|
|
|
|
|
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.
13.12.2024
GLAVOVIC TO COACH THE AZZURRI IN THE NPLW
Perth Soccer Club have announced Tom Glavovic as their new NPLW Head Coach for season 2025, replacing Danielle Brogan, who resigned after the 2024 season for family reasons. Many will know Glavovic has one of the top referees in WA, but he also played at a high level, playing in the Regionalliga in Germany and for FK Partizan Belgrade, one of the most prestigious clubs in Serbia, where he represented both the state and national U16 teams. He also has an AFC B Licence Coach and has a Level 1 Referee License.
Club President Jason Marocchi said Glavovic was the perfect replacement for Brogan, who led the club to the State League Cup last season. “On behalf of everyone at Perth SC, I would like to welcome Tom to the Azzurri family," Marocchi said. “Tom has a deep understanding of the local football landscape and the skills to identify and nurture emerging talent. We look forward to working with Tom to continue our journey of developing talented players and challenging for silverware in the women's game in WA."
Glavovic is looking forward to the challenge ahead at Dorrien Gardens. “Taking on the Head Coach role at such a prestigious club is both an exciting opportunity and a significant challenge,” he said. “Perth SC has such a rich history in WA football, and following on from such a successful season under Danielle Brogan adds to the responsibility. I’m looking forward to building on that success and working with a talented group of players to achieve even greater things in 2025. Finishing second in the league and lifting the Cup Final against RedStar is an excellent platform to work from. It highlights the resilience and quality of the squad, and I aim to continue fostering that winning mentality while introducing new ideas to keep us competitive in 2025.”
The new coach has spent the past four years as the First Team Assistant Coach at the Hyundai NTC, with key achievements being the 2023 State Cup win and assisting in the development of seven professional players, five of who were selected for the Young Matildas. Glavovic said the opportunity to coach at the NTC was rewarding. “Working alongside Ben Anderton at the NTC was an invaluable experience. The program has been instrumental in developing young talent in WA, and I’m proud to have been part of a team that prioritizes player growth and development,” he explained. “Seeing so many players progress through the ranks and make an impact at higher levels is incredibly rewarding.”
It will be a busy 2025 for Glavovic, who will continue to referee, but he knows the young referees are coming through the system. “Refereeing has been an important part of my football journey, and I plan to continue in the upcoming season, albeit with reduced availability due to the demands of the Head Coach role. I still enjoy being involved in the game from this perspective and look forward to contributing where I can,” he explained. “It’s great to see so many talented young referees coming up through the system. The future of refereeing in WA looks bright, and I’m confident they will continue to raise the standard in the years to come. It’s encouraging to see the passion and commitment they bring to the role.”
13.12.2024
GLORY AIM TO BRING DOWN THE JETS
With all the off-field news taking all the headlines this week, Perth Glory head coach David Zdrilic said it’s business as usual on the pitch, and he is looking to make the most of home ground advantage as they welcome Newcastle Jets to HBF Park on Saturday in week seven of the Isuzu Ute A-League. (6:45pm kick off) Glory are coming off a 0-2 defeat against Melbourne Victory, and the coach said it was an underwhelming performance.
“We expected a tough game against Melbourne Victory, so there was no surprise there,” he said. “The quality that they have… and they’re very dominant at home. We had two good performances against Western United, even though we didn’t get the result and obviously against Adelaide we built on that. But against Victory, we weren’t then able to progress and even though we knew it was going to be a tough game, we just didn’t hold the ball enough. So, from that point of view, we weren’t happy, but we’re still positive about playing at home [this weekend].”
On Saturday they welcome the Jets, who sit one point and one place above them on the ladder. They played them twice in pre-season, winning one game each, but games between the two sides have been close affairs over the years and remarkably, the last five A-League meetings between the sides have all ended with a 2-2 result. Zdrilic is expecting a similarly tight game on Saturday, but he is hoping that having the Glory members and fans behind them will give them the edge.
“We haven’t played at home for over a month now, so we’re really looking forward to that, taking those steps forward that we showed against Western United and Adelaide and getting back on track in that regard,” he said. “For us, every game is the same and Newcastle is another strong team, and in some ways, they’re in a similar position to us.
“They haven’t got the results they’ve been wishing for and we played them a couple of times in pre-season and it was close in both games. We know each other well and recent results have been very tight between the two teams, so we’re expecting another one like that. We’re really happy to be back at home and we want to make sure that we show everyone that we have been making progress, taking the Victory game out and we want to take those next steps moving forward.”
Defender Riley Warland, who helped Perth RedStar to the NPWM title in 2023 before signing for Glory, was a surprise selection last week, and he said the off-field problems do not affect the side. “The off-field stuff doesn’t affect us at all, we’re focused on training and the 90-plus minutes on the weekend, so all the boys are fine, the attitude is great,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of young boys, and it’s pretty hard to bounce back from results we’ve been having, but the senior players we have help us through the adversity we’re going through and bouncing back each week which is what we’ve been doing.
“We have a great support network around us here, and knowing our fans turn up at home and away games means a great deal to us. I know it’s been hard recently but they know we will fight to the end in every game. I’ve been injured all season, and had no minutes so it’s been a very hard journey for me trying to get back into the team, obviously no one wants someone to get injured, but unfortunately there was an injury, and I’ve been training hard and fortunately I got my opportunity last week an I’ll be doing the best for the club, and I’m only going to get better as more games and minutes come along. We’re focused on Saturday and getting the three points, then we will move on to the next game.”
The last meeting in the league between the two sides came in round 20 last season, when Adam Taggart’s late goal giving Glory a point in a 2-2 draw. It looked like the visitors would be leaving with all three points, after goals either side of half time from Clayton Taylor and Lucas Mauragis gave them a two-goal lead. But Glory found a lifeline 18 minutes from time with Taggart on target, and the Socceroos striker restored parity in the final minute, to give them a share of the spoils. In team news defender Tomi Mrcela is line to play, in his second spell at the club, after playing in the NPL sides pre-season friendly against Inglewood United in midweek, he will be involved if the international clearance is received in time. Unfortunately, fellow defender Anas Hamzaoui will miss out through injury, as well as Trent Ostler, Nikola Mileusnic and Mustafa Amini.
Perth Glory squad: GK Cameron COOK, GK Oli SAIL, 2 Riley WARLAND, 5 Lachlan BARR, 6 Brandon O’NEILL, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 9 David WILLIAMS, 12 Taras GOMULKA,14 Nathanael BLAIR, 15Zach LISOLAJSKI, 16 Adam BUGARIJA, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 19 Josh RISDON, 21 Abdul FAISAL, 22 Adam TAGGART, 24 Andriano LEBIB, 26 Khoa NGO, 29 Tomi MRCELA, 31 Joel ANASMO, 33 Luis CANGA - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: LEBIB, MRCELA - Unavailable: 3 Anas HAMZAOUI (injured), 8 Mustafa AMINI (injured), 10 Nikola MILEUSNIC (injured), 20 Trent OSTLER (injured)
Newcastle Jets squad: GK Ryan SCOTT, GK Noah JAMES, 4 Phillip CANCAR, 6 Matthew SCARCELLA, 7 Eli ADAMS, 9 Lachlan ROSE, 10 WELLISSOL,13 Clayton TAYLOR, 15 Aleksandar ŠUŠNJAR, 17 Kosta GROZOS, 19 Callum TIMMINS, 22 Ben GIBSON, 23 Daniel WILMERING, 27 Nathan GRIMALDI, 28 Will DOBSON, 29 Justin VIDIC, 33 Mark NATTA, 37 Lachlan BAYLISS, 39 Thomas AQUILINA - *One to be omitted* - Outs: 14 Dane INGHAM - Unavailable: 11 Jacob DOWSE, 24 Alex NUNES, 25 Oscar FRYER, 44 Ben VAN DORSSEN, 66 Zac BOWLING
13.12.2024
GLORY WELCOME ADELAIDE UNITED IN WEEK SIX
Perth Glory Women’s Head Coach Stephen Peters said they all felt the pain of last weekend’s last-gasp defeat against Melbourne Victory, but he believes it will serve to fire his players up for Sunday’s Ninga A-League week six clash with Adelaide United at the Sam Kerr Football Centre (kick-off at 5pm) The stunning strike from teenager Alana Murphy secured the points for Victory, but Peters said they have taken plenty of positives from the performance.
He believes his side can bounce back, but knows they face a Reds outfit who have opened the season well. “They’re a very well-structured side that play a very structured, possession-based game and Fiona Worts is a fantastic goalscorer for them,” he said. “But each team we play, they’ve all got a pretty good striker, so the good thing is that we have a similar preparation for that each week. The players obviously have different characteristics, but our prep is pretty similar.”
Peters has been pleased with the effort and determination of his players, but they need to improve the finer details. “The effort has definitely been there and we’ve been concentrating for long periods,” he said. “It’s just about concentrating on the fine details to make sure we convert those efforts into points. Obviously, we’ve been getting better in terms of how many minutes we’re competitive for in matches, but to lose in the 92nd minute, that one stung.
“We’ve got to work harder to not let that repeat itself. The intensity is there, we’ve just got to make sure that we’re alert in the key moments and we need to help the players identify what those key moments are… and make sure that they’re switched on at all times. We’re getting closer on that and I’ve said it a few times; it’s a work in progress.”
It will be second A-league Women’s game played at the new arena, and the coach is determined to give the club’s members and fans something to celebrate this weekend, especially after the late defeat last week. “It is a cliche, but this week we really do have to concentrate on ourselves,” he said. “I think if we get our game right, then we put ourselves in every contest. Every time we went forward [against Victory], we got bums off seats to cheer us, so we want to create more of those moments for the fans to get behind.
“That way it hopefully lifts the players as well. We really wanted to put on a good show in our first ALW game there and obviously getting beaten in the last minute took the oxygen out of that. But hopefully the fans saw that we were very much putting in a huge effort, playing for the shirt and playing for each other and hopefully we can get the three points this week.”
New signing Natalie Tathem has been an ever-present this season, and the defender said last week was difficult to take. “I thought we fought for 90 minutes and it was just that last few minutes we conceded, but Stephen’s message is what can we learn from this and how we can be better,” Tathem said. “And you can see each week the team is getting better, so we need to focus on what we can control, and instead of playing for 90 minutes, we need to play 100.
“I think defensively we’ve been coping a few goals from distance, and its something we’ve focused on, and it was a shame for Kasey on her home debut last week, as it was their only shot on target, so we’re focused on a clean sheet this week. We will have our work cut out with Fiona (Worts) who is aways a tough player to defended, likewise Emily Condon, but for me I love to play against the best players, so like each week our focus is a clean sheet, and we’ve worked hard this week to do that.”
The last time they hosted Adelaide United in Perth, was in round four last season, when Glory came from behind at half time to run out 2-1 winners in front of 1,231 supporters at Macedonia Park. Dylan Holmes gave the Reds the lead in the shadows of half time, but Gace Jale levelled early in the second half. It looked like the points would be shared, but four minutes from time Susan Phonsongkham won it for the hosts.
Peters has a few injury concerns heading into the game, but believes they have the squad to cover it. “We have a couple of 50-50 ones and we haven’t got the scans back for them yet,” he said. “Unfortunately, Sarah O’Donoghue looks like she’ll miss a bit of football which is really disappointing for her as she’s done a tremendous job to date.”
Perth Glory squad: GK Casey DUMONT, GK Miranda TEMPLEMAN, 2 Mischa ANDERSON, 5 Grace JOHNSTON, 6 Tijan MCKENNA, 7 Megan WYNNE, 8 Georgia CASSIDY, 9 Gabby HOLLAR, 11 Natalie TATHEM, 13 Naomi CHINNAMA, 14 Miku SUNAGA, 17 Morgan ROBERTS, 18 Isabella FOLETTA, 20 Ella ABDUL MASSIH, 21 (gk), 23 Izzy DALTON, 27 Charli WAINWRIGHT, 29 Onyinyechi ZOGG, 44 Kelli BROWN - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: ANDERSON, SUNAGA, ROBERTS - Unavailable: 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM (injured), 16 Bella WALLHEAD (injured), 19 Sarah O’DONOGHUE (injured)
Adelaide United squad: GK Annalee GROVE, GK Claudia JENKINS, 2 Emily HODGSON, 3 Meleri MULLAN, 4 Matilda MCNAMARA, 5 Sarah MORGAN, 6 Tiarna KARAMBASIS, 8 Emily CONDON, 10 Chelsie DAWBER, 13 Ella TONKIN, 14 Lucía LEÓN, 17 Zoe TOLLAND, 19 Katie BOWLER, 20 Miley GRIGG, 22 Erin HEALY, 23 Fiona WORTS, 24 Abby MIDDLETON, 27 Sian DEWEY - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: MCNAMARA - Outs: 7 Abby CLARKE - Unavailable: 11 Isabel HODGSON (foot), 16 Dylan HOLMES (hip)
12.12.2024
AFGHANISTAN WIN THE 2024 FOOTBALL WEST KICK IT – WORLD CUP
Afghanistan have won the 2024 Football West Kick It - World Cup, after a 2-1 win against Iraq in the final at Inglewood Stadium. It was fantastic tournament full of colour, and exciting football, and well run by Inglewood United FC. Afghanistan coach Ben Wantee said it was a pleasure to lead the side in competition. “Coaching Afghanistan is always a joy, as the boys are players, I've either played with or still play with today,” he explained. “When we won the Kick It World Cup last time, the team wasn't as strong as it is this year.
“We were fortunate to have players like Pieter, Gordon, Abdullahi, Zeed and Luke join the team, which definitely strengthened us, although there were also a lot of strong teams this year. The two teams I thought would go the furthest were Netherlands and Congo, and I expected to face one of them in the final. Overall, it was a fantastic tournament with great teams, excellent organization, and very few negatives. I honestly can't think of anything to complain about.”
