North Perth United v Cracovia, Football Margaret River v Spearwood Dalmatinac/ Ballajura, Rockingham City v Wanneroo City, Gosnells City v Northern City/Baldivis SC, Balga SC v Maccabi SC, Ellenbrook United/ Dalyellup Park Rangers v South Perth United, Woodvale v Quinns - Ties are scheduled for the weekend of 15-16 March. Round Four, which see the NPLM teams enter the competition, is scheduled for 12-13 of April.

7.02.2025

RUKAVYTSYA'S 'FAIRYTALE STORY' COMES TO AN END

Socceroos striker Nikita Rukavytsya has announced his retirement from professional football. In a career spanning close to 17 years, the 37-year old former Perth Glory, Western Sydney Wanderers and Western United player took to social media to confirm he was hanging up the boots having been without a club since leaving Western United at the end of the 2023/24 season.

"After such a long and incredible journey it's time for me to step aside," he said. "We both know no matter what I do next, I will always be that 6 year old boy with a ball under my arm walking out to play on the street and after every goal picturing a celebration with a full stadium screaming my name! To all my teams, teammates, coaches, all the staff workers from all of my clubs and national team, big thank you, I appreciate every single one of you."

Rukavytsya played as a teenager for Inglewood United and Perth SC before joining Glory as an injury-replacement during the 2006/07 A-League season. He subsequently signed a permanent contract with the A-League club and went on to make 47 appearances and score 18 goals. In 2008 he was awarded the Harry Kewell Medal as the competition's under-23 player of the year.

In mid-2009 Rukavytsya sealed a move to Dutch side FC Twente, from where he was loaned for the second half of the season to Belgium outfit Roeselare. Twelve months later he switched to Hertha Berlin, playing 59 games for the 2. Bundesliga side. Spells with German clubs Mainz 05 and FSV Frankfurt followed.

Rukavytsya briefly returned to Australia to sign a one-year deal with Western Sydney Wanderers for the 2014/15 campaign. Eight seasons in Israel with Beitar Jerusalem, Maccabi Haifa and Hapoel Be'er Sheva were rewarded with two Israeli Premier League titles, one Israeli State Cup and two Israeli Premier League top-goalscorer trophies.

A third and final season in the A-League took Rukavytsya's professional tallies to 485 games and 145 goals at club level. On the international stage, Rukavystsya earned 23 caps for Australia and was part of the Socceroos' 2010 World Cup squad in South Africa. He also represented Australia at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

6.02.2025

MCKENNA CREDITS GROWTH TO TIME AWAY FROM HOME

Perth Glory midfielder Tijan McKenna believes her time away from her hometown club helped her both progress as a player and grow as a person. The 21-year old made her Glory debut as a teenager back in 2021, but a struggle for game-time resulted in her heading east to Melbourne City ahead of last season.

McKenna linked up with sister Leticia at City and made 13 appearances en route to the A-League Women premiership, although she watched on from the bench as they fell in the Grand Final. McKenna has no regrets about making the move back to Perth. “I’ve definitely grown up; that was the main thing for me, going to Melbourne,” she said.

“The training was great and then obviously living out of home, learning to do stuff for myself, cooking, rent. But coming home, I do a lot more things instead of relying on my parents. I know I can because they’ll always be there, but coming back from Melbourne has definitely made me grow up as a person and a player and taking more initiative has been one for me.”

“It’s really refreshing coming home, being with family, and also playing with previous players I’ve played with before, it’s definitely nice to be with them. Getting more game-time has definitely been something that I’ve tried to do, and I definitely think being at Glory has really helped him with that.”

It has not been the smoothest of seasons for Glory, who have struggled with injury and for consistency. Ahead of this weeks trip to Adelaide United, McKenna said they would take plenty of confidence from their 3-1 win over their opponents in December. “We definitely want to cement what we had last time, and then work on it this time,” she said.

“We definitely knuckled down on what we had to do, and we followed Stephen’s protocols of what to do and everything, but I think our desire and confidence that we had going into it was way better than our previous games. We start well when we do everything that we need to do...we definitely have the engine and the creativity and confidence to do it for full 90.”

6.02.2025

MATILDAS GREAT WILLIAMS RULED OUT FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON

Matildas great Lydia Williams' professional career is in doubt after Melbourne Victory confirmed the veteran goalkeeper would miss the remainder of the A-League Women season through injury. Williams, who officially retired from the Matildas last June, has not played in Victory's current campaign since suffering a wrist injury, which recently required surgery.

Victory coach Jeff Hopkins this week conceded Williams' season was over. "[It] probably looks like Lyds won't play again this season," commented Hopkins. "She's had an operation and, although it's gone really well, probably I don't think that will allow her to play this season."

Hopkins refused to be drawn on what the future holds for 36-year old Williams, who is out of contract at the season's end. "I've not really gone any further into it," he said. "It's disappointing for her that the injury is going to take that long. I don't know ... I don't want to speak for Lyds as well. I think that one's better left for further down the line and for Lyds to answer as well."

Williams had a stirring international send-off with the Matildas in a friendly against China last June. She has 104 Matildas caps, attended five World Cups, six Women's Asian Cups — including the 2010 title triumph — and two Olympic Games. Her club career has featured stints at Canberra United, Melbourne City, Western New York Flash, Houston Dash, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.

6.02.2025

FRENEY THANKS TEAMMATES FOR HELPING ADJUSTMENT PERIOD

Will Freney has hailed the impact of Perth Glory’s senior players for easing his transition into senior football. The 19-year old midfielder, who joined Glory on a two-year scholarship contract from Macarthur FC over the winter, has made four appearances in his debut A-League season.

If Freney looks comfortable in the domestic league it’s because he has been mentored by the team’s older heads. “I’ve really enjoyed this transition from youth football into men’s football. Our group that we have here is so good, so it’s been really easy to transition into,” Freney said. “We’ve got older players that are acting like mentors for me, like Nicholas Pennington, (Adam) Taggart, Brandon O’Neill — they’ve all been really good for me to smooth the transition into the game.

“Obviously Adam Taggart, he’s the captain of the squad, he’s a leader. When I first came into the squad, he was really good in making me feel comfortable, feeling welcome, helped me feel confident in my starting debut against Wanderers. And then in my position, since I’ve come into the A-League set up, Nicholas Pennington and Brandon O’Neill, they’ve been top for me to learn how to play football at this level, always giving me information on certain scenarios.”

Also easing the move up from youth football to the top level of the game is the presence of several teammates from the Glory’s National Premier Leagues set-up. “Last NPL season, there were boys like Andriano Lebib, Jaylan Pearman, Khoa Ngo, Joel Anasmo; we all played in the NFL and we all know how we play,” Freney said. “Coming into the A-League, it really it does help, knowing how we all play. Playing with them just makes them more enjoyable.”

While he has enjoyed his initial taste of Australia’s top tier of football, Freney said he was still adapting to the intensity. “The speed of the game is obviously much higher than anything I’ve been used to, it’s much higher than NPL football,” he said. “Nothing really has been too distant what I’m used to — probably the speed of the game, but I feel like every game, I’m getting more and more used to the speed.”

3.02.2025

GRANT HOPEFUL OF SOCCEROOS CALL-UP AFTER JOINING SYDNEY

Alex Grant is hoping a return to the A-League can get his career back on track and rekindle his dream of becoming a Socceroo. The 31-year old defender has signed with Sydney FC until the end of the current season after finding out he was no longer wanted by his Chinese club, Tianjin Jinmen, via social media.

"My year had started really well (in China) and we were flying - second in the league which for the club I was at was over-achieving," explained Grant, whose stay in China lasted just eleven games. "I picked up a niggling injury, was out for a few weeks, came back in and although it persisted I felt I could play for the rest of the year."

"But the club kind of took it out of my hands by deregistering me in June which I found out about on social media. The culture there, I understand it, it's slightly different and they're not really forward - they won't pull you to one side and tell you things. That's just how it goes, when you're on the wrong end of it and it's not a nice pill to swallow so it was a difficult period for me."

Grant, an ECU Joondalup junior, spent his final few months in China training out of position. "Because you're not in their plans, you're playing up front or playing on the wing (against the first team)," he said. "It's mentally draining as well because you're in an environment which is challenging with the language because you're relying on your interpreter."

The sour ending to Grant's time in China followed an enjoyable stint in South Korea, where he won the Korean Cup with Pohang. Was he surprised that a Socceroos call-up never came? "It's something I've always wanted but it's just never eventuated," Grant said. "I probably did feel I was at a level where I was playing consistently well at a high level. It just comes down to opinions and I can't argue with it, I'm not bitter about it but I won't rule it out."

Grant's return to Australia where he is expected to slot straight into the Sydney backline will put him firmly on the radar of Tony Popovic. With injuries to Harry Souttar and Alessandro Circati, it will only help Grant's cause that he already knows the Socceroos manager having played under him at Perth Glory between 2018 and 2020.

"I still call him 'the boss', I respect him a lot," Grant said. "Playing under him with Perth I felt I developed a lot and learned from Hayden Foxe, who was his assistant then and is now. I felt this (move to Sydney) was the right choice for me and coming back to Australia ticks a lot of boxes. I am happy to be back in an environment where somebody wants me."

2.02.2025

NPL-WA NIGHT SERIES – WEEK TWO – SUNDAY REVIEW

Photo Sorrento celebrate Joey O’Brien’s goal in their 2-0 win against Perth RedStar – Courtesy of Cat Bryant Photography (@Cat Bryant Photography)

Week two of the NPLWA Night Series was completed on Sunday evening, with games at Percy Doyle Reserve. First in the early game in Group B, hosts Sorrento secured their first win in the competition, and have put a dent in Perth RedStar’s chances of regaining the title, after beating them 2-0 In the northern derby. The Gulls suffered a blow early with skipper Dean Cummings limping off with injury, and he was replaced by Shay Natalotto, who was soon into the action, giving them the lead on 22 minutes.

A high press from Steven McGarry’s side saw Natalotto capitalise on a mistake from the RedStar defender, leaving him one on one with keeper Luca Iovene, and he finished clinically. They sealed the points 15 minutes from time, great build up play, saw the ball played out wide to Clay Gibbs, who drove down the line and crossed it in perfectly to new striker Joe O’Brien, who made no mistake. “We knew RedStar would be tough but I thought we kept our shape really well, pressed hard, looked defensively solid and took our chances well when they came,” O’Brien said. “There were plenty of positives going forward to our next game against Perth SC next week.”

The late game at the venue was in Group A, and Perth Glory have also won their first game in the pre-season tournament, beating Balcatta Etna 3-1. “It was a good game, all the boys played their part in getting over the line with the win,” Glory striker Sebastian Despotovski said. “Even more pleasing was things that we’ve worked on in training during the week we brought into the game, with our pressing and runs in behind and that lead to the goals we scored. I believe it was really rewarding for the whole team getting the win, because we worked so hard during the week and carried it on against Balcatta.”

Glory made a perfect start, finding the opener after only nine minutes, Despotovski on target. But Balcatta, who were also coming off a first up defeat, hit back and leveled in the shadows of half time, with Matthew Tomassone scoring. But Joe Heath’s side weren’t to be denied, and regained the lead just after the hour mark, with former Western Sydney Wanderers striker Nathanael Blair scoring. Balcatta’s hopes of a comeback weren’t helped when defender Luke Alessandrino was shown a second yellow card by referee Steve Gregory and sent off five minutes from time, and Blair added his second in the final minute to seal the points.”

2.02.2025

STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES – WEEK ONE – SUNDAY REVIEW

The first week of the State League Night Series concluded on Sunday evening, and firstly in Group F, Kris Donnell began his tenure as coach of UWA Nedlands with 2-0 win against Carramar Shamrock Rovers in the early game at Crazy Domains Stadium, Hartfield Park. A second half brace from new Scottish striker Joe McInnes secured the points for UWA, and the coach was happy with the first up performance. “Delighted to get the three points and a clean sheet,” Donnell said. “First half we weren’t patient enough with our build up and a bit passive at times, but it was much better in the second half moving the ball a lot quicker. Pleased to see Joe (McInnes) grab two in his first game for the club, but we’ve got plenty to work on next week, but really happy with the squad and attitude of the boys.”

In the late game at the venue, hosts Forrestfield Untied beat Dianella White Eagles 1-0. “Super pleased with the performance and the maturity of the players, it was a good learning curve for some of the young lads to play against such good opposition,” Forrestfield coach Daryl Platten explained. “Dianella will be one of the favourites in Division One this season, so for our lads to go out there and get a win will boost their confidence.

“We went in with a game plan and every one stuck to it for the full 90 minutes, so it was a great start in front of our loyal supporters at a full Hartfield Park.” The only goal of the game came 25 minutes from time. Man of the Match Austin Reynolds played a neat one two with Matt Evans, before beating his marker and floating a ball to the back post, where Rhys Loxley knocked it down to Noah Appleby who fired a low shot from the penalty spot which the keeper parried into the path of Loxley, who finished from close range on his home coming.

In Group A at the Inglewood Stadium, Gwelup Croatia and newly promoted Wembley Downs played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the early game, with a stunning free kick deep into stoppage time from Gwelup substitute Rob Ferrante earned his side a point, and denied Wembley a first up win since promotion from the Premier Amateur Division. “Very pleased with the performance, unfortunately from our point of view, a great free kick from Gwelup right at the death takes a little bit of gloss on what would have been a great game for us,” Wembley new coach Luke Thompson explained.

“Apart from a few nerves early and running out of legs towards the end, it was a great team performance, so much on what we've been working on in training was put into action, so for our first preseason hit out I couldn't be happier.” It was Gwelup who found the opener after five minutes, they won the ball in the middle of the park, played the ball to the left where Jeremie Mba delivered a pin point cross to Toby Robertson, who headed home. But Wembley were level 15 minutes Iater, Sam Mattock received the ball at the edge of the box, surged past two defenders to then finish low under Rocco Liberti.

Wembley hit the front six minutes before half time, they broke down the left, the ball was squared to the top of the box, and Lachie Chamberlain finished clinically. It looked like that goal would win it, but Gwelup were pressing late, and they were rewarded when Ferrante curled home superbly from 20 meters, to give both sides a share of the spoils. “It was a really good energetic game and it’s what we needed to be heading into a season with new coaches and many new faces,” new Gwelup coach Basil Lenzo said. “Wembley were well organised and played a strong counter game, and only a great save from Rocco (Liberti) kept the score at 2-1 at half time, before Rob’s wonder free kick sealed a highly entertaining 2-2 draw.”

In the late game Inglewood United started life back in the State League with a 3-1 win against Swan United. The hosts opened the scoring on the half hour mark, with two debutants involved, Dean Hurley crossing to Ciaran Byrne to head home. But Swan leveled early in the second half, with Cameron Anderson on target. Inglewood regained the lead on 56 minutes, Harry Evans sending Byrne clear and he finished well. They secured the points 19 minutes from time, Evans’ corner found Hurley, whose glancing header found the target.

“A good start to the night series, pleasing result but plenty to work on going forward,” Inglewood midfielder Evans said. “It was the first time last night we have all played together this preseason due to a lot of the squad being away so it will take a couple of games to gel. It was great to see Byrner and Deano get their first goals for Inglewood, and also a couple of young lads making their debuts, and get off to a winning start.”

2.02.2025

GRANT JOINS THE SKY BLUES

Former ECU Joondalup and Perth Glory defender Alex Grant has returned to the A-League after four years in South Korea and China, after the 31-year-old signed for Sydney FC. The Manchester-born central defender joined the ECU Academy after emigrating from the UK in 2005, before signing for Portsmouth in the UK in 2010. The northern suburbs club have a great reputation in finding talented players, and also heading over in the deal with Grant, was Andy Higgins and Ryan Williams all 15-year-olds.

During his time at Pompey, he had loan spells at Eastleigh and Havant & Waterlooville, before moving to Stoke City. He was loaned out by the Potters to Macclesfield Town, before heading back to WA to join Perth Glory. He played 86 A-League games in his five-year stint at the club, before joining South Korean giants Pohang Steelers, before signing for Chinese Super League outfit Tianjin Jinmen Tiger.

Grant said it’s a great move for him, and can’t wait to get started. “I’m thrilled to be signing with Sydney FC – a club with such a rich history of success,” the defender said. “I know the expectations here, and I’m hungry to add more silverware to my career. The squad is full of top-quality players, some of the best in the country, and I’m confident we can achieve great things this season.”

However, after limited game time recently, Grant felt it was important he wasn’t rushed into Sydney’s starting team last week against Adelaide United, but is eyeing the big one on Saturday for his debut. “I’ve got my eyes on (the derby) obviously, but … I’ve still got to get up to speed, and the players deserve (selection), the boys that are already here,” he said. “I need to make sure that I’m 100 per cent before stepping over the white line, and to make sure they’re getting the best out of me first and foremost.”

The Sky Blues had been busy in the transfer market looking for a new centre-back following the departure of 20-year-old Hayden Matthews, who joined EFL Championship side Portsmouth, but head coach Ufuk Talay said Grant is a perfect replacement. “Alex is a fantastic addition to our squad,” Talay said. “He’s played well over 200 games across multiple leagues, including the K League 1, Chinese Super League, and Isuzu UTE A-League. He’s a left-sided defender with great composure on the ball and a strong defensive presence. His winning mentality and leadership will be valuable in guiding our younger players, and he’s also a player who can score a goal, which is always a bonus from a defender.”

2.02.2025

IREDALE KEEN TO MAKE MOST OF HIBERNIAN OPPORTUNITY

Scotland-born Jack Iredale is determined to make the most of his chance at Premiership side Hibernian after making the choice to return to his homeland. The former Australian youth international admits that the chance to swap Lancashire, where he'd been playing with Bolton Wanderers, for Edinburgh, along with the chance to play top flight football, was just too good to turn down.

"I'd spent a couple of years down in England, but when this opportunity came up, with a club as big as Hibs, you can't say no," Iredale said. "I really want to make the most of the opportunity that I've got here at Hibernian and really try and push myself on. It took me a little while to get going, but now I'm in the team, hopefully staying in the team and I'm really enjoying being a part of it."

"Obviously my family's from Greenock, I was born in Scotland. I know the size of this club and the history of it as well. When you do have an opportunity to play for a club of this size, it has the chance of opening so many doors. I was not really sure what to expect on getting here, but the club have exceeded all my expectations."

Iredale admits it took a while to get going at Easter Road after making the move back in August. His introduction to the Hibs' backline has coincided with an upturn in form that's taken the Leith side to within two points the top six. "I'm just going to make the most of the chance that I've been given. I had to stay patient," he said.

"But I knew what I could bring to the team and thankfully I've hit good form. I'm just really happy to be playing consecutive games. Week in, week out, the boys have been really good. (Hibs manager) David Gray has been really good with me though. So hopefully it can continue and we can keep on going in the second half of the season."

Iredale flipped his life upside down with his turn-of-a-sixpence move north of the border on transfer deadline day in August. While Iredale admits it was all a bit of a blur at the time, he says it's a moment he doesn't regret. "I had a chat with the gaffer at Bolton Wanderers about things a couple of weeks before the end of the transfer window," he said.

"He was honest with me. I also knew that I wanted to go and play first team football so it was about trying to get something sorted from there. Things were sort of off and on for a bit, but then on deadline day, I think it was around half six in the evening, my agent called me saying 'how much diesel have you got in the tank?'."

"From there it was a bit of a blur because you need to get to Edinburgh pretty quickly. So I packed the bag and jumped in the car and got up here. It was very last minute, but I couldn't say no. I was actually in the house by myself, so I didn't really have anyone to bounce around with, but yeah, it was a pinch-me moment."

