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10.12.2023
JOURNEYMAN DEFENDER SUSNJAR HAPPY TO BE HOME
With stints in Lithuania, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, South Korea and Serbia, not many footballers can match Perth Glory’s Aleksandar Susnjar for variety of countries played in. But after almost a decade away, the Perth-born defender and one-cap Socceroo is loving being back on home soil.
Susnjar left Perth at the age of just 13 to pursue his dreams of becoming a professional footballer, moving in with family in Serbia and turning out for their under-17 national team. He made his professional debut as a teenager for Lithuanian side Panevezio Ekranas, briefly returned home to play a handful of games for Perth SC, before heading back to Lithuania to sign for Lietava Jonava.
Spells with Gaz Metan (Romania), Teplice and Mlada Boleslav (Czech Republic) followed, with the latter stop involving a loan stint with Zlina in Solvakia. And Susnhjar most recently spent time with Busan IPark (Korea) and Novi Pazar (Serbia) either side of three years with Macarthur in the A-League.
Susnjar may have led a nomadic career, but the 28-year old said he had zero regrets about the path his career had led him down. “I started my career off at a young age in Serbia, so I’d done my whole youth (career) there and then I just moved around the Eastern European countries and to be fair, I actually enjoyed it,” he said.
“It definitely did teach me a lot for my career and I don’t regret anything that I’ve done along the way in my career. Especially some of the countries I’ve played in, the way that the players are brought up there, the way that people live in those countries, it opens up your eyes a bit, so you do feel a bit privileged to play football.”
Regardless, Susnjar said he was delighted to be reunited with family back home after so long away. “Coming home and being around the family again, I do really enjoy that, it brings that passion back to my career and football-wise, I do feel really good here,” he said.
While Glory have not started the season well, Susnjar said he was enjoying the attacking freedom his move from centre-back to left-back had provided him. “It’s a bit more running than a centre-back job, but I’m enjoying it. I’ve still got a bit to learn in that position, but I’m only five, six games in at the moment, so I hope I’m impressing and I can stay in that role,” he said.
9.12.2023
FARROW HAT-TRICK SENDS GLORY BACK TO THE TOP OF THE TABLE
Perth Glory moved back to the top of the Liberty A-League table, and handed Melbourne City their first defeat of the season, after a hat-trick from English striker Millie Farrow secured a 3-1 win in the top of the table clash at Genis Steel Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Hannah Wilkinson had given the hosts the lead early, but Farrow turned things around, leveling before half time, and bagging a brace after the break, to score her first ever hat-trick to secure the points and leapfrog City to the top of the table on goal difference. She become the first Glory player to score a Liberty A-League hat-trick since Sam Kerr in 2019, and it had the Glory supporters singing in the rain.
“I’m stoked for the players, we were pretty focused in the last two weeks on the idea of having a positive response [to the defeat against Wellington Phoenix] and they went above and beyond that today,” Glory Head Coach Alex Epakis said post-match. “I’m so happy for Millie for the goals, but it’s just her overall performance today; I’m so happy for her. If we focus like that week in, week out, we give ourselves the chance to do something really special this season.”
Epakis made three changers to the starting side that lost for the first-time last time out against Wellington, with Sadie Lawrence coming in for Claudia Mihocic at the back, while Philippine international Quinley Quezada and Isobel Dalton came in for Young Matildas Georgia Cassidy and New Zealand international Grace Jale, who were both on international duty in midweek, who both dropped to the bench.
It was a cagey start to the game, with the rain making conditions tough, but Lawrence was alert early, producing a brave block to deny the dangerous Kaitlyn Torpey on five minutes. Glory went close moments later, a neat through ball from Dalton sent Farrow in on goal, but City custodian Lysianne Proulx was out bravely to save. The Canadian shot stopper then produced a fingertip save to thwart Dalton’s long-range shot on the quarter hour mark, as the game ebbed and flowed.
But two minutes later it was the hosts who hit the front. Tijan McKenna delivered an inch-perfect cross for Wilkinson, and the New Zealand international rose highest and head home her third in four matches against Glory. They went close to a second shortly after, but Dalton put her body on the line to block former Glory midfielder Leticia McKenna’s shot.
However, the visitors levelled on 32 minutes, Hana Lowry won possession in the middle of the park, and the ball was picked up by Quezada, and she played in Farrow, who raced into the penalty area and rounded Proulx to roll the ball home much to the delight of the Melbourne based Glory supporters in attendance. Glory had a penalty shot turned down before half time, when Leticia McKenna seemed to trip Farrow, but the referee waved away their protests, and at the break it was all to play for.
City were on the front foot after the break, and Anton was again alert to block Pollicina’s goal-bound effort, but six minutes in it was Glory who hit the front. Great work down the left by Anton, saw the New Zealand international race clear of her marker, she crossed to Farrow who steered the ball home from five meters. The hosts were shell-shocked and Morgan Aquino was called into action ten minutes late, producing a smart save to deny substitute Emina Eric.
The game was still in the balance, but it was sent Glory’s way 19 minutes from time when Farrow added a third. A long ball sent Farrow racing clear of Karly Roestbakken, and she raced into the box, around Proulx and rolled the ball home to complete her hat trick and seal the game. City did press late but Aquino saved well from Wilkinson’s close-range effort, and at the final whistle it was Glory celebrating the three points, and their place back at the top of the table.
Melbourne City: GK Lysianne PROULX, 2 Leia VARLEY, 5 Taylor OTTO, 6 Leticia MCKENNA, 8 Kaitlyn TORPEY, 10 Rhianna POLLICINA (24 Daniela GALIC 62'), 14 Laura HUGHES, 15 Kiera MEYERS (11 Emina EKIC 62'), 16 Karly ROESTBAKKEN (3 Naomi CHINNAMA 74'), 17 Hannah WILKINSON, 19 Tijan McKENNA (18 Leah DAVIDSON 74') - Subs not used: RGK Melissa BARBIERI
Perth Glory: GK Morgan AQUINO, 3 Jessika COWART, 4 Natasha RIGBY, 7 Liz ANTON, 8 Hana LOWRY, 9 Millie FARROW (25 Grace JOHNSTON 84'), 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM (13 Sarah CAIN 84'), 12 Sofia SAKALIS (11 Grace JALE 71'), 18 Sadie LAWRENCE, 20 Quinley QUEZADA, 23 Isobel DALTON (27 Georgia CASSIDY 78') - Subs not used: RGK Sally JAMES - Referee: Kate Jacewicz
8.12.2023
GLORY EAGER TO BOUNCE BACK AT MELBOURNE CITY
Perth Glory coach Alex Epakis says his side are determined to atone for a disappointing showing and their first defeat of the A-League Women season in Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash with Melbourne City. After winning their first four games of the season, a draw followed by a loss to fellow top four sides Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix has seen Glory slip behind City in second spot.
Arriving in Melbourne with the taste of defeat in New Zealand still palpable, Epakis said the response from the players since they had returned to the training track had been exactly what he wanted to see. “We’ve definitely had a lot of time to reflect on that performance and it certainly wasn’t one that was our best outing. We acknowledge we did a few things well, but on the whole, there was a number of things we would have liked to have done better,” he said.
“The response from the players since we returned from Auckland has been really good. I know there was a bit of a sour taste when you don’t win, but we’ve accepted that we’ve learnt from it and the players have been really eager to put the learning into practice at training. That’s allowed for a really good energy of what we’re doing on the pitch.”
Having missed the finals in his first few seasons in charge, Epakis said it was a thrill to be playing in games this big. “City have a really good squad, they are well structured and have a really clear playing style with and without the ball and on a personal note, I’m really excited at what that challenge will look like for the team,” he said.
“Credit to City, they are where they are because they’re consistent and it’s a great opportunity to test ourselves against the team that’s sitting top. We’re in a position now where we’re competing with the best teams and doing it week in, week out, going in with that confidence, knowing if we’re really focused and committed to our performance, it can excite us and it excites me.”
With an international break meaning no game last weekend, Epakis gave the players time off, while those who were on international duty - Grace Jale, Georgia Cassidy and Grace Johnston - have returned with no injury issues. Epakis said he did not think his side would be overawed by the occasion against City and they could not afford to focus too much on their opponents.
“To have the opportunity to right some of those wrongs is something I know the players are really keen for and i’m really focused on helping the players have an improved performance and if we do that, we give ourselves a chance to go up against anyone,” he said. “If we focus on that and not so much who we’re coming up against, that’s probably important for us right now.”
8.12.2023
VAR COMES OUT ON TOP AS CITY EDGE GLORY
Perth Glory slumped to 11th on the Isuzu Ute A-League table after 1-2 defeat by Melbourne City at HBF Park on Friday evening. It was also their first loss at home this season, in a game that VAR took centre stage on three occasions, but all three decisions were correct, and that’s what it was brought in for, so no complaints.
Salim Khelifi missed a perfect opportunity to give the hosts the lead early, seeing his penalty hit the post, which was moments before a red card for Callum Talbot was reserved by the overworked referee Daniel Cook. He was at the screen again seven minutes before the break, awarding a penalty for the visitors, which Tolgay Arslan converted.
In stoppage time Adam Taggart pounced on a defensive mistake from Alessandro Lopane, to round City’s Man of the Match Jamie Young to level at the break, but it would be Socceroos striker Matthew Leckie who won it for City just after the hour. Glory pressed late but found Young in fine form, to deny them, the win moving City in to the top six.
“A tough one to take, the game was 50/50 and could have gone either way, and certainly there were enough chances for both teams, and it’s been our story for the last couple of weeks, you don’t take your chances to go in front when we could have, ultimately we’ve got to keep working hard,” Glory Head Coach Alen Stajcic said post-match. “There’s no magic wand, we have to get back to the training pitch and work hard, there was some improvement tonight, but again it’s not enough to win matches against good quality teams.’
It was the visitors who started the better, but clear-cut chances were few and far between, but the VAR action began on the quarter hour mark. Khelifi burst clear after City defender Talbot misjudged a bouncing ball, and the Tunisian winger was pulled back as he raced forward, and Talbot was adjudged to be the last man and was shown a straight red card by the referee, but on review it was reversed with Curtis Good well placed to cover the speedy Glory winger.
From the resulting free kick, the busy referee was back to the screen. Giordano Colli’s free kick to the back post was headed back by Mark Beever, and it hit the arm of Leckie and out for a corner, but after a review of the incident the referee pointed to the spot. Khelifi took responsibility for the resulting penalty, but his effort crashed off the base of the post. It was a huge couple of let offs for City, but on 26 minutes they went close to the opener, Hamza Sakhi curling effort beat Cameron Cook, but the woodwork came to the rescue of the Glory custodian.
Then seven minutes before half time City thought they had a penalty after Tolgay Arslan was dragged back by Johnny Koutroumbis, but Cook waved away their protests. But once again his decision was reversed after looking at the screen, and he booked the Glory defender, before Arslan sent Cook the wrong way from the spot. Glory supporters weren’t happy, but they were on their feet in first half stoppage time when the hosts found the equaliser. Lopane received the ball to feet from Samuel Souprayen playing out from the back, but his first-time pass back to Young lacked pace and Taggart pounced, round Young and firing home to send the sides into half time level.
Leckie and Taggart had half chances after the break, with both sides pressing for the winner, and on 66 minutes it was City who found it. Aziz Behich raced down the left, held of Koutroumbis and his inviting cross picked out his fellow Socceroos team mate Leckie who headed home from close-range. Glory wasn’t finished, and pressed for the equaliser, but they found Young in good form to deny them. First the City custodian saved well to deny Taggart on 80 minutes, before saving two headers from the Glory striker late, City holding firm to take home all three points.
It’s a fourth-consecutive loss for Glory, and this one will hurt for Stajcic’s side, who needed to bounce back after a tough streak of three games on the road. They are floundering in 11th spot on the table after seven games, just one point clear of Western United in 12th, but there was good news on the injury front, with Mustafa Amini and David Williams coming off the bench
“I’m normally on the wing out wide, but I like to get myself inside and knowing that if there’s a cross coming in, there’s an extra man with Macca (Jamie Maclaren) in there,” Leckie said post-match. “I felt in the first half I was out wide and I wasn’t getting much of the ball, and I knew that if I tucked in a little bit more and Aziz (Behich) went higher we could cause some problems. Aziz got enough space to beat his man and set it up perfectly, when it’s lofted in like that it gives me a lot of time to jump. I’m buzzing about it.”
Perth Glory: GK Cameron COOK, 2 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS, 5 Mark BEEVERS, 7 Stefan COLAKOVSKI (9 David WILLIAMS 71'), 10 Salim KHELIFI (77 Bruce KAMAU 76'), 12 Luke IVANOVIC (23 Daniel BENNIE 58'), 19 Trent OSTLER (17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO 71'), 20 Giordano COLLI, 22 Adam TAGGART, 24 Oliver BOZANIC (8 Mustafa AMINI 76'), 29 Darryl LACHMAN - Subs not used: RGK Oli SAIL, 3 Jacob MUIR
Melbourne City: GK Jamie YOUNG, 7 Mathew LECKIE, 8 Hamza SAKHI, 9 Jamie MACLAREN, 10 Tolgay ARSLAN (2 Scott GALLOWAY 81'), 16 Aziz BEHICH, 21 Alessandro LOPANE (6 Steven UGARKOVIC 62'), 22 Curtis GOOD, 25 Callum TALBOT (17 Terry ANTONIS 81'), 26 Samuel SOUPRAYEN, 44 Marin JAKOLIS (11 Leo NATEL 71') - Subs not used: RGK Patrick BEACH, 18 Jordon HALL, 37 Max CAPUTO - Attendance: 5,523 - Referee: Daniel Cook
7.12.2023
ORR RETURNS AND MATTHEWS ALSO HEADS TO AZZURRI
After their fourth placed finish last season, Perth Soccer Club will be looking to push for the title in 2024 under former New Zealand international Head Coach Danny Hay, and they have started pre-season early, with a few new faces and a familiar one returning. After three years playing in Victoria, Harley Orr has returned to Dorrien Gardens, while young defender Kai Matthews has joined from Stirling Macedonia.
Matthews said the new challenge at Dorrien Gardens is one he is looking forward to, and he has hit the ground running. “I’m very excited to join Perth SC, a club with a great deal of history, and I’m looking forward to the new challenge,” he explained. “Our pre-season is already three weeks in, it’s been great to meet all the boys with lots of talents and training at a very high intensity. The club has high expectations, and they are building a strong squad, and we are determined to be a contender next season. We have a good mix of talented youngsters and experienced players, and I’m looking forward to working with Danny (Hay) and Stuart (Banks) and help the club to more success.”
The defender started his football journey at Hamersley Rovers, before joining Sorrento as a 12-year-old, and stayed at Percy Doyle Reserve until he turned 18, and headed to Stirling Macedonia. The 20-year-old was in the Stirling side that beat Champions Perth RedStar to win the NPLWA Top Four Final Series last season, and he said it was a great way to end his two-year stint at Macedonia Park, a place he has many great memories.
“I really enjoyed my time at Stirling, and they were the first club that gave me the opportunity to play first team football, and I couldn’t have asked for a better squad and coaching staff to play with, having Ian Ferguson, who is an excellent mentor,” he said. “I had two good seasons and the decision was very difficult, as I have grown close with lots of the boys and leaving such a passionate club with some of the best fans, I’ve ever had support me in a team.”
Orr said his time at Dandenong Thunder and Preston Lions was something he looks back fondly, the only downside was it coincided with the Covid pandemic. “My experience in Melbourne with football was quite an interesting one mostly because of Covid and losing two seasons. But I wouldn’t change it for anything, playing at Dandenong Thunder was an incredible experience and the level of competition in Melbourne was immense,” Orr explained.
“My time at Preston Lions was also extremely good, they welcomed me with open arms and I enjoyed every minute I was there, was an incredibly professional club. It was a hard decision to leave because they looked after me well, and they have just been included in the National Second Tier, so yes, it was a tough decision to come home, but I’m happy to be back at Dorrien Gardens.”
The midfielder said when he decided to come home, there was only one place he wanted to go, and he’s looking forward to working with the new coaching set-up, and in his last season (2019) the club took out the title, so he’s hoping for a repeat next season. “Like I said, I’m very happy to be returning back to the Azzurri, and it was the only club I wanted to come back too, so I’m extremely happy they showed great interest when they heard I was returning home to Perth,” Orr said.
“Leaving the club in 2019 after all the success we had as a club was tough, but personally it was time for a change. I’ve been watching from a far at the results etc at Perth and ever since Danny came into the frame they have been doing extremely well. Considering he was only there for half a season and got them into finals and almost coming away with a trophy just shows what he’s capable of doing. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my first month with Danny and can’t speak highly enough of him, training has been top shelf and I definitely think we will be challenging for all the silverware this season.”