The competition was tough with both finalists, fighting through the 20-team tournament to play off in the final. Afghanistan was drawn in Group B, and kicked things off with a big 7-1 win against North Sudan in round one, with Jacobsz scoring five, with others to Mohammad Rezai and Gordon Perkins. In round two they meet Zimbabwe, with Jacobsz the difference again the Armadale striker bagging a hat-trick. In round three they took on El Salvador, and found themselves behind with Jack Murray on target, but it was Jacobsz again who found the equaliser with 20 minutes to go, the game ending 1-1, that point took them through to the round of 16, along with El Salvador.
Iraq was drawn in Group E, and in round one they were made to work hard to beat Greece 1-0, with Charlie Breen on target, but the striker was later sent off. In round two they met Zaire, and a hat-trick from Hamza Hina and another from Mohammed Al-Zayadi secured a 4-1 win. That set up a round three clash with Burundi, with the winner to top the group, and Iraq prevailed 1-0, with Burundi also qualifying for the round of 16. Other teams to qualify for the knock out stage were Sierra Leone, Croatia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Djibouti, Greece, DR Congo, Iberia, Uganda Cranes, Poland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Afghanistan eased through to the quarter finals with a 3-0 win against Nigeria. Jacobsz sent them on the way with another goal, before Perkins and Mehdi Gholami sealed the win. Iraq on the other hand were taken to penalties, after they drew 1-1 with Sierra Leone, before progressing 9-8 in the shoot-out. In the other games, Croatia beat Burundi 3-1, Netherlands edged out E Salvador 2-1, Djibouti beat Greece 4-2 on penalties after the game ended 1-1. Liberia beat DR Congo 1-0, Poland beat Uganda Cranes 5-4 on penalties, while Zambia saw off Zimbabwe 2-0.
In quarter finals Afghanistan beat Poland 3-1. Gholami gave them the lead in the first half, and Jacobsz added a second midway through the second. But Poland was back in the game on the hour, with Federico Achilli scoring, but Jacobsz sealed the victory late. Iraq eased into the semi-finals with a 5-2 win against Netherlands. Hina gave them the lead early, but Rob Ferrante levelled for the Dutch. But that was as good as it got for them, with Reda Alsalemi bagging a hat-trick, before Hina added a five, Jesse Lazzaro scored a late consolation goal for the Netherlands.
In the other quarter-finals, Croatia beat Liberia 4-1 and Zambia edged out Djibouti 2-1. The semi-finals saw Afghanistan take on Zambia, while Iraq met Croatia. Afghanistan was too strong for Zambia, running out 4-0 winners, with goals from Jacobsz, Zakir Hussain, Rezai, and Gholami. The other semi-final was a tense affair and James Bourne gave Croatia the lead at the break, but Breen levelled after the break and we were off to penalties, with Iraq running out 5-4 in the shoot-out.
That set up the final between Afghanistan and Iraq, and Armadale striker Pieter Jacobsz was the star man with two second-half goals to give his team a deserved if hard-fought 2-1 victory. Charlie Breen did pull one back to give Iraq hope when he scrambled the ball over the line from close range. But it was Afghanistan who lifted the trophy and received the $5,000 winners' cheque, although they did finish with 10 men after Saadat Mohammadi received a straight red card for a foul on Hamza Hina.
Armadale skipper Luke Collins was a member of the Afghanistan side and he was also really impressed with the tournament, and how competitive it was. “Yes, it was a very well-run tournament, credit too Football West for putting on the event,” the defender said. “There were some very good, competitive teams in it, that made a very fierce competition, Afghanistan were exceptional throughout and deserved winners I thought.”
Jacobsz’s brace against Iraq earned him the Player of the Final award and meant he finished the tournament with 15 goals to wrap up the Golden Boot. This follows a stellar season in the Men’s NPL where the striker won the Gold Medal as Player of the Year, plus the Golden Boot and Goal of the Season awards. Asher Nelson of Zambia was named Player of the Tournament.
Final line-up’s - Afghanistan Squad: GK Ahmad Rahimi, 2 Lica Tommolini, 3 Luke Collins, 6 Ali Nazary, 7 Saadat Mohammadi, 8 Mohammad Rezai, 9 Pieter Jacobsz, 10 Gordon Perkins, 12 Mostafa Noori, 15 Mehdi Mohaseli, 16 Mehdi Gholami, 20 Zakir Hussain, 22 Zayd Farah.
Iraq Squad: GK Josiah Godfrey, 2 Ishmael Dawson, 7 Hamza Hina, 8 Patrick Loughrey, 9 Shay Natalotto, 10 Reda Alsalemi, 12 Charlie Breen, 15 Mohammed Al-Zayadi, 23 Luke Christie, 30 Cameron Murray, 36 Keegan Chambers
12.12.2024
THINGS GO FROM BAD TOO WORSE FOR GLORY, OR DO THEY?
If you thought a 17-game winless run was bad for Perth Glory, then hold my beer, as things have got even worse this week, with the tax office moves to liquidate Ross Pelligra’s Perth Glory holding company. But Glory fans can breathe easy with Pelligra set to quickly erase the club's reported $1m tax bill amid his ongoing commitment to stay on for the long haul.
Glory and their loyal supporters were sent into a spin when the Australian Tax Office launched a wind-up action against the club over an unpaid tax bill reported to be $946,879.55. The club's hierarchy initially believed the bill had something to do with previous owner Tony Sage, given no correspondence had been received.
But they soon discovered it was indeed Pelligra's liability and it was just a case that the statutory payment document was posted to Perth Glory Football Pty Ltd's registered office in suburban Keilor East, rather than the PO box in use.
Glory chief executive Anthony Radich confirmed Pelligra has committed to paying off the debt. "A letter or notification was sent to the street address in Victoria and not received at that end to my understanding, and nothing was received in Perth, and there's been no email or phone communication at either end," Radich told AAP. "It's almost like a traffic infringement when you (normally) get the reminder notice - none of that was forthcoming.
"Having dealt with these institutions, in the normal course of events you're getting phone calls and emails and the like. To have the one notice in September and nothing from that point on, it's unusual. That's why it took the business by surprise. On the Friday it was brought to our attention about the court order and we were perplexed about what it pertained to."
The wind-up application was due for its first hearing on February 7, but it's expected that won't be necessary once Pelligra takes care of the bill. "Now that we're fully aware of it and the status of it, the owner will look to clear that as soon as possible, that won't be an issue," Radich added. "That will now be squared away pretty quickly by Ross, well in advance of that court date. It's probably an immaterial amount for the business of the size that it is."
Pelligra bought Glory in February after previous owner Tony Sage was forced to hand back the club's licence amidst ongoing financial woes. Sage, who was a Glory fan, was the club’s sole owner for 15 years and he estimates he poured more than $50m into the club. The turmoil from that was almost terminal for the club, and after a number of enquires, it was Pelligra who was the saviour, and Radich wants to reassure fans the property developer by trade who also owns Italian Serie C club Catania FC, is in it for the long term.
"If you look at the Pelligra group and it's capitalisation, it's very asset rich. The financial capabilities are definitely there," Radich said. "And the intent from Ross is a long-term view. That position hasn't changed. He's in it for the long haul. In terms of his other business interests the football club complements that and is part of that strategy going forward. He's definitely in it for the long term, and this (tax situation) is just an unfortunate set of events. But in terms of the viability of the club and his ownership, the fans shouldn't have any concerns at all."
9.12.2024
TAX OFFICE MOVES TO LIQUIDATE GLORY
New Perth Glory owner Ross Pelligra is facing a liquidation push less than 10 months after grabbing the A-League club from investment promoter Tony Sage. The Australian Taxation Office has asked the Federal Court to put liquidators into Pelligra’s company Perth Glory Football Pty Ltd as club officials say they’re surprised by the legal attack.
Glory chief executive Anthony Radich told 'the West Australian' newspaper the club had not received any correspondence or notices from the ATO on the matter. Radich added it was a matter for Pelligra’s flagship company Pelligra Group to sort with the tax office and he expected it to be resolved shortly.
The size and source of the alleged debt tax office debt underpinning the liquidation application against Perth Glory Football Pty Ltd is not known. The company was set-up by Pelligra in January with Australian Securities and Investments Commission records showing it’s address as being the north-west Melbourne headquarters of the Pelligra Group.
Pelligra took control of Glory in February after a drawn-out sales process overseen by receivers appointed by A-League governing body Australian Professional Leagues in July last year. Previous owner Sage and football officials had made a series of tit-for-tit claims ahead of APL forcing his holding company, Okewood Pty Ltd, to hand back its national competition operating licence.
"In terms of his other business interests the football club complements that and is part of that strategy going forward. He's definitely in it for the long term, and this (tax situation) is just an unfortunate set of events. "But in terms of the viability of the club and his ownership, the fans shouldn't have any concerns at all."
9.12.2024
DUMONT’S JOURNEY TO 150 A-LEAGUE GAMES
Casey Dumont is used to chaos — it is part of the territory which comes with being a cross-code athlete while also working as a nurse. And after a whirlwind month which has seen her cross the country three times and swap brown and gold for purple and orange, she is ready for the calm which comes with settling into a new routine.
But first, there is the small matter of the buzz and hubbub which comes with a personal milestone, as the Perth Glory goalkeeper prepares to create A-League Women’s history. Dumont will today become the sixth player - and notably, the first ‘keeper - in the league’s history to reach the 150 game milestone, less than a month after finishing a two-year spell with AFLW side Hawthorn.
“Every time I hear it, I have a smile on my face,” said Dumont. “There’s been some hiccups in my career with injuries and certain clubs and staff, and I wish I hit the milestone earlier. But you know what? I am so thankful to Hawthorn they allowed me to pursue the dual athlete life, so I was able to keep getting the games and hit that milestone, because it’s always been my dream since I knew it was a possibility.”
Just one of Dumont’s previous 149 games have come for Perth, but her path to make her Glory debut involved a few journeys. Towards the end of her time with Hawthorn, the club’s high performance team allowed Dumont to do 30-40 minute goalkeeping sessions after training, which have proved valuable in her re-aclimatising to the round ball game. And when Hawthorn’s season ended on November 16, Glory came calling the very next day.
“On the Monday, I had to get the removers booked and planned; Tuesday, I had to do all my screenings with Hawthorn to get ticked off, as well as get approval to transition over,” she said. “Wednesday, the removers actually came; Thursday, I was on the flight first thing in the morning, while also trying to get my car freighted over. I trained the Friday, trained the Saturday and then that afternoon, we’re on the flight to Sydney to play in Unite Round against Canberra (on Sunday).”
Dumont’s milestone game will come against Melbourne Victory, the club where she cemented herself as one of the league’s greatest ever goalkeepers. She won the Golden Glove award as the competition’s best custodian in 2021/22, and helped the side to a minor premiership and a Grand Final win before she made the decision to give AFLW a try.
8.12.2024
MATILDAS SENDS POLKINGHORNE OUT A WINNER
A goal in stoppage time from Melbourne Victory teenager Alana Murphy has given them a 1-0 win against Perth Glory in the week five Ninja A-League game at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Sunday afternoon. Both sides had chances in a hard-fought game in front of a crowd around 1,000, in the first ever league fixture at the venue. The hosts defiantly deserved something from the game, but the winner was a stunner from the Victory midfielder Alana Murphy, moving them to sixth on the ladder, with Glory slipping to 11th.
“Frustration to concede so late, and it was the first time we let them pull the trigger from that distance,” Glory head coach Stephen Peters said post-match. “I thought defensively we were good, and I thought we looked fitter if I’m honest, but we didn’t mange the territory well, and we were thankful to Casy (Dumont) who made some great saves. On the performance, we are growing, although we didn’t start well, but we defiantly finished well. We need to work on the finer details and get better at them, but the effort was there but we need to start getting the outcomes out of that effort.”
Peters was not happy with the officials and made his thoughts quite clear, which might see him getting a please explain from Football Australia. “I had some concerns today with the officials, just before they scored, I wanted to make a double change, to slow things down, but she waved me away, and it actually happens every week,” he explained. “I’d also like an explanation on the penalty, what more could she have done, but they seem to look for these things against us, something we’ll have to get used to. But we’re disappointed in the result, because I thought there was a point there for us.”
Peters made one change to the side that draw in Canberra in the last round, with Kelli Brown coming into the side in place of Gabby Hollar, who dropped to the bench, while former Perth SC midfielder Charli Wainwright was on the bench, hoping for her A-League debut. It was special day for Glory keeper Casey Dumont, her first game at home for the club and becoming the first keeper in the leagues history to reach 150 appearances. Both sides had early sights at goal, Brown firing straight at former Glory custodian Courtney Newbon on six minutes, before Nicki Flannery fired wide of the target at the other end.
Clear cut chances were few and far between, the best falling to Izzy Dalton, but the skipper couldn’t keep her shot down. With the heat taking its toll and referee Mikayla Ryan allowed both teams a drink break on the half hour. After the resumption Glory went close to the opener, Grace Johnston made space down the left and picked out Brown, who slipped the ball to Sarah O’Donoghue, but her shot from the edge of the box drifted wide. Then in the shadows of half time Victory went close, but former Glory midfielder Alana Jancevski scuffed her shot when well placed.
Victory was in again early in the second half, Glory turned the ball over, and Flattery shot on the run hit the side netting. Then on 68 minutes Victory won a penalty, after Jancevski’s corner from the right hit the arm of defender Onyi Zogg, and the referee was well placed and pointed straight to the spot. It looked a little harsh on the replay, but Glory didn’t need to worry, with Dumont guessing the right way to save Rachel Lowe’s resulting penalty. It set up a tense finale, with the Glory faithful right behind their team, but in the final minute, it was Victory who won it.