1.02.2025

VICTORY LEAVE WITH THE POINTS IN FRONT OF A BUMBER CROWD

Melbourne Victory have moved up to third on the Isuzu Ute A-League ladder after a 2-0 win against Perth Glory at HBF Park on Saturday evening. In front of the biggest crowd of the season, Glory had their chances, but failed to take them, much to the frustration of the 11,035 supporters. But after the break Arthur Diles’ side bagged two to take home the points, with Socceroos striker Nishan Velupillay and Brazilian Santos Rodrigues securing the points for the visitors.

“We had chances after the break, but that’s the football we want to play, it’s a different side, and the energy is high, but we couldn’t sustain it for 90 minutes,” Glory head coach David Zdrilic said post-match. “But when we come out, like we did in the second half, and we had chances in the first too, you have to take those chances, and a side like Victory, with the quality coming off the bench, took there’s. I’m just frustrated for the boys, they’ve just given everything, but I thought that was a proper football match and we created some good chances, so disappointing with the result, but a big step forward for us.”

Zdrilic made two changers to the side that drew in Newcastle, with Nicholas Pennington, who had made a quick recovery, after not being named in the squad on Thursday, replacing Brandon O’Neill, who was omitted, while Will Freney came in for Taras Gomulka, who dropped to the bench. After their hard-fought point against Newcastle Jets last week, Glory looked to build on it, but it was the visitors who began the brighter and Oli Sail was forced into a finger-tip save to deny Young Socceroo midfielder Jordi Valadon on 15 minutes, before Velupillay’s shot from the angle drifted narrowly wide.

After a slow start Glory settled and went close themselves moments later, Adam Taggart bearing down on goal, but Mitch Langerak stood tall to save. Victory looked dangerous going forward and Sail produced a candidate for save of the season on 23 minutes, Ryan Teague’s free kick across the face of goal, was met by a diving header from Greek striker Nikos Vergos, but somehow the Glory custodian managed to flick the ball over top. Glory went close to the opener in the shadows of half time, Taggart the supplier this time, his low cross found Patrick Wood, who was unable to beat Langerak, and at the break we were all even.

It was a bright start to the second half by the home side attacking the Shed End, and they went close to the opener in the first minute, a cross from the right was flicked on by Jaylan Pearman and Taggart raced into the box, his chip beat Langerak, but Brendan Hamill raced back to clear the ball off the line. The crowd were right behind the home side and they were in again moments later, Pearman’s neat through ball sent Zach Lisolajski into the left side of the penalty area, his cross was deflected by Santos, finding Wood at the back post, but he could only find the side netting.

Glory had a penalty shout moments later, the lively Pearman crossing to Pennington whose header didn’t trouble Langerak, but VAR had a look after the Glory midfielder was bundled over in the process, but it was given the all clear. But against the run of pay, it was the Victory who opened the scoring on the hour. Ryan Teague found Zinedine Machach in a pocket of space in the middle of the park, and the French midfielder’s shot was saved low by Sail, but the rebound fell to Velupillay who made no mistake.

It was a bitter blow for the home side, and the visitors went close to a second moments later, Machach sending Santos down the right channel, and his shot on the run whistled over the top. But on 67 minutes, they did find a second, some great interchange football ended with Machach, who played the ball out to the left to Vergas, and his cross into the box picked out Santos, who got in behind Lisolajski and headed past Sail. Glory made a triple change with Lachie Wales, Yuto Misao and Joe Anasmo coming on for Pearman, Trent Ostler and Lisolajski, but the damage had already been done.

Victory almost had a third shortly after, Santos’ low cross from the right hit Tomi Mrcela, the ball beating Sail, but the post came to the rescue of the Glory custodian. Glory continued to press and substitute Anasmo was lively, his quick break ended with Taggart, but his shot was saved by Langerak. The defeat leaves Glory in twelfth, only four points ahead of bottom of the table Brisbane Roar, who have two games in hand. Glory owner Ross Pelligra gave thanks to supporters who attended the game.

“I would like to personally thank each and every member and fan who made up our fantastic crowd of 11,035 tonight. You created an incredible atmosphere which truly gave me goosebumps as I watched on from Italy,” he said. “I’m just sorry that we were not able to reward your loyalty and passion with a win on this occasion. That said, the team put in a huge effort and were so unfortunate to come away empty-handed. We would love to see you all back at HBF Park on Friday evening for another big game against the Mariners. On behalf of the board, staff and players, thank you again for your magnificent support.”

Perth Glory: GK Oli SAIL, 4 Tass MOURDOUKOUTAS, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI (17 Yuto MISAO 68'), 19 Josh RISDON, 20 Trent OSTLER (18 Lachie WALES 68'), 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Patrick WOOD (12 Taras GOMULKA 79'), 25 Jaylan PEARMAN (31 Joel ANASMO 68'), 27 Will FRENEY (10 Nikola MILEUSNIC 84'), 29 Tomi MRCELA - Subs not used: RGK Cameron COOK, 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI

Melbourne Victory: GK Mitch LANGERAK, 5 Brendan HAMILL, 6 Ryan TEAGUE, 8 Zinedine MACHACH (27 Reno PISCOPO 79'), 9 Nikolaos VERGOS (10 Bruno FORNAROLI 68'), 11 Clerismario SANTOS RODRIGUES (3 Adama TRAORE 87'), 14 Jordi VALADON (18 Fabian MONGE 87'), 17 Nishan VELUPILLAY (7 Daniel ARZANI 68'), 21 Roderick MIRANDA, 22 Joshua RAWLINS, 28 Kasey BOS - Subs not used: RGK Jack DUNCAN, 16 Joshua INSERRA, - Attendance: 11,035 - Referee: Daniel Cook

1.02.2025

GOAL SHY GLORY BEATEN IN CANBERRA

Perth Glory profligacy in front of goal has seen them remain winless on the road in the Ninja A-League this season, after going down to a 1-0 loss to Canberra United at McKellar Park on Saturday afternoon. Stephen Peters’ side were on top for long periods of the match, which was played in hot conditions, having 16 shots, with five on target, but they couldn’t find a way past former Glory custodian Sally James. The only shot on target for the hosts won it, and it was another Glory player with it, Liz Anton scoring the winner just before the hour.

Glory made two changes to the side that beat Brisbane Roar last week, with Charli Wainwright and Izzy Foletta coming in for the injured Georgia Cassidy and Gabby Hollar. Coming off last weeks win against Brisbane Roar, the visitors were on the front foot and Tijan McKenna’s early effort flew over the top. Glory continued to dictate terms, and Izzy Dalton effort had James’ scrambling across goal, but it drifted wide. Then in stoppage time a mis-directed header from Maja Markovski almost caught James out, but the United keeper saved, and at the break it was a square.

Whatever Canberra coach Antoni Jagarinec said at half time worked, as the hosts lifted and found the opener 11 minutes in. Emma Robers corner wasn’t cleared, and in the goalmouth scramble, Anton forced the ball home from close range. Glory hit back and Natalie Tathem shot from the edge of the box drifted wide, before James saved Onyinyechi Zogg’s defected shot. The Glory defender went closer moments later, getting on the end of McKenna’s corner, but the alert James pushed the ball onto the post.

It looked like being one of those days for Glory, as chances came and went. Sarah O’Donoghue finding fellow substitute Miku Sunaga, but she fired straight at James. The hosts were defending deep, and although Glory continued to press, they couldn’t find the equaliser, the defeat leaving Glory in ninth, while Canberra moved level with the Roar, and only goal difference out of the top six.

Canberra United: GK Sally JAMES, 2 Alex MCKENZIE, 3 Elizabeth ANTON, 10 Mary STANIC-FLOODY (9 Ruby NATHAN 70'), 11 Emma ROBERS, 12 Hayley TAYLOR-YOUNG, 13 Sofia CHRISTOPHERSON (21 Aideen KEANE 77'), 17 Maja MARKOVSKI, 25 Darcey MALONE (23 Michelle HEYMAN 77'), 28 Tegan BERTOLISSIO, 32 Bethany GORDON - Subs not used: RGK Coco MAJSTOROVIC, 7 Jynaya DOS SANTOS

Perth Glory: GK Casey DUMONT, 5 Grace JOHNSTON, 6 Tijan MCKENNA, 7 Megan WYNNE, 11 Natalie TATHEM, 12 Caitlin DOEGLAS (14 Miku SUNAGA 72'), 13 Naomi CHINNAMA, 18 Izzy FOLETTA (20 Ella ABDUL MASSIH 61'), 23 Izzy DALTON, (19 Sarah O’DONOGHUE 61'), 27 Charli WAINWRIGHT (2 Mischa ANDERSON 85'), 29 Onyinyechi ZOGG - Subs not used: RGK Miranda TEMPLEMAN - Attendance: 1,807 - Referee: Georgia Ghirardello

31.01.2025

NPL-WA NIGHT SERIES – WEEK TWO – FRIDAY REVIEW

Armadale have continued their good start to the NPL Night Series campaign, beating Fremantle City 4-1 in the early Group A game at Frank Drago Reserve on Friday evening, to make it two wins from two games, and scoring eight goals in the process. “Last night was another fantastic result as we scored four goals for the second consecutive week. Despite a slow start with our defence under pressure, we remained resilient and kept Fremantle at bay,” Armadale new keeper Sebastian Medica explained. “We quickly regrouped and began playing our brand of football, leading to three rapid goals, showcasing the quality of our attacking players.

“While there are still areas for improvement, as we believe our performance fell short of our standards over the full 90 minutes, allowing Fremantle to gain momentum in the second half. Nonetheless, the togetherness and winning mentality displayed by the team on the pitch are evident, as demonstrated by our two successful starts to the night series campaign. We now turn our attention to the training ground this week, preparing for the significant upcoming game against Kingsway.”

Armadale were ahead on the half hour, Pieter Jacobsz through ball sent Josh Willis in on goal, he held off his marker before finishing past Luke Radonich. They doubled their lead five minutes later, Jacobsz was the provider again, breaking from the back and his diagonal ball found Emerson Alexis, who raced into goal and finished low past Radonich. Then in the shadows of half time they added a third, Hamish Van Dieken and Jacobsz combined, the latter saw his cross was blocked, the ball falling back to the in-form striker and he fired home.

A nasty head injury to Daniel Robinson, which required six stitches, saw Armadale lose momentum, and Fremantle were back in the game 16 minutes from time, Armadale lost the ball in the middle of the park, and Charie Chechlacz spotted Medica off his line and chipped the Armadale custodian. Fremantle were dominating, as they pressed for a second, but against the run of play Armadale added a fourth to seal the points. Substitute Josh Spencer received the ball from a throw in, before easing past his marker and firing into the top corner of the net from the edge of the box. “It was another good hit out for pre-season, but it was a bit of a stop-start performance,” Armadale coach Alun Vernals said post-match. “There were some flashes of brilliance but mainly a workmanlike effort from the group. We are well aware Improvement is required, but it is hard to be overly critical after scoring eight goals in two games."

In the late game at the venue Olympic Kingsway also continued their winning start to the competition, beating hosts Bayswater City 3-1. “It was a tough game as we expected, and both teams played with intent and desire to compete,” Olympic midfielder Joshua Samson said. “I thought we had some really good spells in possession and scored three well worked goals. There are still areas we can improve on and we will look to work on those in preparation for next week’s game.”

David Tough’s side were ahead on 25 minutes, with Luke Hewings on target. They doubled their advantage four minutes before the break, with Tyler Garner scoring, and the points were wrapped up nine minutes into the second half, with new signing Laat Mathiang adding a third. Bayswater scored a consolation goal on the hour, but Pat Loughrey’s goal was too little too late.

In Group B, Western Knights have bounced back from their opening round defeat, by beating Floreat Athena 3-2 in the early game at Dorrien Gardens. The Knights took control of the game in the first half with Jesse Lazzaro and Manase Abandelwa giving them a two-goal lead at the break. Floreat hit back with former Knights striker Owen Goodliffe pulling one back early in the second half, but substitute Justin Tang regained the Knights’ two-goal advantage just after the hour mark. Noah Shamaki pulled one back four minutes from time for Floreat to set up a thrilling finish, but the Knights held firm to claim their first win of the competition.

“After last week’s disappointing performance, the group trained very hard on the track and we were rewarded with a solid win against Floreat,” Knights keeper Sam Reilly said. “Our front line looks to be coming together well with Manase and Jesse both putting in great performances and I thought they were the difference makers. We also had a very young back two in Nathan Sbrocco and Noah Lummert who, after a shaky start, both played very solidly. Like a few other teams in the league, we started preseason very late, so the Night Series is a great way to test out a few players and come together as a team in front of a crowd and in very competitive games.”

In the late game, Perth SC have come from two goals down at half time to draw 2-2 with Stirling Macedonia. “I thought it was a good game and some great football on show by both teams,” Stirling keeper James Bosdet said. “We took a 2-0 lead and looked comfortable for long spells, but unfortunately a couple of injuries including myself and then Brent Quick meant we played the last 15 mins with ten men.”

The visitors were ahead on 20 minutes, Sam Wynne on target, and four minutes later they doubled their lead with Sam Dweh scoring. Bosdet was helped off with a leg injury and replaced by Nic Speca, and the first thing he had to do was pick the ball out the net, with Gordon Perkins scoring. It looked like Stirling would hold on to the lead, but in the sixth minute of stoppage time David Ninkovich headed home the equaliser to give both sides a share of the spoils.

31.01.2025

STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES – WEEK ONE FRIDAY REVIEW

The State League Night Series kicked off on Friday evening, and firstly in Group B at the Poolmart Stadium, Peelwood Parade, the opening game was a tight affair with Kalamunda City and Balga FC playing out a 0-0 draw. The late game at the venue saw hosts Mandurah City kick off their campaign with a 4-0 win against Canning City. “A very good performance for our first competitive fixture of the season,” Mandurah player/coach John Baird said. “We’ve worked really hard over the close season and pre-season, so the performance was more than what I expected and we’re pleased, we’ll take it into the next game now.” A first half brace from Ben Gallagher and another from Jordy Callaghan set the Dolphins on their way, before Liam Baxter added the fourth after the break.

In Group C East Perth started the competition with a 3-0 win against Kingsley Westside in the early game at Wanneroo Reserve. “A positive start for us and all 16 lads but a shift in tonight,” East Perth head coach Colm Costello said post-match. “I thought we took a while to get going and were sloppy in the first 15 minutes, but we grew into the game and took our chances well. Still plenty to work on and some players to get minutes in the next couple of weeks.”

It was a perfect start for former Perth Glory striker Andy Keogh, who opened the scoring for his new club on 25 minutes, heading home Chris Smith’s cross from the left. They doubled their lead 11 minutes later, Keogh the provider this time, his chip sending Tomas Hehir in on goal, and he finished clinically past George Jackson. They sealed the tie early in the second half, Keogh sending Kealan McDermott in on goal, his shot was blocked by Jackson, but the rebound fell to Keogh on the edge of the box and he finished with aplomb.

In the late game at the venue hosts Wanneroo City beat Joondalup City 1-0. The only goal of the game came from Jordan Rowe midway through the first half, and Wanneroo head coach Howard Tweats was pleased with his side’s performance. “Good competitive cup tie to open the playing season, a game where neither team really imposed and took control,” Tweats explained. “For us as we gel as a new team assessing and understanding the characters we have and build unity was important.”

In Group D there was an eight-goal thriller in the early game at Paintseal Arena, Ashfield Reserve, with Subiaco AFC and Quinns playing out a 4-4 draw. It was locked at 2-2 at the break with goals from Jonty Pearson and Daniel Katz for Subiaco and a brace for Quinns striker James Elkington-Soan. It looked like Subiaco had the game in the bag with Kaleb Morrison and another from Pearson, saw them 4-2 up on the hour. But Quinns had other ideas and goas from Jordan Allen-Rana and Patrick Hughes saw them take a point.

In the late game Curtin University secured a 3-2 win against hosts Ashfield. Kieren Witt gave Curtin the lead, but the hosts hit back with goals either side of half time from Fabrice Feuzi Kikuni, to take the lead. Witt leveled five minutes from time, before Aaron Hinshelwood won it deep into stoppage time. The hosts ended the game with nine men after Jake Melia was sent off in stoppage time, before keeper Kaan Kadi was shown a red card after the final whistle.

Finally in Group E, Cockburn City scored a dramatic 3-2 win against Gosnells City in the early game at Dalmatinac Park. The visitors raced to a 2-0 lead, with goals from Moses McCauley and Pietro Sciascia, but an own goal had the hosts back in the game and two late goals from new signings Luka Caceres and James Bourne gave them the points. “We’ve got a new look team this year with a lot of younger boys, we found ourselves 2-0 down after playing some nice football,” skipper Euen Grant explained. “But we put in the work in preseason and that showed coming back to win 3-2, so it was a good first hit out for the boys.”

In the late game Murdoch University Melville beat Rockingham City 3-0. “A very good first hit out for us against a well organised Rockingham side,” MUMFC head coach Marc Anthony said. “It’s aways good to start the night series well and we now move on to next week against Gosnells City.” MUMFC were ahead five minutes before the break, with Eddie Wynne Wilson rounding the keeper to score. They added a second after the break, with a good finish from Charlie Green after a good approach work, before Wynne Wilson rounded it off with a well taken volley late.

31.01.2025

NPL-WA NIGHT SERIES – WEEK TWO PREVIEW

We head into week two of the NPL Night Series this weekend, and with Perth Glory in A-League action on Saturday evening (Get your tickets and support the lads!!!) games will be played on Friday and Sunday. It starts in Group A on Friday evening at Frank Drago Reserve, and in the early game Fremantle City take on Armadale. (6.30pm) Scott Miller’s side will look to bounce back after a defeat in the opening round against Olympic Kingsway, while Armadale will go in search of back-to-back win, after their big win against Balcatta last week with striker Pieter Jacobsz bagging all four-goals.

Armadale skipper Luke Collins said it was a great start to the competition, but he is well aware there is still a long way to go. “It was a great win for the team and a solid performance from all the boys, it was a good proper preseason run out where most of the lad’s got minutes in the tank and managed to put in a real home performance in front of our home supporters,” he explained. “We know Fremantle are a well gelled team who work hard and are hard to break down. We’ve been preparing well on the training tracks this week and will come into the game firing looking to put another win on the board, as we prepare for the new league season.”

It was a big pre-season for Collins, whose good form last season saw him and team mate Jacobsz train and play for Perth Glory in their pre-season and the defender really enjoyed it and the challenge. “Yes, it was really good for Pieter and myself, and a great experience to train with them and then spend the weekend in Bunbury and play against Newcastle Jets too, the central defender said. “Everyone was welcoming, and it was good to get some minutes in against A-league opposition, it was a great challenge and one I really enjoyed.”

In the late game at the venue, two teams who won their opening games meet, with Bayswater City hosting league champions Olympic Kingsway. (8.30pm) Bayswater have been very busy in the transfer market, and skipper Gordon Smith said it was good to get some of them some game time in their hard-fought win against Perth Glory. “Overall, a great first game, and we couldn’t have asked for a better start with the free kick from Declan Hughes after a minute in his first game back at the club,” the skipper said. “We had to fought hard for 90 minutes, and had a good shape and looked a threat going forward.

“Great to see the new players out there making their first appearance and I’m sure the coaching staff will be pleased but looking for improvements each week as we build match sharpness. That will lift a notch up against Kingsway on Friday, and I’m sure it will be a good test and one the squad can’t wait for. They were the team to beat last season and have added some quality to their squad. We will work hard this week in preparation for a big night at our home ground.” The final game in the group is played on Sunday, when Perth Glory and Balcatta Etna will look for a first win in the competition when they meet in the late game at Percy Doyle Reserve. (7.30pm)

Group B also kicks off on Friday evening at Dorrien Gardens, and first up Western Knights meet Floreat Athena. (6.30pm) Floreat played out an entertaining 3-3 draw with Sorrento in the opening round, while the Knights were beaten by Stirling, and despite the loss assistant coach Carl Medica said it was a good work out for their younger players, but they need to start games better. “Disappointing start to the night series, but full credit to Argo and Stirling. They started the game with purpose and intent and were way too sharp for us the first 35 minutes of the game,” Medica explained,

“We played better in the second half, but you can’t give a good team a three-goal head start. Positive for us were the performances of some of our younger players and the integration of the new players into the squad. We’re looking forward to the game on Friday night against Floreat. I have loads of respect for Vas and Miki, good coaches and more importantly good people off the park. What I do know about our playing group is they’ll be eager to bounce back after last week’s loss to Stirling. Should be a good contest, with both teams looking to grab their first win of the night series.”