Azzurri assistant coach Stuart Banks said the pair have fitted in well, and the club are leaving no stone unturned to help in the direction they want to go. “We have been very busy in the offseason with regard to our recruitment to find the right type of players that suit our philosophy and the way Danny and I want the team to play,” he said. “We’ve focused on serious footballers who are hungry to develop and succeed, trying to find the right mix of youth and experience. Young players such as Kai (Matthews), who I coached at Sorrento u18s a few years ago, mixed with experienced players like Harley (Orr) who is very passionate about the club and the direction we are heading in, will hopefully provide us with the right balance to achieve our goals.”
7.12.2023
STAJCIC HOPING FOR SOME HOME COMFORTS
Perth Glory return home after four games on the road, and on Friday evening they host Melbourne City in Week seven of the Isuzu Ute A-League at HBF Park (6.45pm). Head Coach Alen Stajcic is looking for some home comforts, and hopefully kick start their season after being unbeaten at the venue this season, and hopes to build on some positives from last weeks loss against Sydney FC.
“The way we started last week, we felt that we should have got something out of the game, but we drifted as the game wore on and ended up causing a few of our own problems,” Stajcic explained. “We certainly showed enough in the first 20, 25 minutes to show that we possibly should have got something, but we’ve got to sustain that for 90 minutes. Ultimately it was down to us that we didn’t maintain it, it wasn’t what Sydney did. They just exploited those moments when we weren’t performing and weren’t executing the plays we should have been, with and without the ball. I think if we can build on that and get to 90 minutes of that, we’re certainly going to be in the top two or three in the comp, but there’s a long way to go and a lot of hard work to do and everyone knows that.”
After a draw in the opening home game against Newcastle Jets, and a win against Central Coast Mariners in round three it’s been slim pickings on the road for Glory, but Stajcic is confident they are heading in the right direction. “It’s a matter of building every week and trying to improve every week and it’s not always a straight line of improvement,” he said. “In sport and in football, there’s always ups and downs and you’ve got to ride the downs. We need to be resilient and tough and mentally strong in seeing the things we did well and just keep growing that.
“If we grow that over the next period of time, we’ll end up where a lot of the teams are that Naz [Assistant Head Coach Nahuel Arrarte] and I have been involved with got to. We’ll get where we want to get to, but it’s always a process. There’s no magic wand to make sure it happens this week, or next week, or the week after; you just have to knuckle down and do the hard work and little bit by little bit, put those building blocks in place.”
City won the last time they headed west, a 4-2 success at Macedonia Park in round 16 last season. Jordan Bos gave them the lead on the quarter hour, but Jack Clisby levelled ten minutes later. Valon Berisha regained the lead for City from the spot on the hour, before David Williams levelled for the hosts. Matthew Leckie regained the lead for Melbourne moments later, and with Glory chasing an equaliser Florin Berenguer added the decisive fourth in stoppage time to seal the points.
Stajcic is also very aware of the threat that Melbourne City will provide on Friday evening, and believes that the club’s members and fans can play a key role in helping get the men in purple over the line. “We know we’re coming up against probably the best footballing team in the comp over the last four or five years in terms of their ability to build up play and keep possession,” he said. “They have so much quality on the field and on the bench as well, so we know we’re coming up against a good team, but if we play to our levels, I think we’re going to be a real threat.
“It’s been so great to play at home in those two matches that we did. There’s that inner belief that the players have walking out on HBF Park and we need all the support we can get, not only for our team, but for the A-League as well. It’s good to see that core group of supporters stick with the league and with the club and ultimately, it’s a bit like the team; we just want it to grow. We need more people to come in and support the team and give them that little extra helping hand, as there’s no doubt it’s going to be a tough game this week.”
In team news, defender Aleksander Susnjar will miss with injury, but former skipper Mustafa Amini and David Williams return, and Stajcic is delighted to get the duo back. “We have got a few players back this week and they’re all competing for spots now,” he said. “We’ve got another training sessions in what is a shorter week for us having returned from over east with only a six-day turnaround. So, we’ve got those sessions to nut out who’s going to be in the starting line-up.”
It's a huge blow for Susnjar, who scored his first goal of the season at Brisbane Roar in round five, but he will be supporting from the sidelines, and said last week’s narrow loss against Sydney FC was disappointing, but they took some positives from the game. “I thought the first 20 minutes we were all over them, and after that we dropped off a bit, and at half time with the delay, it affected both teams, but at the end of the day they took the three points,” he explained.
“It’s been tough, Brisbane and Sydney away from home, and it was two tough losses, but we’re going to keep our heads up and move on to Friday night against City, another tough opponent. The two defeats have gone, and we’ve put them aside, and worked on the positive things that came out of the games, all we can do is look forward. We’re excited to get the crowd around us, and picking up the three points. The crowd can play a big role on Friday evening, a big crowd lifts the players to give the best for our fans, and we want to deliver.”
Perth Glory squad: GK Cameron COOK, GK Oli SAIL, 2 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS, 3 Jacob MUIR, 5 Mark BEEVERS, 6 Aaron MCENEFF, 7 Stefan COLAKOVSKI, 8 Mustafa AMINI, 9 David WILLIAMS, 10 Salim KHELIFI, 12 Luke IVANOVIC, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 19 Trent OSTLER, 20 Giordano COLLI, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Daniel BENNIE, 24 Oliver BOZANIC, 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI, 29 Darryl LACHMAN, 77 Bruce KAMAU - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: MUIR, AMINI, WILLIAMS - Unavailable: 11 Adam ZIMARINO (injured), 14 Riley WARLAND (injured), 15 Aleksandar SUSNJAR (injured), 21 Antonis MARTIS (injured)
Melbourne City squad: GK Jamie YOUNG, GK Patrick BEACH, 2 Scott GALLOWAY, 7 Mathew LECKIE, 6 Steven UGARKOVIC, 8 Hamza SAKHI, 9 Jamie MACLAREN, 10 Tolgay ARSLAN, 11 Leo NATEL, 16 Aziz BEHICH, 17 Terry ANTONIS, 18 Jordon HALL, 21 Alessandro LOPANE, 22 Curtis GOOD, 25 Callum TALBOT, 26 Samuel SOUPRAYEN, 37 Max CAPUTO, 39 Emin DURAKOVIC, 44 Marin JAKOLIS, 46 Ben MAZZEO - Ins GALLOWAY (returns from illness), NATEL (returns from illness), DURAKOVIC (promoted) - Unavailable: 4 Nuno REIS (quad), 15 Andrew NABBOUT (achilles), 34 Arion SULEMANI (ACL), 35 Zane SCHREIBER (knee), 38 Harry POLITIDIS (illness), 40 James NIEUWENHUIZEN (hamstring)
7.12.2023
GLORY AND CITY MEET IN TOP OF THE TABLE CLASH IN MELBOURNE
Perth Glory will look to bounce back from their first defeat of the season against Wellington Phoenix, when they take on Melbourne City on Saturday afternoon, in the round seven Liberty A-League top of the table clash at Genis Steel Stadium (kick-off at 1pm WA Time) The narrow defeat across the ditch saw Melbourne leapfrog Alex Epakis’ side at the top of the ladder, and go into this one the only undefeated side in the league.
Epakis said City are a very good side, and have scored the most goals this season (15), but have conceded 10, so with Grace Jale and Millie Farrow’s partnership blossoming, they can hurt the league leaders in transition. “City have a really good squad, they are well structured and have a really clear playing style with and without the ball, but on a personal note, I’m really excited at what that challenge will look like for the team,” he explained.
“We’ve got a lot of strong points to our game and we’ve got to make sure we are able to nullify what their strengths are, but also take advantage of some of the areas we can Credit to City, they are where they are because they’re consistent and it’s a great opportunity to test ourselves against the team that’s sitting top. We’re in a position now where we’re competing with the best teams and doing it week in, week out. Internally, we have so much focus on and intent on what it is we want to do.
“We are really focused and motivated from the last match… and to have the opportunity right some of those wrongs is something I know the players are really keen for. I’m really focused on helping the players make sure that we have an improved performance and if we do that, we give ourselves a chance to go up against anyone. I think if we focus on that and not so much who we’re coming up against, that’s what’s important for us right now.”
It was a tight affair in last season’s round seven game against City, the hosts prevailing 1-0, with Bosnian striker Emina Ekic scoring the only goal from the spot on the hour mark, and Epakis is looking for a response from his chargers after the narrow defeat against Wellington. “We definitely had a lot of time to look at that performance and it certainly wasn’t one that was our best outing,” he said. “We acknowledge that we did a few things well, but as a whole, there were a number of things that we would have liked to have done better and it’s been pretty clear and evident and we’ve spoken a lot about it.
“To be fair to the group, they’ve acknowledged it and we’ve really put a lot of those learnings into practice and to me that’s the really important thing; that we do progress when we have a result or a performance like that. The response from the team since we returned from Auckland has been really good.” In team news Young Matildas duo Georgia Cassidy and Grace Johnston will be available for selection after their games in China, while Jale, who was international duty for New Zealand is also in the squad. Meanwhile keeper Sally James also returns to the squad, after recovered from the head injury in last month’s home game against Melbourne Victory.
Melbourne City squad: GK Melissa BARBIERI, GK Lysianne PROULX, 2 Leia VARLEY, 3 Naomi CHINNAMA, 5 Taylor OTTO, 6 Leticia McKENNA, 7 Julia GROSSO, 8 Kaitlyn TORPEY, 10 Rhianna POLLICINA, 11 Emina EKIC, 13 Rebekah STOTT, 14 Laura HUGHES, 15 Kiera MEYERS, 16 Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 17 Hannah WILKINSON, 18 Leah DAVIDSON, 19 Tijan McKENNA, 20 Caitlin KARIC, 21 Isabella ACCARDO, 24 Daniela GALIC - Ins: MEYERS (promoted), ROESTBAKKEN (returns from injury), KARIC (returns from injury), ACCARDO (promoted) - Unavailable: 9 Holly McNAMARA (ACL), 22 Bryleeh HENRY (knee)
Perth Glory squad: GK Morgan AQUINO, GK Sally JAMES, 3 Jessika COWART, 4 Natasha RIGBY, 7 Liz ANTON, 8 Hana LOWRY, 9 Millie FARROW, 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM, 11 Grace JALE, 12 Sofia SAKALIS, 13 Sarah CAIN, 14 Tia STONEHILL, 17 Abbey GREEN, 18 Sadie LAWRENCE, 19 Izzy FOLETTA, 20 Quinley QUEZADA, 22 Claudia MIHOCIC, 23 Isobel DALTON, 25 Grace JOHNSTON, 27 Georgia CASSIDY - *Four to be omitted* - Ins: CAIN, GREEN, LAWRENCE, FOLETTA, JAMES- Outs: GK Lilly BAILEY - Unavailable: 16 Isabella WALLHEAD (injured), 28 Anika STAJCIC (injured)
5.12.2023
STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES GROUPS CONFIRMED
The new Men’s State League competition will burst into life early February, after the 2024 Night Series fixtures were released by Football West on Monday afternoon. There will be six groups of four teams, with the group stages played over three rounds. Each group winner and the two best runners-up will qualify for the quarter-finals.
Group A: Sorrento FC, Swan United, East Perth, Murdoch University Melville - Group B: Joondalup United, Forrestfield United, Ashfield, Kingsley Westside - Group C: Cockburn City, Carramar Shamrock Rovers, Gosnells City, Balga - Group D: Dianella White Eagles, Wanneroo City, Joondalup City, Subiaco - Group E: Mandurah City, Maddington White City, Rockingham City, Canning City - Group F: Gwelup Croatia, Curtin University, Quinns, UWA Nedlands
The competition kicks off on Saturday February 3 in Group A, with hosts Sorrento, who will be hoping to bounce back after relegation from the NPL last season, welcoming Swan United to Percy Doyle Reserve (5pm), while in the late game at the venue newly promoted East Perth take on Murdoch University Melville (7pm). Group B begins on Sunday February 4, and in the opening game Joondalup United meet Forrestfield United at Ashfield Reserve (5pm), while in the other game at the venue Ashfield host new Division One side Kingsley Westside (7pm).
Group C kicks off at Dalmatinac Park on Saturday February 3, with Gosnells City taking on Balga (5pm), while hosts Cockburn City, who also dropped out of the NPL last season, meet Carramar Shamrock Rovers (7pm), while in Group D on the same night at Wanneroo Reserve, Joondalup City go head-to-head with Subiaco (5pm), while Wanneroo City host Dianella White Eagles (7pm).
In Group E on Sunday February 4 at the Poolmart Mandurah Stadium, holders Mandurah City start their defence with a meeting with Maddington White Eagles in the late game (7pm), while in the early game Rockingham City and Canning do battle (5pm). Finally in Group F at Percy Doyle Reserve on Sunday February 4, Gwelup Croatia meet Curtin University in the early game (5pm), while Quinns and UWA Nedlands meet in the late game (7pm)
SEE THE FULL LIST OF FIXTURES HERE - https://www.footballwest.com.au/sites/fw/files/2023-12/state_league_night_series_2024.pdf
5.12.2023
KELMSCOTT TURN TO BOTHA IN 2024
It’s been three seasons since Kelmscott Roos dropped out of the State League, and they will look to put a season of disappointment and heartbreak behind them, after appointing Rhydeen Botha as Head Coach for season 2024. The Frye Park club were relegated in 2021, and they appointed Serge Tucci to lead them back up, but early into his tenure the coach fell ill, and passed away later that season. Two fourth placed finishes have come there way since, but Botha hopes it will be third time lucky.
“I’m really excited, and looking forward to a new opportunity, in a new environment and working with some great people,” he explained. “The club is well run, and I see no reason why the Kelmscott Roos won’t be playing on Saturdays in 2025. That has to be the goal for us all next season, it is for me. The people who know me, know I will bring a different feel and new way of looking at things. It’s always my goal to win as many games as possible, and I don’t see any reason why the 2024 season won’t be a memorable one for all the right reasons.”
Prior to taking up coaching Botha had a good playing career in WA, in the Premier League in the early 90’s at Fremantle and Sorrento, as well as loan spells at Bassendean and Kingsway, but injuries curtailed his Premier League stint. “Yes, I chipped a bone in my ankle, which saw me moved down to State League Division One, where I played at various clubs such as Morley Windmills, Dianella White Eagles, back to Bassendean, Ashfield and finished my playing career at Forrestfield United,” he explained.
“Soon after hanging up the boots, coaching opportunities came along in the the reserves and 18’s, before I moved to an assistant role in the at Morley and Joondalup. I moved on to NPL with Stirling Macedonia where I coached the, 16’s, 18’s and reserves. A personal favourite season was with the 20’s in 2021, winning the league and the club being promoted.”
Kelmscott president Robyn Noack said Botha is a great signing for the club, and she also thanked the former coaches for their contributions. “We are thrilled to have Rhydeen at Kelmscott. His knowledge, passion and experience plus his visions are only going to work towards strengthening our Amateurs Premier team in a positive direction, so there are exciting times ahead for the Roos,” he said. “With the upheaval experienced by our Amateurs teams with Alan and Richard leaving, this left big shoes to fill.
“Being the assistant coach Greg Simmonds was the natural choice to take over. He was a constant the boys needed, someone they knew and he them. He made the transition as painless as possible for all involved. Because of Greg’s contributions season 2023 wasn’t a disaster. His enthusiasm, passion and knowledge were what made it as successful as it was. Kelmscott Roos would love to thank Greg for everything he has done not only for our Amateurs teams but also for the club as a whole. We wish him success for all his future endeavours.”
5.12.2023
MERREDEW BACK AT JUFC TO LEAD THE AMATEURS
After three seasons of battling relegation from the Belt-Up Amateur Premier Division, Joondalup United has turned to one of their own to lead them in 2024, with Blaine Merredew taking over from Mike Ford. The 33-year-old played for the club and coached over the years, and he is delighted to have taken on the challenge of lifting them up the table. “It’s good to be back at the Joondalup amateur set up after being involved with the Saturday State league set up over the past few years,” he said. “I’m thrilled to be appointed as the Sunday first team head coach and look forward to taking on this new challenge in my career as a coach.”
It's been three years of fighting to stay in the division, but Merredew said it wasn’t for the lack of effort from the players, and he hopes to build on that. “Obviously being part of the Saturday set up I always had the chance to go down to watch the Sunday teams play. The last few seasons we haven’t necessarily got the results that we were after,” he explained. “But all the lads that were in involved during those seasons always dug deep and worked hard to make sure that the amateur side could stay up and compete in the top Sunday division. In this season we will obviously be looking to work hard as a team and get the best results that we can.”
Joondalup United President Ghaz Ramli said that Merredew is the ideal candidate to lead them to success. “Blaine is no stranger to the club. Having seen the club grow over the years, we are confident that he would be able to lead a new generation of our Amateur side whilst keeping the JUFC identity and club culture,” he said. “We have faced consecutive relegation battles as the league gets more competitive. Blaine has brought JUFC glory in the past and we trust his leadership will ensure the team cements its place in the league moving forward.”