Beattie Goad cut in from the left and found substitute Ava Briedis, who picked out an unmarked Murphy in the middle of the park, whose shot from distance found the bottom corner past the unsighted Dumont. Peters gave a A-League debut to Wainwright moments later, coming on for Natalie Tathem, but the hosts couldn’t find the equaliser. Glory will be back in action next Sunday, when they welcome fourth placed Adelaide United to the Sam Kerr Football Centre (5.00pm)
Perth Glory: GK Casey DUMONT, 5 Grace JOHNSTON, 6 Tijan MCKENNA, 7 Megan WYNNE (9 Gabby HOLLAR 55'), 8 Georgia CASSIDY, 11 Natalie TATHEM (27 Charli WAINWRIGHT 90+2'), 13 Naomi CHINNAMA, 19 Sarah O’DONOGHUE (20 Ella ABDUL MASSIH 71'), 23 Izzy DALTON, 29 Onyinyechi ZOGG, 44 Kelli BROWN (18 Isabella FOLETTA 90+2') - Subs not used: RGK Miranda TEMPLEMAN
Melbourne Victory: GK Courtney NEWBON, 2 Ellie WILSON, 3 Claudia BUNGE, 6 Beattie GOAD, 7 Ella O’GRADY (5 Sofia SAKALIS 67') 8 Alana MURPHY, 11 Nicki FLANNERY, 13 Sarah D’APPOLONIA (22 Ava BRIEDIS 78') 18 Kayla MORRISON, 23 Rachel LOWE, 66 Alana JANCEVSKI – Subs not used: RGK Geo CANDY, 24 Laura PICKETT, 27 Rosie CURTIS - Attendance: 971 - Referee: Mikayla Ryan
8.12.2024
VICTORY TOO STRONG FOR GLORY
Perth Glory’s search for a first win in the 2024-25 Isuzu-Ute A-League continues, after a 2-0 loss against Melbourne Victory in the round seven clash at AAMI Park on Sunday afternoon. An early goal from French midfielder Zinedine Machach was a perfect start for Patrick Kisnorbo’s side and they totally dominated, with Glory not having a shot in the first half. It didn’t get much better after the break, Glory struggling in the final third, and the hosts doubled their lead on the hour with Ivory Coast defender Adama Traore scoring.
The win keeps Victory second on the ladder, while Glory remains second bottom, still searching for that elusive win. They are now without a win in 17 games – a run stretching back to Round 18 of the 2023-24 season. If David Zdrilic’s side fail to beat Newcastle Jets at home in Round 8, they will equal the club’s longest-ever winless run of 18 games recorded between December, 2006 and November, 2007.
“That first 10 minutes, conceding a goal the way we did again, it changes the flow of the game. Having said that, I thought we settled it down,” Glory head coach David Zdrilic said post-match. “Yes, they had chances, yes, we were lucky at times, but we were able to slow the game down a little bit. It’s a difficult place to come and be dominant. They’re deadly in transition, they caught us quite a few times as soon as we ventured forward, they were able to bypass us, they’ve got very good one-vs-one players who were able to skip away from challenges.”
There was a surprise in selection by Zdrilic, with Riley Warland making his first start of the season, despite not being named in the squad, replacing Anas Hamzaoui, who was missing omitted from the squad. Meanwhile, Jarrod Carluccio came in for Trent Ostler, who was also not selected. The hosts were off to flyer in this one, and went close on five minutes, former Glory defender Jason Garia shot was scrambled away after good work by Machach. But the hosts found the opener two minutes later. Machach picked the ball up on the half way line, and wasn’t closed down, the former Marseille midfielder raced towards goal, before easing past Louis Canga and finding the bottom corner of the net past Cameron Cook.
The Glory custodian was working overtime, as Victory pressed for a second, making a smart save to deny Brendan Hamill, and standing tall to thwart Nikos Vergos. It was backs to the wall for Glory as Victory searched for a second, Nicholas Pennington getting back with a last-ditch tackle as Daniel Arzani was about to pull the trigger. The former Socceroo went close again before the break, his deflected shot hitting the post, but Glory held firm and grateful to be only one goal behind, but they had shown very little up top, with no shots at goal and Adam Taggart isolated.
Victory continued to dictate terms after the break, with Traore’s low cross only need a touch at the back post, but it missed everyone. Then on the hour their pressure was rewarded with a second, Vergos was the architect, given acres of room in the middle of the park, his defence-splitting pass found Traore, who raced clear before finishing clinically past Cook. The AAMI Park crowd were baying for blood, but Glory hit back and had their first shot on target four minutes later, Josh Risdon’s long-range shot was straight at former Glory custodian Jack Duncan.
Glory went close again three minutes later, substitute Nathanael Blair’s shot from distance was saved by Duncan. But with Glory pushing for a goal, they were caught out at the back again 11 minutes from time, Cook doing well to push Jing Reec’s shot onto the bar. The hosts were well worth their win, and it could have been greater late on, with Traore firing over the top when well-placed. Glory will be back in action next Saturday, when they host Newcastle Jets at HBF Park.
Melbourne Victory: GK Jack DUNCAN, 2 Jason GERIA, 3 Adama TRAORE (22 Joshua RAWLINS 86'), 5 Brendan HAMILL, 6 Ryan TEAGUE, 7 Daniel ARZANI (27 Reno PISCOPO 77'), 8 Zinedine MACHACH (18 Fabian MONGE 86'), 9 Nikolaos VERGOS (19 Jing REEC 76'), 11 Clarismario SANTOS RODRIGUES (10 Bruno FORNAROLI 76'), 14 Jordi VALADON, 21 Roderick MIRANDA - Substitutes not used: RGK Daniel GRASKOSKI, 16 Joshua INSERRA
Perth Glory: GK Cameron COOK, 2 Riley WARLAND (15 Zach LISOLAJSKI 90+1'), 5 Lachlan BARR, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON (6 Brandon O’NEILL 84'), 12 Taras GOMULKA, 16 Adam BUGARIJA (31 Joel ANASMO 90+1'), 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO (9 David WILLIAMS 57'), 19 Josh RISDON, 22 Adam TAGGART, 26 Khoa NGO (14 Nathanael BLAIR 57'), 33 Luis CANGA - Subs not used: RGK Oli SAIL, 21 Abdul FAISAL - Attendance: 9,742 - Referee: Shane Skinner
8.12.2024
MATILDAS SENDS POLKINGHORNE OUT A WINNER
The Matildas have ended 2024, and given veteran defender Clare Polkinghorne a winning end to her international career, after a 6-0 win against Chinese Taipei in front of over 30,000 fans at Kardinia Park in Geelong. First half goals from Leah Davidson, Tameka Yallop and Emily Gielnik sent the Matildas on their way, before Michelle Heyman, Tash Prior and Sharn Freier finished off the scoring, a fitting end for the former Brisbane and current Kristianstads DFF defender.
"I'm really proud of tonight's performance, especially a lot of young players come in and making their first start, making their debut, first goal," Polkinghorne said post-match. "I think last two games in particular being really good for the next generation of players coming through. "For me to finish on a night where we scored six goals and got a clean sheet, I am really proud of everyone and it is a really nice way to finish off."
It could be interim coach Tom Sermanni last game in charge of the Matildas, and he made four changes to the starting eleven. All were enforced as Daniela Galic, Clare Hunt and Charli Grant headed back to their clubs in Europe, while Chloe Logarzo was unavailable due to concussion suffered in that game. The changes meant that Leah Davidson and Bryleeh Henry came in to make their starting debuts. Winonah Heatley also started, while Clare Polkinghorne came into the team to make her final appearance for Australia.
The game also saw the introduction of CommBank Matildas #233 and #234, with goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln and midfielder Laura Hughes making their debuts after being substituted on in the second half. Much like the first game, Australia dominated early, and found the opener on six minutes. Emily van Egmond’s corner was recycled back to the San Diego Wave’s midfielder, and her cross picked out Davidson who headed home, for her first international goal. They doubled their lead five minutes later, a poor clearance by Wang Yu-Ting fell to Yallop, and the Brisbane Roar midfielder raced into the penalty area and finished clinically into the bottom corner.
The Matildas continued to dictate terms and it wasn’t a surprise when they added a third six minutes from the break. Yallop was the supplier this time, crossing from the left, and Gielnik out muscled her marker to head home. She looked in an offside position, but the flag stayed down and they went into the break with a 3-0 lead. Sermanni made a double change at the break with Remy Siemsen and Alex Chidiac were introduced in place of goal scorers Gielnik and Davidson. Siemsen made an immediate impact, Chinese Taipei gave the ball away on the edge of their box on 56 minutes, and the Kristianstads striker nicked the penalty area and raced into the box, before squaring the ball to Heyman, who made no mistake to make it 4-0.
The 30,097-crowd stood as one on 63 minutes, as Polkinghorne left the pitch for the last time for the green and gold, and was replaced by Jessika Nash. Moments later teenage keeper Lincoln became the first goalkeeper to debut for Australia since Teagan Micah in 2021, replacing Mackenzie Arnold. Then five minutes later Laura Hughes was the second debutant of the night when she replaced former Canberra United teammate Heyman. Australia continued to create chances, and their pressure was rewarded with a fifth on 73 minutes. Van Egmond’s free-kick from the right picked out Prior, the Newcastle Jets defender rose highest to head home.
The icing was added to the cake five minutes later with a sixth. A ball over the top by Winonah Heatley, sent Freier off in a foot race with Wu Kai-Ching, and the Brisbane Roar striker won the race and finished with aplomb past Yu-Ting. The result meant that Australia finished the year on a high, and will look ahead to the SheBelieves Cup in February, against Japan, the United States and Colombia.
“I was just really pleased with that application tonight, for the whole 90 minutes, everybody got involved and having six goalscorers is a fantastic thing for the team,” Sermanni said post-match. “I think the talent is there to win the Asian cup. What we need is to continue to build the depth and the strength in the sport and the competition within the sport, keep everybody healthy, hopefully, and then, we have certainly got enough quality in the team to actually win the tournament.”
Australia: GK Mackenzie Arnold (RGK Chloe Lincoln 65’), 3 Winonah Heatley, 4 Clare Polkinghorne (31 Jessika Nash 63’), 10 Emily van Egmond, 13 Tameka Yallop (29 Karly Roestbakken 70’), 15 Emily Gielnik (30 Remy Siemsen 46’), 24 Sharn Freier, 35 Leah Davidson (27 Alex Chidiac 46’), 32 Michelle Heyman (38 Laura Hughes 70’), 33 Bryleeh Henry, 37 Natasha Prior – Subs not used: RGK Morgan Aquino, 34 Matilda McNamara
GK Wang Yu-Ting, 2 Chang Chi-Lan (17 Chen Jin-Wen 72’), 6 Teng Pei-Lin (3 Su Sin-Yun 86’), 8 Li Yi-Wen (21 Lin Hsin-Hui 86’), 12 Pu Hsin-Hui, 14 Wu Kai-Ching, 15 Ting Chia-Ying (19 Su Yu-Hsuan 33’), 26 Tseng Yun-Ya (13 Chan Pi-Han 46’), , , 20 Che Ying-Huin, 24 Lin Ya-Hsuan (9 Hsu Yi-Yun 32’), 26 Huang Ke-Sin – Subs not used: RGK Cheng Ssu-Yu, RGK Chiu I-Hsiu, 4 Yu Wen-Chie, 11 He Jia-Shiuan 22 Li Pel-Jung, 25 Tseng Yun-Ching
8.12.2024
MRCELA BACK TO BOLSTER GLORY’S DEFENSIVE STOCKS
Perth Glory’s defence woes have been there for all to see this season, conceding 18 goals in the first six games, but they have acted quickly to fix the problem by bring in experienced Perth-born defender Tomislav Mrcela from Croatian side NK Rudes, subject to international clearance, the for his second spell at the club. The 34-year-old was a member of the Glory side which won the A-League Premiership under Tony Popovic in 2019 and he has signed for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.
The defender is excited to be back for a second spell with his hometown club. “I have fantastic memories of my time with Glory and I’m delighted that this opportunity to return came up,” he said. “It is an exciting new era for the club and I’m really looking forward to contributing on and off the pitch. The Glory members and fans were superb with me when I was here before and I can’t wait to play in front of them again and do my bit to help drive the team forward.”
In addition to making 30 appearances during his spell in the west, the centre-back has played all over the world. He left Perth as a teenager to play in Croatia with a number of clubs, including NK Primorac 1929, NK Imotski, Hrvatski Dragovoljac and NK Lokomotiva. In 2016 he joined South Korean club Jeonnam Dragons, before heading to the Glory. He left Glory and had spells at East Bengal in the Indian Super League, Western Sydney Wanderers in the A-League and Uzbekistan side Neftchi Fergana
Glory Football Director Stan Lazaridis believes that Mrcela will bolster the club’s defensive stocks. “Tomi is a strong, experienced defender who knows the club and the league and will do an excellent job for us,” he said. “He brings a commanding and composed presence to the heart of the defence and is also a fantastic character who has already settled very easily into the group. We look forward to seeing him play a key role for us over the course of the rest of the season.”
8.12.2024
KERR’S RETURN DELAYED
It’s been a huge year off the pitch for Matildas skipper Sam Kerr, announcing fiancé Kristie Mewis, the USWNT and West Ham midfielder, was pregnant with their child, but unfortunately on the pitch, the 31-year-old suffered the serious knee injury - the second time she's needed a reconstruction - while training on a team camp in Morocco during January 2024. Reports this week out of her club side Chelsea, say the strikers return has been delayed which is a blow for her club and national sides.
Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor has confirmed the Matildas striker will not be returning anytime soon which is hugely disappointing for the striker, and said the Australian striker wouldn't be returning to training for some months yet. “I would say Sam we are looking to maybe have back with us February, March, not before that,” the Frenchwoman, who has yet to be beaten since joining the club at the start of the season, said. “She didn’t start yet to train, even being modified with the group, so she’s still on her individual process rehab and I think it will take at least two or three more months for her to be fit enough to be with the squad.”
So, from the high of the news of her upcoming family addition, it has now been followed by a shattering update for Chelsea and Matildas fans, they will be without the superstar for most of the season. It means Kerr will need to wait to score her 100th goal for the club (she's got an astonishing 99 in 128 matches for the Blues), but she will likely now not be available to lead Australia in the SheBelieves Cup, which starts on February 20. Australia is also scheduled to play international heavyweights Japan and the USA, as well as a dangerous Colombian side.
ACL injuries were once career-ending, and while medical advancements have seen reconstructions become better than ever, it is still a recovery that can be anything but smooth. USA star Cristen Press needed 781 days to return, while Manchester City midfielder Jill Roord, who hurt herself at the same time as Kerr, made her comeback after just eight months and was dominating from the get-go. We wish Sam all the best in her rehabilitation and the birth of their child.
7.12.2024
AQUINO SAYS BREAKING WA’S 15-YEAR MATILDAS DEBUT DROUGHT WOULD BE SURREAL
Goalkeeper Morgan Aquino says becoming the first Western Australian to debut for the Matildas since Samantha Kerr would be a surreal achievement. The 23-year old, who sealed a move to American USL Super League side DC Power in the off-season after an honour-laden final season with Perth Glory, could make her national team debut against Chinese Taipei in Geelong this afternoon.
If Aquino makes her senior international bow, she would be the first player from Western Australia to debut for the Matildas since Kerr back in 2009, ending a 15-year wait for local products. A former Junior and Young Matilda, Aquino said making her full international debut would be a dream come true, particularly after not really being on the radar a year ago.
“It’d be surreal, it’d be amazing. Sam’s led the way in WA for a long time,” Aquino, who played locally with Northern Redbacks, said head of today’s game. “Obviously, to put on the jersey, even if it’s on the bench or anything like that, it’s just an amazing experience and something that I’ll never take for granted at all.”
Aquino enjoyed a superb final season with Glory, winning the A-League Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award and voted Professional Football Australia’s Goalkeeper of the Season. She credits her breakout 12 months, which has culminated in a move to the United States and a maiden Matildas call-up, to a shift in mindset.
“I didn’t really look at it as a career opportunity — only in the last couple of years, since there’s been more funding and things like that,” she said. “I got my first proper, big contract moving up to the US, knowing that this is a career path, and I can focus purely just on this, and I don’t have to study so much anymore, because I was studying as well. Over the last year or so, I really put my full focus into it.”
Aquino said training with the likes of another Glory goalkeeper in Matildas number one Mackenzie Arnold had been special, but credited her time in the national team’s youth set-ups for easing the transition. “I’m grateful for the time I spent in the Junior and Young Matildas, because I don’t feel so thrown in the deep end,” she said.
“I came in halfway through camp, a few days before they actually got into Melbourne. They’re familiar faces for me, but I’m not a familiar face to them. It’s nice to be around it and hopefully I don’t drop their standards too much, and I learn off them as well.”
5.12.2024
ZDRILIC FORECASTS TRANSFER WINDOW CHANGE
Perth Glory coach David Zdrilic says each player will be assessed in the lead-up to the January transfer window as he looks to reinforce the squad. Glory face high-flying Melbourne Victory away on Sunday, coming off the back of their second draw of the season away to Adelaide United. And despite an improved performance against the Reds, the Glory boss knows his side still have a long way to go.
Zdrilic has flagged movement in the transfer market when the window opens in a few weeks. The coach was asked about the futures of both former skipper Mustafa Amini, who has not trained with the full squad as his frustrating battle with injury continues, and out-of-favour goalkeeper Oli Sail, who has lost his spot to Cameron Cook. “We need to find the right balance in this squad, however we’re also making the moves in the background for January and for next year,” Zdrilic said.
“We’re making a lot of different moves and some of them are going to start already in January. Everybody’s going to be looked at, but we clearly know we need to strengthen, we know what we need to strengthen, and we’re going to start work on it. Obviously in the January window, there’s limited ability to do things, but we’re trying to do everything we can. He (Amini) has been injured pretty much the whole time I’ve been here. He’s not one that I’m thinking about at all because he just hasn’t trained at all with us.”
5.12.2024
NEW KALAMUNDA CITY COACH HAS HIT THE GROUND RUNNING
After promotion to the State League Division One last season as Champions, Kalamunda City have been working hard to get ready for the challenge, and it’s been all systems go for new head coach Maxi Van Ravensteyn, who has taken over from German Montealegre Quijano. Ravensteyn, who was the reserves coach at the club a few seasons ago, will be joined by assistant Ezequiel Vivas Greiner, the pair looking forward to the new challenge. “It’s an exciting time to return to the club. I know Kalamunda very well and the players too, this club has been on the rise for the last couple of years and the expectations won’t be different for 2025. We started training on the first week of November and the whole squad is focused and ready for what is going to be a big challenge, he explained.
“I met Ezequiel a few years back, technicality gives him the “assistant” role but there has never been hierarchy in our coaching group, we function as one. We were both playing for Maddington White City in 2022 when the Reserves team was left with no coach and we stepped in to help the club. Coaching together was one of our objectives, it came earlier than we expected but at the same time it became a part of who we are now. Ezequiel is a passionate person, and he will convince you that you are the best player in the league and that has a great impact on our player’s performance.”
Ravensteyn is well aware he has some big shoes to fill, with German taking the club from Amateur Premier Division to the state league and winning promotion to Division One, but he said the transition has been smooth. “I have been Reserves coach when German ran the First team, so I know first-hand we indeed have some big shoes to fill, and German did an outstanding job, he is the most important coach in the history of the club,” he said. “The transition has been smooth, this is a resilient team that year after year reinvents itself, it is probably one of its biggest strengths. I heard many times the story of how this team started as a group of South American people playing in a park, then started playing Amateurs and here we are now. Some very important people like Gustavo Ospina, Cesar Orozco and Petar Mrdja contributed to what the club is today and although we are sad not to have them at Kalamunda anymore, we have always kept going, the ball keeps rolling.”
The club have some very passionate supporters, who follow the team home and away, and Ravensteyn said it great to have that support. “The South American community in Perth feels identified with this team, with its values and ambition, and our games became a hub, a place to meet and share the passion for this sport,” he said. “This year we have three players moving interstate to Perth just to play for Kalamunda, players that are currently at State League teams in other states but are willing to change their whole life just to play for us and although it sounds crazy, I understand why they do it, this is a family that makes you feel home. We will be looking forward to seeing all our supporters once again, we appreciate their efforts and we will give them another great season.”
The club produced some outstanding players last season, a standout was Rain Blauberg who won the Division Two Keeper of the Year, while young striker Farruh Mavlonov and Samir Ramos were amongst the goals. Unfortunately, a few players have moved on, but Ravensteyn said it’s a great squad to build on for 2025, and he will be looking to strengthen certain areas. “As you know, the end of the year brings a lot of movement and attention to the player’s market. It is no secret that a few of our players will be at Wanneroo next year, so we have been working hard in the background to replace big names like Jose Zuńiga and Samir Ramos,” the coach said. “We are very confident we have found the right players and we will be announcing our new contracts in the new year. Our objective was to first secure the backbone structure and we have retained important players like Rain, Nicolas Roca, Gaston Bazet and Farruh Mavlonov, so it all looks very promising.
5.12.2024
NEW LOOK MATILDAS TOO STRONG FOR CHINESE TAIPEI
The Matildas have bounced back from their two defeats against Brazil, beating Chinese Taipei 3-1 at AAMI Park on Wednesday evening. Tash Prior and Sharn Freier scored early, in their first starts for the national side, before Chen Jin-wen capitalised on a mix-up between Tottenham teammates Clare Hunt and Charli Grant to give the visitors hope at the break. The contest that had threatened to turn into a rout, tightened from that point, but the Matildas added a third with Bryleeh Henry also scoring her first goal for the green and gold to seal the game.
Interim Head Coach Tom Sermanni was happy enough with how the game panned out. “Overall, I was pleased in how we played in general, but we probably made life a bit difficult for ourselves when we gave the goal away,” he said post-match. “That sort of interrupted our rhythm for a bit, but the introduction of the subs gave us a new energy again and we saw the game out very well. It was a good solid win, to be honest, and the more people you get on the scoresheet, the better.
“As a coach, you would like to create more when you do that, but then you have also got to be pragmatic and practical. We have had one training session on the day before the game with a significantly different group of players. And then you throw them on the field with a little bit of guidance, and you hope that things all come together. You have got to look at the game in that way as well, so I think overall, it was challenging to create chances, but that is not unexpected.”
It was dawn of a new era for the Matildas, with the likes of Sam Kerr, Mary Fowler, Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Ellie Carpenter, Hayley Raso and many more missing, but the return of Emily Gielnik and Chloe Logarzo was important, and by the end of the game, the pair, plus Emily van Egmond, Michelle Heyman, Tameka Yallop and Daniela Galic were on the bench, and we saw a glimpse into the future.
Freier, Prior and Henry all scored their first international goals, with only a handful of caps between them, and Leah Davidson came off the bench for her debut. All told, five rookies and eight players with fewer than 10 caps took the field, early experience for these players will serve the Matildas in the long run, while former Perth Glory keeper Morgan Aquino was amongst the substitutes.
The Matildas were on the front foot from the first whistle, with Heyman and Gielnik a constant threat up top, and it wasn’t a surprise when the hosts hit the front on ten minutes. A short corner from van Egmond, caught the visitors napping, Logarzo cross to the back post picked out Prior was side footed home from close-range. They doubled their advantage two minutes later, Yallop pass sent Heyman racing down the right, see looked up to see Gielnik clear, and played her in.
The Melbourne Victory striker looked offside, but the flag stayed down, her shot on the run was pushed onto the crossbar by Chinese Taipei keeper Wang Yu-Ting, the rebound was headed home by Freier. Sermanni was forced into a change on the half hour, with Logarzo forced off the pitch after a head clash, with Alex Chidiac coming on to replace her in midfield. It was a huge blow for the midfielder, who has only just returned from a serious knee injury.
That seemed to upset the Matildas, and four minutes later the visitors pulled one back. Chan Pi-Han’s racking ball caused confusion at the back, with Hunt and Grant both leaving the ball to each other, and Jin-Wen Chen raced into goal and finished low past Mackenzie Arnold. The hosts looked to add more before the break, Heyman headed straight at the keeper after a pinpoint cross from Gielnik, and Freier thought she had her second goal of the night late, but the flag was up for offside or a push by the Brisbane Roar striker.
Australia continued to control the play in the second half, creating the better chances, but Chinese Taipei defended well, and were dangerous on the counter attack, so the game was still up for grabs. But that all changed 12 minutes from time. Heyman and Gielnik were replaced on 72 minutes, with Remy Siemsen and Henry coming on. Henry would need little time to get into the game, Charlotte Grant’s ball down the left sent Yallop down the left, her cross to the back post found the Melbourne City striker, who’s stooping header beat Yu-Ting, for her first international goal on her third appearance.
The goal sealed the result for the majority of the 26,795 crowd, but there was still time for another debut, with Leah Davidson coming on to become CommBank Matilda #232. Attention now turns to the match against the same opponent in Geelong on Saturday evening. "It's a good opportunity for girls who haven't had as much game time," said Freier said post-match. "We just have to grab every opportunity we can and put our best foot forward. I'm very privileged and grateful I got the opportunity for a few more minutes. It felt good."
Australia: GK Mackenzie Arnold, 6 Chloe Logarzo (27 Alex Chidiac 31’), 10 Emily van Egmond (3 Winonah Heatley 80’), 13 Tameka Yallop (31 Jessika Nash 87’), 15 Emily Gielnik (30 Remy Siemsen 72’), 22 Charlotte Grant, 24 Sharn Freier, 25 Clare Hunt, 26 Daniela Galic (35 Leah Davidson 80’), 32 Michelle Heyman (33 Bryleeh Henry 73’), 37 Natasha Prior – Subs not used: RGK Chloe Lincoln, RGK Morgan Aquino, 4 Clare Polkinghorne, 29 Karly Roestbakken, 34 Matilda McNamara
GK Wang Yu-Ting, 3 Su Sin-Yun (6 Teng Pei-Lin 88’), 9 Hsu Yi-Yun (24 Lin Ya-Hsuan 88’), 12 Pu Hsin-Hui (15 Ting Chia-Ying 88’), 13 Chan Pi-Han (26 Tseng Yun-Ya 46’), 14 Wu Kai-Ching, 17 Chen Jin-Wen (8 Li Yi-Wen 76’), 19 Su Yu-Hsuan (11 He Jia-Shiuan 73’), 20 Che Ying-Huin, 21 Lin Hsin-Hui (4 Yu Wen-Chie 88’), 26 Huang Ke-Sin – Subs not used: RGK Cheng Ssu-Yu, RGK Chiu I-Hsiu, 22 Li Pel-Jung, 25 Tseng Yun-Ching
5.12.2024
VICTORY IN GLORY SIGHTS ON SUNDAY
Perth Glory are coming off a moral boosting performance against the unbeaten Adelaide United last week, with skipper Adam Taggart’s brace earning David Zdrilic’s side a 2-2 draw, and the head coach is looking for more of the same when they take on Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park on Sunday afternoon (2.00pm kick off WA Time) Victory are second on the Isuzu Ute A-League, and unbeaten at home, but Zdrilic said he saw enough in the draw on Friday to suggest his side can hold their own, and believe a settled side will help that.