In the late game at the venue Perth SC host Stirling Macedonia, both sides looking to build on their opening wins last week. (8.30pm) The final game in the group is the early game on Sunday evening at Percy Doyle Reserve, where Sorrento host reigning night series champions Perth RedStar in the local derby. (5.30pm) RedStar head coach Callum Salmon said they are still a work in progress, after an interrupted pre-season. “Everything going well for us, although we are probably a touch behind the eight-ball game fitness wise with Dianella cancelling our preseason friendly late doors leaving us short which was unexpected,” he said.

“We were very happy with how we played against Perth, and thoroughly enjoyed the game. We weren’t sharp as we could be in the final third and we’ll continue working in that area, but it is a good step in the right direction to be ready for when the season starts. Looking forward to another preseason game and a chance to get more minutes into everyone. We’ll juggle the selection and minutes to ensure players don’t fall behind fitness wise. Always enjoy heading up to Percy Doyle, facilities are fantastic and the field is top class also, so looking forward to it.”

31.01.2025

STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES – WEEK ONE PREVIEW

The 2025 State League Night Series begins this weekend, with new State League club Wembley Downs hoping to start life in Saturday football on the front foot, likewise while newly promoted Division One sides Joondalup City, Curtin University and Kalamunda United, and Inglewood United who dropped down from the NPL, will all be looking for a positive start to the competition. Firstly, in Group A, Wembley Downs will play their first game since winning the Belt-Up Amateur Premier Division, when they take on Gwelup Croatia at the Inglewood Stadium on Sunday evening. (5.30pm)

Both sides will have new coaches in the dugout this season, with Basel Lenzo taking over at Gwelup, and Luke Thompson at Wembley. Thompon said things are ticking along nicely at Butlers Reserve, and it’s good to get some competitive games under their belt. “Preseason has been great so far and the boys have really embraced the challenge and we are working hard to prepare for the season,” he said. “The Night Series is just another step in our preparation for the league and we are really looking forward to the challenge ahead.

“We have a really tough group, but you want to test yourself against good teams and Gwelup will certainly be that. They are in a similar situation to us by having a new coach come in and I'm sure Basil like myself will be keen for games to see if our playing groups can implement what we've been doing on the training track. We are hoping to put in a solid showing against a strong opponent.” In the late game at the venue, Inglewood United, who are playing in the state league for the first time since 1991, welcome Swan United. (7.30pm)

In Group B, Kalamunda United take on Balga in the early game at the Poolmart Stadium, Peelwood Parade on Friday evening. (6.30pm) Kalamunda, who were promoted to Division One last season, also have a new coach with Maxi Van Ravensteyn in charge, and he’s been pleased with their recruitment, and is looking forward to their first hit out of the new season. “Pre-season has been great so far, we signed some really good players, many of them coming from State League One and that experience will be very valuable for us,” he explained. “The group is very strong, we haven’t played any friendlies yet, we decided to focus on us and make sure all players understand what we require from them. We still have 2 more months until the start of the season, so we feel we are heading in the right direction.

“We know Balga is always difficult, very strong squad, it looks like they have signed some important players, they did very well last year and I am sure they will have a good 2025 too. It will be a great way to measure ourselves and see where we stand. A bit disappointed with a 6:30pm kick off in Mandurah on a Friday, but I understand nothing could be done to help both teams play at a better time. We expect a close game, it will be down to details, but definitely worth the drive to Mandurah to enjoy it.” In the late game Mandurah City, who won the competition in 2023, host Canning City. (8.30pm)

In Group C, Richard Abrams will take control of his first competitive game at Kingsley Westside, when they meet East Perth in the early game at Wanneroo Reserve on Friday evening (6.30pm), while in the late game at the venue, hosts Wanneroo City welcome Joondalup City. (8.30pm) The Group D games will be played at the Paintseal Arena, Ashfield Reserve on Friday evening, and in the early game Subiaco AFC meet Quinns (6.30pm), while in the late game, hosts Ashfield meet new Division One side Curtin University. (8.30pm).

In Group E on Friday, the opening game sees Gosnells City meet hosts Cockburn City, who will play Division Two football for the first time since 1970 next season, with new coach Kenny Palmer in charge. In the late game at the venue Murdoch University Melville take on Rockingham City, who have Jordan Rhodes in the dugout next season. Finally in Group F on Sunday, the early game at Crazy Domain Stadium, Hartfield Park UWA Nedlands meet Carramar Shamrock Rovers. (5.30pm) Both sides will also new coaches in 2025, with Mike Hartley taking over at Rovers’ and Kris Donnell at UWA.

Donnell said it’s been a great transition at the club, and they are looking forward to Sunday’s clash. “It’s been really good getting to know all the lads, myself and Nigel (Burke) are enjoying every minute of it,” he explained. “They have all been putting some shift in and the intensity has been excellent, so we are really happy with the fitness levels at this stage and looking forward to the night series now. We’re all looking forward to Sunday’s game against Rovers, it’s a chance for our existing boys and new players to get more minutes under their belt with each other and get to know one another.” In the late game at the venue Forrestfield United welcome Dianella White Eagles. (7.30pm)

31.01.2025

VICTORY NEXT UP FOR ZDRILIC’S SIDE

Perth Glory return home to HBF Park on Saturday evening, when they welcome Melbourne Victory in week 17 of the Isuzu Ute A-League. (6.45pm) A draw last week on the road against Newcastle Jets has given David Zdrilic’s side a boost, and they will be looking to continue their improved performances on home soil, following their win against Aukland, and a narrow loss against the Wanderers. The club are hoping their will be a big crowd on hand to watch new recruits Lachie Wales, Yuto Misao, Pat Wood and Tass Mourdoukoutas, and with the weather begin a little cooler, and the ticket giveaway with Football West’s ‘Footballers Go Free’, let’s hope so.

Zdrilic said it’s been upbeat at training, and his players will look to put in a strong performance for the club’s members and supporters. “It’s been another good week of training,” he said. “We’ve had the new players coming in and it’s given us more of a chance to get them integrated and also [familiar with] the conditions. There’s a new energy in the squad and we want to keep ourselves in every game and make sure we have a chance to win, like we did against Newcastle.

“The energy at home is different, the mentality is that we’re going into every game at home to bring the crowd on our side and win the game. That win against Auckland and even before that in the game against Western United when we still feel we could have won, the crowd straight away pounced on it and you could feel that they really want to back us and that they’re always there for us.”

It’s not been good news on the injury front, with Lachie Barr and Nicholas Pennington both out, while Zdrilic also said the injury to talented young defender Andriano Lebib, who had been in terrific from, is not good, and he is set to miss at least another two games due to a knee injury. “He’s had an issue with his knee and he’s been managing it,” Zdrilic said. “We’ve had an MRI on his knee and he’s been playing with an injury there that’s been being managed.

“But it’s a week-to-week thing and last week he just wasn’t able to do it and he won’t be included this week either. It’s unfortunate, but we want to make sure of his well-being, that’s the first thing and where that’s going to end up with his knee, I’m not sure. But at the moment, he won’t be in the squad this week or even next week.”

The last time Victory headed to WA was in round 11 last season, when a goal deep into stoppage time by Ben Folami gave the visitors a narrow 3-2 win in front of 6,120 supporters at HBF Park. Skipper Adam Taggart had given the hosts the lead on 20 minutes, but in the shadows of half time Zinedine Machach leveled. Eli Adams put Victory in front eight minutes from time, but it looked like the points would be shared when Kaelan Majekodunmi restored parity in the final minute, but Folami had other ideas, scoring the winner in the sixth minute of stoppage time.

Victory arrives into the game on the back of a 2-0 win in the ‘Big Blue’ against Sydney FC, with goals from Greek striker Nikos Vergos and former Glory striker Bruno Fornaroli, moving Arthur Diles’ side into the top six, and Zdrilic is expecting a tough game against a talented side. “They’re the strongest team in the league for me in terms of the quality in their first eleven, but also their depth,” he said. “I mean, four go off and four guys that would normally start in any other team come on.

“So, they have that quality. Obviously with the changeover in the coaching situation, it’s normal that it would have an impact on their results, but I think their play is still very similar and very dominant. I’m sure they’re very relieved that they go that win against Sydney, but for us, we’re at home and we want to make sure that we’re very strong and give ourselves a chance to win like we have in the last few games at HBF Park.”

Perth Glory squad: GK Oli SAIL, GK Cameron COOK, 4 Tass MOURDOUKOUTAS, 6 Brandon O’NEILL, 12 Taras GOMULKA, 14 Nathanael BLAIR, 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI, 16 Adam BUGARIJA, 17 Yuto MISAO, 18 Lachie WALES, 19 Josh RISDON, 20 Trent OSTLER, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Patrick WOOD, 25 Jaylan PEARMAN, 26 Khoa NGO, 27 Will FRENEY, 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI, 29 Tomi MRCELA, 31 Joel ANASMO - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: BLAIR, NGO - Unavailable: 5 Lachie BARR (injured), 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON (injured), 9 David WILLIAMS (injured), 10 Nikola MILEUSNIC (injured), 24 Andriano LEBIB (injured)

Melbourne Victory squad: GK Mitch LANGERAK, GK Jack DUNCAN, 3 Adama TRAORE, 5 Brendan HAMILL, 6 Ryan TEAGUE, 7 Daniel ARZANI, 8 Zinedine MACHACH, 9 Nikolaos VERGOS, 10 Bruno FORNAROLI, 11 Clerismario SANTOS RODRIGUES, 14 Jordi VALADON, 16 Joshua INSERRA, 17 Nishan VELUPILLAY, 18 Fabian MONGE, 19 Jing REEC, 21 Roderick MIRANDA, 22 Joshua RAWLINS, 26 Luka KOLIC, 27 Reno PISCOPO, 28 Kasey BOS - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: REEC (promoted), KOLIC (promoted)

31.01.2025

NEVILLE RETIRES FROM PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

Former Sorrento and Perth Glory defender Scott Neville has decided to hang up his boots, announcing his retirement from professional football, and he will play his 300th and last A-League games when Brisbane Roar take on his former club Western Sydney Wanderers at Suncorp Stadium on Friday evening. The 36-year-old was born in the UK, and was brought out to WA with his father Steve, who played for Sorrento, and has been part of the clubs coaching staff for a number of years.

A young Scott started at the NTC program in 2005, before playing for the Gulls in 2026. He joining Glory two years later, before having three seasons at the Jets, two at the Wanderers, before returning west and having two more seasons in purple. He joined the Roar in 2019, and apart from a loan spell at Indian Super League club, has been at the Queensland outfit ever since. He is has recently returned to action for the Roar after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, and he said the time is right to hang up the boots for the Roar, but could he make a return to Percy Doyle Reserve, AKA ‘Windy Hill’ to play for Sorrento?

“Well, after 18 incredible years in the A-league, I’ve made the decision to retire,” Neville told the clubs website. “The reality is that I can no longer contribute at the level I would like and following major ACL surgery last season it feels like the right time to hang up the boots. I am forever grateful to Brisbane Roar for their support during this transition and for giving me the opportunity to return to the pitch after such a significant injury at my age.

“Playing for this club has been an absolute privilege, Queensland has become home for my wife and I, we’ve built our forever home here and this is where we’ve started our family. I’ll always look back on my time with Brisbane Roar with fond memories and I’ll be cheering on the boys and the club from afar. Not everyone gets the chance to retire on their own terms or have a send-off in front of friends and family, and for that, I owe a great deal of gratitude to Zac and Kaz for their unwavering support.” Everyone at Footballwa wishes Scott every success in his next chapter.

31.01.2025

WALES EXCITED TO SIGN FOR GLORY REBUILD

The opportunity to play a leadership role at a rebuilding Perth Glory outfit factoring heavily in Lachie Wales’ decision to sign on with the A-League club. The 27-year old made the perfect start to his time with Glory, popping up to score the equaliser in last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Newcastle Jets.

“The results haven’t gone the way at the moment, but the club and the team is building, and I could see that and just how passionate they were on the phone to get me here,” he said. “I’ve experienced a startup club in Western United, I went there when the club pretty much first started, and it was in a similar position; we came 10th or 11th in the first season, and then the next season, we were champions. I’m trying to bring that experience here and what I went through there.”

“I can help the younger boys here develop their skills. And the first 10 or 20 matches they play are going to be a little bit up and down, and it’s about fighting through that. Someone like (director of football) Stan (Lazaridis) played a similar position that I do as well, on the wing, so to have someone that’s played for Australia and played at the highest level wanting you at the football club, it’s always a nice thing.”

Wales hailed Glory captain Adam Taggart, who provided the assist for Wales’ first goal in purple, as one of the country’s best players at his position. “He’s a great player. I still believe he’s one of the best strikers in Australia, he can play for the Socceroos again,” said Wales, who joined Glory following a spell at Gyeongnam FC in South Korea’s second tier.

“Even on the weekend, I was really impressed with his leadership. He’s not a massive talker, but he gave 100 per cent on the weekend, he used his body really well, fought for every ball and there’s so many different ways to show leadership. His fight, you even saw for the second goal, he’s throwing his body at things; it’s infectious, it’ll get the other players going as well.”

30.01.2025

GLORY YOUNGSTERS COULD BE HEADING TO UK

It’s been reported in the UK media, that Perth Glory attacking midfielder Jaylan Pearman, has agreed a pre-contract move to English Championship club Queens Park Rangers, and join up with his former team mate Danie Bennie, who joined the London based club this season. The Hoops, are keen to enticement the 18-year-old, who they believe is one for the future, but it will be a bitter blow for Glory coach David Zdrilic, who has recently brought the talented youngster into the starting side, and he hasn’t looked out of place.

Pearman’s deal at Perth Glory expires in June, and Zdrilic, who hasn’t been afraid to give youngsters a chance, recently said Pearman is a quality player, and said his goal in the win against Aukland was outstanding. “Jaylan is the future of this club. He’s been unbelievable in training. He was in the NPL, he’s gained strength, and because he’s gained that strength, I felt comfortable that he was able to come in, and then the players feel comfortable with him,” he said. “He can link up, he’s got good technique, he’s got a great shot. I was just really happy he didn’t show any nerves, just went straight into it.”

Pearman has made five appearances in the A-League, and he will head into the Young Socceroos camp on Monday, along with Bennie, as they prepare for the AFC Asian Cup in China. They will play against Kyrgyz Republic (12 February), Qatar (15 February) and hosts China PR (18 February). Due to the fact he is penning a pre-contract with QPR, he is expected to stay in Australia until the summer which is a chance to get some more minutes under his belt. Pearman appears to be highly-rated by Glory and he is someone who the Hoops will look to integrate into their side down the line.

30.01.2025

NEVILLE TO RETIRE FROM PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

Brisbane Roar stalwart Scott Neville has announced his decision to retire from professional football following his 300th A-League appearance tomorrow night. The 36-year old will bring the curtain down on an 18-year professional career when cellar-dwellers Brisbane face off with Western Sydney Wanderers at Suncorp Stadium.

Neville, whose national league career has included spells with Perth Glory, Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney Wanderers, will become just the eleventh player in competition history to play 300 A-League games. The defender is in his sixth season with Brisbane, having returned from an eleven-month injury lay off after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament to reach 100 A-League appearances for Roar earlier this month.

“After 18 incredible years in the A-league, I’ve made the decision to retire,” said Neville, whose football journey began locally with Sorrento. “The reality is that I can no longer contribute at the level I would like and following major ACL surgery last season it feels like the right time to hang up the boots.

“I am forever grateful to Brisbane Roar for their support during this transition and for giving me the opportunity to return to the pitch after such a significant injury at my age. Playing for this club has been an absolute privilege, Queensland has become home for my wife and I, we’ve built our forever home here and this is where we’ve started our family.”

“I’ll always look back on my time with Brisbane Roar with fond memories and I’ll be cheering on the boys and the club from afar. Not everyone gets the chance to retire on their own terms or have a send-off in front of friends and family, and for that, I owe a great deal of gratitude to Zac and Kaz for their unwavering support.”

30.01.2025

YOUNG GUN PEARMAN LINKED WITH QUEENS PARK RANGERS

Perth Glory are resigned to losing teenage wunderkind Jaylan Pearman at the end of the season with the 18-year old close to joining Championship side Queens Park Rangers. Although he has made only five appearances for his hometown club, Pearman has been a revelation after providing a sumptuous assist on debut before scoring a bullet of a winner in Glory’s only home win of the season.

Reports emerged out of England this week that QPR, who signed youngster Daniel Bennie from Glory in the off-season, had snared Pearman on a pre-contract deal. QPR will not have to pay a transfer fee for Pearman, who is on a scholarship deal with Glory, but they will have to negotiate a training compensation fee which is likely to be a six-figure fee in line with FIFA guidelines.

Glory are believed to have offered Pearman a three-year contract and had attracted suitors around the A-League, but instead looks likely to opt for the QPR deal. “That’s been reported, that he’s going and we’re prepared for that. We offered him a multi-year, very good contract for him, and we didn’t hear back from that, and now this has come out,” Zdrilic said.

“The most important thing on Jaylan and Andriano (Lebib) and all the young players that have played time already is that we want to be developing players. We really need to develop them at the right time, at the right pace, and then if they go overseas, we want to be in control of that.” Pearman selected in Australia’s squad for the Under-20 Asian Cup, which will run from February 12 to March 1.

26.01.2025

JONES DELIGHTED TO END 'EMOTIONAL WEEK' AT BOLTON ON A HIGH

Gethin Jones hailed his teammates’ resilience as Bolton Wanderers’ came away from Huddersfield Town with three valuable points. The Australian international was part of a brilliant defensive effort against the Terriers which secured the Whites a 1-0 win at the end of a week that saw the departure of coach Ian Evatt’s after four-and-a-half-years at the helm.

“We had a gameplan to come here and frustrate them,” Jones said. “Obviously, playing away from home and I think we stuck to the gameplan very well, and we took our chance when it came. Collo (Aaron Collins) has taken it well. We thought we could have maybe gone two or three up towards the end, but we dug deep. We knew it was going to be a really difficult game coming here but everyone stuck to their jobs.”

“We sat back a bit, we didn't chase as much as we normally do and I think we just frustrated them. You could feel it in the stadium, the fans were getting agitated. Huddersfield weren't getting into their normal flow and that was our plan, to frustrate them. Then when we did get the ball, we tried to look for our forward players as soon as we could and tried and get chances off that.”

Jones admitted it had been an emotional week for the club. “It was obviously a very emotional week for everyone,” said Jones, one of only three players still at Bolton from the start of Evatt’s reign. “I can only thank Ian Evatt for bringing me in and for me to be here for four-and-a-half really good years.”

“Now, we are looking at something new and hopefully we can move on with that and do well for the remainder of the season. It has been an emotional week for a lot of us but when we came in on Thursday, we had a meeting and then we were straight away concentrated on this game, and we have come out as winners.”

Jones says Julian Darby, Andy Taylor and Andrew Tutte have been “brilliant” since taking interim charge and was delighted to repay their efforts with the three points at Huddersfield. “It has been really good,” he continued. “Obviously, all those lads on Thursday who didn't play on Tuesday night went out to do some training - a short, sharp session. All the lads enjoyed it.”