After moving from the UK as a teenager, Merredew said his football journey took off in Perth, and he’s enjoyed the ride and hopes to continue it at Joondalup. “After heading down under at 16, it was tough to get used to, but we all know that best way to meet likeminded people is through following your passions. I was never the best footballer, so when I moved to Perth, I began my football career at Stirling 18s, followed by a few years off then returning to play for Kingsway Sundays first team/reserves for a season,” Merredew explained.
“That was when I then made the move to Joondalup United, which at the time was a newly established up and coming club. I played for the Joondalup Sunday set up for a number of years before I had to stop due to injuries that’s when I took up coaching when I was 24. First season I took as a coach was the amateur Reserves side in Division One, where the team and I won the league. After that year I went to the Saturday set up and started with the state u18s and finished fourth. After that season we got promoted to the NPL and I took the u18s for another season, we finished mid table. In the next season I helped coach the u20s NPL, as an assistant which was a big learning curve as we didn’t win a game that season.
“When we got relegated from the NPL I took over as the state Reserves coach, where we had three good seasons, we finished second, then went on to win the league, before a season in mid-table, which was caused by a rebuild as a lot of players left to chase first team football. After those three seasons I was given a great opportunity by Nick Jennings and Steven Flint to assist with the first team. This gave me some excellent experience dealing with men’s side of the game. I helped them for a year and half, before having to step down due to work and family commitments.”
The new coach can’t wait to get started, and hopes to bring success back to the club. “This season will obviously be a rebuild after the last few years, but having been at the club for over 10 years I feel like I know what the Joondalup United Sundays need to start becoming successful again,” Merredew said. “I’ll be looking to bring in players that will give their full commitment on the pitch when it comes to training and playing. Then look to build a team culture where we can celebrate together afterwards to recognise the hard work that is being put in.
“I’m well aware it’s not going to be easy this season, as there are lot of good teams in the league, we will aim to finish as high as we can. Obviously, every coach has their own expectations and wants their team to put in as much effort as they are willing to as a coach. The main goal is to obviously win football matches, but there will also be a focus on creating a team morale which will see us thrive not only this season but, in the years, to come.”
5.12.2023
MATILDAS AND YOUNG MATILDAS END THE YEAR WITH DEFEATS
In their final games of 2024, both the Matildas and Young Matildas suffered defeats, Tony Gustavsson’s side were beaten for the second time in a week by Canada, losing the second game 1-0 in front of a record Canadian crowd at Christine Sinclair Place as Canadian all-time greatest striker Christine Sinclair played her final game for her country. While Leah Blayney’s side lost 3-1 to China, in the friendly at Auxiliary Field of Xiamen Egret Stadium, squaring the two-match series 1-1.
WA striker Sam Kerr missed the game due to injury, and Gustavsson said they lacked pace, but found positives from the defeat. "What concerns me a little bit now is the lack of pacy options up front in the four front positions - No.7, No.11, No.9 and No.10," Gustavsson said post-match. "With McNamara getting injured again and then Vine being out and Sam out, that's something we need to look into how to handle that going forward. Because we had a very clear idea of how to do that in the World Cup and we managed to play without Sam in a very, very good way to win at the World Cup which I'm impressed that the team handled well.
"Statistically so far I've been a coach that has believed in continuity and relationship on the park, which means I haven't looked to the bench early and a lot compared to some other coaches. But there's other teams that are doing similar things as well and there's nothing right or wrong in this business and I'm paid to do what I think is best for the team to win the game, especially when it comes to qualifiers and tournaments, and that's what I'm going to keep doing, and when we win people are going to look at that, that might be the right thing and when you lose you can be criticised for doing the wrong thing. But what I can promise is that I will do what I think is best for the team at that moment."
Gustavsson made 10 changes to the team that lost 5-0 to Canada in game one, with Teagan Micah in goals the only survivor in the starting side. They started on the front foot. Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord in particular were linking well on the left-hand side, but they failed to create any clear-cut chances. It was Canada who had the better of the opportunities, the best falling to Nichelle Prince, who fired wide of the target. Hayley Ros0’s dangerous cross was deflected wide, but at the break they had no shots on target.
But it was the hosts who found the opener early in the second half, Quinn was in the right place to capitalise on the second phase of a corner, after the initial shot hit Teagan Micah’s crossbar. They thought they had another, moments later, but a foul was spotted on the Matildas custodian. Australia was now chasing the game but were almost caught out again on the hour, a mix-up in defence, let in Lacasse, but she was denied by the alert Micah from close-range.
The 48,112 crowd rose to their feet moments later, when Sinclair left the pitch for the final time. She was replaced by Sophie Schmidt, an Olympic medallist, who was also making her final bow. The Matildas pressed for the equaliser, Foord eased past several defenders, but her shot on the run flashed over the top, before substitute Tameka Yallop found herself in space in front of goals after being found by the lively Mary Fowler, but her shot was also over the top. A disappointing way to end a very successful season for the Matildas, but they have captured the nation and there will be more to come in 2024.
Meanwhile Perth Glory youngster Grace Johnston made her first start for the Young Matildas but China was too strong, running out convincing 3-1 winners. “The International Series has been an enormous positive experience for our playing group,” Head Coach Blayney said post-match. “We’ve played in two very high-level games with quality match minutes for our youth players, which we know will be invaluable in our preparation for the 2024 AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup in March next year.”
The hosts found the opener early in the first half, a corner fell kindly for Zhang Chenxi. After the break Yu Jiaqi bagged a brace, to see the hosts take command. Peta Trimis came close to adding her name to the scoresheet moments after entering the field, the forward being denied in a one-on-one against Chinese goalkeeper Liu Chen. Alexia Apostolakis scored the consolation goal for Australia, finishing from close-range in the final minutes.
4.12.2023
TEENAGER DEBUTS FOR YOUNG MATILDAS
Perth Glory teenager Grace Johnston came off the bench to make her Young Matildas debut on Sunday afternoon, as they beat China 3-1 in the first of their two-match international series at the Auxiliary Field of Xiamen Egret Stadium, Xiamen. The former NTC midfielder impressed after coming on in the second half, and was involved in the both second half goals, while Glory’s Georgia Cassidy was an unused substitute. On target for the Young Matildas were Melbourne City’s Daniela Galic, Canberra United’s Sasha Grove and Melbourne Victory’s Ella O’Grady secured the win for Leah Blayney’s side, while Zheng Lu scored a late consolation goal for the hosts from the spot.
Blayney was happy with the performance of her squad and used this match as an opportunity to get match minutes into the legs of substitutes Grace Johnston, Indiana Dos Santos, Shay Hollman, Ella O’Grady and Maya Lobo. “It’s extremely important that we continue to develop chemistry between the players,” Blayney said. “But it’s also important to integrate new players into our line-up and give those who have been doing well at training the opportunity to shine.”
The Young Matildas took the lead on ten minutes, when Galic won the ball inside the 18-yard box after a defensive mistake, and slotted it past the Chinese keeper. The hosts went close to the equaliser moments later, Ouyang Yuhuan cross was fired inches wide by Wang Zhen. They went again on 25 minutes, a long-range shot from Lu Jiayu was parried by keeper Chloe Lincoln, who was quick to save the rebound. The visitors were on the back foot as the hosts took control before the break, a shot from Yuhuan flashed over the top, but at the break the Young Matildas held a narrow lead.
After half time and change of personal, Australia lifted and doubled their advantage midway through the half. Neat build-up play, down the left by Johnston and Galic, ended with a ball to Grove, who finished well. Moments later it was 3-0, substitute O’Grady was sent down the left by Johnston, before cutting inside her marker and curling home superbly from distance. China scored a late consolation goal nine minutes from time when Yuhuan’s cross struck the arm of Chinnama, and the referee pointed straight to the spot. Zheng Lu stepped up converted the resulting penalty. confidently placed into the bottom left corner, leaving the final score 1-3 in favour of Australia.
The match was a special occasion for Johnston and Milly Boughton, who both made their debuts. It was Boughton’s second debut in as many weeks, with the youngster putting on the Tottenham jersey for the first time in the Conti Cup against Bristol City at the end of last month. Australia will be looking to get another win under their belt when they take on China once again in the final match of the international series on Wednesday 6 December with kick-off at 3pm CST (6pm AEDT).
China: GK Liu Chen, 11 Jiang Chenjing, 15 Xia Lejiao, 18 Zhang Chenqian, 19 Wang Zhen, 20-Qiao Ruiqing, 23-Lu Jiayu, 24-Ouyang Yuhuan, 30-Wu Yejia 34-Liu Ling, 36-Xie Zongmei – Subs used: 26 Zheng Lu, 27 Zhang Yiqian, 35 Yu Xingyue
Australia: GK Chloe Lincoln, 5 Jessika Nash, 7 Peta Trimis, 8 Alana Murphy, 10 Zara Kruger, 11 Kahli Johnson, 15 Alexia Apostolakis, 16 Sasha Grove, 20 Naomi Thomas-Chinnama, 21 Milly Boughton – Subs: RGK Tahlia Franco, 2 Claudia Cicco, 3 Maya Lobo, 4 Jynaya Dos Santos, 6 Ella O’Grady, 13 Milan Hammond, 14 Zoe Karipidis, 17 Shay Hollman, 19 Lara Gooch, 22 Indiana Dos Santos, 23 Avaani Prakash, 24 Georgia Cassidy, 25 Grace Johnston.
4.12.2023
NPLWA – MEN’S NIGHT SERIES FIXTURES ANNOUCED
The draw for the 2024 NPLWA – Men’s Night Series has been drawn at Football West headquarters on Monday afternoon, and in the first game there will be a repeat of last season’s final when holders Olympic Kingsway take on Inglewood United at Dorrien Gardens in Group A. There are two groups of six teams, with Armadale, Balcatta Etna, Inglewood United, Olympic Kingsway, Perth RedStar and Western Knights in Group A. While in Group B, we have Bayswater City, Floreat Athena, Fremantle City, Perth Glory, Perth SC and Stirling Macedonia.
The first clash will be Taki Nicolaidis’ first game back in charge of Inglewood United, while holders Olympic, who have brought in some experienced players, the likes of Liam Boland, Ryan Lowry and Aryn Williams, will hope to start their defence of the competition with a win. The game will be played on Thursday 25 January (6.30pm), while the late game at the venue will be the Group B game, that will see hosts 21-times Night Series winners Perth SC welcome 9-times winners Floreat Athena. (8.30pm)
In Group B at Alfred Skeet Reserve newly promoted Western Knights start their campaign against Perth RedStar on Saturday 27 January at (5pm), and the other game at the venue sees hosts Armadale meet Balcatta Etna in Group A (7pm) The following night at Macedonia Park the Group B first round game will be completed, when Perth Glory meet Bayswater City (5pm) while Stirling Macedonia take on the other newly promoted club Fremantle City (7pm).
There are five rounds in the group stage, with the matches played across five venues - Dorrien Gardens, Alfred Skeet Reserve, Macedonia Park, Inglewood Stadium and Frank Drago Reserve. The winners of each group will meet the second-place team from the opposite group in the semi-finals. The dates and venue for the semis and final are to be confirmed by Football West.
2.12.2023
COOK’S HEROICS IN VAIN AS SYDNEY STORM PAST GLORY
On a night of severe electrical storms across Sydney, another strong performance from Perth Glory youngster Cameron Cook wasn’t enough as they were beaten 3-2 by Sydney FC in Saturday’s round six Isuzu Ute A-League clash at Allianz Stadium. The Glory custodian made a number of fine saves to keep the hosts at bay, this after a bright start from Alen Stajcic’s side, but two goals in the final 15 minutes from Joe Lolley and Robert Mak saw the Sky Blues lead 2-0 at the break.
However, the start to the second half was delayed for over two hours with lightning meaning the game was unsafe for players and spectators alike. After the resumption Adam Taggart reduced the deficit as Glory looked to turn things around. Both sides pressed but the hosts looked like they had sealed the points when Aleksandar Susnar turned Mitch Glasson’s effort into his own net, but Oliver Bozanic curled home a free kick in stoppage time, but Glory couldn’t find the equaliser. The loss drops Glory down to ninth on the table, only one point off the bottom three, while the win moves Sydney above Glory into seventh.
“I thought we started brightly and should have been two or three up after 20 minutes with gilt edged chances so the period we were on top we didn’t take our opportunities,” Glory Head Coach Alen Stajcic said post-match. “We lost total control in transition for 15 minutes and got severely punished and lost our shape and discipline, and to go in two goals down was pretty disappointing. Second half we came back, scoreline wise, but the quality of our passing and movement wasn’t good enough to cause them enough trouble, but we should have put the game to bed in the first 20 minutes.”
It was Glory’s third consecutive road trip, and looking to break the 14-game run without a win away from home, Stajcic made one change to the side that were beaten by Brisbane Roar last week, with former Sydney striker Luke Ivanovic coming in for youngster Daniel Bennie, who dropped to the bench. The rain and storm clouds were hovering at kick off, and it was the visitors who went close to the opener on four minutes. Susnjar low ball into the penalty area picked out Taggart, and the striker beat Andrew Redmayne with his first touch, his second was a shot which crashed off the post and way to safety.
It was a positive start to the game from the visitors and Ivanovic was next to go close, after being sent clear by Bozanic, put he fired over the top. The hosts settled after the early onslaught from the Glory, and after good work by former Nottingham Forest midfielder Lolley, Mak was unable to turn the ball home from close-range. Then on 33 minutes Sydney found the opener, Patrick Wood raced at the Glory defence and slipped in Lolley on the right, who lost his marker and his shot was well saved by Cook, Wood’s follow up was blocked by Mark Beevers, but Lolley was third time lucky, curling into the top corner of the net despite Darryl Lachman’s effort on the line.
Cook was keeping his side in the game saving well to deny Mak moments later, while Wood’s angled shot flashed inches wide of the post. It looked like Glory had quelled the Sydney burst, but in the shadows of half time the hosts added a second. Mak picked the ball up on the edge of the penalty area, he got a lucky deflection to take him into the box, but his quick feet then took him clear of Johnny Koutroumbis and he finished with aplomb past Cook, to send them into the break with a comfortable lead.
It looked like the game would be abandoned after the storm hit at half time, with torrential rain and mother nature put on a lightning show, to match the Sydney Harbour New Year’s Eve one, but after a lengthy delay the storm abated and it was back to action at 10.30pm EST. Stajcic made a triple change at the break, with Bennie, Aaron McEneff and Stefan Colakovski coming on for Ivanovic, Giordano Colli and Salim Khelifi, but it was the hosts who were first to threaten after the restart, Mak sending Lolley in on goal, but Cook denied the Englishman.
Then on 54 minutes the Glory should have pulled one back, good work down the right by Bennie his cross was pushed clear by Redmayne into the path of Colakovski, and with the goal at his mercy he fired wide of the target. After that let off the hosts hit back, and Cook had to make a smart save to tip Lolley’s shot around the post, but just after the hour Glory were back in the game. Colakovski played in Taggart, and with the Sydney players looking for the offside flag, that never came, the Glory striker strode into the box and finished clinically past Redmayne, for his 30th goal in Glory colours, after a long VAR check.
Cook was at it again six minutes later, getting down well to thwart Wood, but Mak should have done better with the rebound, firing wide when well placed. Cook was single-handedly keeping his side in the game, and he saved well again at full stretch to keep out Brazilian striker Fabio Gomes’ powerful shot, then denied substitute Glasson, before reacting well to parry Luke Brattan’s thunderbolt. But one minutes from time Cook was beaten, with the hosts adding a third.
Glory lost possession on the half way line, and Corey Hollman played in Fabio, who slipped the ball into Glasson, who raced into the penalty area and his shot deflected of the unfortunate Susnjar and under the body of Cook. It looked game over, but Glory had other ideas and in the first minute of stoppage time they reduced the margin. Glory won a free kick on the right, and Bozanic’s curling effort beat Redmayne and went in off the post, to set up a tense finale, but the hosts held firm to take the points.
“It’s great for the group to win at home. We created enough opportunities and I think we should have killed the game off. I think we had 32 shots today,” Sydney FC coach Ufuk Talay said post-match. “When we performed the press, we did it well, and you see the outcome when we don’t do it well – so that’s something we’re definitely going to get better at. We’re getting fitter and stronger. The delays at half-time are out of our control, out of everybody’s control, and it’s not ideal but it’s the same for both teams.”