“Like Adelaide, Victory are one of the form teams in the A-League, and they’ve been very comfortable, and have started the season really well,” he said at his pre-game press conference. “They’re a confident side, so it’s a similar challenge to the one we anticipated against Adelaide away from home. Clearly, they have weapons and are strong, but they’ve also lost a game to Wellington and given up chances, whether that be through transition or good build-up play.
“We’re expecting another tough game, but hopefully we can take the same steps that we did against Adelaide.
We’ve spoken about being better defensively and obviously get more of the ball and create more chances and we were able to do that against Adelaide. I thought there were some really positive signs there, but we know we have to fight for everything we’re getting, not just the points. We were able to play the same line up in the last two games for the first time, which was a big positive. We have some guys with niggles from the Adelaide game and we’re still assessing them as we want to keep the same group together, so I don’t envisage too many changes unless they’re enforced.”
Nicholas Pennington has been a shining light for the Glory in the last couple of games, and the Italian-born midfielder knows the challenge that’s ahead of them. “Victory have shown again they have a very strong squad, so we know it will be a very tough game, but we’re ready to give them a good fight,” he said. “We’re not intimidated, yes, they have good players, but we have players to counter them, we have to get the balance right, so it should be a good game.”
Last time Glory played Victory at the venue, a former Glory striker spoilt the day, as the hosts ran out 2-1 winners. Bruno Fornaroli gave Victory the lead on 16 minutes, and it looked like he had sealed the points scored a second early in the second half. But Glory hit back with Daniel Bennie scoring his first senior goal for the club, and they had chances to take a point, but Victory held firm to seal the win. In team news, Abdul Faisal and Andriano Lebib have been added to the travelling party.
Melbourne Victory squad: GK Jack DUNCAN, GK Daniel GRASKOSKI, 2 Jason GERIA, 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, 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: INSERRA (promoted), KOLIC (promoted)
Perth Glory squad: GK Oli SAIL, GK Cameron COOK, 3 Anas HAMZAOUI, 5 Lachlan BARR, 6 Brandon O’NEILL, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 9 David WILLIAMS, 12 Taras GOMULKA, 14 Nathanael BLAIR, 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI, 16 Adam BUGARIJA, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 19 Josh RISDON, 20 Trent OSTLER, 21 Abdul FAISAL, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Cristian CAICEDO, 24 Andriano LEBIB, 26 Khoa NGO, 33 Luis CANGA - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: 21.Abdul FAISAL, 24.Andriano LEBIB - Unavailable: 8 Mustafa AMINI (injured), 10 Nikola MILEUSNIC (injured)
4.12.2024
GLORY HOPING FOR VICTORY TO CELEBRATE DUMONT’S MILSTONE
Perth Glory will be aiming to build on last rounds hard fought draw against Canberra United, and keep their perfect home record this season, when they host Melbourne Victory in week six of the Ninja A-League at Sam Kerr Football Centre on Sunday afternoon (5.00pm kick off) Victory sit fourth, after a 1-1 draw with Central Coast Mariners last round, but they have a squad packed with experience, but head coach Stephen Peters is looking to taking them on, with or without their Matildas players.
“We’re planning as per the programme and trying not to look at who’s playing for the Matildas and who’s not,” Peters said at his pre-game press conference. “We’re looking at them as a whole team and the patterns they create. “Obviously Emily Gielnik and Alex Chidiac are very dangerous players, so we’re doing our homework on them and a couple of other sparks they have in the team in terms of creating chances.
“Rachel Lowe and Nickoletta Flannery spring to mind, along with Alana Jancevski. They’re a very good side and we’ll need to be definitely at our best to get a result there. But it’s a great challenge and we’re very excited to host them at Sam Kerr for the first time. We’re very much looking forward to seeing our loyal Members and fans out there supporting us and I think it’s a momentous occasion for WA football.”
Peters has made the most of the international break, and coming off a good performance against Canberra, he believes his players are ready for the challenge. “We created some good chances [against Canberra] and I felt we definitely should have had two goals in the first half, and it would have made it a different game if we had done that,” he explained.
“But there were lots of positives to take out of the way we played and the combinations we created and it was actually the first time this season that we’ve won on the possession stat. The international break has meant more time on the grass for us, plus we’ve got to nurse some of the players that have still got niggles and aren’t 100%. The morale has been very good, I think everyone believes we’re heading in the right direction and we’re looking forward to the next challenge.”
The last time Glory hosted Victory in Perth was in round five last season, when the teams played out a 2-2 draw at Macedonia Park. Hana Lowry gave Glory the lead at the break, but Victory hit back with Rachel Lowe levelling 11 minutes from time. It looked like the visitors had taken the points when Lowe added a second five minutes later, but deep into stoppage time Lowry equalised, much to the delight of the 1,533 supporters.
Peters congratulated new recruit Casey Dumont, who is poised to become the first goalkeeper in ALW history to reach the milestone of 150 career games on Sunday, if selected. “It’s huge for her,” he said. “To play 150 games when you consider the season used to be 14 games, that just tells you how long she’s been around and what she’s been through to get to 150 games. Ironically, it’s against Melbourne Victory where she spent a lot of time and against [Head Coach] Jeff Hopkins who is someone she respects and admires a lot. It’s going to be a special day for her and we’re looking forward to being a part of that.”
The coach also had good news on the injury front, confirming Welsh international striker Kelli Brown is likely to return from injury and that co-captain Onyi Zogg should also be fit enough to feature, while Isabella Foletta has been added to the squad. As for the visitors, former Glory midfielder Alana Jancevski has been in good form, and Hopkins will be hoping Matildas pair Gielnik and Chidiac will be available after playing last night against Chinese Taipei.
Perth Glory squad: GK Casey DUMONT, GK Miranda TEMPLEMAN, 2 Mischa ANDERSON, 5 Grace JOHNSTON, 6 Tijan MCKENNA, 7 Megan WYNNE, 8 Georgia CASSIDY, 9 Gabby HOLLAR, 11 Natalie TATHEM, 13 Naomi CHINNAMA, 14 Miku SUNAGA, 17 Morgan ROBERTS, 18 Isabella FOLETTA, 19 Sarah O’DONOGHUE, 20 Ella ABDUL MASSIH, 23 Izzy DALTON, 29 Onyinyechi ZOGG, 44 Kelli BROWN - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: FOLETTA, BROWN - Unavailable: 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM (injured), 16 Bella WALLHEAD (injured)
Melbourne Victory squad: GK Courtney NEWBON, GK Geo CANDY, 2 Ellie WILSON, 3 Claudia BUNGE, 4 Sara D’APPOLONIA, 5 Sofia SAKALIS, 6 Beattie GOAD, 7 Ella O’GRADY, 8 Alana MURPHY, 10 Alex CHIIDAC, 11 Nicki FLANNERY, 15 Emily GIELNIK, 18 Kayla MORRISON, 22 Ava BRIEDIS, 23 Rachel LOWE, 24 Laura PICKETT, 27 Rosie CURTIS, 66 Alana JANCEVSKI - *Two to be omitted*
4.12.2024
NPLWA MEN’S NIGHT SERIES FIXTURES ANNOUNCED
Perth RedStar will begin the defence of their 2024 NPLWA Men’s Night Series Crown in late January, when they take on Perth SC at Dorrien Gardens, the hosts coached by RedStar former coach Kenny Lowe. A Daryl Nicol brace saw Callum Salmon’s side beat Bayswater City 3-1 in last season’s final at the Sam Kerr Football Centre. Also in Group B are 2022 winners Floreat Athena, newly promoted Sorrento, Western Knights and Stirling Macedonia.
Last season’s beaten finalists Bayswater City, who will have Matthew Sparrow in charge for the first time, start this season competition with a clash against Perth Glory at Alfred Skeet Reserve. Also in Group A are NPL Champions Olympic Kingsway, Armadale, Balcatta Etna and Fremantle City, who also have a new coach, with Scott Miller joining the port club. Round One matches take place across the weekend of 24-26 January at Dorrien Gardens, Alfred Skeet Reserve and Percy Doyle Reserve. Later group matches will be played at Frank Drago Reserve and Macedonia Park.
Full Fixtures – Round One - Friday 24 January - Group A - Olympic Kingsway v Fremantle City (Dorrien Gardens, 6.30pm), Group B - Perth SC v Perth RedStar (Dorrien Gardens, 8.30pm) - Saturday 25 January. Group A - Perth Glory v Bayswater City (Alfred Skeet Reserve, 6.30pm), Armadale v Balcatta Etna (Alfred Skeet Reserve, 8.30pm) - Sunday 26 January - Group B - Sorrento FC v Floreat Athena (Percy Doyle Reserve, 5.30pm),
Western Knights v Stirling Macedonia (Percy Doyle Reserve, 7.30pm)
Round Two - Friday 31 January - Group A - Fremantle City v Armadale (Frank Drago Reserve, 6.30pm),
Bayswater City v Olympic Kingsway (Frank Drago Reserve, 8.30pm) - Group B - Western Knights v Floreat Athena (Dorrien Gardens, 6.30pm), Perth SC v Stirling Macedonia (Dorrien Gardens, 8.30pm) - Sunday 2 February - Group A - Balcatta Etna v Perth Glory (Percy Doyle Reserve, 7.30pm) - Group B - Sorrento FC v Perth RedStar (Percy Doyle Reserve, 5.30pm)
Round Three - Saturday 8 February - Group A - Fremantle City v Perth Glory (Frank Drago Reserve, 6.30pm),
Bayswater City v Balcatta Etna (Frank Drago Reserve, 8.30pm) - Group B - Perth SC v Sorrento FC (Macedonia Park, 6.30pm), Stirling Macedonia v Floreat Athena (Macedonia Park, 8.30pm) - Sunday 9 February - Group A -
Armadale v Olympic Kingsway (Alfred Skeet Reserve, 7.30pm) - Group B - Perth RedStar v Western Knights (Alfred Skeet Reserve, 5.30pm)
Round Four - Friday 14 February - Group A - Perth Glory v Olympic Kingsway (Dorrien Gardens, 6.30pm) - Group B - Perth SC v Western Knights (Dorrien Gardens, 8.30pm), Saturday 15 February - Group A - Balcatta Etna v Fremantle City (Frank Drago Reserve, 6.30pm), Bayswater City v Armadale (Frank Drago Reserve, 8.30pm) - Group B - Floreat Athena v Perth RedStar (Macedonia Park, 6.30pm), Stirling Macedonia v Sorrento FC (Macedonia Park, 8.30pm)
Round Five - Friday 21 February - Group A - Fremantle City v Bayswater City (Macedonia Park, 6.30pm), Group B - Stirling Macedonia v Perth RedStar (Macedonia Park, 8.30pm) - Sunday 23 February - Group A - Armadale v Perth Glory (Alfred Skeet Reserve, 7.30pm), Olympic Kingsway v Balcatta Etna (Percy Doyle Reserve, 7.30pm) - Group B - Floreat Athena v Perth SC (Alfred Skeet Reserve, 5.30pm), Sorrento FC v Western Knights (Percy Doyle Reserve, 5.30pm).
4.12.2024
2025 STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES FIXTURES ANNOUNCED
Inglewood United will start life outside the Premier League for the first time since 1992, when they play Swan United in the opening round of the 2025 State League Night Series at Inglewood Stadium on February 2. Alex Stanojevic’s side will be determined to bounce straight back like Sorrento did last season, but face a tough challenge, and will be joined in Group A by Gwelup Croatia and newly promoted Wembley Downs, who will begin their first season in State League football.
In Group B, 2023 winners Mandurah City welcome Canning City, Balga and newly promoted Kalamunda City, while in Group C, Wanneroo City hosts Division Two Champions Joondalup City, East Perth and Kingsley Westside. Group D sees Ashfield entertaining Subiaco AFC, Curtin University and Quinns, and in Group E Cockburn City begin life in Division Two for the first time, when they host Gosnells City, Murdoch University Melville and Rockingham City, and finally in Group F last season’s beaten finalists Dianella White Eagles will hope to go one better, when they take on hosts Forrestfield United, Shamrock Rovers and UWA Nedlands.