“We got the confidence in and then worked hard on what our gameplan was going to be for today. Everyone has taken it on board really well, we stuck to the gameplan and we have done exactly what Julian Darby and Tayls wanted us to do. Tuttey been amazing as well with us, it has good to have him back. He joined in training on Thursday so that was good. They have all been brilliant.”

26.01.2025

RADICH REVEALS HOW CLOSE GLORY CAME TO FOLDING

Perth Glory chief executive Anthony Radich has revealed the club came perilously close to folding and they spent two years battling serious financial issues prior to owner Ross Pelligra’s takeover. It comes as club football director Stan Lazaridis admitted he could have toned down his messaging around the club’s on-field hopes in pre-season, with Glory facing a battle to avoid the wooden spoon for the second season running.

Radich said the fact Glory are still around is a something to be thankful for. “I knew taking on the role, having been given the opportunity, it would be a challenging task,” said Radich, who worked for Glory in a voluntary capacity before being employed by the club, departing and then eventually returning to become their chief executive in 2022.

“I would never have foreseen it would be as difficult as it has been or the challenges would be to the magnitude they have. I came into the club knowing it had come off COVID, that financially, it wasn’t in a great shape, but in all reality, when I look back after that first week, I was seriously contemplating whether to stick to the task.”

It only got worse for Radich over the ensuing two years, with the club’s displacement from Perth Oval due to renovations ahead of the 2023 Women’s World Cup costing them even more money. It precipitated long-time owner Tony Sage’s decision to hand back his club’s licence in July 2023, which led to the club being placed into receivership for six months and an attempted takeover by a consortium fell through.

“The club was in a very precarious state, financially, a lot worse than I’d sort of imagined and that was pre what we’d then endure, with obviously being displaced from HBF Park, and then having the owner walk away, and then having to endure the trials and tribulations of receivership and a failed ownership attempt,” Radich said.

“We were in our darkest hours for the club, and I don’t think I’d be a stretch too far to say that the club came very, very close to not being around, had it not been for myself and a good bunch of people and a good group of staff that were resilient through that period and held the club together through those times.”

Pelligra, who heads up a property development empire, took over Glory in February 2024 and while he has provided the club with plenty of financial stability off-field, results are yet to come on-field. Glory’s 2-2 A-League Men’s draw with Newcastle Jets on Saturday has left them with the unenviable record of just two wins from their opening 15 league games under Zdrilic since his off-season hiring.

In his first pre-season in his role, Lazaridis pumped up the side’s prospects, spoke of bringing ‘wow signings’ to the club and targeted a return to finals football for the first time since 2020. But several signings, including foreigners Luis Canga and Cristian Caicedo (who have both already departed), Hiroaki Aoyama, Anas Hamzaoui and Nikola Mileusnic have failed to make an impact.

Lazaridis admitted he had probably been too hasty and he understood fans’ frustrations. “I always look at the glass half-full. I’m not going to go and deliver a message that we’re going to struggle in the season, because I really believe in the group, I really believe we’ve got some good players,” he said. “Looking back, in reflecting, could my messaging have been a bit better?

“Yeah, perhaps, I think I probably. I was excited, I was happy and I was back at the club I love, and I want to do well for the club, and I want the fans to be thinking we’re going to be pushing for things... But it’s a fair question. It’s fair from the fans to say that maybe I punched a little bit above my weight with what I was saying, but that’s me, and I want to see the best out of people.”

26.01.2025

NPL-WA NIGHT SERIES WEEK ONE - SUNDAY REVIEW

The first week of the NPLWA Night Series was completed on Australia Day at Percy Doyle Reserve, with Stirling Macedonia beating Western Knights in the late game, while hosts Sorrento and Floreat Athena fought out a thrilling 3-3 draw in the other. “It was a pleasing first hit out against a good Floreat team,” Sorrento Head Coach Steven McGarry said. “From an attacking perspective there was a lot to like, three goals plus hitting the bar twice and creating numerous other chances. Floreat gave us some things to work out defensively and looked dangerous in transition but overall, I thought we had good control of the game and continually pushed toward the end and should have won the game with two great chances in the final moments.”

It was a return to the NPL for the Gulls, after winning the Division One title and going undefeated last season, but they found themselves behind on 14 minutes. Good approach work, from Kye and Liam Murray sent John Lardis through, and he cut the ball across to Jack Sprigg to finish. But two goals in as many minutes put the hosts in front. First on 19 minutes new signing Joey O’Brien ended a nice build up, getting on the end of Dean Cummings cross, and finishing well past Jason Saldaris, before the former Mandurah City striker added a second straight from the kick off, nipping in after a short back pass from Ali Mohamed, and finishing well

But on the half hour Floreat restored parity. Kye Murray corner was only cleared back to him, and he picked out Lardis, who found the top corner from the edge of the box. It was a tight second half, but it was the Gulls who regained the lead on the hour. Cummings was brought down, and he took the resulting free kick, and his long-range set-piece flew into the net giving Jason Saldaris no chance. But the points were shared moments later, Lardis won the ball in the middle of the park to break up a Sorrento break, and he drove towards the box and released Owen Goodliffe on the right, who cut the ball back to Noah Shamaki for a tap in.

“Pleasing performance by the boys in what was only our second proper hit out for the year,” Floreat assistant coach Miki Vujacic said. “I felt we had good control for large portions of the game, plenty of chances, and overall played quite well. A defensive lapse and some minor issues probably stopped us from getting a better result, but in saying that Sorrento have some dangerous players and took their chances very well. Impressive debuts for John Lardis with a goal and assist, Jack Sprigg with a goal and Owen Goodliffe with an assist. With a few new faces in the squad, and players still getting up to match fitness we are still a work in progress but we are definitely in a better position than this time last year.”

Sorrento: GK David Keenan, 2 Manolo Veneracion, 4 Dario Ramella, 6 Scott Robertson, 7 Hamza Hina, 9 Joe O’Brien, 10 Andrew Maranta, 11 Tim Hill, 16 Ryan McLaughlin, 17 Dean Cummings, 19 Clay Gibbs - Subs RGK Ben Ratajczak, 3 Patrick Lee, 8 Jude Gauntlett, 12 Gert Prinsloo, 18 Keegan Chambers, 20 Shay Natalotto 23 Matt Doherty

Floreat Athena: GK Jason Saldaris, 2 Cameron Murray, 3 Ali Mohamed, 4 John Lardis, 8 Kyle Murray, 9 Owen Goodliffe, 10 Liam Murray, 11 Ajang Yuot, 12 Jack Sprigg, 15 Christopher Saldaris, 17 Alexander Christodoulakis – Subs: RGK Joshua Hunter, 6 Cherno Bah, 14 Hasen Asadi, 16 Daniel Khan, 20 Noah Kanzi, 21 Jesse Roberts, 25 Noah Shamaki

In the late game at the venue, Stirling Macedonia ran out 3-1 winners against Western Knights. “Obviously were excited to get the start we wanted from night series,” Stirling defender Brent Quick said. “We look forward to being more consistent this year and getting our full squad together. All efforts are now focused on next week.” Stirling were ahead on six minutes, Alex Tanevski found space out wide, and his low cross was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Asher Hwight.

They doubled their lead on 24 minutes, a stunning free kick from Calvin Whitney, and it was 3-0 moments later, Kade Fearnell’s shot was parried by Knights ‘keeper Anthony Lance and Josh Bilaloski was on hand to fire home the rebound. The Knights reduced the margin ten minutes before the break with Alex Da Rocha scoring, but that was as good as it got for them. “It was a really good performance, the boys dominated for large spells of the game and played some really good football,” Stirling keeper James Bosdet said. “After half time it was about keeping the lead and making sure we kept the ball and didn’t let them back into the game.”

Western Knights: GK Anthony Lance, 4 Cody Hampton, 6 Noah Lummert, 7 Dylan White, 9 Manase Abandelwa, 10 Alex Da Rocha, 15 Kosta Sparta, 17 Asher Hwight, 18 Alex Pomeroy, 21 Jesse Lazzaro, 23 Daniel Santich – Subs: 8 Xavier Medica, 13 Joshua Best, 14 Nathan Sbrocco, 16 Justin Tang, 25 Oliver Vrebac, 20 Darius Salvetti, 30 Travis Cook

Stirling Macedonia: GK James Bosdet, 2 Brent Quick, 4 Austin Montgomery, 8 Kade Fernall, 10 Sam Wynne, 13 Calvin Whitney, 14 Josh Bilaloski, 15 Shade Stewart, 17 Alex Tanevski, 18 Danny Douglas, 19 Sam Dweh – Subs: RGK Nick Speca, 3 Ryan Malton, 9 Euan Cameron, 11 Hugo Snowden, 12 Louis Hadfield

25.01.2025

ABDU-MASSIH WINS IT LATE FOR GLORY

Perth Glory came from behind twice to beat Brisbane Roar 3-2 in Sunday’s week 13 Ninja A-League clash at the Sam Kerr Football Centre, thanks to a late strike from substitute Ella Abdu-Massih. Tameka Yallop gave the visitors the lead early, before Caitlin Doeglas leveled the score on the half-hour mark. The Roar regained the lead moments later with Grace Kuilamu on target, but Doeglas restored parity shortly after, and it was all square at the break.

The second half was tense, with both sides creating chances. However, it burst into life late when Roar defender Holly McQueen was sent off for a last-player foul on Abdu-Massih. From the resulting free kick, Abdu-Massih fired home to win the match and move Glory up to ninth on the table. “I’m buzzing and so proud of the girls. Our season hasn’t been great so far, but the way we get behind each other and put on a performance like we did today, I’m so proud of this group and so happy with this win,” Glory co-captain Izzy Dalton said post-match.

“This win will give us momentum, and we needed a bit of belief. We’ve had it within the group, but the results weren’t showing, so getting this win today will hopefully give us a boost going into the second half of the season. To do it against a top team—Brisbane will be fighting for the top spot come the end of the season—gives us confidence that we can beat top teams and hopefully climb the table.”

Peters made two changes to the side that was well beaten by Western United in the last round. Tijan McKenna returned from suspension for Claudia Valletta, while Georgia Cassidy came in for Charli Wainwright, who dropped to the bench. The visitors were quick out of the blocks, taking the lead after five minutes. Sharn Freier’s corner wasn’t cleared, and Yallop’s backheel went through a number of legs before beating Casey Dumont.

The Roar went close to a second moments later. Emily Pringle raced down the right, and her dangerous cross was well claimed by the alert Dumont. Glory lost Cassidy on the quarter-hour, and she was replaced by Wainwright. Glory went close to an equalizer on 22 minutes when Doeglas was sent one-on-one with Olivia Sekany by a great ball from Natalie Tathem, but the American keeper stood tall to deny her. Gabby Hollar was then denied by Sekany, while at the other end, Dumont made a smart save to thwart Pringle.

On the half-hour mark, Glory were level. A poor clearance from Sekany went straight to Dalton, and the midfielder found Doeglas on the edge of the box. Her shot on the turn found the bottom corner of the net. However, 60 seconds later, the visitors regained the lead. Pringle found Kuilamu in the penalty area, and the striker held off her marker before firing past Dumont.

It was a bitter blow for Peters’ side, but they showed their resilience, restoring parity four minutes later. This time, Sekany was caught in possession by the alert Doeglas, who nipped in, stole the ball, and fired into an empty net. Glory almost took the lead in the shadows of halftime, but Sekany made amends for her earlier error, making a fingertip save to deny Megan Wynne. At the break, it was all to play for.

The second half was cagey, with Glory on the back foot. Freier’s long-range shot whistled over the top, before Dumont made a great save against her former club, standing tall to deny Kuilamu 17 minutes from time. Doeglas went close to her hat-trick moments later, but Sekany saved. It looked like both sides would share the spoils, but in the final minute, Glory won it. A ball over the top sent Abdu-Massih racing clear, and she was brought down on the edge of the box by McQueen. Referee Isabella Mossin showed the Roar defender a straight red card.

Abdu-Massih stepped up to take the resulting set-piece, firing it low through the wall and into the net, much to the delight of the 1,044 supporters, keeping Glory’s finals hopes alive. “I thought the first half was great for us; we carried out our game plan, but a couple of lapses in discipline cost us,” Glory head coach Stephen Peters said post-match. “After halftime, we had to defend a great deal, but it was a real grinding effort from us. I’m just ecstatic for Ella for putting the winner in. When we’re in this zone and prepared to roll our sleeves up and put that kind of effort on the pitch, we shouldn’t be afraid of anybody. I’m really pleased for the players, our loyal members and supporters, and the rest of the staff.”

Perth Glory: GK Casey DUMONT, 5 Grace JOHNSTON, 6 Tijan MCKENNA (18 Izzy FOLETTA 87'), 7 Megan WYNNE, 8 Georgia CASSIDY (27 Charli WAINWRIGHT 15'), 9 Gabby HOLLAR (14 Miku SUNAGA 77'), 11 Natalie TATHEM, 12 Caitlin DOEGLAS (20 Ella ABDUL MASSIH 87'), 13 Naomi CHINNAMA, 23 Izzy DALTON, 29 Onyinyechi ZOGG - Subs not used: RGK Miranda TEMPLEMAN

Brisbane Roar: GK Olivia SEKANY, 2 Leia VARLEY, 6 Holly MCQUEEN, 10 Grace KUILAMU, 11 Sharn FREIER (3 Deborah-Anne DE LA HARPE 62'), 13 Tameka YALLOP, 14 Zara KRUGER (17 Evdokia POPADINOVA 77'), 16 Chelsea BLISSETT, 18 Emily PRINGLE, 19 Laini FREIER (8 Mariel HECHER 87'), 32 Alicia WOODS – Subs not used: RGK Keeley RICHARDS, 23 Isabela HOYOS - Red Cards: McQueen 90’ - Referee: Isabella Mossin - Attendance: 1,044

25.01.2025

NPL NIGHT SERIES WEEK ONE - SATURDAY REVIEW

The NPL Night Series continued on Saturday evening at Alfred Skeet Reserve, with Bayswater City and hosts Armadale beginning their Group A games with victories. In the opening game at the venue, Bayswater took on Perth Glory and found the opener early, with new signing Declan Hughes firing home a free kick. The Glory levelled just after the half-hour mark with Tadiwanashe Kuzamba on target. But new Bayswater coach Matthew Sparrow saw his team take the points on 63 minutes, after another new signing, Pat Loughrey’s cross-shot was deflected home.

“I was really pleased with the performance and result in the end against a very fit and talented Glory side,” Sparrow said post-match. “We started the game really well and took the lead early, giving us the perfect start. After that, I thought we caused them problems for the next 15/20 minutes, but once they equalised, we lost our way a little in terms of shape and second balls.

“It was a much-improved second half from the boys. The work rate, commitment, and energy were really impressive, and I felt the second goal was coming, and it did. After that, I thought we played some really good football in spells and were unlucky not to have scored a couple more. But overall, it’s a good start for us, collecting three points from our first game. Now, all our attention turns to next week’s game. It’s one we are really looking forward to, taking on the reigning champions, Olympic Kingsway.”

Perth Glory: GK Jhett Warner, 2 Tadiwanashe Kuzamba, 3 Christian Pullella, 4 Daniel Jankuloski, 5 Liam Starr, 6 Ruben Argent, 7 Malise Mpunga, 8 Giovanni De Abreu, 9 Nathanael Blair, 10 Seb Despotovski, 11 Khoa Ngo – Subs: 14 Maxim Uvarov, 15 Louis Sollitt, 16 Alfie Knight, 17 Max Naylor, 18 Max Argent, 19 Alexander Bolton, 50 Ryan Warner

Bayswater City: GK Lewis Italiano, 2 Alex Ishida-Livings, 3 Pat Loughrey, 4 Luke Palmateer, 5 Declan Hughes, 6 Jon Corness, 7 Sean McManus, 8 Gordon Smith, 9 Oliver La Galia, 18 Chris Jackson, 20 Sam Mitchinson – Subs: 10 Jason Mirco, 11 Cameron Teece, 12 Anthony Bafobusha, 14 Charlie Garnham, 16 Gyles Davies, 15 Jackson Stephens, 30 Thomas Southgate

In the late game at the venue, hosts Armadale gave their supporters something to cheer about, with striker Pieter Jacobsz scoring all the goals in a 4-1 win against Balcatta Etna. Both sides went into this one with new faces in their line-ups, but it was a familiar face who opened the scoring. Last season’s Golden Boot winner and Gold Medalist, Jacobsz, scored twice in four minutes midway through the half, and they held that lead at the break. Balcatta were back in the game early in the second half, with Liam Hudson reducing the margin six minutes in.

But Jacobsz, who trained with A-League side Perth Glory in pre-season, completed his hat-trick seven minutes later and wrapped up the scoring 11 minutes from time, giving Armadale a winning start to the competition. “Yes, it was a good start to the 2025 Night Series with a win, but we know it’s early days in our pre-season,” Armadale Head Coach Aun Vernals said post-match. “It’s good to see Pieter continue his good goalscoring form, but there were lots of positive contributions from everyone, and a good platform for us to keep improving.”

Midfielder Hamish van Dieken was happy to start the pre-season competition in winning ways. “It was a good start for us, beating Balcatta, and I thought we played very well as a team. We dominated the match from start to finish and showed that we aren’t to be taken lightly as a team,” he explained. “Pieter found himself amongst the goals again with another four, and all the goals were great, involving good build-up play from the team. Even though we scored four, there were definitely more chances for us to increase our lead. We are looking forward to Fremantle next week, who are always a great opponent.”

Armadale: GK Seb Medica, 3 Luke Collins, 4 Yannick Dao, 7 Amir Ajan, 8 Hamish van Dieken, 10 Daniel Robinson, 11 Joshua Wilis, 14 Callum Dobbs, 17 Pieter Jacobsz, 22 Emerson Alexis, 77 Nathan Ng – Subs: 2 Joshua Spencer, 6 Joseph Moss, 9 Masatoshi Takeshita, 13 Owen Yamungu, 15 Sam Geeves

Balcatta Etna: GK Connor Campbell, 3 Matthew Tomassone, 4 Luke Alessandrino, 7 Liam Hudson, 8 Jesse Fuller, 12 Ben Hinshelwood, 14 Kurt Harris, 16 Ben Ognenis, 17 Dimitris Theodorou, 22 James Fanelli – Subs: 19 Anthony Skorich, 20 Stefan Sotirovski, 21 Bamo Qua Qua, 29 Justin Alessandrino, 34 Hayden Palazzo

25.01.2025

WALES EARNS GLORY A SHARE OF THE SPOILS

A goal six minutes from time from new signing Lachie Wales has given Perth Glory a 2-2 draw against Newcastle Jets in their week 16 Isuzu Ute A-League clash at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Glory rode their luck at times, with the woodwork coming to their rescue, this after Eli Adams had given the hosts the lead early. Adam Taggert levelled from the spot just before half time, but it looked like their batting performance would be in vain when Clayton Taylor restored the lead for the Jets, before Wales pounced to give both sides a share of the spoils.

Glory Head Coach David Zdrilic said after a poor first half, they fought the game out well and could have won it late. “I thought we were very flat in the first half, and we couldn’t get out of second gear, so to get the penalty, against the run of play was pleasing,” Zdrilic said post-match. “Things have gone against us quite a lot this season, and it could have been a different story, but in the second half it was more even, we had more of the ball, more compact and slowed the game down and made it into a fight, and we could have won it late, but we are thankful to come away with a draw.”

Zdrilic made three changers to the starting line-up from the loss to Western Sydney Wanderers, with new signing Tass Mourdoukoutas coming in for his debut, replacing the injured Andriano Lebib, Brandon O’Neill came in for the injured Nichollas Pennington, while Patrick Wood also made his first start for the cub, replacing youngster Will Freney, who dropped to the bench. Also on the bench was new Japanese defender Yuto Misao, while Young Socceroos defender Kaelan Majekodunmi made a rare appearance.