Sydney FC: GK Andrew REDMAYNE, 8 Jake GIRDWOOD-REICH, 9 Fabio GOMES, 10 Joe LOLLEY, 11 Robert MAK (4 Jordan COURTNEY-PERKINS 72'), 12 Corey HOLLMAN (21 Zac DE JESUS 90+5'), 13 Pat WOOD (19 Mitch GLASSON 71'), 15 Gabriel LACERDA, 16 Joel KING, 23 Rhyan GRANT, 26 Luke BRATTAN - Subs not used: RGK Adam PAVLESIC, 3 Aaron GURD, 18 Matthew SCARCELLA, 29. Joe LACEY
Perth Glory: GK Cameron COOK, 2 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS (19 Trent OSTLER 82'), 5 Mark BEEVERS, 10 Salim KHELIFI (7 Stefan COLAKOVSKI 46'), 12 Luke IVANOVIC (23 Daniel BENNIE 46'), 15 Aleksandar SUSNJAR, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO (77 Bruce KAMAU 67'), 20 Giordano COLLI (6 Aaron MCENEFF 46'), 22 Adam TAGGART, 24 Oliver BOZANIC, 29 Darryl LACHMAN - Subs not used: RGK Oli SAIL, 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI - Referee: Alireza FAGHANI
2.12.2023
CANADA THRASH MATILDAS IN THE RAIN
The Matildas have fallen to their first defeat since the recent FIFA World Cup on home soil, and have recorded their heaviest defeat in 17 months, after an inexperienced side were thrashed 5-0 by Canada in their friendly at a wet Starlight Stadium in Langford, British Columbia on Saturday morning. Nichelle Prince scored a first-half brace to send Canada on its way, with Cloé Lacasse, Simi Awujo and Adriana Leon completing the rout inside 62 minutes on Saturday. It was the Matildas' biggest defeat since a similarly inexperienced line-up posted a 7-0 humiliation to Spain in 2022.
“We said we wanted to go extreme today and really test ourselves against one of the best teams in the world,” Matildas Head Coach Tony Gustavsson explained post-match “We tried to play out from the back, tried to break lines, tried to combine to see where we are in that process, both as a team and also with individual players. That cost us – we knew that could cost us. I do think there’s a couple of really good takeaways for us from this one. One is that we can’t lose our verticality to get in behind the back line when the time is there, because we’re really good when we do that.
“I think the fact that we trained three days now with combination play, we lost a little bit of the mindset to get in behind and have more variation in that. Individually, I want to look at the game, but I said before that I want to win a player this game and get some answers, and the 30 minutes with Charlie Rule’s centre-back play was impressive. She hasn’t played that before. She has a profile that we think is exciting if you want to play more with the ball and I think her last 30 minutes was very impressive.”
Gustavsson had promised an experimental squad and no players from the 4-0 Women's World Cup win over Canada were named in the starting line-up. Sam Kerr and Mackenzie Arnold were out injured, while Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley, Mary Fowler and Kyra Cooney-Cross were among those benched amid heavy workloads at club level. Charlize Rule and Sarah Hunter debuted at right-back and holding midfield and were among six players with fewer than 20 caps.
On a sodden artificial pitch at Starlight Stadium, the disjointed Matildas struggled to get to grips with the surface, with Canada dictating terms and they were ahead on ten minutes. A heavy back-pass from Rule sold Polkinghorne into trouble and Prince pounced to finish well past Teagan Michah. The Matildas custodian was busy, as Canada pressed, and she produced fine saves to deny Aston Villa striker Leon and Lyon defender Vanessa Gilles. But she was beaten again just before half time, Chelsea defender Ashley Lawrence burst down the right and cut back to Prince, whose first-time shot beat Micah at the near post.
The defending Olympic champions were on the front foot after the restart, and they added a third early, another defensive error, this time from Hunter, saw Lacasse pinched it off her, the Arsenal striker racing on to score. It was 4-0 on 55 minutes, a Rule clearing header only fell to Awujo, who had time to take a touch and fire home from distance. Seven minutes later, Leon completed the rout when she drifted unmarked between a scattered defence to score.
The damage was already down, and the Matildas were struggling in the final third, and they had not had a shot but Gustavsson turned to more experience in Fowler, Cooney-Cross, Katrina Gorry and Alanna Kennedy for the final half-hour. They had their first shot through Fowler in 74 minutes, with Kailen Sheridan making a comfortable save. A game to forget, and the Matildas will hope to rebound in the second game on Wednesday morning.
"I think we were going into it knowing that we were making a lot of changes and trying new things so it was always going to be a tough and challenging game for us — physically and also mentally as well," Temeka Yallop said post-match. "I think it was obviously a very special game for them, but I think Canada is always competitive when we play them so we knew it was a tough game [against] a top-10 opposition. We're in the process of working on our own game so we'll have a lot of learnings for this game and hopefully apply them in the next game.”
Canada: GK Kailen SHERIDAN, 2 Sydney COLLINS, 3 Kadeisha BUCHANAN, 10 Ashley LAWRENCE (23 Bianca ST-GEORGES 55’), 14 Vanessa GILLES, 15 Nichelle PRINCE (9 Jordyn HUITEMA 46’), 17 Jessie FLEMING (13 Sophie SCHMIDT 69’), 19 Adriana LEON (30 Latifah ABDU 63’), 20 Cloe LACASSE (12 Christine SINCLAIR 64’), 21 Jade ROSE (4 Shelina ZADORSKY 69’), 26 Simi AWUJO – Subs not used: RGK Sabrina D’ANGELO, RGK Lysianne PROUIX, 5 QUINN, 8 Jayde RIVIERE, 16 Gabrielle CARLE 99 Jeneva Hernandez GRAY
Matildas: GK Teagan MICAH, 2 Courtney NEVIN, 3 Aivi LUIK (14 Alanna KENNEDY 64’), 4 Claire POLKINGHORNE (23 Kyra COONEY-CROSS 63’), 6 Clare WHEELER, 8 Alex CHIDIAC (11 Mary FOWLER 63’), 13 Temeka YALLOP (16 Hayley RASO 77’), 17 Amy SAYER, 24 Remy SIEMSEN (10 Emily VAN EGMOND 46’), 25 Charlize RULE, 26 Sarah HUNTER (19 Katrina GORRY 63’) – Subs not used: RGK Lydia WILLIAMS RGK Jada MATHYSSEN-WHYMAN, 7 Stephanie CATLEY, 9 Caitlin FOORD, 15 Clare HUNT, 21 Ellie CARPENTER – Referee: Deily Gomez (Costa Rica)
30.11.2023
BOLAND HEADS BACK TO WA
After heading to Victoria in 2015 to play the game he loves, Liam Boland has returned to Western Australia and signed for NPLWA club Olympic Kingsway for 2024. The 31-year-old moved east and played for Oakleigh Cannons, Green Gully, Hume City, before finding a new home at Avondale in 2018, and the big striker went on to lift the title for the Avenger Park club last season, which was a great way to end his stint in Victoria, a decision the striker believes was the best he has ever made.
“It’s great to be back, and it’s almost been ten years since my wife Renae and I left Perth, so to return is fantastic, surrounded by friends and family, especially with a young family of my own now, with my son Harry joining us last year,” Boland explained. “Moving to Melbourne was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I was too comfortable here around friends and family at a younger age and stepping out of my comfort zone gave me no choice but to show what I can do on a football pitch over east. I didn’t want to come back here without having success, and to finish it with the title in my final game was a perfect way to finish up.”
Olympic Head Coach David Tough said the signing of the striker is a huge coup for the club, and he is looking forward to working with him. “We’re delighted to have secured Liam services on his return from Victoria, and he showed everyone over there what he is all about, and became the first player in the NPL Victoria to score 100 goals, which is a great achievement,” Tough said. “When talking to him we were thrilled with his attitude and his determination to help us improve on last season’s third place finish, and we’re all looking forward to working with him.”
Boland made a great impression in Melbourne, with 189 matches and 104 goals, and in doing so become the first player to score 100 goals in the NPL Victoria era, and he can’t wait to get started at Olympic, who have bolstered their squad with the signing of former A-League players Ryan Lowry from Perth RedStar, Aryn Williams from Balcatta Etna, and the returning Mitch Oxborrow. “Before my last season started, I told Avondale that it would be my last in Melbourne as we were ready to move home after the birth of my son. There was a lot of interest which made it difficult at first but after going down to Kingsway I knew pretty quickly that it was a good fit for me,” the striker explained.
“I’m very excited about getting started at Olympic, Toughy (David Tough) is a great coach and we are building something special down at the club at the moment. I was so impressed by the club and what President Steve Nelkovski and the board is doing when I first went down there and am looking forward to pre-season. The club have brought in some quality players, I used to play against Ryan growing up and I’m happy to be playing with him now, he’s very good centre half.
“Aryn is a great player who was very good over east and unfortunately picked up a knee injury over there a couple of years ago, I’m really looking forward to playing with him as I know he’s a winner and competitor who is good on the ball. Mitch is the type of player you need in your team, not afraid to get on the ball and show his class and works hard for the team. With a couple more signings to possibly come in, I am very excited for next season and will do everything I can to contribute to the club’s success.”
30.11.2023
ROWLING TAKES OVER A NEW ERA AT INGLEWOOD IN 2024
Inglewood United go into a new era this season, both on and off the pitch, with Anthony Rowling taking over as Club President, and Taki Nicolaidis taking over as Head Coach. Rowling said it is an honour to take over at the club, after taking the reins at the Inglewood Stadium club from long-term President Cesare Colli, and he is determined to add to the success he had in his tenure. “If you had said to me five years ago that I would be President of an NPL club, appointing coaches and signing up players I would have found it hard to believe,” he said. “But having been part of the club for the last five years, and particularly serving in the role of Junior Chair, my passion for driving the club's strategic plan and ultimately seeing Inglewood succeed is clear to me.
“It has been less than a month since I took on the role and it feels like I have taken on a second full time job as the club prepares for the upcoming season. It is a steep learning curve, but thankfully I can lean on some experienced people at the club to help guide me. That said, it is an honour to have been selected as the president of Inglewood United Football Club and I’m relishing the opportunity to lead the club with the support of the executive and our volunteers.”
Rowling was first to say the work Cesare and his committee over their stint at the club was outstanding, and he really appreciates the help he has given him in the initial transition period. “Ces, Karl (Kramer) and Sean (Cross) have been the bedrock of the club and they have each invested so much into Inglewood,” he said. “In particular I’m grateful for the time Ces has taken to teach me about running the club. Replacing club legends like these was never going to be an easy task, their knowledge and experience cannot be replaced or handed down quickly, but I know we can count on them moving forward. The new executive and I will look to build on their successes whilst implementing our plan and vision for the future.”
Born in England, football is something that was ingrained into Rowling at an early age. Whilst he can't claim to have played at anything near a professional level, he has always been part of a social football team. He became involved at Inglewood United over five years ago, starting out like many as a parent watching his two kids in the mini-roos setup. He was then asked to be coach for the u7's team, and went on to running the junior’s setup for the last two years and joining the club executive team. Be it watching or playing, football has never been absent from his life and no doubt never will.
After a spot in the State League Cup Final last season, and a spot in the Round of 32 of the Australia Cup for the senior sides, with success also in the junior’s, Inglewood’s season teetered on relegation, but a result in the final game maintained their status in the NPL, and Rowlings said it was a tense finish for players and supporters alike. “It could be said last season was a rollercoaster of a ride, the highs of reaching three finals, only to narrowly miss out on two and win the U15's cup,” he explained. “The low, was thinking the club would be relegated with six minutes to go on the final day, so last season had everything (bar a senior trophy!). Hopefully this coming season, with the appointment of Taki Nicolaidis, we will replicate the highs with a little less of the lows for the seniors and I am sure we will have other successes at the club.”
So, what will Antony Rowling bring to Inglewood United, he said he will leave no stone unturned to bring them success. “I intend to firstly bring my love for the game and for the club as a local supporter, parent and community member. I see this both through driving success for Inglewood's competitive performance as well as promoting wider participation at the club,” he said. “The board and I have started to set out a clear strategy for Inglewood going forward. Our ambitions are founded in the club continuing to be competitive in the NPL, but we also want to grow the club in a number of places.
“The club recently launched our junior’s strategy, and a key pillar of this is to grow female participation in the mini-roos setup and beyond. We are on track to field two girl’s teams next season, and from 2025 the club is aiming to have community junior teams to compliment the J-NPL teams. The club is also looking at increasing the number of senior teams, we like many, are constrained by space but that is a better problem to have than not enough teams to fill the space. Aside from the footballing aspect, the club will be looking at ways to integrate more with the local community and engage with fans. It is still early days but the new exec and I will continue to develop and roll out our plan and vision for the club and hopefully we can bring more success to all levels of IUFC.”
Nicolaidis returns to Inglewood, after coaching positions at Floreat Athena, Perth SC, Gwelup Croatia and most recently at Murdoch University Melville, and he can’t wait to get to get started. “I’m super excited to be back at Inglewood and coaching in the NPL again. There’s been a lot of changes since the end of the season on and off the park but looking forward to getting to work,” he said.
“Inglewood has so much potential. They have a great facility and have had some success making finals and winning the NS in recent years. Ideally, I’m looking forward to working with a good group of players that are hungry to improve and be consistent. I’m looking forward to working with Anthony and the new board along with the new coaches that have joined the club. Ideally, we want to continue the good work that Ces and Andres have done at the club and just keep improving and lifting our club profile.”
After spending three seasons at MUMFC, Nicolaidis said it was a pleasure to work for them. “Whilst it was something new to me it was very rewarding to work with some very talented players and to share special moments like gaining promotion in 2021 and winning the Night Series in 2022,” he explained. “It was such a pleasure working with Michael Iannello (President) and Mark Jones (TD) who did an enormous job for the club along with making some good genuine friends. It’s unfortunate that the new President wanted to go in a “different direction” but I guess that’s football. A new door has opened for me and that’s exciting.”
30.11.2023
GLORY HIT THE ROAD AGAIN TO TAKE ON SYDNEY FC
Perth Glory will hit the road again this weekend, with a trip to Allianz Stadium to take on Sydney FC in week six of the Isuzu Ute A-League. (4.45pm WST kick off) Both sides are coming off defeats last weekend, Glory losing at Brisbane, while the Sky Blues lost the Sydney Derby against the Wanderers. Ufuk Talay’s side sit two places, and one point behind Glory on the table, so it’s a huge game for both sides, but for Glory it’s important they start picking up points on the road.
Glory Head Coach Alen Stajcic said the Brisbane game was the worst they have played this season, and is looking for a response from his players, in a game he believes will be another tight encounter. “Sydney, as we know, are an excellent attacking team, they’ve got weapons out wide on both sides, and a Slovakian international in Robbie Mak and Joe Lolley, who are both exceptionally gifted and they have a reliable midfield pairing who help the attack. So, they’re definitely still one of the favourites in the competition for me, despite how they’ve started the year,” Stajcic explained.
“For me [Brisbane] was our poorest game this year, but in the other four games, I generally feel we’ve had enough key actions to be higher up the field. The consequence of that is that sometimes you’ve got to pick up your confidence and your belief in your processes and that’s something that we have to maintain. But certainly, I’ve got a lot of confidence that we can be up there in the top few teams this year by the end of the season.”
Last time Glory played Sydney in the Harbour City was in round 24 last season, and it was a day to forget, the hosts running out convincing 4-1 winners. Adam Le Fondre gave the Sky Blues the lead early, but Adam Zimarino bagged his first A-League goal just before half time to bring the sides level. But after the break goals from Lolley, Robert Mak and Rhyan Grant secured the win.
It’s a return to Sydney for Glory defender Johnny Koutroumbis, who played a season at Western Sydney Wanderers before heading West, and he knows the quality they have in their squad, but the 25-year-old is relishing the challenge. “I don’t shy away from any challenge, as a right-back, or even as a centre-back, throughout my half-career, I’ve come up against multiple calibre of players and I actually enjoy the challenge,” the defender explained. “I do a bit of research throughout the week and see their strengths and weaknesses and from what I learn, I try and apply that to the best of my ability on gameday, so I’m very excited.”
The Sky Blues have attacking threats down both flanks, with the likes of former Nottingham Forest Lolley and Slovakian international Mak, but Koutroumbis is ready for it and knows it will be a tough challenge, as they look for their first points on the road this season. “I think it’s going to be high-tempo, attacking football right from the start, and we’re not going to lay off just because they’re Sydney FC,” he said. “We’ve got high-calibre players up front… in midfield and in defence. We’re going to have to limit their attacks and they’re going to have to limit ours and I think it’ll be a very good spectacle from a neutral’s standpoint and for [fans of] both teams.”
In team news former skipper Mustafa Amini is missing again, the midfielder was named in an extended squad last week, but missed out, and he hasn’t been selected this week, and is not mentioned in the unavailable players. The only addition to the squad is Bruce Kamau, who has recovered from a hamstring injury, but David Williams, Adam Zimarino and Riley Warland are still sidelined. It’s the third away game on the trot and Stajcic will be hoping for the three points to kick start their season.