Full fixtures below: Group A – Inglewood United, Wembley Downs, Gwelup Croatia and Swan United – games to be played at Inglewood Stadium. Fixtures – Round One – Sunday February 2 – Gwelup Croatia v Wembley Downs (5.30pm), Inglewood United v Swan United (7.30pm) – Round Two – Saturday February 8 - Swan United v Gwelup Croatia (6.30pm, Inglewood United v Wembley Downs (8.30pm) – Round Three – Sunday February 16 – Wembley Downs v Swan United (5.30pm), Gwelup Croatia v Inglewood United (7.30pm)
Group B - Mandurah City, Balga, Canning City and Kalamunda City – games to be played at Poolmart Stadium, Peelwood Parade. Fixtures – Round One – Sunday February 2 – Kalamunda City v Balga (5.30pm), Mandurah City v Canning City (7.30pm), Round Two – Sunday February 9 – Canning City v Balga (5.30pm), Mandurah City v Kalamunda City (7.30pm) – Round Three – Sunday February 16 – Balga v Mandurah City (5.30pm), Kalamunda City v Canning City (7.30pm)
Group C - Wanneroo City, Joondalup City, East Perth and Kingsley Westside – games to played at Wanneroo Reserve. Fixtures – Round One – Friday January 31 – Kingsley Westside v East Perth (6.30pm). Joondalup City v Wanneroo City (8.30pm), Round Two – Saturday February 8 – East Perth v Joondalup City (6.30pm), Wanneroo City v Kingsley Westside (8.30pm) – Round Three – Friday 14 February – Joondalup City v Kingsley Westside (6.30pm, Wanneroo City v East Perth (8.30pm)
Group D - Ashfield, Subiaco AFC, Curtin University and Quinns – games to played at Ashfield Reserve – Fixtures – Friday January 31 - - Subiaco AFC v Quinns (6.30pm), Curtin University v Ashfield (8.30pm) – Round Two – Saturday February 8 – Ashfield v Quinns (6.30pm), Subiaco AFC v Curtin University (8.30pm), Round Three – Quinns v Curtin University (6.30pm), Ashfield v Subiaco AFC (8.30pm)
Group E – Cockburn City, Gosnells City, Murdoch University Melville and Rockingham City - – games to played at Dalmatinac Park – Fixtures – Friday January 31 – Gosnells City v Cockburn City (6.30pm), Murdoch University Melville v Rockingham City (8.30pm) – Round Two – Saturday February 8 – Cockburn City v Rockingham City (6.30pm), Murdoch University Melville v Gosnells City (8.30pm) – Round Three – Friday February 14 – Cockburn City v Murdoch University Melville (6.30pm), Rockingham City v Gosnells City (8.30pm)
Group F - Forrestfield United, Shamrock Rovers, UWA Nedlands and Dianella White Eagles – games to played at Crazy Domain Stadium, Hartfield Park – Fixtures – Round One – Sunday February 2 – UWA Nedlands v Carramar Shamrock Rovers (5.30pm), Dianella White Eagles v Forrestfield United (7.30pm) – Round Two – Carramar Shamrock Rovers v Dianella White Eagles (6.30pm), Forrestfield United v UWA Nedlands (8.30pm) – Round Three – Sunday February 16 – Dianella White Eagles v UWA Nedlands (5.30pm), Forrestfield United v Carramar Shamrock Rovers (7.30pm)
4.12.2024
A-LEAGUE NEEDS A REVAMP, AND THE PLAYERS KNOW IT
The Isuzu Ute A-League may be only six rounds in, but the crowds are not turning up, the only shining light for Football Australia has been the Melbourne (City v Victory) and Sydney Derby’s (Wanderers v Sydney), while the new Kiwi Derby (Auckland v Phoenix) has been an added bonus. But it shows supporters are dissatisfied with the product, which is a concern moving forward. The total attendance figure after round six is 353,463, which is an average 10,099 per game, which isn’t that bad. But when you look, the Sydney Derby had 30,777 in round five, and 27,496 in the opening round. The Melbourne Derby 20,093, while the Kiwi Derby had 26,496. That’s the highlight, but 11 games this season have had under 6,000, with many games in the ‘Unite Round’ being very low, is this a concern?
But even more concerning, reports on Tuesday showed half of A-League Men's players are dissatisfied with the running of the league. The figures are 27 per cent very dissatisfied, while just 11 per cent have a high level of trust in the organisation that runs the league, the APL. The annual Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) survey, completed by 191 players, and the figures showed they were not happy with how the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) had performed in its management of the competition. Regarding developing a vision to improve the league, 46 per cent had "low trust" in the APL to deliver, while only 11 per cent had a "high" trust level in the managing body.
The A-Leagues insisted it had worked to stabilise the league. "Following a series of damaging missteps, that is hardly surprising," chief executive Beau Busch and former co-chief executive Kate Gill said in a statement. “Beyond that, the players are concerned that the management of the leagues has apparently become adrift of any discernible strategy, guiding principles, or effective accountability measures. “We note this survey was completed in May when there was a lot of uncertainty about the league," A-Leagues commissioner Nick Garcia added.
"We have worked through a lot of these challenges over the last year to stabilise the league and improve all revenue streams, and we continue to work with all stakeholders on our new league strategy to help us drive sustainable growth across the leagues. We take these points very seriously and the players' priority focus areas are among the key points we are aiming to improve with the new league strategy."
There were also some concerns regarding player safety at club level. Approximately 11 per cent of players felt their club environment was either physically or psychologically unsafe at some point in the 2023/24 season. One in five said players at their club were unwilling to discuss issues with the coaching staff due to fear of retribution, while seven per cent reported instances of players being forced to train alone at their clubs. The PFA said it had met with all clubs, who had accepted the findings.
Another challenge for all clubs is holding on to their talented youngsters. Glory lost exciting winger Daniel Bennie last season, who joined Queens Park Rangers in the English Championship, while the biggest moves saw Socceroos and Adelaide United pair Nestory Irankunda and Joe Gauci moving to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and English Premier League side Aston Villa respectively. The transfer figures in total have exceeded the money brought in by the league's broadcast deal for the first time.
Figures provided by PFA indicated the value of the 22 outbound transfers, drew a fee added up to well over $20m when including add-ons and other clauses. The PFA is adamant the transfer figure, cited by the A-Leagues' website as $20.6m, exceeded money brought in by the current broadcast deal with Network 10/Paramount Plus. The growth in transfer incomings — which broke last season's record mark of $10 million — is a dramatic increase from previous seasons.
Before 2022/23, collective transfer receipts tended to average $2.5m a season. It indicates the importance of transfers to clubs' bank balances — especially after the APL cut central distributions — and could well swing more clubs like Central Coast and Adelaide, to develop and sell young talent. Yes, many might say it’s part of the game, but many players go overseas to early, and many return home disheartened. We need to look after our young players, there is a duty of care, but try telling that to an agent. Football will survive whatever happens, but can the league survive in the current sporting environment?
2.12.2024
IREDALE READY FOR THE FIGHT AT HIBS
It’s been a difficult season for former ECU Joondalup and Perth Glory Youth defender Jack Iredale, injury and other players good form, delaying his starting debut for Scottish Premier League club Hibernian, but back-to-back starts has seen Hibs go undefeated, after a draw against second placed Aberdeen in midweek, before a 3-0 win at Motherwell on Saturday.
The 28-year-old, who joined the Easter Road club from Bolton Wanderers this season, has hit back at Hibs 'bottle' accusations in the media, stating 'I'd go to war with these boys'. The club have been accused of lacking minerals but defender Iredale isn't having it, and said prior to the Motherwell game, he'd go to war with his Hibs teammates - and isn't having the accusation that they don't have any bottle.
The Hibees have been hammered for their apparent lack of reserves especially late in games this season. But boss David Gray reckons their stunning injury-time fight back in Tuesday’s 3-3 draw with Aberdeen has gone some way to silencing the naysayers, and Iredale has no concerns about the spirit in the dressing room and that of skipper Joe Newell. “I can understand when you look at periods of the game where we've conceded goals but at the same time, I've got no questions about the character in that team,” the defender explained.
“That's a changing room of boys that I would want to go to war with and we are just really getting punished for things. When you're not getting that bounce of the ball, it just feels like everything's on top of you. But in terms of character in that team, we've got leaders in there. I'm trying to be one myself, but we've got multiple leaders in there that we are relying on. I think Joey, especially as captain, has been exceptional for us this week, especially with the messages that he's given us and the way that he's led. I think his performance on Tuesday night showed that.
“And if we're following Joey into battle, then everyone's right behind him and the manager as well. Joey's a really upbeat character. He's a really positive guy and I think that's super important. You don't want to be walking around feeling like there's a dark cloud above you. And I can imagine that he's been going through a tough time as well as captain of this club. But just the way that he's kept us together as a group, I think, is massive.”
Iredale played his first full game for the club in the 3-0 win at Fir Park, with goals from Junior Hoilett, Mykola Kuharevich and Josh Campbell, which backed up Tuesday's dramatic draw with Aberdeen to ease the pressure on head coach David Gray. Hibs are now three points above Edinburgh rivals Hearts, who host Aberdeen on Sunday, while Motherwell remain fifth. "You don't always get what you deserve in football but we did today," Gray said post-match. “Defensively, that's as strong as we've looked, right across the board. I think this is one of the first times this season where I'm not talking about individual errors."
1.12.2024
BRAZIL TAKE OUT THE SERIES AGAINST MATILDAS
Brazil have taken out the two match international series, after defeating the Matildas 2-1 at the Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast on Sunday afternoon. The win for the South American’s sealed a 2-0 series win, in another physical encounter in front of a sell-out crowd. Brazil led 2-1 at half-time after a wonder strike by midfielder Gabi Portilho and a tap in at the far post by defender Lauren. Hayley Rasso pulled one back in the shadows of half time, but the Matildas couldn’t find the equaliser after the break, and they had keeper Teagan Micah to thank for keeping them in the game, making a number of fine saves.
Matildas interim coach Tom Sermanni was left to lament his side’s lack of composure in the final third, but was happy with the officiating in this one, after his side weren’t protected in the opening game. “The difference is, first and foremost, the referee gave a couple of early yellow cards, so that settled the game down a little bit,” he said post-match. “Outside of that, I think it was a very similar kind of contest. Again, they are a very high press and high tempo team.
“I thought we, in general, to look over the 90 minutes, I think we coped with that a little bit better than we did the other night. The objective tonight was to finish strongly, and I thought the subs that we brought on made a big impact that we did. There were a couple of times when we were in great positions and had we just executed the pass better or made a better decision, we’d have been in. We either took the wrong options sometimes, or the pass just wasn’t quite up to what it needed to be.”
There were four changes from the team who were beaten in the first meeting on Thursday, with Michelle Heyman and Tameka Yallop coming into the side for Courtney Nevin and Clare Polkinghorne, as Interim Head Coach Tom Sermanni shuffled the deck. Teagan Micah made her first start for the national team in nearly 12 months as the Liverpool custodian replaced Mackenzie Arnold between the sticks. The other change was forced, with Nevin being a late inclusion in the side at left-back, replacing Steph Catley, who was ruled out with leg tightness during the warm-up.
The game was a significant one for Emily van Egmond, who took the captain’s armband. The San Diego Wave midfielder was honoured as the game marked her 151st appearance, equalling Cheryl Salisbury in second on the all-time appearance list. It was Brazil who opened the brighter and Micah made a smart save to deny Amanda Gutierres, and following it up by parrying a shot away at the near post by Gabi Portilho ten minutes later.
There was plenty of feeling in the match, as there was in Brisbane, with Brazil fullbacks Kaka and Lauren receiving yellow cards early for cynical grabs on Caitlin Foord and Raso respectively. The Matildas hit back with while Yallop and Ellie Carpenter both firing wide, but Brazil’s good start was rewarded with the opener on 29 minutes. The visitors drove down the right-hand side in transition, catching Australia’s defence out, and Adriana sent Portilho clear, and she made no mistake with a clinical finish. Micah was keeping her side in the game, getting down well to thwart Amanda Gutierres ten minutes later.
But moments later the South American’s doubled their advantage. A short corner caught the Matildas napping, and Gutierres cross to the back stick was turned home by the unmarked Lauren. But two minutes later the Matildas hit back to reduce the margin. Yallop sent Foord racing down the left, she skipped past her marker and picks out Raso at the back post to fire home, much to the delight of the home faithful.
Sermanni made a double change at the break, with Sharn Frier replacing Caitlin Foord, while Tash Prior became Matildas#231, replacing Clare Hunt for her senior international debut. The match opened up after the break with both sides making plenty of ground but unable to find the finish. Alanna Kennedy went closest with a swinging free kick just tipped over the bar by Lorena.
Australia pushed for an equaliser throughout the second half, and created a number of chances as the game wore on, but they couldn’t find a way past a hard-working Brazilian defence, and a keeper who spent most of the second half in the hands of the trainer. The Matildas will play two more friendlies in this international window against Chinese Taipei, with the first in Melbourne on Wednesday followed by a clash in Geelong on Saturday.
Yallop said it was another tough game, just disappointed they couldn’t get something out of it. “We do want to play top ten teams. That’s what we wanted to, here on home soil as well, so disappointed we couldn’t get the result but I think we put out a better performance tonight,” the Brisbane Roar midfielder explained post-match. “We obviously looked at [Thursday’s] performance, and I think there were some changes that we made.
“You saw that in the formation that we came out with. I think it was frustrating for us because we did create a lot of opportunities. And there was possibly a few, almost one-on-one situations that if the play had of run on, we might have got a few chances. So, I think we did much better today, creating those 100% chances then we did in the last game.”
Australia: GK Tegan Micah, 2 Courtney Nevin (22 Charlotte Grant 60’), 9 Caitlin Foord (24 Sharn Freier 46’), 10 Emily van Egmond (26 Daniela Galic 60’), 13 Tameka Yallop, 14 Alanna Kennedy, 16 Hayley Raso, 21 Ellie Carpenter, 23 Kyra Cooney-Cross, 25 Clare Hunt (37 Natasha Prior 46’), 32 Michelle Heyman (15 Emily Gielnik 60’) - Subs not used: RGK Mackenzie Arnold, RGK Chloe Lincoln, 3 Winonah Heatley, 4 Clare Polkinghorne, 27 Jamilla Rankin, 35 Leah Davidson
Brazil: GK Lorena, 4 Lauren (5 Lais Estevam 78’), 7 Aline Gomes (19 Victoria 93’), 8 Angelina, 9 Adriana, 10 Duda Sampaio, 11 Amanda Gutierres (17 Nycole Raysla 62’), 14 Kaka (13 Fe Palermo 77’), 18 Gabi Portilho (2 Bruninha 77’), 21 Giovana Queiroz (15 Dudinha 62’), 23 Isa Haas - Subs not used: RGK Natascha Honegger, RGK Cláudia, 6 Yasmim, 16 Camila Martins-Pereira, 20 Marilia Furiel
1.12.2024
SOCCEROOS RECALLS MOTIVATING BOLTON'S JONES
Gethin Jones hopes to resurrect his Socceroos career by getting Bolton Wanderers back on track in England's League One. The defender recently returned to full fitness following a knee injury which had kept him out of action for the opening stages of the new season.