It was a lively opening to this one, Oli Sail saved to deny Will Dobson early, before Wood pounced on a defensive error, but his shot was well saved by Ryan Scott. But on 11 minutes it was the hosts who found the opener, Dobson found an unmarked Adams, who’s sweetly struck shot found the bottom corner of the net. They went close to a second on 25 minutes, Gibson’s effort deflected off Mourdoukoutas, and it found Adams, whose looping header beat Sail, but the post came to the rescue of the Glory custodian.

The Jets were dominating and Dobson fired over the top from the angle moments later, after good work from Adams. The woodwork came to the rescue again for the visitors on 33 minutes, Adams finding space on the edge of the box, but his shot crashed off the crossbar. But after riding their luck, the Glory hit back and were level two minutes later, Taggart’s shot hitting the arm of Daniel Wilmering, and referee Ben Abraham pointed straight to the spot. Taggart, who was playing his 100th game for the club made no mistake from the resulting penalty, sending Scott the wrong way. The Jets couldn’t buy a goal, and before the break former Glory midfielder Callum Timmins slide in Dobson, his lob hit the post, and his follow up shot was cleared off the line by Zach Lisolajski, and at half time, somehow, Glory went in level.

It was a tight second half, the best chances falling the way of the hosts, Lachlan Bayliss firing over the top on the hour, before Lachlan Rose headed over the bar from Kota Mizunuma’s corner six minutes later. But 12 minutes from time the Jets regained the lead. Gibson’s through ball deflected into the path of Taylor, and his shot on the turn beat Sail. It looked all over for Glory, but they weren’t finished, and six minutes later they restored parity.

Great work out on the left by substitute Joel Anasmo saw the youngster race into the box, played a neat give and go with Taggart, his shot was saved low by Scott. The ball went back to the winger, his low shot was saved by Scott at his near post, and the attempted clearance from Kosta Grozos was charged down by Taggert, the ball rolling to Wales, who marked his debut with the equaliser, much to the delight of the Glory supporters in the stands. Then deep into stoppage time Glory went close to winning it. Jaylan Pearman’s ball sent Anasmo racing clear, he outpaced Grozos, going one-on-one with Scott, but the Jets custodian stood tall to deny the youngster, leaving both sides with a point.

Newcastle Jets: GK Ryan SCOTT, 7 Eli ADAMS (9 Lachlan ROSE 61'), 13 Clayton TAYLOR (6 Matthew SCARCELLA 85'), 17 Kosta GROZOS, 19 Callum TIMMINS, 22 Ben GIBSON (10 WELLISSOL 85'), 23 Daniel WILMERING, 28 Will DOBSON (18 Kota MIZUNUMA 54'), 33 Mark NATTA, 37 Lachlan BAYLISS (20 Charles M’MOMBWA 61'), 39 Thomas AQUILINA - Subs not used: RGK Noah JAMES, 27 Nathan GRIMALDI

Perth Glory: GK Oli SAIL, 4 Tass MOURDOUKOUTAS (28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI, 88'), 6 Brandon O’NEILL (18 Lachie WALES 63'), 12 Taras GOMULKA, 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI (17 Yuto MISAO 74'), 19 Josh RISDON (31 Joel ANASMO 74'), 20 Trent OSTLER, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Patrick WOOD (27 Will FRENEY 63'), 25 Jaylan PEARMAN, 29 Tomi MRCELA - Subs not used: RGK Cameron COOK, 16 Adam BUGARIJA - Referee: Ben Abraham

Attendance: 6,354

25.01.2025

DALTON MAINTAINS THE FAITH AMID WINLESS RUN

Perth Glory co-captain Isobel Dalton says her side cannot afford to panic despite a six-game A-League Women’s winless run which has left them adrift of the finals race. Glory are enter this weekends home game with Brisbane Roar just three points off the foot of the table and although several of their performances in that stretch have been competitive, results have not been forthcoming.

But Dalton said spirits had remained high on the training ground despite the poor run. “We know the results have been really disappointing this far, but I don’t think that’s altered the way we think and we know what we’re capable of achieving,” she said. “If you look at a lot of our results, where we’ve lost games, it’s been 1-0, conceding off set-pieces and stuff like that.

“Except Western United and the Brisbane Roar game earlier in the year, they’re probably the only defeats we’ve had that have actually hurt us majorly, but the rest of them have been close games. That’s what we take into the second half of the season, we know we can compete with a lot of teams.”

Dalton says Glory will be out to avenge their early season 3-0 loss to Brisbane. “Our performance away at Brisbane wasn’t great. We fell short majorly and we didn’t look in the game, but we’re well aware of that, we’ve not shied away from it,” she said. “Leading up to the game this weekend, we’ve tried to put a lot of things right in training. “When it’s your former team, of course you want to play well and you want to win, so it does a bit of extra motivation.”

Dalton has been battling a hamstring issue recently, limiting her game time as the club have managed her, but she appears set to play more of a part against Brisbane. “It didn’t come at great timing with the amount of injuries we’ve had in the team,” Dalton said. “We do have strength in other ways and over the coming weeks, when we’ve got a few more players back in training, playing games, we’ll look a lot stronger.”

25.01.2025

GLORY ANNOUNCE SIGNING OF MOURDOUKOUTAS

Perth Glory have confirmed their fifth recruit of the January transfer window with centre-back Tass Mourdoukoutas joining the club until the end of the season. The 25-year old, a former Australia under-19 and under-23 international, has played the last two seasons in the Canadian Premier League where he has made 63 appearances for York United and Valour FC.

“For me it was a no-brainer to come here when the opportunity came up to work with this coaching staff and group of players,” Mourdoukoutas said. “Obviously I want to help us win as many games as we can, to play as much as I can and just be a good influence and a good role model for the younger players.”

“I actually made my starting A-League debut at HBF Park when I was with Western Sydney (Wanderers). It was 36 degrees and Glory had Diego Castro coming off the bench and he tore us up, so it was very difficult. The fans always get on top of you here as an away side, so I’m happy to be on this side of it now.”

Glory Football Director Stan Lazaridis said Mourdoukoutas was a ready-made addition to the squad. “We’re lacking a little bit of experience in that central defensive area and Tass certainly provides that,” he said. “He knows the league, he’s strong defensively, composed on the ball and will be a very positive influence off the pitch as well.”

“Tass played more than 60 games during his couple of years in what is a tough, physically-demanding league in Canada and that will stand him in good stead for what lies ahead this season. His arrival will add to the competition for places in our backline and that’s exactly what we’re looking for as we continue to reshape and improve our squad.”

Mourdoukoutas joins attacker Lachie Wales, on-loan striker Patrick Wood and defensive duo Yuto Misao and Takuya Okamoto as January arrivals for Glory. Wales, Wood and Misao are expected to play some part for Glory against Newcastle Jets on the weekend while Mourdoukoutas will also be available for the matchday squad.

24.01.2025

AMINI ESCALATES LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AGAINST GLORY

Perth Glory could face a points deduction and be barred from registering players after former captain Mustafa Amini ramped up legal action against the club amid claims of unpaid wages. Amini has escalated action and alleged he has not been paid during the month of January, nor allowed access to medical information and treatment by the A-League club despite his contract still being on foot with the club.

Amini’s contract was terminated by Glory in December, prompting the 31-year old to initiate legal proceedings against the A-League Men’s club, -arguing the termination of his contract was unlawful. With the backing of Professional Football Australia - the national player’s union - he challenged the club’s decision and as such, his contract remained on foot until the outcome of a tribunal.

Glory were put on notice of Amini’s intent to escalate the action earlier this week, and failed to remedy the situation within the prescribed two days time limit. Amini has now launched action with Football Australia’s National Dispute Resolution Chamber and an arbitration panel will be assembled for an urgent hearing.

An order could be made by the panel for the Glory to pay Amini, and if the club then fail to do so they will face possible sanctions. Among the punishments potentially hanging over Glory’s head is the threat of being stripped of A-League Men’s points and being prevented from registering any new players, meaning they would be unable to take the field.

24.01.2025

NPL-WA NIGHT SERIES WEEK ONE - FRIDAY REVIEW

The 2025 NPL Night Series kicked off on Friday evening in humid conditions at Dorrien Gardens, with hosts Perth SC and Olympic Kingsway starting the competition with wins. In the early game, David Tough’s Olympic Kingsway, managed by his assistant Ross Edwards on the night, beat Fremantle City 2-0, with two second-half goals from Luke Hewings and Latt Mathiang, who was making his debut for the club. “A good start to pre-season for us, and I felt our fitness was good, which helped us see out the game,” Olympics’ Ollie Annis explained. “I thought we kept the ball really well and are pleased with the performance.”

It was a tight first half, but Olympic found the opener on 56 minutes. Some neat build-up down the right saw Mathiang play Lebib Lebib out wide, and he cut the ball back to Tyler Garner, whose shot was blocked on the line. However, Hewings made no mistake with the rebound. They sealed the points seven minutes later after a high press caught Fremantle in possession. Mathiang raced forward, and Fremantle keeper Ryan Barker charged out, but Mathiang beat him to the ball, rounded him, and rolled it home.

Olympic Kingsway: GK Adrian Sinagra, 4 Oliver Annis, 5 Latt Mathiang, 7 Tyler Garner, 8 Mitchell Oxborrow, 11 Harley Orr, 13 Ryan Lowry, 16 Jayden Gorman, 17 Joshua Samson, 19 Lebib Lebib, 20 Luke Hewings – Subs: 2 Jonathon Leithead, 9 Joseph Hobson, 12 Jacob Evans, 14 Ronan Dowling, 15 Alex Nicolaidis, 21 Kaveen Waran
Fremantle City: GK Ryan Barker, 3 Nicolas Santalucia, 5 Hayden Stevens, 7 Charlie Chechlacz, 8 Alex McLean, 9 Sam Cook, 11 Shubham Mokala, 15 John Chalmers, 16 Anthony Topini, 17 Charlie Betts, 23 Riley Woodcock – Subs: RGK Luke Radonich, 4 Ben Steele, 6 Cameron Edwards, 13 George Festa, 19 Isaiah Wingell, 21 Liam Evans

In the late game at the venue, Kenny Lowe’s Perth SC defeated defending Night Series champions Perth RedStar 2-0, with goals from David Ninkovich and Jamie McNelis. “I thought it was a convincing victory against a good RedStar side,” Perth striker Ninkovich said. “I thought we demonstrated a strong team performance, and there was a commendable effort from all players involved.”

The hosts, who had former Central Coast Mariners and Dundee United keeper Mark Birighitti in goal for this one, found the opener after 26 minutes when Michael Scafetta was brought down in the box, and referee Niall Gillmor pointed straight to the spot. Ninkovich stepped up and scored from the resulting penalty. They doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time, with McNelis’ long-range shot flying past RedStar keeper Sonny Inzalaco. Both sides had chances after the break, but the damage was done in the first half.

Perth SC: GK Mark Birighitti, 3 Coby Sutton, 4 Luka Hirninger, 9 Gordon Perkins, 19 David Ninkovich, 11 Daniel Faichney, 15 Jamie McNelis, 16 Federico Achilli,17 Michae Scafetta, 18 William Formston, 20 Taylor-Phoenix Wright – Subs: RGK Zaniewski, 5 Sami Riak, 15 Jamie Bilaloski, 16 Kelly, 21 Joshua Cala
Perth RedStar: GK Sonny Inzalaco, 2 Nick Walsh, 3 Blair Govan, 6 Sam Pollard, 9 Daryl Nicol, 10 Matthew George, 14 Oliver Leeming, 15 Tom Leeming,17 Sonny O’Shea, 19 Ryan Finnie – Subs: RGK Iuca Iovene, 4 Daniel Walsh, 11 Benson Nsegetse, 13 Dhuor Chol, 20 Andrew Palmer, 31 Jack Connolly

24.01.2025

GLORY BRING IN DEFENDER MOURDOUKOUTAS

Perth Glory have bolstered their defensive stocks for the season, by signing centra defender Tass Mourdoukoutas for the remainder of the season. The former Western Sydney Wanderers defender Mourdoukoutas returns to the A-Leagues having spent the past two years playing in the Canadian Premier League for York United and Valour FC.

The 25-year-old – a former Australia Under-19 and Under-23 international – made 40 appearances during his five-year stint with the Wanderers prior to moving overseas, said it’s a new challenge he’s looking forward too. “For me it was a no-brainer to come here when the opportunity came up to work with this coaching staff and group of players,” he said. “I can see the ambition that the coaches and players have here and I want to do my bit to help. “Obviously I want to help us win as many games as we can, to play as much as I can and just be a good influence and a good role model for the younger players.”

Mourdoukoutas said working with the young group is something he is looking forward to, but he has bad memories of playing at HBF Park, when a certain Spanish midfielder dominated his Wanderers side. “I actually made my starting A-League debut at HBF Park when I was with Western Sydney. It was 36 degrees and Glory had Diego Castro coming off the bench and he tore us up, so it was very difficult,” the defender explained. “The fans always get on top of you here as an away side, so I’m happy to be on this side of it now! I’m grateful to have the opportunity.”

Mourdoukoutas is the latest new face at Perth, who continue to overhaul their squad during the January transfer window. The Glory have already signed Tomislav Mrcela, Lachie Wales, Yuto Misao, Takuya Okamoto and Patrick Wood (on loan from Sydney FC), while Mustafa Amini, Cristian Caicedo, Luis Canga, Luke Bodnar, Jacob Muir, Jarrod Carluccio and Abdul Faisal have departed. Glory Football Director Stan Lazaridis said they are lacking a little bit of experience in that central defensive area and Tass certainly provides that.

“He knows the league, he’s strong defensively, composed on the ball and will be a very positive influence off the pitch as well,” he said. “Tass played more than 60 games during his couple of years in what is a tough, physically-demanding league in Canada and that will stand him in good stead for what lies ahead this season. His arrival will add to the competition for places in our backline and that’s exactly what we’re looking for as we continue to reshape and improve our squad.”

24.01.2025

PETERS LOOKING FOR IMPROVEMENT ACROSS THE BOARD AGAINST ROAR

Perth Glory will be looking for some home comforts on Australia Day when they host Brisbane Roar at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Sunday afternoon (5.00pm) They are coming off back-to-back away defeats in Victoria, the heavy loss against Western United was disappointing and Head Coach Stephen Peters has called for his team to improve across the board and kick start their Ninja A-League season.

“I think we did very well in the Victory game,” he said. “Obviously the Western United game wasn’t great and we were extremely disappointed with our output in that game, but I thought for 30 minutes in we were actually half-decent as well. So, we have to improve in all facets of the game, especially in front of goal and obviously defending our own goal. We’ve got to compete, and Brisbane are a fantastic team and I think they’ll definitely be in the mix for both bits of silverware this year.

“You’ve got Sharn Freier who’s just signed for Wolfsburg in what is going to be massive step in her career and then [Tameka] Yallop who’s extremely experienced in the league. So, we have to be ready for what it’s going to take to bring a challenge to Roar. We definitely haven’t forgotten the game we played against them at Perry Park which was a very difficult night for us.”

Sunday’s encounter beginnings the second half of the season and Peters feels that Glory should be sitting higher in their table than their current position of eleventh, and knows they need to concentrate week by week and try and claw their way back up the table. “I think we’ve left between five and eight points out there in terms of our results,” he said. “There have been some games where we’ve drawn when we could have won and some games that we’ve lost when we could have drawn.

“So, we’re probably a couple of places down from where we could have been and that’s pretty difficult to digest for most of us. But we’ve just got to make sure that we’re pushing, particularly this week and into the second half of the season. We need to not focus too much on the table, but just concentrate week by week and try and claw our way back up the table.”

The Roar arrive in Perth in fourth spot on the table, and the last time they hosted the Roar in Perth was in week 13 last season, when they shared the spoils in a 0-0 draw, and the star on the night was Morgan Aquino who saved a first half penalty. Glory was beaten 0-3 in Brisbane in week three this season, but seven of Glory’s nine competition points this term have been collected at home and the Head Coach is determined to see that tally increase at the expense of Roar.

“We have to remember what the key factors are in terms of why we’re performing strongly at home,” he said. “It’s got to do with sticking to the game plan, making sure we’re strong both offensively and defensively, not being overawed by the opponent and laying a platform to play the football we would like to play.”

In team news, Peters was cautiously optimistic when questioned on the subject of players returning on Sunday. “We’re hopeful that Georgia Cassidy may be available as long as she can pass her concussion protocols and Izzy Dalton should see some more game time,” he said. “Obviously Tijan [McKenna] returns from suspension, Sarah O’Donoghue is very close to returning from injury and Kelli Brown isn’t far away either, so we’re looking healthier bit by bit.”

Perth Glory Squad: GK Casey DUMONT, GK Miranda TEMPLEMAN, 2 Mischa ANDERSON, 4 Claudia VALLETTA, 5 Grace JOHNSTON, 6 Tijan MCKENNA, 7 Megan WYNNE, 9 Gabby HOLLAR, 11 Natalie TATHEM, 12 Caitlin DOEGLAS, 13 Naomi CHINNAMA, 14 Miku SUNAGA, 18 Izzy FOLETTA, 20 Ella ABDUL MASSIH, 23 Izzy DALTON, 25 Ella LINCOLN, 27 Charli WAINWRIGHT, 29 Onyinyechi ZOGG - *Two to be omitted* - INS: MCKENNA, FOLETTA - UNAVAILABLE: 8 Georgia CASSIDY (concussion protocols), 10.Susan PHONSONGKHAM (injured), 16.Bella WALLHEAD (injured), 19.Sarah O’DONOGHUE (injured), 44.Kelli BROWN (injured)

Brisbane Roar Squad: GK Keeley RICHARDS, GK Olivia SEKANY, 2 Leia VARLEY, 3 Deborah-Anne DE LA HARPE 6 Holly MCQUEEN, 8 Mariel HECHER, 10 Grace KUILAMU, 11 Sharn FREIER, 12 Tamar LEVIN, 13 Tameka YALLOP, 14 Zara KRUGER, 16 Chelsea BLISSETT, 17 Evdokia POPADINOVA, 18 Emily PRINGLE, 19 Laini FREIER, 20 Tanaye MORRIS, 23 Isabela HOYOS, 32 Alicia WOODS - *Two to be omitted* - INS: HOYOS - OUTS: 7 Momo HAYASHI (ankle) - UNAVAILABLE: 4 Kijah STEPHENSON (ACL), 22 Ruby CUTHBERT (hamstring)

24.01.2025

GLORY TRIO SEECTED IN YOUNG SOCCEROOS SQUAD

Perth Glory trio Adam Bugarija, Zach Lisolajski and Jaylan Pearman have been selected in the Australia AFC U20 Asian Cup squad for next month’s finals in China. Head Coach Trevor Morgan has selected a 23-man squad, who will assemble in Tokyo for a pre-camp from Monday 3 February to commence their preparations for the tournament, prior to relocating to Shenzhen, China ahead of their opening fixture against Kyrgyz Republic.

All three players have been in the Glory side recently, Pearman has been in sparkling form, and scored a stunning goal in the 1-0 win against Auckland, and winning the A-League round 13 goal of the week, while Bugarija and Lisolajski have both been impressive, so it will be a huge loss for David Zdrilic’s side. They will be joined in the Young Socceroos squad by former Glory forward Daniel Bennie who is now playing in the English Championship with Queens Park Rangers.

Australia have been drawn in Group A where they will face Kyrgyz Republic (12 February), Qatar (15 February) and hosts China PR (18 February). The 42nd edition of the AFC U20 Asian Cup will see sixteen of the Confederation’s best U20 teams divided into four groups to contest a one-round league format, with the top two finishers in each group qualifying for the Knockout Stages. The tournament – which serves as qualifying for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 – will see the top four teams advance to the U-20 showpiece FIFA event.