Sydney FC Squad: GK Andrew REDMAYNE, GK Adam PAVLESIC, 3 Aaron GURD, 4 Jordan COURTNEY-PERKINS, 8 Jake GIRDWOOD-REICH, 9 Fabio GOMES, 10 Joe LOLLEY, 11 Robert MAK, 12 Corey HOLLMAN, 13 Pat WOOD, 15 Gabriel LACERDA, 16 Joel KING, 17 Anthony CACERES, 18 Matthew SCARCELLA, 19 Mitch GLASSON, 21 Zac DE JESUS, 23 Rhyan GRANT, 24 Wataru KAMIJO, 26 Luke BRATTAN, 29 Joe LACEY - *Two to be omitted* - In: GURD (promoted), KAMIJO (promoted), LACEY (promoted) - Unavailable: 6 Jack RODWELL (injured), 22 Max BURGESS (injured), 25 Jaiden KUCHARSKI (injured), 28 Nathan AMANATIDIS (injured)
Perth Glory Squad: GK Cameron COOK, GK Oli SAIL, 2 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS, 5 Mark BEEVERS, 6 Aaron MCENEFF, 7 Stefan COLAKOVSKI, 10 Salim KHELIFI, 12 Luke IVANOVIC, 15 Aleksandar SUSNJAR, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 19 Trent OSTLER, 20 Giordano COLLI, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Daniel BENNIE, 24 Oliver BOZANIC, 27 Jayden GORMAN, 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI, 29 Darryl LACHMAN, 77 Bruce KAMAU - *one to be omitted* - In: KAMAU - Unavailable: 9 David WILLIAMS (injured), 11 Adam ZIMARINO (injured), 14 Riley WARLAND (injured)
29.11.2023
OLYMPIC SHOW THEIR INTENTION FOR NEXT SEASON WITH BIG SIGNINGS
After a third placed finish last season, in their first season back in the Premier League since 1999, Olympic Kingsway haven’t rested on their laurels, and last week they signed five experienced players for the season ahead. Liam Boland has returned from Victoria, while Ryan Lowry has joined from Perth RedStar, Aryn Williams from Balcatta Etna, keeper Adrian Sinagra from Melbourne City, while Mitch Oxborrow has resigned.
Olympic Head Coach David Tough said the quality of the signings shows they are determined to improve on last season. “I think the signings are a real statement by the club, we had a good first season back in the topflight, but we’ve got to continue to improve, we can’t stand still,” the Scotsman explained. “I’m confident these signings will help take us to the next level. We’ve signed top players who have been in around professional football or the highest level here in WA or VIC for over a decade. As happy as we are with the new signing were equally delighted that Shane Cassidy, Daniel Walsh, James Fanelli, Ollie Annis, Josh Samson, Tyler Garner, Sasa Njegic and Liam Murray have all recommitted for next season.”
The move to Kingsway Reserve was a tough one for Lowry, who played all his football at ECU Joondalup/Perth RedStar, apart from spells at Perth Glory and Wellington Phoenix, but after a chat to Tough, he believes it’s the right one. “After speaking to Toughy I knew I wanted to come across to Kingsway, and after watching them last season and how well they did, I’m hoping we can be successful this year, and I’m just looking forward to being a part of that,” Lowry said. “The decision to leave RedStar was tough, I’ve spent the better part of 20 years at Joondalup since I was a kid and for me, but I just wanted an experience and new environment. I wish them well, but I’m a Kingsway player now and I’m really excited to start with the group.”
Like Lowry, the decision to leave Balcatta was difficult for Williams, who had spells in Victoria and India, but the move to Olympic is one he is looking forward too. “I’m really excited about signing with Olympic Kingsway, it’s a progressive club making moves in the right direction and I’m looking forward to playing a big part in the history of the club moving forward. They have recruited really well and I am ready to reach my own personal goals as well as reaching the goals that will be set by the management, staff and players at the club,” Williams explained. “I’m grateful that Balcatta and Glenn (Grostate) gave me the opportunity to represent the badge for the second half of last season. I felt it was the right decision to return home from Melbourne with Balcatta, and I’m going to miss working with Glenn, as well as playing alongside some good friends. I wish nothing but success to Glenn, the staff, the players and everyone down at Balcatta.”
After starting his NPL career at Perth SC, and a season at Perth Glory and most recently at Melbourne City Youth, keeper Sinagra returns to the west, and he said the move is really exciting. “Yes, I’m really excited to get started at the club, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity. At first glance the people I’m surrounded with are very professional and it was a seamless transition from being at over east at Melbourne City last season,” Sinagra said. Toughy, Steve Nelkovski and the staff made me feel like I belonged there a long time ago and have big visions for not only myself but the whole team for next year. Speaking with the club and feeling the trust that I’m wanted at there, and not just another number, made my decision pretty easy to come home and play at for the Green Machine. I’m really excited to be playing with a new group of boys of this calibre, and can’t wait to get started.”
28.11.2023
KERR TO MISS CANADA FRIENDLIES WITH FOOT INJURY
After missing the group stage of the recent World Cup with a calf injury, Matildas skipper Sam Kerr has suffered another setback after being ruled out of the upcoming friendlies against Canada. (Saturday 2.30pm and Wednesday 2pm (both times AEDT). It’s been reported the 30-year-old has been playing at 80 per cent fit for her club side Chelsea, not bad saying she bagged a hat-trick in last week’s Champions League, and in the 5-2 win against Leicester City in the WSL, but she sustained her latest injury in that game, meaning she had to Withdraw from the squad, the club saying, “Sam will remain with Chelsea and undergo further assessment from the club’s medical department during this period.”
Kerr recently opened up on her injury troubles, and had hinted at a looming breakthrough in getting back to 100 per cent fitness. “I just need more consistency, more training and more games. This last block of games has been difficult because you don’t train that often,” Kerr said prior to the latest setback. “I’ve never really - since I’ve been at Chelsea - dealt with a little bit of an injury or a niggle, so it’s been quite frustrating to be honest.
“But I definitely feel like I’m on the up now. It’s been a real positive for me that although I haven’t been in my fittest, and maybe not at my top level, that I’ve still scored a few goals because I think as a striker when you’re not in the groove, I guess you can lose a little bit of that confidence. In the next two to three weeks, I’ll hopefully be back at my fittest.”
Kerr’s withdrawal means Sarah Hunter comes into the Matildas squad for the first time. The call-up is a twist of fate for the Paris FC midfielder just days after she watched on from the bench as Kerr scored a Champions League hat-trick against them. An A-League champion with Sydney FC and a former Young Matildas captain, Hunter moved to the French outfit ahead of the season and has made two appearances off the bench so far. Kerr’s withdrawal further thins a Matildas squad already weakened by the loss of goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold (arm), Charli Grant (hamstring) and Holly McNamara (knee).
Away from the pitch Kerr finished third in the BBC Women’s Football of the Year. The striker was one of five players shortlisted by the global panel of judges and went up against Aitana Bonmati, Mary Earps, Alexandra Popp and Fridolina Rolfo for the award, with Bonmati taking second place and Earps claiming the ninth edition of the coveted prize. Having finished runner-up for the award in 2022, Kerr was among the contenders for the second year in a row. The 30-year-old played a leading role in helping us towards a fourth consecutive Women’s Super League title and third successive FA Cup triumph last time out.
It was another remarkable season for Kerr who netted 29 goals in 38 appearances for Chelsea on our way to the Double in 2022/23. She reached a personal milestone with her 100th appearance for the club during our FA Cup fifth round victory over Arsenal in February. Individual plaudits saw Kerr scoop the club’s Player and Players’ Player of the Season awards, the FA WSL Player of the Year at the London Football Awards for the second time, and she became the first player to win the Football Writers’ Association Women’s Footballer of the Year prize twice in a row.
28.11.2023
DAVIES CONFIDENT JOHOR CAN MATCH JAPAN’S BEST
Taking down Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale will not be an easy feat but Johor Darul Ta’zim defedner Matthew Davies says his team will give everything they have to cause an upset. The 28-year old right-back knows what it is like to face the Azzurro Nero in the Asian Champions League, having lined up against them in the previous two years.
“We know them very well now because we have faced them three times in the last two years. They are strong oppositions, so we are not going to take anything for granted,” Perth-born Davies said. “For us, it is like a final. We will give everything we’ve got because we want to get to the next stage of the competition.”
Kawasaki are currently heading Group I after winning all four of their matches, while Johor are third with six points from four games. Davies admitted that Kawasaki hold the edge in terms of competitive exposure as the J-League is much stronger than the Malaysian Super League.
But Johor have shown that they have what it takes to compete amongst the best in Asia, especially with their recent performances in the continental stage. In their last group outing Johor defeated South Korean champions Ulsan Hyundai 2-1 at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri.
“It’s going to be difficult for us because our league at home is not at the level of the ACL. We do not have week in, week out competitions like Kawasaki Frontale. They have high intensity and competitive matches. It’s tough to make that jump (but) we have shown we are capable of competing at this level,” said Davies.
26.11.2023
ROAR TAKE THE POINTS IN BRISBANE
Perth Glory’s poor run of form on the road this season in the Isuzu Ute A-League continued on Sunday afternoon, after going down 2-1 to Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium in round five. Former Glory youngster Henry Hore gave the hosts the lead early in the second half, before Jay O’Shea added a second just after the hour. It could have been more but for the good form of Glory custodian Cameron Cook, whose early save will go close to the save of the season. Defender Aleksandar Susnjar pulled one back late for Alen Stajcic’s side but it was too little too late.
“I thought Brisbane were the better team today, especially in the first half, had better control of the ball and more confidence on it, so we can’t blame travel for that,” Stajcic said post-match after three straight defeats on the road this season. “We had a few players coming back today, Adam Taggart could only play limited game time, and Ollie (Bozanic) has great experience and a great leader, but we’re still a work in progress and we have a long way to go. We did have some moments on transition in the last 20 minutes to nip a couple of goals and put a bit more pressure on them a bit earlier.”
The Suncorp surface was chopped up due to two concerts held at the stadium earlier in the month, and Glory coach Ante Stajcic labelled the surface a "mud ring". "It was the same for both teams so it is not an excuse for winning or losing ... but it is actually sad to turn up to such an iconic stadium...and having that pitch," he added. "I am sad for the players that they have to play on there and risk their bodies on that. It was more like a mud ring than a pitch."
Stajcic made three changes to the side that lost against Western Sydney Wanderers last time out, with Adam Taggart, Oliver Bozanic and Jarrod Carluccio returning, with David Williams, Bruce Kamau and Jacob Muir missing out. There was still no Mustafa Amini, who has missed all season with injury, while youngster Kaelan Majekodunmi was on the bench looking for his first minutes this season.
The hosts made the better start in this one, and Cook produced a stunning save after only two minutes, getting down smartly to push Florin Berenguer’s effort over the top. The Roar went close again nine minutes later, Hore found an unmarked O’Shea just outside the penalty area, his shot flashed inches wide of the post. The visitors were struggling in the final third, their best chance fell to Taggart midway through the half, but his shot on the turn was saved low by Macklin Freke.
Cook was called on again moments later, getting down well to block Nikola Mileusnic’s effort. Then three minutes before half time the Roar did have the ball in the net, Mileusnic ball found Louis Zabala, who finished neatly past Cook, but the offside flag was raised at after a VAR check the gaol was disallowed, but at the break it was all-square, but Glory needed to lift.
It was a brighter start to the second half by Glory, and they had the ball in the net five minutes in. Daniel Bennie sent Taggart racing down the right, his low cross was turned home by Carluccio at the back post, but the flag was up for offside. The opening goal would be critical in this one, and it went to the hosts on 56 minutes. O’Shea’s tough tackle on Bozanic on the edge of the box was waved clear by referee Ben Abraham, and he played Hore into the area, and he finished low past Cook.
Glory looked for an immediate response and they went within inches moments later. A corner was only cleared to the edge of the box, and Carluccio’s volley whistled inches wide of the post, and many in the ground thought it had gone in after hitting the back stanchion of the goal and rolling along the net. But it was Brisbane who doubled their advantage on 64 minutes, O’Shea’s initial shot from the edge of the box was blocked by Mark Beevers, but his second went under the body of Cook.
To Glory’s credit they continued to press and were rewarded with a consolation goal three minutes into stoppage time. Substitute Aaron McEneff saw his free kick from the edge of the box crash off the crossbar, and Susnjar was quickest to react to the rebound heading home to give them a lifeline, but it came too late and it was Roar celebrating the victory at the final whistle. Roar coach Ross Aloisi was delighted with the way his side handled the conditions in a performance that took them to third on the A-League Men ladder.
"I thought the players were very brave to play the football we wanted to on that field because it was difficult," Aloisi said post-match. "I explained to them yesterday when I knew what the pitch was going to be like that there were no excuses and that we would try and play our football and create as many goal-scoring opportunities. We had something like 23 shots at goal. I am very proud of that playing group."
Brisbane Roar: GK Macklin FREKE, 2 Scott NEVILLE, 3 Corey BROWN (21 Antonee BURKE-GILROY 13'), 5 Thomas ALDRED, 7 Florin BERENGUER (22 Alex PARSONS 83'), 10 Nikola MILEUSNIC (30 Quinn MACNICOL 84'), 12 Taras GOMULKA, 13 Henry HORE (14 Rylan BROWNLIE 80'), 16 Thomas WADDINGHAM, 26 Jay O’SHEA, 35 Louis ZABALA (19 Jack HINGERT 80') - Subs not used: RGK Matt ACTON, 27 Kai TREWOM
Perth Glory: GK Cameron COOK, 2 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS (19 Trent OSTLER 63'), 5 Mark BEEVERS, 10 Salim KHELIFI (7 Stefan COLAKOVSKI 55'), 15 Aleksandar SUSNJAR, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 20 Giordano COLLI, 22 Adam TAGGART, (12 Luke IVANOVIC 63'), 23 Daniel BENNIE, 24 Oliver BOZANIC (6 Aaron MCENEFF 85'), 29 Darryl LACHMAN – Subs not used: RGK Oli SAIL, 27 Jayden GORMAN, 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI - Referee: Ben Abraham
25.11.2023
GLORY BEATEN IN DISTANCE DERBY
Despite a first goal for the club from English striker Millie Farrow, Perth Glory’s unbeaten start to the Liberty A-League season has come to an end on Saturday afternoon as they were beaten 2-1 by Wellington Phoenix, in the ‘Distance Derby’ at the GoMedia Stadium in Auckland. The result sees Glory drop to second place, although they remain level on points with new leaders, Melbourne City.
Farrow had given Glory the lead midway through the first half, but goals after half time from Hope Breslin and Chloe Knott, secured the three points for the hosts, and after the game Glory Head Coach Alex Epakis didn’t mince his words on the performance. “Wellington were really good tonight, they had a lot of energy, and we need to acknowledge that, but we weren’t at our best,” he said. “Even when we went 1-0 up, I wasn’t totally convinced on how we were performing at the time.
“So, we need to learn from today’s performance, and if we don’t it’s not going to be pretty. Our lead up and preparation was on the mark, with travelling etc, and we trained well all week, but the performance was something I never saw coming. I spoke to the players after the game and we’re going to draw a line in the sand collectively and we need to be better and need a response when we get back into training.”
After dropping their first points of the season last week in the draw against Melbourne Victory, Glory was hoping to get back to winning ways, but it was the hosts who were on the front foot early. Manaia Elliott’s long-range shot flashed over the top, before Morgan Aquina had to be alert, getting down well to turn Venezuelan striker Mariana Speckmaier’s shot around the post. Glory settled, and somewhat against the run of play they hit the front on 21 minutes.
Soffia Sakalis pounced on a loose pass out of defence by Michaela Foster and slipped in Farrow, who lost her footing in the penalty area, but she still managed to steer the ball past Rylee Foster, and raced off to celebrate her maiden goal for the club. Wellington continued to press and Aquina palmed away Foster’s cross-shot, before Annalie Longo saw her shot on the turn blocked by Hana Lowry, before Elliott’s follow up shot flew over the top, but it was the visitors with the lead at the break.
But three minutes into the second half the Phoenix levelled, Liz Anton was caught in possession on the left by Elliott, and the ball was switched and found Breslin free inside the penalty area and the American striker finished low past Aquino. The lively Elliott then saw her long-range effort tipped over the top by Aquino as the hosts continuing to dictate terms, and it wasn’t a surprise when they took the lead on 61 minutes. A long ball from defender Mackenzie Barry, flicked off the head of Lowry and fell kindly for Speckmaier, her header crashed off the crossbar, but Knott was quickest to react to the rebound to head home.
For the second week running Glory found themselves behind after leading at half time, and they pressed for the equaliser, and it almost came 15 minutes from time. Former Wellington striker Gale Jale played the ball back to substitute Isobel Dalton, whose long-range effort was heading for the top corner of the net, but Wellington keeper Ryan Foster produced a great save to deny her. Glory will look to bounce back on December 9 when they ravel to take on joint leaders Melbourne City.
“It’s a big result for us to beat Perth who were obviously flying high,” Phoenix head coach Paul Temple said post-match. “I thought in the first half we played some really good football. We combined well…and I think we were just lacking in the final third – decision-making and a little bit of quality. But the first two thirds of the build-up was really good.