Jones’ last international appearance was June's friendly against Palestine. Since then the Socceroos have seen a change of manager with Tony Popovic now in charge of qualifying for the World Cup in the summer of 2026, a task which resumes against Indonesia in March.
Jones knows he now needs to return to top form for Bolton to add to his six international caps so far. "Obviously I am focussed on what happens with Bolton right now and everything else takes care of itself but whilst I was injured things changed," he said.
"When Graham Arnold left we had a big Skype session and he wanted to speak to all the lads, and said he loved it there but it was his time to leave. The new manager has come in now and will obviously be doing things his way."
"The physio with Australia keeps in touch with us all, those in the squad and those just outside it, and he has been keeping tabs on how I have been doing, where I am fitness-wise. Hopefully now I am back playing again I'll get that recognition from them again, maybe another call-up."
Australia are currently second in Group C behind Japan and would qualify directly for the World Cup if they can maintain that position in the final two games. There are also two other routes to the finals, with space for 48 teams in the tournament, to be held in the US, Canada and Mexico.
Jones, who played internationally for Wales at youth levels, is desperate to play his part for Australia. "It's just over a year ago now that they called and confirmed it all, and definitely one of the biggest reasons for saying yes was the prospect of playing at a major tournament," he said.
"Obviously I was born in Australia and I loved it when I was there as a youngster, so to have played at the Asia Cup was a massive privilege for me and a great experience. But the chance to maybe go to a World Cup one day would be amazing. Any footballer would work hard to get that sort of opportunity."
29.11.2024
IREDALE REVEALS 'HONEST' TALKS MADE A BIG DIFFERENCE AT HIBERNIAN
Hibernian defender Jack Iredale has revealed the squad's honest summit meeting at the start of the week helped them get back on track with a 3-3 mid-week draw against Aberdeen. The Easter Road side were thumped 4-1 by Dundee last weekend, putting further scrutiny on under pressure head coach David Gray.
But a 96th minute leveller against high-flying Aberdeen on Tuesday has eased some of the pressure. While Hibernian remain on nine points and bottom of Scotland's Premiership on goal difference, Iredale believes team spirit is not an issue, as emphasised by clear-the-air talks between the players in the wake of the Dens Park capitulation.
Hibernian have only won once in the league all season, but Iredale feels morale is now higher than it has been as they head prepare to play Motherwell. "In terms of character in that team, we've got leaders in there," said Iredale, who joined from Bolton Wanderers in the summer. "I'm trying to be one myself, but we've got multiple leaders in there that we are relying on."
"I think Joey (Newell), especially as captain, has been exceptional for us this week, especially with the messages that he's given us and the way that he's led. I think his performance on Tuesday night showed that. And if we're following Joey into battle, then everyone's right behind him and the manager as well."
"Joey's a really upbeat character. He's a really positive guy. And I think that's super important. You don't want to be walking around feeling like there's a dark cloud above you. And I can imagine that he's been going through a tough time as well as captain of this club. But just the way that he's kept us together as a group, I think, is massive."
"I won't say too much, but we had talks amongst ourselves without the coaching staff in the changing room. And he led that. And then we went out on Tuesday and delivered that performance. And I think you see it live. Everyone reacted really well off it. We've got a little bit of momentum now. Everyone's looking forward to tomorrow. But we know there's a lot of work left to be done."
Asked to elaborate on the player-led chats, Iredale added: "I wouldn't say brutal. I think it was just honest. It wasn't a crisis talk. It was just us as a group knowing that we are the ones that can get ourselves out of this position. But also, just to really stick together. Because that's what we have to do at this time. We have to stick together."
"You've seen on Tuesday the way that the game went. Going ahead with a really strong performance at the start. Going behind twice, but then coming back from behind twice as well. You saw the reaction from everyone... I've got no questions about the character in that team. That's a changing room of boys that I would want to go to war with."
28.11.2024
COOK THRIVING ON COMPETITION FOR NO.1 SPOT
Cameron Cook believes the fight for the number one jersey between himself and Oli Sail can only be a good thing for Perth Glory. The young shot-stopper was impressive in last weekend's away loss to Western United, which was his first start of the season.
Cook and Sail have shared the gloves since the latter's arrival at the start of last season. Early in the 2023/24 campaign Cook was the preferred choice before Sail broke into the starting eleven towards the middle of the schedule.
Cook said the competition between him and Sail will push them both and the team stood to benefit. "That's probably one of the most important things when it comes to competition for any position, it doesn't matter whether it's keepers or strikers," he said.
"Healthy competition is the most important part of trying to put forward the best performance on the weekend. Having that battle all week for that position forces you to to play the best you can and get the most out of training."
The role of back-up 'keeper is a tough one. "It's mentally trying to stay switched on and engaged," Cook explained. "Keeping the mindset of the next game could be the game I play, or the next game could be the time that I'm chosen to step up."
29.11.2024
TAGGART BRACE GIVES GLORY A POINT IN ADELAIDE
Perth Glory skipper Adam Taggart scored a double to earn them a 2-2 draw against the unbeaten Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium in round six of the Isuzu Ute A-League on Friday evening. The striker pounced in first half stoppage time to give David Zdrilic’s side the lead at the break, but the Reds responded early in the second half with Zach Clough and Bart Vriends giving them the lead. But Glory hit back with Taggart added his second, and both sides had chances to win it, but both had to share the spoils.
“Very pleasing with a hard-fought point, but we had to adapted, as we haven’t started the season well that’s clear, but I thought, like all pre-season, we had goals in us and good counter attacking goals, and we created those chances tonight,” Zdrilic said post-match. “Although they had possession, we created the chances, not as much as would have like, something we haven’t this season, so it was very happy about that.
“Obviously they were on top early, but I was please the way we rode the pressure, and we settled down a bit, and we got that goal in stoppage time, and to be fair we had a couple more chances, but they did as well. But to concede two early goals after half time, which has been what has happened this season was disappointing, but we hit back and I was really pleased with the fight back, especially against a side that is in form, so all in all I was happy with the point.”
Zdrilic made one change to the side that was beaten in the Unite Round by Western United, with Adam Bugarija coming in for Hiroaki Aoyama, as they looked for a first win of the season. But it was the hosts who began the brighter with Stefan Mauk’s curing effort inches wide. It was one-way traffic with Glory defending desperately, with Anas Hamzaoui getting in a vital last-ditch challenge just as Ben Folami was about to pull the trigger.
Glory weathered the storm and went close themselves on the quarter hour mark, a quick break saw Bugarija send Taggart racing down the left, he cut inside the box but his shot lacked power and was easily saved by James Delianov. The home fans were getting frustrated with no shots on target, as a win would take the Reds to the top of the table, but that all changed on 32 minutes. Zac Clough’s free kick was headed back across goal by Panagiotis Kikianis, and Bart Vriends swept the ball home.
But referee Shaun Evans was sent across to the screen by VAR to check the goal, and a combination of offside and handball saw the goal disallowed after a lengthy delay, much to the frustration of the home faithful. The Glory finished the half the better, and Josh Risdon’s bullet header was well saved by the alert Delianov, then in stoppage time they found the opener. Nicholas Pennington ball was only cleared to the edge of the box by Ben Folami and Taggart fired low past Delianov.
The Reds supporters were disappointed at the break, but that all changed four minutes into the second half as they levelled. Mauk’s cross from the right picked out Folami, who laid the ball to Clough, who finished low across Cameron Cook. Then two minutes later the hosts hit the front, Clough’s free kick was headed home by the unmarked Vriends, and Glory had a mountain to climb now. But climb it they did and they restored parity on 61 minutes. Risdon’s ball sent substitute Cristian Caicedo into the box, he looked offside but the flag stayed down, he found Pennington, who teasing cross was met by Taggart, the skippers headed flew past Delianov, much to the delight of the Glory supporters in the corner.
Adelaide had the ball in the net again four minutes later, but the flag was up with substitute Archie Goodwin straying offside. It was all hands-on deck late for Glory, as Adelaide pushed for the winner, and they thought they had a penalty in stoppage time when the ball rebounded onto the arm of substitute Brandon O’Neill, but the referee waved away their strong protests, and VAR agreed with him, and the points were shared. The Glory are back in action next Sunday, with another away trip, to take on Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.
Adelaide United: GK James DELIANOV, 3 Bart VRIENDS, 6 Stefan MAUK (36 Panashe MADANHA 80'), 7 Ryan KITTO, 9 Luka JOVANOVIC (26 Archie GOODWIN 64'), 10 Zach CLOUGH (12 Jonny YULL 63'), 14 Jay BARNETT, 17 Ben FOLAMI, 20 Dylan PIERIAS, 51 Panagiotis KIKIANIS, 55 Ethan ALAGICH – Subs not used: RGK Max VARTULI, 8 ISAÍAS, 27 Josh CAVALLO, 42 Austin AYOUBI
Perth Glory: GK Cameron COOK, 3 Anas HAMZAOUI, 5 Lachlan BARR, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON (6 Brandon O’NEILL 80'), 12 Taras GOMULKA, 16 Adam BUGARIJA (23 Cristian CAICEDO 59') (17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO 90+1'), 19 Josh RISDON, 20 Trent OSTLER (9 David WILLIAMS 80'), 22 Adam TAGGART, 26 Khoa NGO (14 Nathanael BLAIR 59'), 33 Luis CANGA – Subs not used: RGK Oli SAIL, 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI - Referee: Shaun Evans – Attendance: 8,443
28.11.2024
BRAZIL SPOIL POLKINGHORNE CELEBRATIONS
The Matildas have been beaten 3-1 by Olympic Silver Medalists Brazil at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday evening, on a night Clare Polkinghorne began her farewell tour, after announcing her retirement from international football in the week. Amanda Gutierres scored twice in the first half for Brazil, before former Perth Glory striker Caitlin Foord hit back just before half time, to the delight of the majority of the 47,501 crowd. Giovana Queiroz restored Brazil's two-goal lead soon after, but were forced to hang on late after Vitória de Jesus Santos Calhau was sent off for a second yellow card.
It was a physical game, against a Brazil team who flew into challenges throughout, and Interim Head Coach Tom Sermanni said the referee “allowed herself to be bullied”. "We knew that was going to happen, unfortunately, particularly in the first half, we didn't deal with it very well,” he said post-match. "It was a very physical game. I think the referee allowed herself to be bullied a bit tonight and a few early yellow cards might have changed some of the dynamics of the game.
"Overall, I can't have any complaints about the result. I think it was fair. Ironically, just when we were beginning to get a foothold in the game, we made a mistake for the third goal and it set us back again. It was a good competitive game and we go away with things to work at." Sermanni made four changes to the side that defeated Germany last month, with Polkinghorne, Winonah Heatley, Emily van Egmond and Hayley Raso came into the starting eleven.
It was Heatley’s first start and first appearance in Australia for the national team. She played in midfield in front of a back three, with Ellie Carpenter and Steph Catley as wing-backs. The game also marked Van Egmond's 150th appearance for Australia. She is the fourth player to reach that milestone and is now equal-third on the all-time appearance list for the CommBank Matildas. Another big crowd was on hand to watch the Matildas, but it was the South Americans who opened brightly, and they were rewarded with the lead on six minutes.
A ball over the top by Vitoria Calhau was flicked on by Marilia Furiel and Amanda Gutierres raced clear, her first touch took her around Mackenzie Arnold and she rolled the ball in the net from a tight angle. Then seven minutes later she added a second, a superb ball out to the left by skipper Yasmim sent Aline Gomes away down the left, she cut inside the box and rolled the ball into the path of Gutierres, who finished clinically from the edge of the box.
The crowd were stunned, but the Matildas built into the game as the first half went on, and copped a few tasty challengers along the way, but they were rewarded with a goal two minutes before the break. Great work down the right by Carpenter and her low cross was dummied by Van Egmond at the near post, and Foord showed a great first touch, to take her away from her marker and the Arsenal striker coolly finished past Natascha Honegger, to get the Matildas back in the game.
It was more of the same after the break with tempers flaring on several occasions with Foord and Calhau copping yellow cards after an altercation. Despite their possession, chances were few and far between for the green and gold, lacking the firepower of Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler up top But on 54 minutes Brazil pounced for a third, Alanna Kennedy was caught in possession by first half substitute Queiroz, who raced into goal and finished with aplomb past Arnold.
Then on the hour mark the crowd stood as one as Polkinghorne was substituted out for the last time in her hometown, with fellow Queenslander Sharn Freier replacing her. The Matildas struggled in the final third, with Frier’s long-range shot the best chance to reduce the margin. The visitors were reduced to ten players four minutes from time after Calhau was shown a second yellow card after delaying a Carpenter free kick. Brazil held firm late, with the damage already done for the Matildas.
Although Frier was inches away from a cross from Foord’s deep into stoppage time, before substitute keeper Lorena produced a smart reaction save to thwart her again moments later. The two teams meet again on Sunday at Robina on the Gold Coast. “It’s really tough, and obviously the game was stopping a lot. They were going down plenty of times, so for us trying to find flow and trying to find rhythm was difficult,” Matildas star Hayley Raso said post-game. “We struggled with it tonight, but we know we have the chance to bounce back the next game, and we’ll be up for that one.”