Head Coach Morgan is confident that his charges will give a good account of themselves in the competition. “We sat down at the beginning of this cycle and set out a comprehensive program to build experience through matches, with a clear focus on developing a technically and tactically adept team that is ready to perform in this World Cup qualifying tournament,” he said. “Our staff have had the opportunity to work with a large number of players through this program of activity and we’ve brought together what we feel is a talented squad who we have strong belief in, both individually and collectively.

“The bulk of this squad have accumulated significant experience across these camps and the familiarity and cohesiveness that comes with time spent together will be important for us throughout our campaign. As a group, we naturally have strong ambitions and goals, however our sole focus is on the football that is immediately in front of us, but we know what we can achieve when we play to our potential. I’m looking forward to arriving in camp and getting started on what will be an exciting campaign for the players and staff.” You can catch all the Young Socceroos matches at the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025 live and exclusive on 10 Play.

24.01.2025

2025 NPL NIGHT SEREIS WEEK ONE – PREVIEW

The 2025 NPL Men’s Night Series begins this weekend, with two groups of six teams, with the first-round games to played at Dorrien Gardens, Alfred Skeet Reserve and Percy Doyle Reserve. Group A kicks off on Friday evening at Dorrien Gardens, where last season’s champions Olympic Kingsway take on Fremantle City. (6.30pm) Last season Olympic were beaten in the semi-final, going down 1-2 to Bayswater City, while Fremantle missed out on a semi-final spot on goal difference after also losing to Bayswater in the final group game.

Olympic head coach David Tough has returned from his overseas trip, and is happy the way his squad is tracking. “We’ve had a good pre-season, and Ross (Edwards) and the other coaches have done all the work, as I’ve been over in Europe, but things are taking shape nicely,” Tough said. “We’ve managed to keep the majority of last season’s squad, and that’s testament to the club, who have worked extremely hard behind the scenes, like they always do, and the coaches and players were delighted to win the title for all those people last season.

“But that’s behind us now, this season we will have clubs lifting when they play the Champions, so we need to be prepared for that. It starts in the Night Series on Friday, with a tough game against Scott Miller and Dale Wingell’s Fremantle City. It is a pre-season game, but a chance to put things into place as we look to start the season well and our ultimately hold on to the title, I’m looking forward to it.”

Fremantle defender Hayden Stevens said Miller and Wingell has the side primed for a good night series, and have had some good lead up games. “Preseason has been tough but an enjoyable one, and with two new faces in front of the group, with new ideas makes things fun and enjoyable,” he said. “We kept majority of the squad together from last year with a few new faces so just trying to learn the way the new lads like things but also the way the new boss wants things done also.

“Our last friendly against a strong Murdoch side was exactly what we needed heading into the night series this week. Minutes into everyone’s legs before the Olympic game, and able to transfer what we’ve been working on during the week into a game scenario.” The other Group A game will be played at Alfred Skeet Reserve on Saturday evening. First up at 6.30pm, new Bayswater City coach Matthew Sparrow sees his side take on Perth Glory, who will also have a new coach in the dugout, with Joe Heath taking over from Ivan Zuvela, before Armadale host Balcatta Etna in the late game at 8.30pm.

Group B also begins on Friday evening when reigning Night Series champions Perth RedStar begin the defence of their title, when they take on Perth SC in the late game at Dorrien Gardens. (8.30pm) The other games in the group are on Sunday at Percy Doyle Reserve, where newly-promoted Sorrento begin their return to the NPL, in the early game against Floreat Athena. (5.30pm) Gulls Head Coach Steven McGarry said their success last season was special for everyone involved, and he’s been delighted how the squad has come back into pre-season but is well aware they need improve.

“To get back into the NPL is great for everyone at the club and our supporters,” McGarry told the clubs social media. “Last season was fantastic, but for us to compete in this league next season we must improve, and our goal is to go out and try and compete and obviously try and win them. We’ve got a really good squad, with a lot of young guys coming through the ranks, and the senior guys have come back flying, and I’ve seen the hunger, but we all know we have to do a lot of work for us to have any success this season.”

First up in the Night Series they take on Floreat Athena, who finished the season well, and just missed out on a top four spot, and McGarry knows they are in for a tough game. “We’re looking forward to the Night Series, and trying things out, but we are under no illusions it’s going to be difficult, there is a number of clubs out there spending big money, but these games will give you gauge to where we are at,” he said.

“We’re in a strong group, but we’ll go out there and try win every game, but we need to evolve as a team. That’s the aim, and look to start our return to the NPL on the front foot.” In the late game at the venue Western Knights take on Stirling Macedonia. (7.30pm) Finally, with temperatures continuing to soar across the metro area, clubs are reminded of the Football West Extreme Weather Policy.

24.01.2025

GLORY BACK IN ACTION AFTER MID-SEASON BYE

Perth Glory resumes their Isuzu Ute A-League season on Saturday, when they travel to the McDonald Jones Stadium in the week 16 clash against Newcastle Jets. (2.00pm WA time, watch live on 10Play, Paramount Plus and 10Bold) It’s been tough for David Zdrilic’s side, having played four games in just 11 days, and the coach said they have restarted with a high level of confidence in the squad, which also has some new faces within it.

“We gave the guys a bit of a break after the busy schedule, but we’ve got straight back into it especially with new players coming in, so it was important to get them up to speed with the way we are playing and where we are at, so it was good to integrate the new players,” he said. “The performances have been much better, and there has been so many changers in the squad, so I have been pleased we have managed to put in fighting mentality, and we have been in every game.

“Patrick Wood has been playing at Sydney and is fit, and Locky Wales is looking very good and will play a part, the Japanese boys are coming off not playing much football, but Misao has looked good and if he gets through training, he will also play a part as well. The feeling after the win against Auckland was great for the fans, and that’s what we are trying to create more of, and our focus is to go on and put in the same sort of performance consistently.”

Glory have played the Jets a number of times this season, but the loss at home earlier in the season was one to forget, going down 0-4, and Zdrilic said they handed them the game, something he hopes doesn’t happen on Saturday. “We didn’t give ourselves a chance in that game, we were three down very early, but we have a different mentality now, but we know we need to fight for every result,” he said.

“We will lose a few players soon to the under 20’s (NPL) and national teams, but players like Freney came in for his first start, and played out of position and did excellent and Pearman coming in and doing a great job, so we’ve adapted the team slowly and not had the same eleven. But consistency within the squad has been the key in better performances, but we know in football things are going to happen and we can’t really avoid them.”

The Jets sit two points ahead of the Gory on the ladder, and are coming off a 3-1 loss against Western United last week, making it back-to-back defeats. The last time Glory played at McDonald Jones Stadium was in round eight last season, when the hosts scored the equaliser deep in to stoppage time. Apostolos Stamatelopoulos gave the Jets the lead from the spot on the half hour, but Adam Taggart levelled two minutes into the second half. It looked like Stefan Colakovski had won it for Glory eight minutes later, but with the last kick of the game Trent Buhagiar found the equaliser.

Zdrilic knows Jets coach Rob Stanton well, and he expecting another tough game on Saturday. “The game will be similar to the first game we played against them, and we also played them twice in pre-season, but we are more aggressive with how were pressing now,” he said. “The key for us is to keep the ball better, the first part of the season we’d win the ball and give it straight back, and you can’t maintain tempo for the whole game. Rob wants his team to build up and he’s got very good mechanisms for doing that, they have a great structure and will try play through us, but we will be ready for that.”

23.01.2025

STYNES MOVES TO GALWAY UNITED FOR 2025

Former Perth Glory midfielder Daniel Stynes has signed for League of Ireland Premier Division club Galway United for the 2025 season. It’s a return to his roots for the 26-year-old, who joins the Eamonn Deacy Park club from Newcastle Jets. Stynes, who was born and raised in WA, has strong Irish ties, with his parents hailing from Dublin and Tipperary. The two first met in Galway before emigrating to Australia in 1985, making Daniel’s move to the Tribesmen a meaningful return to his heritage.

“Yeah, so pretty much all my family is from Ireland. My mum and dad met in Galway, and I actually went on holiday there in 2023, so it’s a special place. I’m really looking forward to it,” Stynes said. “It’s a great feeling to get the deal over the line; I can’t wait to get started. It’s great to be here to acclimatise a bit and then kick on in pre-season. The club, so far, has been really good. The coach, John Caulfield (from Cork in Ireland), has been very good to work with so far, and the facilities are good. Galway is just a lovely city.”

Galway finished fifth on the ladder last season, missing out on a spot in the European Cup competitions. Stynes hopes to change that next season, and he will have a familiar face in the squad. Bobby Burns, who recently re-signed for the 2025 season, has featured for Stynes’ former team, Newcastle Jets. He also got advice ahead of the move from former Galway United midfielder Jay O’Shea. “I played against Jay many times. I reached out to him, and he had nothing but great words to say about Galway and Galway United. He’s played at the highest level,” he explained.

”I like to get on the ball, create chances, score goals, and bring others into play. So that’s my strength. I just want to help the team as best I can. I think after Newcastle, I was ready for a fresh challenge somewhere else, and I always wanted to test myself in another country. Now I have a great chance to do that. It’s a big opportunity here, playing in a good league in Europe, so it’s exciting times. The goal is to finish higher than fifth place last season and secure one of those European spots, which would be a great achievement for the club.”

Stynes began his football journey at Joondalup Jacks (Quinns FC), before heading to ECU Joondalup, where he spent six seasons. He moved to the Football West NTC in 2013, before joining the Perth Glory Youth side the following year and going on to win the Dylan Tombides Young Player of the Year award. He signed for Glory in the A-League and made his debut against Heidelberg in the FFA Cup. After an injury setback, he moved to Bentley Greens in 2019 before returning to WA to join Gwelup Croatia.

He returned to Glory in 2020 and had two successful seasons, playing 36 games, before moving to Newcastle Jets. The midfielder enjoyed his time at both clubs, and his time at Glory saw him play in the Asian Champions League, scoring against eventual winners Ulsan Hyundai. “It was a crazy time, and we got the opportunity to play in what were then future World Cup stadiums. It was a really cool experience,” he said. “Newcastle was a great time for me; I loved everything there—the place, the club, the team. It was time for me to move on and seek greater game time.”

23.01.2025

INGLEWOOD UNITED ADD IRISH MIDFIELDER

After last season's relegation from the NPL, Inglewood United are determined to bounce straight back next season and have strengthened their squad by adding Irish midfielder Shane McMonagle for the State League Division One 2025 season. The 23-year-old headed to WA seven years ago for a holiday and fell in love with the place. When the opportunity to play here came up, he jumped at the chance, and he’s settled in really well at Inglewood Stadium, though leaving Ireland was tough.

“I’ve settled in very well, and all the lads are great fellas who welcomed me with open arms. Perth is a beautiful place, and I’m enjoying the city and the weather,” he explained. “I came out on a holiday seven years ago with my family, and since then, I always said I wanted to give it a go playing here. I knew it was always going to be hard leaving home, but it’s definitely been worth it.”

The midfielder said the challenge of playing in another country was something on his bucket list, and he can’t wait to get started. “I’ve heard all about the league in Perth from friends who have played over here, and it seems to be a good standard. I can’t wait to get the games going,” he said. “I’m really excited for the season. I’ve only been with the lads for three weeks now, but they all set a good standard, and I’m sure it will be an exciting season as the club looks to return to the top flight.”

Inglewood coach Alex Stanojevic said the Irish midfielder is great acquisition, as they look for a quick return to the NPL. “We were light in the midfield, and with the NPL points systems working in our favour and Shane being highly recommended, we moved quickly to put pen to paper,” he explained. “Back in September last year, the club agreed to build a team not only to get Inglewood United back into the NPL but also to make a statement and be sustainable in the top flight.

“High expectations, and to back this, the club has held on to a core playing group, supplemented with quality NPL established players and NPL youth. From a coach perspective, we have elevated Alan Armstrong and Alex Dunn, giving us a solid player management, game experience, and support network along with a committed club committee.”

McGonagle said his father has been a huge influence on his football journey back home in Ireland, and he’s had many highlights along the way. “Yes, my father was a great influence on my football for sure. I started off with local club Aileach FC as a junior (Underage) up until 2023, and it was a highlight for me to win the league and cup in my first year of senior football with my local club,” McMonagle explained. “I then signed with Finn Harps, a strong club with a great tradition in Irish football, and also had a loan spell at Dergview FC in the Northern Ireland League.

“I had two special years at the Harps and really enjoyed my time there, but when I decided to move to Australia, I always wanted to go back to my local club Aileach, where it all started for me, and played the last few months there. But for me now, the hard work starts, getting used to the game over here and, most of all, the hot weather, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.” United are in action in a pre-season friendly against Dianella White Eagles on Saturday morning at the Paintseal Reserve, Ashfield Reserve (9.30am).

23.01.2025

JONES ON THE RADAR OF A-LEAGUE CLUBS

Perth-born Socceroo defender Gethin Jones is coming out of contract at his English League One club, Bolton Wanderers, and reports from the UK indicate that the 29-year-old is attracting attention from Australian clubs ahead of his contract's expiration in the summer, so could Perth Glory bring him back home? The defender joined Bolton from Carlisle United on a free transfer in the summer of 2020 and has largely been a key part of the starting side in recent years.

However, a knee injury has limited his playing time this season, and as a result, the defender may be about to call time on his stay at the club at the end of the campaign, after over 150 appearances. The topic was discussed on the Wanderers Fan website, and pundit Liam O'Meara stated that Jones has struggled after his knee problems. “Gethin getting interest from Australia, I think that suits all parties, to be completely honest,” he said. “I think Gethin is someone who is starting to struggle, and someone who potentially would have to drop down quite a bit in the English leagues if he wants to maintain his level.”

It's clear that despite Jones not seeing the pitch as much for Wanderers this season (he was an unused substitute in their 1-2 loss to Charlton Athletic on Tuesday evening), where another WA player, Charlton ‘keeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer, was named man of the match, he remains a highly valued member of the squad. But at this stage of his career, if regular football can no longer be guaranteed, a move away may well be the best option for all parties at the end of the season.

But that might change, after coach Ian Evatt was sacked after the midweek defeat, with the club appointing Julian Darby, Andy Taylor and Andy Tutte as interim coaches for their next game against Huddersfield Town. Having signed his last deal in 2023, running until the end of the current 2024/25 season, Jones is now eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with any club outside England, a fact which appears to have caught the attention of Australian clubs. It will be an interesting time for the defender, who has never played professional football outside of England, aside from international duty, having been capped six times for the Socceroos.

23.01.2025

WA CLUBS RECEIVE FUNDS FOR WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

The women’s game is growing in Australia, with the Matildas being hot property whenever they head to WA, and clubs in Perth are adding resources to their women’s programs, and nine Football West clubs and associations have benefited as part of the second round of Football Australia’s Growing Football Fund Community Grants, supported by CommBank.

The successful applicants are all signed up for the Football Australia’s Club Development Program. They are: Baldivis Districts Sporting Club, Country Coastal Junior Soccer Association, Esperance Soccer Association, Forrestfield United FC, Karratha Glory SC, Kingsley Westside FC, Perth AFC, Twin City Saints SC and Westnam United.

The grants will support education for the development of female coaches, summer football programs and enhanced playing experiences will be just some of the benefits for women and girls. Football West Manager - Female Football and Advocacy Tash Rigby said: “Congratulations to the WA clubs and associations on being successful with their applications. This is fantastic for grassroots female football in Western Australia and a great initiative from Football Australia and Commonwealth Bank.”

Forrestfield United President Paul Mansfield said they are committed to growing the sport in the women’s game. “Forrestfield United Football Club’s women’s teams are proud to be among the selected few clubs in Western Australia awarded with the Growing Football Community Grant from Football Australia,” he said. “The club is deeply committed to advancing women’s football, and the additional funding plays a crucial role in supporting the strategies being developed for the 2025 season and beyond. We are excited about how this grant has positioned our teams for continued growth and development.”

Kingsley Westside’s Female Coordinator - Vanessa O’Brien said the grant is a game changer for the club. “We are thrilled to have been awarded a grant through the Growing Football Fund, proudly supported by Football Australia and CommBank,” O’Brien said. “This incredible funding will help us in our ambition to attract and retain more women and girls in football, create inclusive, safe, and welcoming environments for all players, further develop our community coaches, ensuring quality experiences and skill development and enhance football opportunities for new and returning players.

“For the club, this grant is a game-changer as we continue to develop the Women’s / Girls football program, and it enables us to build a brighter future for women’s football in our community. We are committed to growing the game we all love and inspiring the next generation of players to thrive on and off the pitch. Let’s celebrate this milestone together and continue making Kingsley Westside FC a home for every girl who dreams of kicking a ball.”

Football Australia General Manager of Women’s Football Carlee Millikin said all of the recipients’ submissions exhibited initiatives that would aid more growth for female participants in all areas of the sport. “We are thrilled to see the clubs and associations that have been awarded the grants,” Millikin said. “It demonstrates a strong commitment to long-term investment in women and girls’ football within their communities that goes beyond the financial.”

CommBank’s General Manager of Brand, Sponsorship and Content Di Everett added: “We are so proud of what this fund has achieved so far, and congratulate the recipients of the Round Two grants. We are passionate about making community sport more accessible for all. These grants have enabled clubs across the country to assist coaches through training opportunities and support local families through an expansion of programs to drive participation for young women.”

21.01.2025

WESTERN UNITED TOO STRONG FOR GLORY

Perth Glory ended their Victorian road trip with a 4-1 loss to Western United in Tuesday evening's week nine catch-up game at Ironbark Fields. After Saturday's narrow defeat to Melbourne Victory, Stephen Peters' side were no match for the hosts. Playing into a strong wind, two goals just after the hour from Claudia Valletta (who put the ball into her own net) and Grace Maher gave Western United the advantage at the break. Melissa Taranto extended the lead 19 minutes from time, and although Gabby Hollar pulled one back ten minutes later, substitute Aimee Medwin added a fourth to seal the comprehensive win.

Peters made four changes to the side that was edged out by Melbourne Victory on Saturday. Valletta came in for the suspended Tijan McKenna, while Izzy Dallton replaced the injured Georgia Cassidy, who was still suffering from concussion. The other change saw Chari Wainwright replace Miku Sunaga, who dropped to the bench. The hosts had the wind at their backs in the first half, and Caroline Zimmerman's early effort drifted wide, and on 13 minutes, her long-range shot fizzed inches over the top.

United, who started the game in eighth place, continued to have the better chances. Glory defender Naomi Chinnama blocked Adriana Taranto’s goal-bound shot. But on 34 minutes, the hosts' pressure was rewarded with the lead. Adriana Taranto made space down the right before cutting inside Natalie Tathem. Her shot was parried by Casey Dumont, and the unfortunate Valletta sliced the ball into her own net. Things went from bad to worse two minutes later when United added a second. Maher’s curling corner from the right beat Dumont for an Olimpico goal.

With the wind behind them, Glory needed a strong start to the second half, but Hollar couldn’t direct her header on target from Dalton’s corner. United went close to a third shortly after when Philippine midfielder Sara Eggesvik played a neat through ball to Chloe Logarzo, but Dumont was out bravely to save at the feet of the Matildas midfielder. Then, on the hour, Dumont made a smart save to deny Kahli Johnson as the hosts continued to look dangerous. Then on 71 minutes, United made it 3-0. A surging run by substitute Medwin, who was given far too much room, saw her find Melissa Taranto, whose long-range strike arrowed into the bottom corner of the net.