“Bit disappointed to go in [to halftime] down because it was our error that led to the goal, but that’s what happens when you play this way. We talked at halftime and felt like we had enough to come back out and win the game so it was nice to see that. We saw a different side of the performance in the last 20-30 minutes where we were strong, we were resolute, we didn’t really give away any big chances and we defended really well and sometimes you need that.”
Wellington Phoenix: GK Rylee FOSTER, 3 Kate TAYLOR, 4 Mackenzie BARRY, 5 Marisa VAN DER MEER, 7 Chloe KNOTT, 10 Alyssa WHINHAM, 11 Hope BRESLIN (20 Emma MAIN 78'), 13 Michaela FOSTER (2 Zoe MCMEEKEN 70'), 16 Annalie LONGO (23 Rebecca LAKE 70'), 17 Mariana SPECKMAIER, 18 Hailey DAVIDSON, 21 Manaia ELLIOTT (9 Kelli BROWN 78') - Subs not used: RGK Brianna EDWARDS
Perth Glory: GK Morgan AQUINO, 3 Jessika COWART, 4 Natasha RIGBY, 7 Liz ANTON, 8 Hana LOWRY, 9 Millie FARROW, 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM, 11 Grace JALE, 12 Sofia SAKALIS (20 Quinley QUEZADA 64'), 22 Claudia MIHOCIC (25 Grace JOHNSTON 51'), 27 Georgia CASSIDY (23 Isobel DALTON 64') - Subs not used: RGK Lilly BAILEY, 14 Tia STONEHILL – Attendance: 5,532 - Referee: Bec Mackie
25.11.2023
KERR ENDS BIG WEEK WITH CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HAT-TRICK
It’s been a big week for Matildas striker Sam Kerr, firstly she announced her engagement to long-time partner Kristie Mewis, and then she bagging a hat-trick to help her English Women’s Super League side Chelsea to a 4-1 win against Paris FC at Stamford Bridge on Friday morning, their first win in the UEFA Women’s Champions’ League Group D.
The former Perth Glory skipper had opened the scoring on the half hour, but Paris hit back with defender Thea Greboval heading them level. But two early goals after the break from Kerr, including a stunning lob to complete her hat-trick, put the Blues back in control, before substitute Sophie Ingle rounded out the scoring in stoppage time.
Kerr, who has been working her way back to full fitness after an injury-interrupted FIFA Women’s World Cup, took the match ball after the game and said it took time to take control of the game, and she was delighted to have contributed to a good win for the side, despite being isolated for most of the game. “It was difficult in the first half, and they are a hard team to break down,” Kerr said post-match.
“Once we cleaned up our passes and lifted the level a bit, we helped ourselves out. The number nine in most teams has got to stay switched on and stay ready. That’s what I try to do every game. When I’m not at my top fitness, it’s a little bit more difficult. I felt like tonight it was okay. I just need to keep building, I’m pretty close but not just there yet.”
The hosts, who drew their opening game against Real Madrid, found it tough early on, but England striker Lauren James should have opened the scoring after Erin Cuthbert’s pass was dummied by Kerr, but she fired horribly wide of the target with the gaol at her mercy. But James made emends on 30 minutes, having a hand in the opener. She was picked out wide on left by Jess Carter, and perfectly weighted cross found Kerr, who nipped in between defender and keeper to fire home. But eight minutes later the visitors levelled, Greboval rising highest to head home Gaetene Thiney’s corner.
The visitors went close to the lead early in the second half, but Chelsea keeper Ann-Katrin Berger saved at the feet of Mathilde Bourdieu. That save turned the game for the Blues, and within two minutes they regained the lead. Substitute Fran Kirby started the move, finding Rytting Kaneryd, and her low found Kerr, who finished well after a late run into the box.
Then the Matildas star completed just before the hour, Berger’s long clearance sent Kerr racing clear, she held off her marker, and her lob on the run from the edge of the box, sailed over the Paris keeper, who couldn’t prevent the ball going in, to complete Kerr’s second in the Champions League and first since bagging four goals against Albanian side Vllaznia last season. Ingle put the icing on the cake in stoppage time, finishing unmarked from a corner to complete a comprehensive win.
Chelsea boss Emma Hayes said they struggled in the first half, but changed a few things at the break. “I felt we lacked a player closer to Sam (Kerr) so I brought on Fran Kerby at half-time,” she said. “I thought that worked really well. Fran’s little bit of quality gave us what we needed.” While when asked about her third goal Kerr said she had luck on side, but many thought the finish was superb. “I thought I was kind of lucky, I saw her backpedalling and thought I’m going to try it,” Kerr added. “It’s kind of hard as a goalkeeper to back-peddle and save those. I don’t mind those ones to be honest.”
25.11.2023
BOZANIC HAPPY TO BE REUNITED WITH COACH ALEN STAJCIC
Former Socceroo Oli Bozanic said he leapt at the chance to reunite with Alen Stajcic when the Perth Glory coach came calling in the off-season. The midfielder was a Central Coast Mariners staple under Stajcic in the 2020/21 when the current Perth coach guided the team from bottom to third spot in the space of a season.
Starting 24 games that season, Bozanic said it did not take much to convince him to head to Perth when Stajcic approached Western Sydney Wanderers - the club the midfielder is contracted to - about a potential loan move. “It was a pretty easy decision for me to come here to work with him in terms of that, he’s a very good manager and the playing style suits me very well,” he said.
Under the terms of his loan agreement with Western Sydney, Bozanic was unable to play last weekend’s 2-0 loss to the Wanderers . “It’s very frustrating not to be able to play but that’s just the way it is in the agreement. Nothing that I can do in terms of that,” he said. “Even in that game, I thought the boys played well. We had our chances to score and to win the game as well.”
Like a number of the Glory’s off-season arrivals, Bozanic was a relative latecomer to pre-season, but said the team was starting to gel. “We’ve taken a lot of positives out of our season so far. We haven’t had the results in a couple of games that we wanted, but we definitely are creating chances and we have the opportunity to win every game,” he said.
24.11.2023
JALE READY FOR RETURN TO NEW ZEALAND
Perth Glory star Grace Jale is unsure of the reception awaiting her in her home town of Auckland, but she is more focused on extending her team’s lead atop the A-League Women ladder. The New Zealand international has been an important cog in Glory’s unbeaten start to the season, chipping in with three goals to help Perth win four of their opening five matches.
After scoring against Western United in the opening round of the season, the former Wellington Phoenix forward will be hoping for a similar outcome on Saturday. Wellington taking the game on the road to Auckland has worked out well for Jale, who hails from the northern city and has been reliably informed her friends and family were quick to snap up tickets for the game.
Jale admitted she was unsure what reception she would receive as a former Phoenix player, but was comfortable knowing she would have a small pocket of support. “I have thought about that. I hope it’s good. My friends and family will be there, they’re going to be supporting me,” she said. “It doesn’t matter they’re Kiwi — they’re my family so they have to support me.”
A newcomer to Perth, Jale joked the heat had caught her off-guard but said Glory were intent on extending their hot start to the season. “We’ve had a good start to the season, hopefully we just start making that gap at the top of the table bigger,” she said.
“Vibes are high and although we didn’t take the three points, we knew we could have, so that’s that’s a good thing to focus on. We’ve got a lot to learn from that last game and we’re going to take it into the next one and everyone’s ready for the long flight and the long travel.”
Having been deployed as a utility at times by Wellington and Western United, Jale said she was thriving in her new role up front alongside fellow import and housemate Millie Farrow. “I’m playing striker here which is nice - I’ve been a winger for my other teams. I don’t think scoring the goals is really my priority - as long as we win, I’m happy, if anyone scores I’m happy. I like assists too, so I’ll take it all,” she said.
Jale was also called-up to New Zealand’s squad for their two games against Colombia in early December as they look to fine tune their preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. “I didn’t have the best World Cup experience, so moving forward to the Olympics and further, I’d like to kind of stamp my mark on the team and every tour I’m grateful for,” Jale said.
24.11.2023
MANDURAH CITY ADD EXPERIENCE ON AND OFF THE PITCH FOR 2024
After just missing out on promotion last season, Mandurah City are determined to go one better in 2024, and they are building on and off the park to do just that. In the coaching department the Dolphins have adding some experience to work with Head Coach John Baird, who goes into his third year at the helm of the club. The club have appointed Pete Taylor and Zach Headington as assistant coaches, as well as Leigh Griffiths as a player coach.
Baird is delighted with the coaching team, and knows they bring a huge amount of skill, experience and professionalism to the team. The club have also appointed Mike Green as the goalkeeper coach for 2024, Green has been part of the club for many years as a first team goalkeeper and coach. “I’ve been very fortunate to have good people and coaches around me since I’ve taken on the role as head coach, and this season is no different,” Baird explained.
“I’m delighted to welcome Pete Taylor back to the club again, and I’m thrilled to have Leigh Griffiths as player coach, he brings experience, and the high level he has played at will be a massive bonus for our players. Zach Headington is stepping up from coaching the U18s, which I think will be good for the younger players stepping up into our group. Finally Greeny, who’s taking the role of goalkeeper coach again which after Alfie (Brincat) picking up all the awards last season shows you how important Greeny is to the team.”
The club have also signed three experienced players for next season, with Martim Galvao joined from NPL side Armadale, and Charlie Parry and Anthony O’Donnell from new NPL side Fremantle City. Baird said the trio will bring a great deal of experience to his already talented squad. “Delighted to get these players on board for next season, as we look to build a side to get promotion, which is our aim, especially after missing out narrowly last season,” Baird said.
“Having watched a lot of Martim and seeing Anthony in person last year, they were two players we identified to make us stronger for the upcoming season, while Charlie, who didn’t get much game time at Fremantle due to injury is raring to go this season, and let’s hope they hit the ground running along with the rest of the squad.”
Galvao, who joined Armadale in mid-season from Fremantle City, said he can’t wait to get started. “The history of the club speaks for itself. More than 50-years developing players is just one of the reasons why the club has become a reference for football in WA,” the midfielder said. “I’m honoured to be representing Mandurah City and cannot wait to start working with the team, as we all want to have a successful season ahead”.
O’Donnell, can who can play either centre back or as a defensive midfielder, signs after having a successful season at Fremantle City last year. Previous to that he was playing in the first division for League of Ireland side, Treaty United. The 27-year-old said after talking to Baird, the decision to join Mandurah was an easy one.
“After speaking to the gaffer, it was a no brainer for me to sign for the club, and after playing against them last season, I saw how professional the club was and once the manager reached out to me, I couldn’t say no,” O’Donnell explained. “On and off the field I have been very impressed by the club’s ambition and hopefully I can help the club make the next step. I’m looking forward to getting in and meeting the lads hopefully it will be a successful season.”
Parry only made a handful of appearances due to injury last season, can play as a right back or a right wing back and is raring to go for the season ahead. “I am looking forward to a new challenge with a great team, that I know will be in contention for the title next season,” Parry said. “The boys have made me feel really welcomed and I can’t wait to start.”
24.11.2023
ROAR NEXT UP FOR GLORY
Perth Glory return to Isuzu Ute A-League action after the international break, when they travel to the Suncorp Stadium on Sunday afternoon to take on Brisbane Roar in round five. (12pm WST kick off) Like many Glory supporters, the Suncorp Stadium brings back bad memories of the 2012 Grand Final defeat at the hands of the Roar, with that controversial penalty, but Glory will go in search of their first points on the road, and Head Coach Alen Stajcic is expecting to face a high-intensity Brisbane Roar side.
Ross Aloisi’s side are coming off an away win at Central Coast Mariners before the break, and Stajcic knows his chargers will need to be at their best to claim their first three points on the road. “They’re a high energy team, a high impact team, who show a lot of dedication to energy for the team both in attack and defence, and I think that’s brought them a lot of success.” he said. “They’ve got a lot of key principles that Ross has put in place and you can see that coming to life on the pitch every week.
“They’ve been a dangerous team every game so far and I think they will be for the rest of the season. We have to be ready for that kind of intensity. I think Ross has done a great job, he’s obviously strong in his conviction and passion. Having worked with him for a number of years, he’s an absolute legend of Australian football in my eyes. They made the Australia Cup Final, and they’ve come out positive in every game and certainly I think they’re going to be a threat to any team this year.”
The last trip to Queensland saw Glory go down 2-1 in round 18 last season at the Dolphin Stadium. Jack Clisby gave Glory the lead on 19 minutes, but the hosts hit back with English defender Thomas Aldred levelling and former Glory midfielder Henry Hore sealed the win just before half time, continuing the poor form in Brisbane, having not won there since 2019.
But Stajcic believes their performances so far this season has been encouraging, and he is looking for a similar performance to the last one against Western Sydney Wanderers, and despite the result the overall performance was pleasing. “I think we’ve actually done all right in most matches,” Stajcic said. “We’ve been in every match, we’ve created chances in every match and in the last game against Wanderers, we started really positively in the first half and I was pleased with the mentality that we could go out there away from home and still dominate one of the better teams of the first part of the league [season].
“For us to have probably more chances than them in the first half showed a good intent. We let ourselves down a little bit in the second half by allowing them too many chances… but we certainly had good intent which was the main thing and if we show that intent throughout the whole year, I’m confident we’ll get a lot of good results whether we’re at home or on the road. So, it’s more about the mentality of the match rather than whether we’re home or away.”
In team news Mustafa Amini returns to the squad for the first time this season, while Oliver Bozanic, Adam Taggart, Jarrod Carluccio all return to the squad, while young defender Kaelan Majekodunmi as also been named. On the other hand, David Willimas, Adam Zimarino, Riley Earland and Bruce Kamau are out injured. The coach is sweating on the fitness of a number of players, but said they are ready for the challenge. “There are still question marks on a few, although they’ve had an extra week to recover and get fit, but we won’t be sure until the end of this week, so we’ll see how they go and how they progress and see if they’re available for the weekend,” he explained. “Taggs [Adam Taggart] is trucking well, but there are four or five players who are in the same boat and we’ll see how they are towards the end of the week.”
Brisbane Roar squad: GK Macklin FREKE, GK Matt ACTON, 2 Scott NEVILLE, 3 Corey BROWN, 5 Thomas ALDRED, 7 Florin BERENGUER, 10 Nikola MILEUSNIC, 11 Jez LOFTHOUSE, 12 Taras GOMULKA, 13 Henry HORE, 14 Rylan BROWNLIE, 16 Thomas WADDINGHAM, 19 Jack HINGERT, 21 Antonee BURKE-GILROY, 22 Alex PARSONS, 26 Jay O’SHEA, 27 Kai TREWOM, 30 Quinn MACNICOL, 32 James NIKOLOVSKI, 35 Louis ZABALA - Ins: HINGERT (return from injury), MACNICOL - Outs: 17 Carlo ARMIENTO (groin) - Unavailable: 6 Joe CALETTI (suspended), 8 Jonas MARKOVSKI (knee), 23 Aaron REARDON (knee)
Perth Glory Squad: GK Cameron COOK, GK Oli SAIL, 2 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS, 3 Jacob MUIR, 5 Mark BEEVERS, 6 Aaron MCENEFF, 7 Stefan COLAKOVSKI, 8 Mustafa AMINI, 10 Salim KHELIFI, 12 Luke IVANOVIC, 15 Aleksandar SUSNJAR, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 19 Trent OSTLER, 20 Giordano COLLI, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Daniel BENNIE, 24 Oliver BOZANIC, 27 Jayden GORMAN, 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI, 29 Darryl LACHMAN - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: AMINI, IVANOVIC, CARLUCCIO, TAGGART, BOZANIC, MAJEKODUNMI - Unavailable: 9 David WILLIAMS (injured), 11 Adam ZIMARINO (injured), 14 Riley WARLAND (injured), 77 Bruce KAMAU (injured)
24.11.2023
GLORY HEAD INTO DISTANCE DERBY WITH A TWIST
Liberty A-League leaders Perth Glory will look to continue their unbeaten start to the season, when they head over the ditch to take on Wellington Phoenix in the longer Distance Derby at GoMedia Stadium in Auckland on Saturday afternoon (2.15pm WA time kick off). The round six clash has been moved from Wellington to Auckland, which will mean an increased trip for the side, but Head Coach Alex Epakis said spending more time together will help them overcome the travel, and hope they can continue their 100% away record for the season.
“I know that over the time that I’ve been here, we’ve had our fair share of away stints, both long distances and long times away, especially during that COVID period, but as a group, we become a lot stronger and more unified when we spend that type of time together,” he explained. “We also have the opportunity to travel every second week, whereas some teams come to us only once a season, so for us, it’s a lot more normal. So, we just try and utilise that time together and it gives us more time to prepare and be really focused for the game.”