Australia: GK Mackenzie Arnold, 3 Winonah Heatley (26 Daniela Galic 72’), 4 Clare Polkinghorne (24 Sharn Freier 63’), 7 Steph Catley, 9 Caitlin Foord, 10 Emily Van Egmond (13 Tameka Yallop 67’), 14 Alanna Kennedy, 16 Hayley Raso, 21 Ellie Carpenter, 23 Kyra Cooney-Cross, 25 Clare Hunt – Subs not used: RGK Tegan Micah, RGK Chloe Lincoln, 2 Courtney Nevin, 15 Emily Gielnik, 22 Charlotte Grant, 27 Jamilla Rankin, 32 Michelle Heyman, 35 Leah Davidson, 37 Natasha Prior
Brazil: GK Natascha Honegger (RGK Lorena 59’), 3 Vitoria Calhau, 5 Lais Estevam (16 Camila Martins-Pereira 76’), 6 Yasmim (2 Bruninha 76’), 7 Aline Gomes, 10 Duda Sampaio, 11 Amanda Gutierres (9 Adriana 60’), 13 Fe Palermo, 18 Gabi Portilho (19 Victoria 76’), 20 Marilia Furiel (21 Giovana Queiroz 23’), 23 Isa Haas – Subs not used: 4 Lauren, 8 Angelina, 14 Kaka, 15 Dudinha, 17 Nycole Raysla
28.11.2024
TOUGH AIMING FOR MORE SUCCESS IN 2025
Last season Olympic Kingsway won their first Premier League title since 1980, taking out the NPLWA Men’s competition. But that was only the start of the successful season for David Tough’s side, also winning the State League Cup, coming from two goals down to beat Perth RedStar 3-2 in the final. Then becoming only, the second WA side to win an Australia Cup tie, with a 4-1 win against Edgeworth Eagles, before eventually being edged out 2-3 by Isuzu Ute A-League side Adelaide United.
Tough has overseen the club’s resurgence since arriving at the Kingsway Sporting Complex in 2021, winning the Division One title the following season, followed by a third placed NPLWA finish in 2023, and the title last season. The coach said it has been a team effort, and everyone played their parts in the club’s success. “It was an incredible season, and a real testament to the hard work put in by everyone involved,” he said. “The board and volunteers played a massive role behind the scenes, making sure everything ran smoothly, while on the pitch the squad was relentless, and every player stepped up, it was a true team effort.”
Club President Steven Nelkovski said it was an outstanding season for the club, and the work Tough and his coaching team have put in was central to their success. “As a club, 2024 was the most beautiful and rewarding season,” the President said. “The club’s success was the result of meticulous planning and building strong business foundations that connected and engaged our community. As coach, DT is central to our success, he’s the best coach in the State whose attention to detail, analysis and knowledge is unrivalled.’
Footballwa spoke to Tough at the start of the season and he said: “As a club, we aim to improve our performance both on and off the pitch each year. We believe we have an improved squad this season and are determined to compete on all fronts.” But they surpassed that, and the coach should take a great deal of credit, with his recruitment spot on, and he said the title was special. “Last season's recruitment was crucial to our success. We focused on signing players who were not only talented but willing to work hard for their teammates,” he explained.
“The blend of experienced and young players worked well, and the older players set a good example in training and matches, which helped the younger players improve throughout the season. The coaching staff were really pleased, and to win the league was a great effort, and winning it meant a great deal for everyone, especially because of its history. Winning it after 44 years was special and all the hard work everyone put in during the season, to win the league put the icing on the cake.”
Away from the pitch Tough had some devastating news, receiving the dreaded call from the UK after the passing of his mother. It’s a call you never want, but it puts everything in perspective and the club and the football family rallied around the Scotsman, something which gave him a great deal of solace. “Heartbroken, it happened so quick, and I haven't truly gotten over it,” Tough said. “I would like to thank everyone for the support I received, especially from the club and the football community, it was greatly appreciated. It helped me get through that challenging period.”
Tough hasn’t rested on his laurels, with the signing former Perth Glory winger Jayden Gorman and former Perth SC midfielder Hayley Orr for next season as they look to retain their title. But the coach knows there will be more incomings and outgoings before their title defence begins. “We've had some player movement, which is normal in football. This gives us an opportunity to freshen up the squad,” he said. “We've already made some quality signings and retained the core of last season's squad, while we still have a couple of visa spots available and are waiting for the right players to strengthen the team further.”
28.11.2024
UNBEATEN REDS NEXT UP FOR GLORY
Perth Glory head to Coopers Stadium on Friday to take on Adelaide United in the opening Isuzu Ute A-League Round Six game (4:35pm WST, watch live and FREE on 10Play). To say three points are a must is an understatement, with Glory sitting second bottom with only one point, and coming off heavy defeats against Melbourne City and Western United, where they conceded eight goals. Head Coach David Zdrilic is focusing on the present rather than dwelling on the past, and he knows they come up against a team inform, with the Reds unbeaten to start the season, with three wins and a draw, but Zdrilic feels his team’s performances are improving and that they are capable of reaching another level.
“We envisaged a different start, but we know where we’re at,” he said. “There have been a lot of changes in the team… we’re still trying to find the right balance and I think we took a step forward in the last game. That’s what we’re focusing on and making sure we take more of those steps this week. We want to get that first win and there’s no better time to do it than against someone like Adelaide who are in top form. You can see they’re playing with freedom, they’re very confident and the football they’re playing is fluid.
“That comes with the results that they’ve had previously and obviously last week they were able to come from behind twice to earn the victory. They’re a very good team, but I think every team in the A-League is very even. We expect a tough match every week and Adelaide is no different. It’s a great venue, they’ve got a great fan base and are playing full of confidence, but we just tackle the games the same way, trying to improve every week. We’ll go in thinking only about the win, not the previous results.”
Zdrilic said he has been encouraged and impressed the way his players have shown in the face of adversity in recent weeks, but he made no excuses, and knows they are ready for the fight. “In the moment now, results are not good enough and no-one’s happy, we want to improve that,” he explained. “In a run of games like we’ve had, it can go either way. They [the players] either fight and re-set, or they look for excuses. The guys haven’t given any excuses and they’re all putting their hands up to play. The group themselves, despite the results, have been re-setting and going again and you’ve got to commend them for that.”
The coach believes the club is moving in the right direction in a number of key areas, and he said things will improve. “I understand it’s a results game and we have been improving and will continue to improve, but there is so much happening at this club that’s positive,” he said. “The club getting its own training ground for the first time ever, for example. There are a lot of positive things happening off the field and this team is going to evolve as well. It won’t be staying the way it is we will get the balance right and there will be big improvements on and off the field. In the next six to 12 months, it’s going to be a very different look and feel at the club.”
The last time they played Adelaide at the venue was in round 16 last season, the pair played out a thrilling 3-3 draw. The hosts raced to a two-goal lead early, with Hiroshi Ibusuki and Zach Clough scoring. Adam Taggart pulled one back before the break, and David Williams levelled on the hour. Josh Rawlins looked to have won it for Glory eight minutes from time, then Oli Sail then saved a penalty moments later. But deep into stoppage time Panagiotis Kikianis found the equaliser for the Reds, to give both sides a share of the spoils.
Cameron Cook came in for his first start of the season last week, and made a number of fine saves, and he said competition for a spot with Oli Sail is keeping both keepers on their toes. “It’s important in any position to have healthy competition for places in the starting lineup, and having that battle brings the best out of you,” Cook said. “Last week wasn’t the result we were happy about, but the start to the game was a big step for us and a positive and we need to take the next step on Friday.”
The 23-year-old played for the Reds academy team before heading west, and he will have a family and friends in the crowd, which he knows can be hostile at times. “The atmosphere at Coopers is always intimidating, but I’m looking forward to it,” Cook said. “They (Adelaide) have had a good start to the season, and scored a lot of goals, and we need to be wary of that, but we are more than ready in putting in a good performance. We can’t dwell on the past results, that’s football, we have to keep a clear head and our focus is all on Adelaide on Friday.”
Glory did not suffer any fresh injuries in last week’s loss against Western United, leaving Nikola Mileusnic and Mustafa Amini as the only confirmed absentees for the trip to South Australia, with Nathanael Blair and Jarrod Carluccio added to the squad. Meanwhile Luke Bodnar and Kaelan Majakodunmi continue to be on the outer at the club, while Jacob Muir has left the club.
Adelaide United squad: GK James DELIANOV, GK Max VARTULI, 3 Bart VRIENDS, 6 Stefan MAUK, 7 Ryan KITTO, 8 ISAÍAS, 9 Luka JOVANOVIC, 10 Zach CLOUGH, 12 Jonny YULL, 13, 14 Jay BARNETT, 17 Ben FOLAMI, 19 Yaya DUKULY, 20 Dylan PIERIAS, 26 Archie GOODWIN, 27 Josh CAVALLO, 36 Panashe MADANHA, 42 Austin AYOUBI, 44 Ryan WHITE, 51 Panagiotis KIKIANIS, 55 Ethan ALAGICH - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: WHITE - Outs: 22 Ryan TUNNICLIFFE - Unavailable: 4 Jordan ELSEY, 40 Ethan COX, 54 Bailey O’NEIL
Perth Glory squad: GK Oli SAIL, GK Cameron COOK, 3 Anas HAMZAOUI, 5 Lachlan BARR, 6 Brandon O’NEILL, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 9 David WILLIAMS, 11 Hiroaki AOYAMA, 12 Taras GOMULKA, 14 Nathanael BLAIR, 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI, 16 Adam BUGARIJA, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 19 Josh RISDON, 20 Trent OSTLER, 21 Abdul FAISAL, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Cristian CAICEDO, 26 Khoa NGO, 33 Luis CANGA - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: BLAIR, CARLUCCIO - Unavailable: 8 Mustafa AMINI (injured), 10 Nikola MILEUSNIC (injured)
28.11.2024
ZDRILIC GETS THE DREADED VOTE OF CONFIDENCE FROM GLORY OWNER
It’s not been a happy start to David Zdrilic’s first head coaching role in senior football, with Perth Glory languishing second bottom on the Isuzu Ute A-League ladder with just one point after five games, that a hard fought 0-0 draw against Central Coast Mariners in round three. The Glory faithful have had a terrible run of results and performance, but they continue to back their side, but for how long?
The first game new owner Ross Pelligra watched after taking over from Tony Sage, was the 3-2 win against Brisbane Roar, ironically that was the last time Glory won an A-League Men’s game, having now gone 15 league matches without a win. Pelligra has come out and backed Zdrilic and the clubs football department, penning a letter to the clubs’ members on Tuesday, the chairman admitted the start to the season had been disappointing.
After the Unite Round defeat against Western United on Friday afternoon, it left Glory with an unwanted record, as no club in A-League Men’s history had conceded 16 goals in their opening five games, but Pelligra said the club’s football department were working on bringing through the next generation, and he is adamant that Zdrilic and football director Stan Lazaridis were the right men for the job, and are both focused on developing young players. “The board’s remit to Football Director Stan Lazaridis and Head Coach David Zdrilic was a strong focus on recruiting and developing young players for the future,” Pelligra explained. “That focus remains, as does reconnecting with the WA community and our key stakeholders to ensure sustained success both on and off the field.
After a strong pre-season, the fans saw a light at the end of the tunnel, but they never saw the train coming in the other direction. New recruits have struggled to fit in, and a number of them are struggling to get match fit, which is a concern. But Pelligra, who is also overseeing the club moving their headquarters from Fremantle to Mirrabooka, and also owns Italian Serie C side Catania, assured fans he was “100 per cent committed to the club long-term” and said he was eager to reward the supporters’ passion.
“You haven’t given in, and I thank you for that. And we need you now more than ever to get behind us and give us your full support,” he said. “It is my personal mission to reward your loyalty with much-deserved success. “Nothing in life comes easy, but I assure you that while our current challenges are undeniably difficult, they are only temporary and will make the joy that ultimately awaits us taste even sweeter.” Glory play on the road in the next two games, against Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory, but they will be looking for their supporters to get behind them on Saturday December 14 when they meet Newcastle Jets at HBF Park (6.45pm).
28.11.2024
BIRIGHITTI BACK WITH PERTH
One-time Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Birighitti has signed on with his former Perth SC as Junior Goalkeeper Technical Director. The 33-year old returns to the club which launched his professional career that included spells in Australia, Italy, England, the Netherlands and Scotland.
“Perth SC is delighted to announce Socceroo goalkeeper Mark Birighitti as the club’s new Junior Goalkeeper Technical Director,” read a club statement. “Mark, who played his junior football at Perth SC, will share his wealth of professional experience with our young keepers for season 2025.”
“Representing Australia at both youth and senior levels, Mark has played professionally in the A-League and Europe, including with Adelaide United, Newcastle Jets, Central Coast Mariners, Swansea City, NAC Breda and Dundee United.”
28.11.2024
PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE FOR STRUGGLING GLORY
Perth Glory coach David Zdrilic is refusing to be disheartened by the embattled club's horror start to the A-League season. Glory have lost four of five games and will be searching for a maiden victory under new coach Zdrilic when they face an undefeated Adelaide United side on Friday.
Glory are 12th (one point) and have the worst goal difference (-14), while Adelaide are fourth (10 points). Defeating Carl Veart's side at their home will be no easy feat for Glory, but Zdrilic is optimistic about the road ahead.
"The pressure is always there to want to see a win," Zdrilic said. "The results are not there, not good enough, no one's happy and we want to improve that, but the whole club's going to have a different feel in six to 12 months."
"There's so much happening at this club that's positive. All the improvements are happening slowly on the pitch, hopefully that leads to results very quickly. We're training in different grounds, we don't have our set venue to train at. That's going to change in a short space of time."
Though Glory coughed up a one-goal lead to lose 3-1 to Western United last time out, Zdrilic praised his players' work ethic during their rebuild. "In a run of games like we've had, you can expect a group to either fight and reset, or they start looking for excuses," he said.
"The guys haven't given any excuses. Everyone's putting their hand up to play. You've got to commend them for that. We want to get that first. We want to get results, and there's no better side to do it against than someone like Adelaide, who's in top form."
|
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
Last Update: 1st May, 2024
© 1997 - 2023
Formerly www.soccerwa.com