The visitors weren’t finished, and ten minutes later they pulled one back. Substitute Ella Abdul Massih’s corner from the right was met by Hollar. Her header hit the crossbar, but the American striker was on hand to poke the ball home. Glory went close to a second 60 seconds later when Tathem’s long throw wasn’t dealt with, and Mischa Anderson laid the ball back to Wainwright, whose long-range shot clipped the top of the crossbar. Glory continued to press, but three minutes from time, United sealed the points with a fourth. Kiara De Domizio was sent down the right by Johnson. Her cross took a deflection off Tathem and fell kindly to Medwin, who finished well at the far post.

Western United: GK Chloe LINCOLN, 6 Chloe LOGARZO (13 Avaani PRAKASH 76'), 8 Sasha GROVE, 9 Sara EGGESVIK, 10 Kahli JOHNSON, 15 Adriana TARANTO (7 Kiara DE DOMIZIO 46'), 16 Melissa TARANTO (2 Emily ROACH 88'), 18 Grace MAHER, 24 Julia SARDO, 28 Isabel DEHAKIZ, 34 Catherine ZIMMERMAN (5 Aimee MEDWIN 65') - Subs not used: RGK Alyssa DALL’OSTE

Perth Glory: GK Casey DUMONT, 4 Claudia VALLETTA (14 Miku SUNAGA 46'), 5 Grace JOHNSTON (20 Ella ABDUL MASSIH 63'), 7 Megan WYNNE, 9 Gabby HOLLAR, 11 Natalie TATHEM, 12 Caitlin DOEGLAS (25 Ella LINCOLN 76'), 13 Naomi CHINNAMA, 23 Izzy DALTON, (2 Mischa ANDERSON 57'), 27 Charli WAINWRIGHT, 29 Onyinyechi ZOGG - Subs not used: RGK Miranda TEMPLEMAN - Referee: Molly Godsell

20.01.2025

FAISAL PARTS WITH GLORY FOR FAMILY REASONS

Perth Glory have lost promising young attacker Abdul Faisal just seven months after he was touted as a Mo Salah-esque talent. Faisal and Glory have mutually parted ways after just half a season, with the talented 19-year old heading back to his home state to be closer to family and expected to resume his career with a New South Wales-based A-League club.

Faisal had been plucked from Macarthur FC’s academy by Glory in June, with the club’s football director Stan Lazaridis likening the teenager at the time to Liverpool star Salah. But after starting Glory’s first four games, he has made just one further start and struggled for consistency. In a statement, Lazaridis said they were sad to let Faisal go, but he had struggled to settle in Perth.

“It’s been very challenging for Abdul being away from the close family environment that he is used to and he has requested to return home to Sydney,” he said. “We have a duty of care as a club to prioritise player welfare and that consideration has driven this decision. I regard him as a very gifted player who has enormous potential, but he has struggled to adapt off the pitch since he’s been with us and that has taken its toll on him.”

20.01.2025

PETERS BACKS HOLLAR TO HELP GLORY WOMEN OVERCOME SCORING WOES

Perth Glory Women coach Stephen Peters has admitted scoring woes have come home to roost in recent weeks as his side look to get their season back on track against Western United on Tuesday night. Glory are preparing for the second game of a two-game Victorian road trip when they travel to Ironbark Fields off the back of a 1-0 loss to Melbourne Victory on Saturday.

With attackers Kelli Brown, Susan Phonsongkham and Sarah O’Dognhue all on the injured list, Glory have struggled to score this season with their 11 goals the second-lowest in the league. Five of those goals came in the opening two matches of the campaign and, despite an improved defensive record and a series of battling performances, Peters admitted goalscoring had been their kryptonite.

“It’s becoming a little bit of a habit where we’re losing games by just the odd goal, and we’re just trying to put our finger on as to why and how we can address it,” explained Peters. “The one that hits us in the face a lot is the fact that we’re not scoring enough goals.”

While injury-replacement player Caitlin Doeglas and young Tanika Lala have led the line in recent weeks, Peters said he had full faith in fellow attacker Gabby Hollar to add to her tally of two goals. “Gabby’s got goals in her. We just need to get her in a more forward position and get some better delivery to her, she’s also excellent with her head,” he said.

Glory’s midfield depth will be tested even more with Tijan McKenna (suspension) and Georgia Cassidy (concussion) adding to their injury issues. Peters said co-captain Isobel Dalton would be in line for more minutes as she worked her way back from a hamstring issue. “We’re going to look to stretch around to 45 so she means, she reckons she can probably get to 55,” he said.

20.01.2025

QUICK TURNAROUND FOR GLORY

There is no rest for Perth Glory, and they face a quick turnaround, when they take on Western United in week 13 of the Ninja A-League at Ironbark Fields on Tuesday afternoon. (4.00pm WA Time – Watch Live on 10Play and Paramount Plus). It will be the fourth game in 17 days for Glory, but having stayed over in Victoria after Saturday’s narrow loss against Melbourne Victory, will make it a little easier for Stephen Peters’ side.

The pushed second-placed Victory all the way on Saturday, and with a little more luck, could have seen them come away with something, which their performance deserved. The squad will be closely monitored again, especially after the long injury list, plus they will be without Tijan McKenna, who was sent off against Victory. But the Head Coach said with half the season gone, they are still in touching distance of the top six, and he feels three points on Tuesday will give them a huge boost heading into the final 12 games of the season.

“Yes, we’re down on players, yes we’re down on confidence a little bit because of the recent results, but we’ve just got to get in there and play for the three points because if we do, we’ll be getting pretty close to that top six position,” Peters explained. “We’ve just got to get that monkey off our back and find that next win very quickly and I think this is a good opportunity for us. We hear that Ironbark is a windy ground, but we’re used to that and ready for that and there are no excuses in the team.”

United sit in eighth spot on the table, two places and six points ahead of Glory, and it’s been a topsy turvy season for Kat Smith’s side, being thrashed by Brisbane Roar and Western Sydney Wanderers, but they have beaten top six sides Central Coast Mariners and Wellington Phoenix, and are coming off a 1-1 draw against league leaders Melbourne City. The last time Glory played United in Melbourne was in week nine last season, when an early goal from Matildas midfielder Chloe Logarzo sealed a 1-0 win for the hosts.

Peters knows they have players that can hurt them, but they have struggled to put a good run of results together, and he is looking forward to the contest. “They’re a very difficult team to get a grasp of, as they’re just so inconsistent,” he said. “Sometimes they’re very good and sometimes they’re really poor, so hopefully when we play them, they’re really poor and we can get the three points. “They seem like a team that needs to be fired up to play well, but they’ve got a lot of quality across the pitch, such as [Grace] Maher, [Chloe] Logarzo and the Taranto sisters [Melissa and Adriana], Kahli Johnson and Sasha Grove.

“They’re a good outfit and they look a little bit more settled now they have [Alyssa] Dall’Oste in goals.” In team news, Glory will be missing McKenna due to suspension, while Georgia Cassidy will also miss the game through concussion protocols, after her head injury in the Victory game. Glory have taken an extended squad over east, and Ella Abdul Massih, Ella Lincoln and Mischa Anderson are pressing for selection in the squad.

20.01.2025

LOUGHREY READY FOR BAYSWATER CHALLENGE

After a stellar season at Fremantle City, Irish defender Pat Loughrey has made the move to Frank Drago Reserve and joined new Bayswater City coach Matthew Sparrow for 2025. The 25-year-old was outstanding under the tutelage of Sparrow at Hilton Park last season and helped the club reach the top four finals in their first season back in the Premier League since 1987.

He said his time at Fremantle was great, and he made some friends for life. “Without a doubt, last season at Fremantle was awesome. After getting promoted the year before, I didn’t know what to expect when moving up to the NPL, but Spadge made some great signings after we won promotion. He added them to the squad we already had, and I knew we weren’t going to be far away,” Loughrey explained.

“We had a few injuries along the way, which made it very tough for us, but we were able to grind out a few results towards the end of the season, which ultimately confirmed our spot in the top four. To come third in our first season in the NPL was a great achievement for the club. It was a very tough decision to move on; they are a top club, and the people within the club are some of the nicest people I’ve met. I wish them all the best in the future.”

Loughrey started playing at his local club in Ireland, Buncrana Hearts FC, and played there for 12 years before signing for League of Ireland side Finn Harps. He then moved to Northern Ireland Championship side Dergview FC before relocating to Australia. The highlight for the 25-year-old came in 2018, when he represented the Republic of Ireland Under-18s.

Loughrey’s form last season earned him a trial at A-League club Perth Glory, and he enjoyed every moment, including playing in pre-season games. “It was a real surprise, but one I relished,” the Irish defender explained. “I got a few training sessions with the Glory before heading down south for four days to play a friendly against Newcastle Jets. It was a great experience to be in and around the team and see what it’s like. Personally, I was very happy with how I played throughout the weekend and in the match against Newcastle Jets.”

New Bayswater coach Matthew Sparrow said he’s delighted to sign the Irishman. “Pat has been revelation from day one, his passion hunger and enthusiasm for the game is second to none, I’ve never seen anyone work harder than him over 90 minutes,” he said. “Season by season he’s excelled and is now turning into a real gem of a player by regularly assisting and scoring goals week in week out so I’m over the moon we managed to get him over the line and signed up for us. I’m confident he will no doubt play a massive part for the club by following on his fine form from last year.”

The decision to join Bayswater was made easier with Sparrow taking the head coaching role at the club. With new signings coming on board, the defender is looking forward to the new challenge. “Yes, seeing Matty make the move to Bayswater made the decision a lot easier for me,” he said. “Knowing the style of football that he plays and the quality he demands of his players, it was a move that I couldn’t turn down. He has made some top signings this year with Bayswater, and it will be interesting to see how we go. I’m really looking forward to the new challenge.”

20.01.2025

GLORY YOUNGSTERS DEPARTS BY MUTUAL CONSENT

After bursting onto the scene at Perth Glory in pre-season, Abdul Faisal has struggled to get a starting role in the side, and the club confirmed today that the winger has departed the club by mutual consent to allow him to return to his family in New South Wales. The 19-year-old was signed from NSW League One club Bulls FC Academy, and scored three goals in three Australia Cup appearances before featuring on ten occasions in the A-League, and helped the Glory NPL side win the promotion/relegation play-off game against Dianella White Eagles.

Glory Football Director Stan Lazaridis said unfortunately Faisal has struggled to settle into life in Perth, and wished him all the best in his future endeavours. “It’s been very challenging for Abdul being away from the close family environment that he is used to and he has requested to return home to Sydney,” he said. “We have a duty of care as a club to prioritise player welfare and that consideration has driven this decision.

“I’ve personally worked closely with Abdul and regard him as a very gifted player who has enormous potential, but he has struggled to adapt off the pitch since he’s been with us and that has taken its toll on him. We’re obviously disappointed to be losing a player of his undoubted ability, but we accept that at a personal level, he needs to continue his career while based back in New South Wales with his family. We would like to thank Abdul for all his efforts during his time with us and sincerely wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.”

19.01.2025

BATTLING GLORY EDGED OUT BY VICTORY

Perth Glory's search for a first away win of the Ninja A-League season continues after a narrow 1-0 loss against Melbourne Victory in their Week 12 encounter at the Home of the Matildas on Saturday afternoon. Despite a strong performance from Stephen Peters’ side, a goal just after the half-hour from defender Kayla Morrison was enough to seal the points. They were reduced to ten players on the hour when Tijan McKenna received a second yellow card, but they had late chances to take a point. However, former Glory custodian Courtney Newbon ensured the hosts would prevail.

Peters made two changes to the side that drew with Sydney FC last week, with Megan Wynne coming in for Claudia Valletta and McKenna replacing Charli Wainwright, the pair dropping to the bench. Glory opened brightly, and Gabby Hollar tried her luck from range, but it sailed wide. Caitlin Doeglas’ shot from the angle also failed to find the target. Victory hit back, and Matildas striker Emily Gielnik saw her shot on the run flash inches over the top. Glory went close again moments later, with Grace Johnston’s turn and shot straight at Newbon, who saved comfortably.

Glory suffered a blow on 28 minutes when Georgia Cassidy had to be replaced by Wainwright after the midfielder was struggling following an early head injury. But four minutes later, the hosts found the opener. Alana Murphy’s free-kick wasn’t dealt with by the visitors, and Natalie Tathem’s header went straight to Morrison. The defender’s volley flew past Casey Dumont and into the net via the crossbar. Victory came close to a second just before halftime. Murphy’s ball over the top found Rachel Lowe, who squared the ball to Gielnik. Her shot was well blocked by Naomi Chinnama, and Dumont saved the follow-up.

The visitors were on the front foot early in the second half. McKenna’s long-range shot fizzed over the top, before former Victory keeper Dumont saved well at her near post to deny Lowe, who had been picked out by the lively Gielnik. Glory were taking the game to Victory, and their best chance of the match came on 58 minutes. Hollar won possession in the middle of the park and drove towards the box. Her curling effort looked destined for the corner of the net, but Newbon produced a great save at full stretch to deny her.

Two minutes later, the game took a twist, with McKenna receiving a second yellow card from referee Rachael Mitchenson for a trip on Alex Chidiac and was sent off. But it didn’t stop Glory from pressing for the equalizer, and Hollar was again denied by Newbon. Victory came close to a second late on when Chidiac’s cross from the left was only inches away from the lunging Lowe at the back post. Victory held firm to take the three points, moving them up to second on the table, while the defeat leaves Glory in tenth, just seven points out of the top six. Glory are back in action on Tuesday evening when they take on Western United at Ironbark Fields – kick-off 4:00 pm WA time.

Melbourne Victory: GK Courtney NEWBON, 3 Claudia BUNGE, 8 Alana MURPHY, 10 Alex CHIDIAC, 11 Nicki FLANNERY (5 Sofia SAKALIS 71'), 13 Sara D’APPOLONIA, 15 Emily GIELNIK, 18 Kayla MORRISON, 23 Rachel LOWE, 24 Laura PICKETT, 66 Alana JANCEVSKI - Subs not used: RGK Geo CANDY, 7 Ella O’GRADY, 27 Rosie CURTIS, 41 Jessica YOUNG

Perth Glory: GK Casey DUMONT, 5 Grace JOHNSTON, 6 Tijan MCKENNA, 7 Megan WYNNE, 8 Georgia CASSIDY (27 Charli WAINWRIGHT 28') (23 Izzy DALTON 72'), 9 Gabby HOLLAR, 11 Natalie TATHEM, 12 Caitlin DOEGLAS (26 Tanika LALA 58'), 13 Naomi CHINNAMA, 14 Miku SUNAGA (4 Claudia VALLETTA 58'), 29 Onyinyechi ZOGG - Subs not used: RGK Miranda TEMPLEMAN - Red Cards: McKenna 60’ – Attendance: 1,014 - Referee: Rachel Mitchenson

17.01.2025

WOOD READY TO HELP GLORY PUSH UP THE TABLE

Perth Glory have continued their re-build, confirming that Sydney FC striker Patrick Wood has joined them on-loan for the rest of the A-League season. The 22-year-old has progressed through the Sky Blues’ youth ranks before making his A-League debut against Wellington Phoenix in January 2021, and he can’t wait to get started in the west. “I’m very excited for the opportunity to join Perth Glory for the remainder of the season,” he said.

“I believe I can make a valuable contribution to the team, bring goals and lots of energy and help push the team up the competition table. “I’m looking forward to playing up front alongside Taggs [Adam Taggart] and working once again with Zdrila [Head Coach David Zdrilic] who I worked closely with at Sydney FC. This opportunity presents a new challenge for myself and it’s one I’m willing to take with both hands. I’m excited to see all the Glory fans at HBF Park soon!”

Wood was signed by Sydney from NPL NSW club Manley United, and scored his first senior goals a month after his debut for the club, when he bagged a brace in a 3-0 win over Macarthur FC and he would end that season with 21 appearances and four goals. Since then, the Australia Under-23 international has taken his tally of A-League games past the 70-mark. Head Coach David Zdrilic said he’s looking forward to working with the striker again, after spending time with him in his time at the Sky Blues.

“I worked closely with Pat during my time at Sydney FC, so I’ve seen first-hand what he’s capable of and how much scope there is to further develop and improve him as a player,” he said. He’s quick and mobile, plays off the shoulder of defenders, always puts in a big shift and can finish. I’m sure that his dynamic, all-action style and willingness to give his all for the team will resonate strongly with our members and fans and his arrival will definitely boost our effectiveness in the final third as we look to kick on in the second half of the season.”

Glory Football Director Stan Lazaridis said he delighted to bring Wood into the club, and looking forward to him teaming up with skipper Adam Taggart. “Pat is a livewire forward who has the pace to get in behind and a willingness to also work very hard out of possession,” he said. “He’s extremely motivated to become a regular A-League starter and we believe that he will provide an ideal strike partner for Adam Taggart. This move represents a new challenge for Pat who has spent the whole of his senior career to date with Sydney FC and we’re really looking forward to seeing him fulfil the enormous potential that he undoubtedly has between now and the end of the season.”

17.01.2025

IN-FORM VICTORY NEXT UP FOR GLORY

Perth Glory will head into back-to-back away Ninja A-League games in the next four days, and it starts with a clash against third placed Melbourne Victory at Home of the Matildas (Bundoora) on Saturday afternoon. (3.00pm WA Time) The hosts are coming off a win at Newcastle in the last round, while Glory was held to a 1-1 draw by Sydney FC, which leaves them in tenth place on the ladder, seven points out of the top six. It’s a tough run for Stephen Peters’ side, taking on Western United on Tuesday, before returning to host Brisbane Roar next Sunday, that’s three games in nine days.

The Head Coach said it’s important to manage players in this run, even if they are staying in Victoria for the two games, and with the club’s injury woes hitting hard the likes of Tijan McKenna, Megan Wynne and Isobel Dalton will have to be eased through this period, as the Glory look to climb the ladder. “We’ve just got to be really clever with it and utilise as many like-for-like changes as we can without compromising the level of the performance,” Peters said. “It’s going to be an interesting one for us. I think we’ll learn a lot from the trip and both teams are going to be tricky assignments for us, but obviously we’ve just got to concentrate.”

They have been fortunate in recent weeks with a number of youngsters pressing their claims for a starting spot with good performances, and Peters said it’s a balancing act between relying on them and under-using them. “The most difficult thing for us at the moment is we’ve got a blanket of players that are all young and inexperienced, that have all got some ability in one way, shape or form, so it’s about which one is knocking on the door and/or deserves an opportunity to play in that particular game,” he said.

“We’ve got (Ella) Lincoln, (Tanika) Lala, (Charli) Wainwright, probably three examples of that, (Claudia) Valletta got her first start on the weekend, (Ella) Abdul Massish is still 18, her as well. It’s a tough thing that we go through each week, but it’s also very good for the future for us, and it’s about giving these girls some exposure to that level of opposition, particularly the ones that we’re going to be playing against on the five-day trip to Melbourne.”

The last time Glory travelled to Melbourne to meet Victory was in week nine in season 2022-23, when Glory left with a share of the spoils. Paige Zois gave Victory the lead at the break, but Alana Jancevski leveled 16 minutes from time. The last time they played Victory on the road was in the Unite Round last season at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney when they also returned home with a point after a 1-1 draw. Rachel Lowe gave Victory the lead, but an own goal from Jamilla Rankin secured a point for Glory.

Peters was pleased with the performance in parts against Sydney, and wants to build on that, but he is well aware the quality in the Victory line-up. Matildas duo Alex Chidiac and Emily Gielnik missed the game this season at Sam Kerr Football Centre, when Victory won 1-0, but are available this week, as well as former Glory pair Jancevski and Sofia Sakalis who will be looking get one over their former club.

“We don’t want to go away too much from the things that we did do well, so it is a mix, but we definitely have to think about the fact that those two players were missing,” Peters said. “We’ve got to have that realization, but I think most importantly we can’t go in there fearing them. That’s probably the dangerous part for us; we have to make sure we’re confident enough to take the game to them because I feel like we did that really well last time.”