The last time Glory headed to New Zealand was in round 18 last season, when Cyera Hintzen scored the only goal in a 1-0 win at Sky Stadium. Epakis’ side are coming off the back of a 2-2 draw against Melbourne Victory last week, with Hana Lowrey scoring a stoppage time equaliser, and the coach said it showed the determination of his side, and despite dropping their first points of the season he was pleased with the performance.
“We took a lot away from that game, whilst we didn’t walk away with three points, we did walk away with a lot of other real positives which I think will hold us in good stead for the rest of the season,” he said. “The ability to get something late and really push was something really important for us and that’s where we want to be as a team this year. For me, we dominated large periods of the game and had opportunities to go two up and we didn’t nail them.
“That was unfortunate, but the intent there to get more goals after already going up is something that, as a group, I’ve really challenged them to do. Then to have the sucker-punch of conceding two really quickly, I thought that this is going to be a different test for us. Did we have it in us in the last ten minutes to find a goal and get something out of it, and my team certainly did. It was a really good learning moment for all of us.”
The hosts sit third on the table, but are coming off their second defeat of the season at Central Coast Mariners last week, and the coach is well aware of the talent they have, and he is defiantly not going to underestimate the challenge they will provide on Saturday. “I think it’ll be a really structured game, as Phoenix has a really clear style of play,” Epakis said. “They like to build up, they have a certain focus on keeping the ball and trying to play through the lines and for us, we’re quite similar in that regard. We’ve just got to make sure that we minimise the transition moments.
“I think both teams are able to do damage in those areas. We’re in a position where we’re really focused on our playing style and what it is we’re trying to do on the pitch. We need to be aware of what the opposition can do and where their threats are, but we are really focused on us. They’ve made a good start and there are two in-form teams that are going to have a real crack on the weekend.”
In team news for the game, keeper Sally James and defender Isabella Wallhead will miss the trip due to injury, while Tia Stonehill, Abbey Green, Izzy Foletta and Isobel Dalton have been added to the travelling party, with Grace Jale returning to her former club. Phoenix will be without Football Ferns striker Grace Wisnewski and youngster Liv Ingham both due to injury.
Wellington Phoenix squad: GK Rylee FOSTER, GK Brianna EDWARDS, GK Aimee DANIELI, 2 Zoe MCMEEKEN, 3 Kate TAYLOR, 4 Mackenzie BARRY, 5 Marisa VAN DER MEER, 6 Macey FRASER, 7 Chloe KNOTT, 9 Kelli BROWN, 10 Alyssa WHINHAM, 11 Hope BRESLIN, 13 Michaela FOSTER, 14 Michaela ROBERTSON, 16 Annalie LONGO, 17 Mariana SPECKMAIER, 18 Hailey DAVIDSON, 20 Emma MAIN, 21 Manaia ELLIOTT, 23 Rebecca LAKE - *Four to be omitted* - Unavailable: 8 Grace WISNEWSKI (injured), 19 Liv INGHAM (injured)
Perth Glory squad: GK Morgan AQUINO, GK Lilly BAILEY, 3 Jessika COWART, 4 Natasha RIGBY, 7 Liz ANTON, 8 Hana LOWRY, 9 Millie FARROW, 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM, 11 Grace JALE, 12 Sofia SAKALIS, 13 Sarah CAIN, 14 Tia STONEHILL, 17 Abbey GREEN, 18 Sadie LAWRENCE, 19 Izzy FOLETTA, 20 Quinley QUEZADA, 22 Claudia MIHOCIC, 23 Isobel DALTON, 25 Grace JOHNSTON, 27 Georgia CASSIDY - *Four to be omitted* - Ins: STONEHILL, GREEN, FOLETTA, DALTON - Unavailable: 16 Isabella WALLHEAD (injured), 24 Sally JAMES (injured)
23.11.2023
KWINANA LOOK TO TRIO TO CLIMB BACK INTO THE PREMIER DIVISION
After relegation to the Belt-Up Amateur Division One last season, Kwinana United have appointed a trio of coaches for their first team, as they look to bounce back in 2024. The club announced in midweek the appointment of George Mann, Nigel Burke and Jake Hickey, the trio hoping to guide the club back to the Premier Division at the first time of asking, while Ryan Watret and Hussein Ahmed take over the reserves side.
Burke is a former Kwinana player, and brings a vast amount of experience as a footballer in WA in both the state and amateur leagues. A former golden boot winner at both state league and amateur level, his success and knowledge as a player will be a great asset to the squad and brings real life experience to the coaching panel. Hickey, was first team coach at Baldivis most recently, and like Burke brings drive, enthusiasm, and invaluable experience as a coach in the WA Amateur Leagues. Mann coached Baldivis Amateurs, and is young, ambitious and brings a level of professionalism and commitment from his background as a professional Muay Thai Boxing World Champion.
Mann said he is looking forward to the new challenge at Kwinana, and the club are progressive and the trio are determined to add to the success they had at Baldivis last season. “The appointment is exciting but also a risky move for both parties,” he said. “From our side, we had built a fantastic team culture and squad at Baldivis. We had already exceeded our own expectations, so any future success was a bonus, whereas Kwinana needs to be rebuilt. From Kwinana’s side, they have just appointed possibly the youngest coaching group across the leagues, so once again risky, but both parties are aware of the task ahead and we welcome it.
“Relegation wasn’t good, but I have viewed this in a different light. Yes, the final points tally and league placement was disappointing but… the positive is, the boys now understand the true feeling of defeat. Coming into this season, every person in that squad last year has a point to prove. Not only to the league, spectators but themselves and the club, our backs are against the wall and we have nothing to lose. We will do everything in our power to get Kwinana back into the Premier Division and beyond.”
Mann was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and he grew up playing football from a young age and he’s been obsessed with the game his entire life. He was fortunate to play under the SFA and train weekly at the likes of Ibrox, Celtic Park, Hampden Park, between the ages of 12-16. After that his fighting career took priority. He returned to play at Baldivis several years later for enjoyment, he said ‘Bambi on ice comes to mind’, but injuries took their toll and he turned to coaching.
“After getting an injury, I stopped playing and once again, had to reassess my situation and prioritise my fighting career again. The Baldivis coaches stepped down and Jake and I stepped up to the role about two weeks before preseason,” Mann explained. “We both trained and coached martial arts for many years so mixing our coaching experience with our passion and knowledge of the football game was a good combination.
“We learned at a quick pace and we made some mistakes but we also did some great things. At the end of the day, stepping into the coaching world was one of our best decisions we made. But this appointment has got me excited. People who know me will tell you I’ll bring plenty of enjoyment and banter to the club but also the professionalism and seriousness required to succeed. State League is our goal but we will take one step at a time and hopefully get Kwinana back into the Premier Division where the club belongs.”
22.11.2023
NEW NATIONAL SECOND TIER TEAMS ANNOUNCED
After the suggestion of a second tier A-League was discussed a few years ago, a number of WA clubs were touted to join, with Perth SC, Bayswater City, Perth RedStar and Cockburn City, mentioned in dispatches, but for whatever the reason WA, mostly the cost, we didn’t have one club nominate in the end, only Cockburn showed the most interest but it didn’t come to fruition, and on Monday Football Australia announced the foundation clubs for National Second Tier.
It does mark a significant milestone in the Australian football eco-system, but it can’t be called a ‘National Competition’ as all eight clubs come from Victoria and NSW, with WA and the other states missing out. These two states are the so called ‘Heartland’ of football in the country, and Football Australia stated that they had a rigorous and comprehensive application process, so there is still a chance we can see a club from WA take part in the future, but they officially announced the selection of eight foundation clubs for the inaugural competition, set to commence in March/April 2025.
In alphabetical order: 1 APIA LEICHHARDT - Established in 1954. From the vibrant community of Leichhardt in Sydney’s inner west, APIA Leichardt Tigers FC brings a rich heritage and a fervent fanbase to the NST. 2 AVONDALE FC - Representing one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, Victoria’s Avondale FC steps into the NST ready to make its mark with home grown talent and ambition to match. 3 MARCONI STALLIONS FC - Proudly supported by a membership base of over 36,000. A club synonymous with legacy and achievement, Marconi Stallions FC from Fairfield in Sydney’s outer west has produced 75 Socceroos including 6 former captains. 4 PRESTON LIONS FC - Established in 1947. With a passionate following and a progressive culture, Preston Lions from Victoria’s northern suburbs is poised to add a new chapter to its illustrious history.
5 SOUTH MELBOURNE FC - Globally recognised as Oceania Club of the Century. A club with a deep-rooted legacy and strong commercial base, South Melbourne FC stands ready to extend its influence into this new era. 6 SYDNEY OLYMPIC FC -Established in 1957. Representing the spirit of competition and sportsmanship, Sydney Olympic FC enters the NST supported by strong community programs and partnerships. 7 SYDNEY UNITED 58 FC - Australia Cup 2022 Runner Up. A beacon of Sydney’s south-western suburbs, Sydney United 58 FC has a proven track record developing talent including 60 players who have represented the Socceroos. 8 WOLLONGONG WOLVES - Established in 1980. Embodied by the resilience and strength of its region, Wollongong Wolves FC represents a territory comprised of over 20,000 players across 108 clubs.
James Johnson, CEO of Football Australia, expressed his enthusiasm for this development in the game. "The establishment of the National Second Tier is a transformative step for Australian football, aligning perfectly with our 15-year strategic vision outlined in the XI Principles,” he said. “It symbolises our commitment to reconnecting the football pyramid and enhancing the competitiveness of our national game. These clubs were chosen following a comprehensive and multi-phased NST Application Process that began in early 2023, and each club demonstrated not only their readiness in terms of operational and commercial elements but also their alignment with the strategic objectives of Australian football.”
Looking forward, the CEO highlighted the strategic importance of the second tier on the game in the country. “This is more than just a competition, it's a cornerstone in our mission to fortify the foundations of our sport. The National Second Tier will be instrumental in nurturing talent, engaging communities, and elevating the overall quality of football across the country."
Tottenham Hotspur coach, and former South Melbourne player, Ange Postecoglou welcomed the news of the second tier of football in Australia. “It’s great. It’s always been my frustration in Australian football is that we’re such a small community but within that small community, even then we were divided,” he told Optus Sport. “Even from the start of the A-League, I understood why the A-League came to be. It definitely offered some really important pathways for footballers in terms of professionalism and opportunities to pursue a career. But there was so much history and so many passionate football people, that were cast aside at the time.
“It just gives people hope and more opportunity. The other thing is, we knew back then there were five teams in Melbourne you could play for. There were five-six teams in Sydney if you were a young guy. If Marconi didn’t pick you up, Blacktown or Melita might’ve picked you. The same if you didn’t play for South Melbourne, you could play for Sunshine, Heidelberg or Melbourne Croatia. I think having more opportunities for young players is great. When we compare other sports, we are a small community the football community. Hopefully this kind of brings everyone in together and creates something special.”
There is some good news for the other teams who missed out this time, with Football Australia saying due diligence is ongoing to ensure these clubs align with the Club Participation Agreement (CPA) and Club Licensing requirements, Football Australia is committed to expanding the competition's horizon. The NST is set to be a transformative element in Australian football, initially featuring 10 or 12 teams, the inaugural season will incorporate home and away matches culminating in a competitive Finals Series. This initiative is a testament to years of dedicated efforts and advocacy from stakeholders across the football community.
In early 2024, the focus will shift to selecting an additional 2-4 clubs through a refined application process, ensuring a sustainable and diverse composition of clubs for the inaugural NST season. "Our goal is to ensure that the National Second Tier not only enhances the competitive landscape but also embodies the spirit and aspirations of Australian football at all levels," Johnson added. The decision to commence the competition in 2025 was made to ensure a solid foundation for the competition, accommodating comprehensive planning and development for all stakeholders. Two competition formats are under consideration for the inaugural season, contingent upon the successful selection of additional clubs next year.
A 10-team competition with two rounds plus a Finals Series, totalling 18 regular season matches. A 12-team competition with two rounds plus a Finals Series, totalling 22 regular season matches. Furthermore, the NST will be a pivotal feature in the media rights deal from 2025 onwards, showcasing Football Australia’s commitment to the growth and promotion of football in Australia. For the 2024 season, the eight foundation clubs, alongside prospective new entrants, will continue competing in their respective Member Federation National Premier Leagues’ competitions. Football Australia will work closely with these clubs to ensure a smooth transition to the NST.
The next steps for Football Australia will be the finalisation of the application process for the additional foundation clubs in 2024, with specific details to be announced in the coming months. The establishment and development of the NST competition brand is underway, with an exciting launch event anticipated in early 2024. "A new era kicks off in 2025," Johnson said. "Join us as these clubs carve their paths in the annals of Australian football history. Football Australia stands united for the game and ready for the future." Football Australia said are looking forward to working alongside all stakeholders to usher in this new era for Australian football.
22.11.2023
GLORY PAIR SELECTED IN YOUNG MATILDAS SQUAD
Perth Glory pair Georgia Cassidy and Grace Johnston have been selected for the CommBank Young Matildas in the two-match international series away to China later this month. Both players shone in the Football West Hyundai NTC program last season, and both were signed by Perth Glory in Liberty A-League competition this season. Cassidy, who has started all five Glory games this season, and was the nominee for the October Young Football of the Year, while Johnston started the first three, and both have performed well as Glory sit top of the table.
The games are part of the preparations for the AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2024, and the Australia’s U-20 Women’s National Team will play their fellow Asia Cup qualifiers in Xiamen on Sunday, 3 December, and Wednesday, 6 December 2023. Football Australia CEO, James Johnson, said: “The tour of China is a significant opportunity for the CommBank Young Matildas to continue to build towards a key tournament in next year’s AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup. It builds upon our concerted approach to provide high-quality match minutes for the next generation of footballers and, as former AFC U-20 champions, China is one such nation that will provide invaluable international experience for the players.
“2023 has seen our youth representative teams play more internationals outside of competition than in previous years with trips to Italy, Korea Republic and now China. We have already begun to see the benefits of that investment the advancing of players through the youth ranks and making history in the A-League Women’s competition. This is only possible with strong strategic partnerships, and we would like to thank the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations and the Chinese Football Association for their collaboration.”
National Foundation for Australia-China Relations CEO Peter Cai said, "The Foundation is proud to support the next generation of Matildas heading to China, particularly on the back of the Prime Minister's recent visit. This tour will help build on longstanding links between Australia and China and showcase Australia's excellence in women’s sport." China qualified for the eight-nation AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup after finishing Group B winners in Round 2 and is a six-time FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup participant.
The fixtures form a crucial part of Head Coach Leah Blayney’s groundwork for the side as they aim to qualify for the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Colombia 2024 with a top-four finish at the continental championships. Blayney has selected a 24-player squad for the tour laden with A-League Women’s talent as a reward for strong performances in the opening five rounds of the 2023/2024 season. “It has been an exciting start to the 2023/24 A-League Women’s season, and we have already witnessed an impressive level of technical skill, tactical awareness, physicality, and commitment to continuous development from youth players all across the league,” Blayney said.
“This squad has been selected to reflect and recognise those showings and ongoing performances within our recent national team environments. For a number of the players, it has been a little while since they have been with the national team group, so getting up to speed with the primary goal. For those who were a part of the qualification campaign, it is yet another chance to continue laying the platform for 2024.”
COMMBANK YOUNG MATILDAS | SQUAD – GK Chloe LINCOLN, GK Tahlia FRANCO, Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, Milly BOUGHTON, Georgia CASSIDY, Claudia CICCO, Indiana DOS SANTOS, Jynaya DOS SANTOS, Daniela GALIC, Lara GOOCH, Sasha GROVE, Milan HAMMOND, Shay HOLLMAN, Kahli JOHNSON, Grace JOHNSTON, Zoe KARIPIDIS, Zara KRUGER, Maya LOBO, Alana MURPHY, Jessika NASH, Ella O'GRADY, Avaani PRAKASH, Naomi THOMAS-CHINNAMA, Peta TRIMIS
21.11.2023
GLORY YOUNG GUNS CASSIDY AND JOHNSTON INCLUDED IN YOUNG MATILDAS
Perth Glory rising stars Georgia Cassidy and Grace Johnston have been rewarded for their superb start to life in the A-League Women by earning Young Matildas call-ups. The pair have been included in the 24-player Under-20’s squad to play a two-game series against China in Xiamen in early December.
Cassidy and Johnston have both featured in all five of Glory’s opening games of the season, despite having only signed for the club from the National Training Centre in the off-season. A revelation in the heart of midfield, Cassidy has started all five games while Johnston started three at left-back and come off the bench in the other two.
“It has been an exciting start to the 2023-24 A-League Women’s season, and we have already witnessed an impressive level of technical skill, tactical awareness, physicality, and commitment to continuous development from youth players all across the league,” said Young Matildas coach Leah Blayney.
“This squad has been selected to reflect and recognise those showings and ongoing performances within our recent national team environments. For a number of the players, it has been a little while since they have been with the national team group. For those who were a part of the qualification campaign, it is yet another chance to continue laying the platform for 2024.”