Melbourne Victory squad: GK Courtney NEWBON, GK Geo CANDY, 2 Ellie WILSON, 3 Claudia BUNGE, 4 Sara D’APPOLONIA, 5 Sofia SAKALIS, 7 Ella O’GRADY, 8 Alana MURPHY, 10 Alex CHIDIAC, 11 Nicki FLANNERY, 15 Emily GIELNIK, 18 Kayla MORRISON, 22 Ava BRIEDIS, 23 Rachel LOWE, 24 Laura PICKETT, 27 Rosie CURTIS, 41 Jessica YOUNG, 66 Alana JANCEVSKI - Ins: Nil - Outs: Nil

Perth Glory squad: GK Casey DUMONT, GK Miranda TEMPLEMAN, 4Claudia VALLETTA, 5Grace JOHNSTON, 6 Tijan MCKENNA, 7 Megan WYNNE, 8 Georgia CASSIDY, 9 Gabby HOLLAR, 11 Natalie TATHEM, 12 Caitlin DOEGLAS, 13 Naomi CHINNAMA, 14 Miku SUNAGA, 18 Isabella FOLETTA, 20 Ella ABDUL MASSIH, 23 Izzy DALTON, 25 Ella LINCOLN, 27 Charli WAINWRIGHT, 29 Onyinyechi ZOGG - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: DALTON, ABDUL MASSIH - Unavailable: 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM (injured), 16 Bella WALLHEAD (injured), 19 Sarah O’DONOGHUE (injured), 44 Kelli BROWN (injured)

17.01.2025

DOEGLAS RELISHING HER SECOND STINT AT GLORY

It was a dream return to Ninja A-League action for Caitlin Doeglas, the Perth Glory striker who was brought in as an injury replacement, this after another stellar season for NPLWA side Perth RedStar’s. The 28-year-old had been away from the club for nearly four years, and returned with the opening goal in their 1-1 draw against Sydney FC, which was a special way to celebrate her 50th appearance for Glory. The striker is relishing her second spell at the club, and to get a start last week was special, and a surprise.

“I was just training and having a lot of fun with the girls… so it was a welcome surprise,” she said. “Obviously it wasn’t under the best circumstances with all the injuries that we’ve had, but I’m happy to step up. I’ve worked so, so hard [to get back into the ALW] and to get that goal was just amazing, it means the absolute world. Obviously, I did my ACL [in 2021] and that was really devastating as it was my second one. But I always knew I was going to come back stronger and better.

“I worked really, really hard and the season after [the ACL injury] I went over to Sydney and played in the NPL there, which is one of the best leagues in Australia. I did well over there and surprised myself. I proved to myself that I can still stick it to some of the best young players in Australia, so I knew that I could still possibly be part of an A-League team. But to get the call-up and for everything to fall into place has just been the best.”

Next up for Doeglas and Glory is a clash on the road with the inform Melbourne Victory, who have climbed to third, having lost just one of their last six games and the striker is expecting Jeff Hopkins’ side to provide another stern test. “Melbourne Victory have been so consistent throughout the years. Even when I was playing [ALW] before, it was always a really tough game and they’ve done some really good recruiting again,” Doeglas explained. “It’s going to be a tough encounter, but we’ll give it our best shot and that’s all we can do.

“They’re tactically really strong and physically really strong, but the training that we’ve done this week has been very good. We’ve got some good momentum going into this game after the draw against Sydney last week. “I think we did really well against Sydney and I think with just a few minor tweaks, we’ll be able to give Victory a really good run for their money.”

16.01.2025

STYNES JOINS IRISH CLUB GALWAY

Former Perth Glory player Daniel Stynes has signed with League of Ireland club Galway United. The 26-year old attacking midfielder makes the move aboard following a successful two-season spell at Newcastle Jets. With parents hailing from Dublin and Tipperary, the Emerald Isle held a personal allure for Stynes.

“It feels great to be in Galway. To start training with the lads and immerse myself in the culture of the club and the city, it’s a special time,” Stynes commented on his new surrounds. “It’s funny because I was actually here with my auntie in summer 2023, it’s funny how football works like that.”

“I’d been playing in the A-League for seven years. As great as the A-League is, I just felt I was at a time in my career where I needed a change. I wanted something new, something different. [The League of Ireland] is a booming league. I did a lot of research on it when I was back in Australia. Everyone I spoke to said how big the league was getting. I think it was a no-brainer for me to come here.”

Stynes sought the advice of Brisbane Roar veteran Jay O’Shea, a former Galway player, before making his move. “Jay is a top, top player. He’s been probably one of the best midfielders, if not the best in the A-League for the last five or six years. He’s done really well. I looked up Galway United and saw that Jay played for them,” Stynes said.

“I’ve collected a lot of shirts in my time in the A-League and I’ve got his. I knew he was Irish, so we always had that bit of connection when we played against each other. We’d always have a chat after the game because he is just a top fellow. He said to me that Galway is a top, top city and it’s a great club. Jay is a top player and a top person.”

Stynes in unphased by the challenge which lays ahead. “I know players that have played in this league, and it is a very tough competition. Training is hard every day. It is a completely different game from Australia in terms of style. Obviously, the pitches are completely different so that is going to take some adjustment.”

“The Galway lads have all been excellent, on the pitch and off the pitch. I’ve nothing but great words about my time so far. I just want to help the club be successful. That’s the biggest thing. If I can help with goals, assists, all that stuff is the goal in itself to help the team be successful. I know how well they did last year and now it’s about pushing one better and getting into the European spots.”

16.01.2025

CARLUCCIO SPLITS FROM GLORY

Jarrod Carluccio will return to Western Sydney Wanderers on a one-and-a-half season deal after being axed by Perth Glory. Carluccio became the sixth Glory player to have his contract terminated by mutual consent when the January transfer window opened recently. He joins former captain Mustafa Amini, Cristian Caiceido, Luis Canga, Luke Bodnar and Jacob Muir.

Glory football director Stan Lazaridis thanked Carluccio for his contribution to the club. "His sterling efforts during some particularly challenging times have been hugely appreciated," Lazaridis said. "With the way our squad is developing in terms of the players that we have coming in, we weren't able to guarantee him the game-time that he needs at this stage of his career. This is very much an amicable parting of the ways and it is with a heavy heart that we see him go."

Carluccio, who Glory in 2023 and made 35 appearances for the club, will be available for Western Sydney when they face Central Coast this weekend. "I am humbled to return to the Wanderers, there really is no place like home," Carluccio said in a club statement. "Having grown up in the Western Sydney region and starting my football career at the club, it means a lot to have the opportunity to return.

16.01.2025

GLORY WOMEN TO BE ROTATED THROUGH TWO-GAME ROAD TRIP

Rotation and flexibility will be prioritised as Stephen Peters’ side prepares for a mini road trip featuring two A-League Women’s Games in four days. Seeking their first win in a month, Perth Glory take on Melbourne Victory on Saturday before staying on in Victoria to face Western United on Tuesday.

While Glory have performed better than their second-last spot on the ladder suggests, wins have been hard to come by - although back-to-back three-point outings would put them right back in the finals mix. With Glory returning home next Sunday to face Brisbane Roar in what will be their third game in nine days, Peters said player management will be key to their success.

“We’ve just got to be really clever with it and utilise as many like-for-like changes as we can without compromising the level of the performance,” Peters said. “It’s going to be an interesting one for us. I think we’ll learn a lot from the trip and both teams are going to be tricky assignments for us, but obviously we’ve just got to concentrate.”

Peters said despite recent promising performances from some of their younger players, there needed to be a balancing act between relying on them and under-using them. “The most difficult thing for us at the moment is we’ve got a blanket of players that are all young and inexperienced, that have all got some ability in one way, shape or form, so it’s about which one is knocking on the door and/or deserves an opportunity to play in that particular game,” he said.

“We’ve got (Ella) Lincoln, (Tanika) Lala, (Charli) Wainwright, probably three examples of that, (Claudia) Valletta got her first start on the weekend, (Ella) Abdul Massish is still 18, her as well. It’s a tough thing that we go through each week, but it’s also very good for the future for us, and it’s about giving these girls some exposure to that level of opposition, particularly the ones that we’re going to be playing against on the five-day trip to Melbourne.”

16.01.2025

CHAMPIONSHIP-WINNER WALES JOINS GLORY

Perth Glory is delighted to confirm attacking midfielder Lachlan Wales has signed with the club for the remainder of the 2024/25 A-League season. The 27-year old joins Glory fresh from a spell with South Korea side Gyeongnam FC and with considerable A-League experience having turned out for Central Coast Mariners, Melbourne City and Western United, where he won the Championship in 2022.

“Hearing how ambitious the coaches are and where they want to see the club grow to, I want to jump on board now as quickly as I can and I know there are good times ahead here,” Wales said of his move to Glory. “I’m really looking forward to meeting all the fans. The times I’ve come to Perth as an away player during my A-League career, I’ve seen some really good crowds here and that atmosphere really gives the home players a lift.

“It would be great to see as many people as possible getting along to the next few games and hopefully we can get some results and really build that fan base back up. I’m lucky enough to have played with some of the boys here and against a lot of them, so I know how they play and I’ve been watching the recent games.”

“I know the qualities I can bring to the team and it’s not just on the field, it’s off the field helping the younger players and getting them to understand professional football and the ups and downs of it. Once you ride those disappointing times, there are good times around the corner and I’m here to help them with that and on the field, to bring a lot of energy. I’m quick and dynamic and hopefully I can get the fans off their seats.”

Glory coach David Zdrilic is delighted to have a finisher of Wales’ calibre on board. “Lachie is a very gifted player who knows what’s required to win the A-League,” he said, “and he’s also a great character who will complement our predominantly young group. We tried to sign him at the start of the season, but were unfortunately unable to, so we’re delighted that we’ve now managed to bring him in. His arrival will significantly enhance our efforts to deliver major on-field improvement during the remainder of the current campaign.”

Wales, an Australia youth international, initially rose to prominence at Central Coast before completing a 2018 move to Melbourne City, where he went on to make more than 50 senior appearances. He moved to Western United in 2020 and quickly established himself as one of the most effective creative players in the competition, playing over 100 games for the club.

16.01.2025

JAPANESE DUO PROVIDE GLORY DEFENSIVE OPTIONS

Perth Glory have strengthened their defensive stocks with the recruitment of experienced Japanese duo Yuto Misao and Takuya Okamoto for the remainder of the 2024/25 A-League season. Misao and Okamoto will provide David Zdrilic options across the back as the Glory coach seeks ways to stems the flows of goals against his team.

Comfortable at left-back or centre-back, 33-year old Misao brings with him a wealth of experience having made more than 300 appearances in Japan’s top two divisions, along with the Emperor’s Cup and AFC Champions League. A former Tokyo Verdy youth player, he lists Kashima Antlers and Shona Bellmare among his previous clubs and was most recently on the books of J-League One side Kyoto Sanga.

32-year old Okamoto began his career with Urawa Red Diamonds and was capped by Japan at youth levels while enjoying successful loan spells with both V-Varen Nagasaki and Shonan Bellmare. The robust defender, who can operate at centre-back, full-back or wing-back, then completed a permanent move to Shonan Bellmare in 2019 and subsequently took his number of J1 appearances past the 170-mark.

Glory Football Director Stan Lazaridis believes that Misao and Okamoto will significantly strengthen the club's playing options. "Between them, Yuto and Takuya have played more than 600 times at a very high level in Japan and that experience will be of huge benefit to the largely young squad we currently have,” he said.

"Both players are technically very sound and retain the ball extremely well, while their proven versatility allows us the option of playing them in a number of different positions. We've brought them on board now because we really want the remainder of the season to mean something and should they prove themselves, as we expect them to, we will open discussions around extending their time with the club."

16.01.2025

KNOWLES HOPEFULLY BACK WITH A BANG WITH THE CANNONS

After a stellar season at Olympic Kingsway, helping them to a hat-trick of trophies, striker Joe Knowles has made the move back to Oakleigh Cannons for the 2025 NPL Victoria season. The 28-year-old bagged 20 NPL goals for the Green Machine last season, helping them to the NPLWA title, the State League Cup, and Top Four Finals triumph. However, the lure of the Cannons was something he couldn’t turn down, and he can’t wait to get started.

“I’m enjoying being back in Melbourne with Oakleigh. It was a decision that my wife and I thought about for a while, and it was something we both wanted,” Knowles explained. “We are still young, just recently got married, and before we fully settle down, we wanted to enjoy life as much as possible. So, we thought this was the best option for us. There was never going to be another club in Melbourne that I was going to sign for. They are very similar to Kingsway; the people are very special, and I’ve been welcomed back with open arms. I can’t wait for our game against South Melbourne on the 30th of January for the Community Shield.”

Knowles said the season at the Kingsway Sporting Complex is something he will never forget. The decision to leave was tough, and he wished them all the best for their title defense. “The past year at Olympic was very special for me, obviously winning the treble was massive for the club and WA football,” he said. “But the club has a lot of very special people involved in it who do a lot of work behind the scenes to help us achieve the success that we did. It was tough to leave everyone at Kingsway. They’ve done a lot for me and my wife, and I’m very grateful for that. I tried to give everything back for them throughout the season to bring them the success everyone there deserved.”

Oakleigh announced the signing on their social media today: “Joe was a cornerstone of our 2022 championship team, delivering an unforgettable 5-0 Grand Final triumph over South Melbourne. His brilliance earned him professional contracts with Brisbane Roar in the A-League and Hyderabad FC in the Indian Premier League, before a return to Perth for family reasons. Last year, he led Olympic Kingsway to an incredible treble in the WA NPL, proving once again why he’s one of the best in the game.

“As we prepare for an exciting new season, Joe’s return is a massive boost to our squad. With a revamped team, fresh young talent, and the guidance of Chris Taylor, Joe is ready to lead the charge and inspire us to new heights. The Cannons family is overjoyed to welcome Joe back. He’s more than a player—he’s part of our heart and soul. Let’s show him the love he deserves and get ready for a season of passion, loyalty, and unforgettable moments!” - Good luck for the season, Joe, from everyone at Football WA

16.01.2025

CORNESS AND LA GALIA MOVE TO FRANK DRAGO

Bayswater City have continued their recruitment for the 2025 season, signing Balcatta Etna skipper Jon Corness and Fremantle City striker Oli La Galia. The pair move to Frank Drago Reserve to bolster new coach Matthew Sparrow’s squad in his first season in charge of the Black and Blues. La Galia will reunite with Sparrow, who coached him at Fremantle last season. He said it was a difficult decision to leave, especially after a fantastic season for everyone involved at Hilton Park in 2024.

“Last season is something everyone who was involved should feel immensely proud of, especially with how many comings and goings there were, along with players who were new to NPL football. I believe we overachieved,” the striker explained. “That’s not to say that we didn’t think we could do it, but the talk around the start of the season was about taking it one game at a time, and we’ll show what we can do."

“It was most definitely a decision I thought long and hard about. Everyone at Fremantle City looked after me and my family, and I can’t thank them enough for believing in me. But I think it’s the right time to move, and I’m excited to play for Bayswater. With Matty making the move across, it has definitely made it easier, seeing a familiar face.”

La Galia only moved back to WA five seasons ago and has played for Balcatta Etna, Gwelup Croatia, and Forrestfield United before heading to Fremantle. Before that, he was in Singapore playing for multiple clubs and started playing senior football at the age of 15. He then went to the UK and trialled at a number of clubs before heading Down Under.

The 23-year-old had his season cut short by injury last year, but the striker bagged 12 league goals. He said the injury has now healed and he can’t wait to get started at Bayswater. “Yes, I had a syndesmosis injury in my left ankle, which was a real setback for me and the club,” he said. “But the rehab has gone really well. I wasn’t meant to start full training until February, but I was cleared ahead of schedule, and I’m rearing to go.”

New Bayswater coach Matthew Sparrow said La Galia is a fantastic signing to add to their firepower up front. “We’re delighted to secure the signing of Oli, and he’s been a big player for me over the last couple of seasons,” he said. “His goals per game ratio is outstanding. He will give us something different in terms of stretching defences with his power and pace. Hopefully, he can steer clear of injuries and have a very successful season for him and the club.”

Corness, who played at Cockburn City as a youngster before spending eight seasons at Grindleford Reserve, is another key addition. The 29-year-old’s good form there saw him selected for two WA State teams along the way, and he became one of the most consistent players in the competition. He said the move to Bayswater and leaving Balcatta was a tough decision, but after talking to Matty, he knew it was the right decision to move on and he’s looking forward to the new challenge.

“I’m very excited about this new opportunity at Bayswater. I’ve got nothing but positive things to say about Balcatta, so it was a tough decision to move on, but I’m looking forward to the year ahead and the new challenge of working with Matty and the lads,” the midfielder explained. “Our squad is looking very strong, and challenging for trophies this year is the goal.”

Sparrow said he has been an admirer of the experienced Corness, who can play in midfield and at the back, and is looking forward to working with him. “Another signing we are delighted with, as Johnny will bring calmness and composure on the ball. He’s a very good footballer for this league, and with bags of experience, he can play numerous roles for us, which is important in today’s game,” Sparrow explained. “His attitude and work rate in games have always impressed me, another reason we were keen to bring him across to Bayswater.”

16.01.2025

GLORY ACT QUICK AS TRANSFER WINDOW OPENS

It’s been a busy opening day of the January transfer window for Perth Glory, with the signing of Lachlan Wales from Korean club Gyeongnam for the rest of the season, subject to international clearance. The 27-year-old played for Central Coast Mariners, before a move to Melbourne City in 2018. He spent two seasons at the club, and earned a call up for the Australia Under-23 side. He then switched to Western United, and had four seasons at the club, playing over 100 games and heping them to the A-League title in 2024/25.

The winger is now looking forward to the new change at Glory. “Speaking to everyone here and hearing how ambitious the coaches are and where they want to see the club grow to, I want to jump on board now as quickly as I can and I know there are good times ahead here,” he told the Glory website. “I’m really looking forward to meeting all the fans. The times I’ve come to Perth as an away player during my A-League career, I’ve seen some really good crowds here and that atmosphere really gives the home players a lift. It would be great to see as many people as possible getting along to the next few games and hopefully we can get some results and really build that fan base back up.

“I’m lucky enough to have played with some of the boys here and against a lot of them, so I know how they play and I’ve been watching the recent games. I know the qualities I can bring to the team and it’s not just on the field it’s off the field helping the younger players and getting them to understand professional football and the ups and downs of it. Once you ride those disappointing times, there are good times around the corner and I’m here to help them with that and on the field, to bring a lot of energy. I’m quick and dynamic and hopefully I can get the fans off their seats.”

Glory Head Coach David Zdrilic had said he would be busy in the window, and he is delighted the first part of the puzzle is in place. “Lachie is a very gifted player who knows what’s required to win the A-League, and he’s also a great character who will complement our predominantly young group,” he said. “We tried to sign him at the start of the season, but were unfortunately unable to, so we’re delighted that we’ve now managed to bring him in. His arrival will significantly enhance our efforts to deliver major on-field improvement during the remainder of the current campaign.”

Glory Football Director Stan Lazaridis is thrilled to have got Wales on board, and like Zdrilic said the club have been after him for a while. “Lachie has shown that he has the ability to be one of the very best attacking midfielders in the A-League and we’re really excited to see him performing in the famous purple,” he said. “He’s quick, provides top-class delivery and can play anywhere across the front third, which is obviously a huge plus. We’ve been tracking him for over a year as he exactly fits the profile of player we are looking to bring in and I believe he is a signing that our members and fans should be very excited about.”




If you have any additional information on Western Australian soccer that we have left out, or if you would like to get in contact, email Jacob at jacob@footballwa.net

since the 26th June, 2002

eXTReMe Tracker

Last Update: 1st May, 2024

© 1997 - 2023

Formerly www.soccerwa.com