The upcoming games will form part of both Australia’s and China’s preparations for the Under-20 Women’s Asian Cup in Uzbekistan, which takes place in March. The top four teams at the Asian Cup will also qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Colombia in August and September next year.
21.11.2023
SOUTTAR HEADER SEES SOCCEROOS EDGE OUT PALESTINE
Harry Souttar scored the only goal as the Socceroos edged out Palestine in their Asian World Cup qualification at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait on Wednesday evening. The Leicester City defender headed home the match winner after 18 minutes, but the Socceroos were thankful to skipper Matt Ryan who pulled off a stunning reflex save to deny Tamer Seyam just before half time. Substitute’s Brendon Borrello and Jordan Bos went close to doubling their lead, the latter hit the bar late on, but Graham Arnold side held firm to make it back-to-back wins to start their campaign in Group I.
Souttar admitted the Socceroos weren’t at their best, but a win is a win. “I don’t think we were best pleased with our performance,” the big defender said post-match. “It’s a great lesson for us as a team, for a couple of the new guys coming into the squad, about playing games away in Asia. If you want to go through and qualify (for the World Cup), these are the games you’ve got to win.”
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold made four changes to the team that started against Bangladesh, with Ryan Strain, Aziz Behich and Kye Rowles coming in for Lewis Miller, Bos and Cameron Burgess at the back, while Martin Boyle was replaced by Borrello. It was the hosts, roared on by a big crowd, who were on the front foot early, and Ryan made a smart save to deny Seyam’s free kick on six minutes. Australia hit back and went close themselves five minutes later, Connor Metcalfe’s long-range effort saved by Rami Hamada. But the Socceroos silenced the crowd by taking the lead on 18 minutes and it was a case of déjà vu.
Craig Goodwin’s corner picked out Souttar, and like the game against Bangladesh, the big defender powered home a header. Three minutes later they then lost Strain with an injury, he was replaced by Miller, who had impressed in the big win against Bangladesh. The Socceroos looked in search for a second, and it nearly came on the half hour, a neat build up ended with Metcalfe at the far post, but the St Pauli midfielder volleyed straight at Hamada. The hosts should have levelled in stoppage time, a corner wasn’t dealt with, the ball falling to Seyam at the back post, and with the goal at his mercy, Ryan spread himself well and produced a superb one-handed save to deny him.
After the break the Palestine’s continued to press the Socceroos, and clear-cut chances were few and far between, much to the annoyance of Arnold, who made a couple of changes on the hour, and Bos and Borrello almost made an immediate impact. Some neat approach work, and one-touch football sent Borrello in on goal, but Hamada got down well to turn his shot around the post. Then from the resulting corner from Metcalfe, Boss flew highest, but his header crashed off the crossbar and away to safety. The hosts weren’t going away and Oday Dabbagh’s shot was deflected wide, before the lively Seyam’s shot flashed wide of the target, but the Socceroos held firm to secure the three points.
Skipper Matt Ryan said that Palestine gave them the tough test they expected, and the match offered valuable lessons for the playing group. “With every football game, challenges are there to overcome and it was no different tonight,” he said post-match. “We knew we were going to be facing a spirited side with a lot going on in the world at the minute. It was a bit difficult out there tonight, but we’re going to be facing much worse than that in our campaign. It was a good eye-opener for everyone - a good experience and a lot of boys were exposed to what these sorts of games are about and what this journey is about qualifying for a World Cup.”
Palestine: GK Rami HAMADA, 3 Mohammed RASHID (6 Oday KAROUB 74’), 5 Mohammed SALEH, 7 Musab AL BATTAT, 9 Tamer SEYAM (21 Islam BATRAN 81’), 11 Oday DABBAGH, 12 Camilo SALDANA, 13 Mahmoud ABUWARDA, 15 Michel TERMANINI, 20 Zaid QUNBAR (19 Mahmoud WADI 87’), 23 Ataa JABER – Subs not used: RGK Amr KADDOURA, RGK Naim ABU AKER, 2 Mohammed KHALIL, 4 Yasser HAMED, 8 Mohammed YAMIN, 10 Saleh CHILHADEH, 14 Al-Mahdi ISSA, 17 Mousa FARAWI, 18 Alaa Aldeen HASSAN
Socceroos: GK Mathew RYAN, 2 Ryan STRAIN (20 Lewis MILLER 21’), 4 Kye ROWLES, 6 Martin BOYLE (11 Brandon BORRELLO 61’), 8 Connor METCALFE, 15 Mitchell DUKE (9 Jamie MACLAREN 90+3’), 16 Aziz BEHICH, 17 Keanu BACCUS (14 Aiden O’NEILL 90+3’), 19 Harry SOUTTAR, 22 Jackson IRVINE, 23 Craig GOODWIN (5 Jordan BOS 61’) - Subs not used: RGK Joe GAUCI, RGK Ashley MAYNARD-BREWER, 3 Cameron BURGESS, 7 Sam SILVERA, 13 Alessandro CIRCATI, 10 Kusini YENGI, 21 Massimo LUONGO – Attendance 14,537 – Referee: Qasim Matar Al-Hatmi (Oman)
18.11.2023
LOWRY AT THE DOUBLE FOR GLORY
Perth Glory have continued their unbeaten start to the Liberty A-Legue campaign, after a stoppage time equaliser from Hana Lowry secured a 2-2 draw against Melbourne Victory at Macedonia Park on Saturday evening. The Young Matildas’ midfielder had given Alex Epakis’ side the lead at half time, but Victory hit back after the break with Rachel Lowe scoring a brace to give them the lead with six minutes remaining, but Lowry’s late strike gave both sides a share of the spoils and ensure skipper Natasha Rigby’s 100th game didn’t end on a sour note.
“I thought the team tonight showed a great deal of character in those dying minutes after conceding so late in the game, so to find a way to get something out of the game, and I think it would’ve been really unjust if we walked away with nothing,” Epakis said post-match. “Even when we conceded to go 2-1 down, I just knew my team would find a way to get something from the match, and players stepped up in those moments, and the finish from Hana was really composed, under extreme pressure. Overall, there were large phases of the game I was happy with, but some we would like to fine tune and tweak, but the draw was probably a fair result.”
The hosts were unchanged from the side that beat Adelaide United last time out, and in front of another big crowd on a warm WA evening, it was Victory who opened the brighter, with Japanese striker Kurea Okino seeing two shots flash wide as they looked to continue their recent good form. But after soaking up the pressure it was Glory who found the opener on 24 minutes, English striker Millie Farrow won a free kick on the edge of the box and Lowry found the bottom corner of the net, past former Perth-born keeper Lydia Williams.
They went close to a second five minutes later, Farrow got on the end of a through ball from Sofia Sakalis, before easing past her marker, her shot was parried by Williams, and Kayla Morrison cleared the ball away to safety. Glory continued to press and Victory held firm, despite yellow cards to Tori Hansen and Elise Kellond-Knight, but at the break the hosts held the lead.
It was more of the same after the break and Williams made a smart save to thwart Grace Gale early, and produced an even better one to deny Liz Anton, before the milestone girl Rigby saw her curling effort flash wide. Farrow, who was once again involved in many Glory attacks, but is still searching for her first A-League goal, was then sent clear by Jale on 76 minutes, but her shot drifted agonisingly wide of the post.
That miss came back to haunt Glory, as three minutes later Victory levelled. Ella O’Grady’s shot was deflected into path of Lowe, whose effort took another deflection to beat Morgan Aquino. Then five minutes later the visitors hit the front, Jamilla Rankin’s cross from the left was only cleared to the edge of the box and Lowe volleyed home, and that looked like being the winner.
But Epakis’ side had other ideas, and roared on by the biggest crowd of the season, 1,533, Glory pressed and were rewarded on 95 minutes. Neat build up play from substitute Quinley Quezada and Susan Phonsongkham, the latter finding Lowry in a pocket of space in the penalty area and the midfielder finished with aplomb past Williams much to the delight of the home supporters.
Victory Head Coach Jeff Hopkins said he was pleased with the performance from his side. “[This] is a hard place to come first of all, and Perth are on a really good run at the moment, so to come here and nearly come away with three points, especially after being a goal down, I was really proud of the second half performance,” he said post-match. “But obviously there are one or two things as well that we must do better, I was really pleased with the way that we passed the ball in the second half, and we took a few chances. We were brave on the ball. We had to receive the ball in areas where we potentially could lose it. We were, I think, really brave, and we got rewarded for that as well.”
Perth Glory: GK Morgan AQUINO, 3 Jessika COWART, 4 Natasha RIGBY, 7 Liz ANTON (25 Grace JOHNSTON 83'), 8 Hana LOWRY, 9 Millie FARROW, 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM, 11 Grace JALE, 12 Sofia SAKALIS (20 Quinley QUEZADA 71'), 22 Claudia MIHOCIC, 27 Georgia CASSIDY - Subs not used: RGK Lilly BAILEY, 13 Sarah CAIN, 18 Sadie LAWRENCE
Melbourne Victory: GK Lydia WILLIAMS, 2 Jamilla RANKIN, 3 Tori HANSEN, 4 Sara D’APPOLONIA, 5 Jessika NASH, 8 Alana MURPHY (7 Ella O’GRADY 46') (16 Paige ZOIS 90+7'), 11 McKenzie WEINERT, 13 Kurea OKINO, 18 Kayla MORRISON, 21 Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 23 Rachel LOWE - Subs not used: RGK Miranda TEMPLEMAN, 22 Ava BRIEDIS, 27 Rosie CURTIS – Attendance: 1,533 – Referee: Caitlin WILLIAMS
16.11.2023
MACLAREN HAT-TRICK HELPS SOCCEROOS TO BIG WIN
The Socceroos opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a comfortable 7-0 win against the world’s 183rd-ranked side Bangladesh at AAMI Park on Thursday evening, with former Perth Glory striker Jamie Maclaren scoring a second half hat-trick after coming off the bench. It was a nostalgic night for the Green and Gold, exactly 18 years since the famous penalty shootout win over Uruguay that sealed their qualification in the 2006 World Cup, and they hope this is the start to a sixth-straight World Cup appearance.
In a one-sided clash Harry Souttar opened the scoring inside five minutes, before Brandon Borrello and a Mitch Duke double gave them a 4-0 lead at the break. Maclaren came off the bench at half time and fired home a hat-trick, and it could have been more but for a good performance from the overworked Bangladesh keeper Mitul Marma, who saved a late penalty from Massimo Luongo.
Maclaren said while it could be seen as the perfect start to the campaign, there was still room for improvement. “It’s seven goals but it could’ve been more, for myself as well, but we move on. It’s three points. We head to Kuwait now,” he said post-match. “You always strive for better and we know we could’ve scored a lot more. The boys in the back were solid; not even sure Maty [Ryan] had a save to make. Proud of the team but we know the next game is going to be a lot harder.”
Apart from Maclaren, Arnold selected three more players with a connection with WA, former ECU Joondalup defender Cameron Burgess earning his fourth cap, while another ECU Joondalup junior Ashley Maynard-Brewer and Perth SC defender Alessandro Circati were on the bench. It was a perfect start for Graham Arnold’s side and they found the opener on four minutes, Craig Goodwin’s set-piece picked out Souttar, and the Leicester City defender powered home his header.
They continued to pepper the Bangladeshi goal, and they were rewarded with a second on 20 minutes, the impressive Lewis Miller found Connor Metcalfe down the right, he pulled the ball back from the bye-line to Borrello, and the Western Sydney Wanderers striker made no mistake. The visitors were struggling to cope with the Socceroos and Borrello should have done better moments later, but headed straight at Marma, before Keanu Baccus headed wide when well placed.
But on 37 minutes, the Socceroos did find a third, Metcalfe was again the provider, his dinked cross picking out Duke, who outmuscled his marker to head home. The Machida Zelvia’s striker added a second three minutes later, Borrello’s volley beat Marma, but the post came to the rescue of the Bangladeshi keeper, but the rebound fell to Duke, who fired home the rebound. They almost added another just before half time, but Marma made a smart save to thwart Jackson Irvine, but at the break the Socceroos were well in control.
With a game against Palestine on Tuesday in mind, Arnold made a triple change at the break with Irvine, Duke and Goodwin going off, replaced by Maclaren, Luongo and Aziz Behich, and the former Glory striker made an immediate impact, added the fifth four minutes in. The lively Jordy Boss raced down the left, and the former Melbourne City defenders low cross was turned home by Maclaren, although replays showed he might have strayed offside.
Maclaren, who scored 11 goals in his time in the West, fired wide shortly after, after Marma had made another good save to deny Metcalfe, but he made emends on 70 minutes reacting the quickest after fellow substitute Luongo shot was blocked, to make it 6-0. Bos headed narrowly wide when well placed, as the Socceroos went for more goals, and the seventh duly arrived six minutes from time. Miller, who with Bos had terrorised the Bangladeshi defence down the flanks all evening, crossed to Maclaren who completed his hat-trick.
It should have been 8-0 in the final minute, substitute Aiden O’Neill’s was brought down in the box, and referee Akhrol Risqullaev pointed straight to the spot. Luongo stepped up, but Marma guessed the right way to save low to his right. In the end the Socceroos finished with 29 shots to just one from Bangladesh, while controlling 70 per cent of possession, to make a great start to the North American 2026 World Cup qualification.
In his record 59th match in charge of Australia, Arnold praised the group's mentality but explained he was still looking for more goals from the chances created. “A goal of ours was to get three or four goals in the first half so I could take off three of the older boys [Jackson Irvine, Craig Goodwin and Mitchell Duke] to get them ready for Palestine,” he said. “The most important thing for me was the mentality from the boys. If they had a mindset of complacency, then we wouldn’t have had that performance. Every player on the pitch put in 100% - they weren’t sloppy at all, which was good. We still need to be a bit more ruthless in front of goal. It could have been double figures easily and it should have been. Those things we’ve got to learn to be more ruthless and finish them off.”
Socceroos: GK Mathew RYAN, 3 Cameron BURGESS, 5 Jordan BOS, 8 Connor METCALFE, 11 Brandon BORRELLO (10 Kusini YENGI 72'), 15 Mitchell DUKE (9 Jamie MACLAREN 46’), 17 Keanu BACCUS (14 Aiden O’NEILL 65’), 19 Harry SOUTTAR, 20 Lewis MILLER, 22 Jackson IRVINE (21 Massimo LUONGO 46’), 23 Craig GOODWIN (16 Aziz BEHICH 46’) – Subs not used: RGK Joe GAUCI, RGK Ashley MAYNARD-BREWER, 2 Ryan STRAIN, 4 Kye ROWLES, 7 Sam SILVERA, 13 Alessandro CIRCATI,
Bangladesh: GK Mitul MARMA, 4 Hasan MURAD (2 Shakil HOSSAIN 58’), 5 Mohammad RIDOY, 6 Jamal BHUYAN (8 Robiul HASAN 59’), 10 Rakib HOSSAIN (15 Rafiqul ISLAM 59’), 11 Foysal FAHIM (7 Shekh MORSALIN 73’), 12 Bishwanath GHOSH (3 Mohammad MIA 86’), 14 Tariq KAZI, 17 Sohel RANA, 20 Mojibur Rahman JONY, 22 Saad UDDIN - Subs not used: RGK Pappu HOSSAIN, RGK Mehedi STABON, 18 Isa FAYSAL, 21 Jabed AHMED, 9 Sumon REZA, 19 Mohammad IBRAHIM – Attendance: 20,876 – Referee: Akhrol Risqullaev
16.11.2023
DOLPHINS STRIKER HOPING TO MAKE A SPLASH AT LANGWARRIN
Mandurah City striker Joe O’Brien has become the latest WA player to head east to ply his trade, after the 26-year-old signed for NPL Victoria 2 side Langwarrin Soccer Club for 2024. O’Brien was outstanding for the Dolphins last season, finishing second in the leagues Golden Boot with 16 goals, and after playing for only one club in WA, the decision to leave Mandurah was a tough one, but he flew out to join his new team this week, and he is hoping to add a few more goals for the Lawton Reserve club next season.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to play in Victoria, and one I’m looking forward too,” the striker said. “I was interested in a move over East, and the opportunity came up at Langwarrin, and I was looking for a new challenge, and to join them is an exciting prospect, as they have a great reputation. I know it will be tough, but I’m up for the challenge.
“I’m very much looking forward to helping the team finish as high as possible in a very competitive league. The squad is strong and I’m hoping to add some more attacking threat. I’ve been at Mandurah for a long time, and I played for the first team since I was 16, so yes, it was a tough decision to leave and I’ll miss the club very much, but like I said I just felt as if I needed a new challenge and a change of lifestyle.”
Mandurah City Head Coach John Baird wished O’Brien all the best, but knows he has the talent to excel at Langwarrin. “I had an honest conversation at the end of the season with Joe, and he signed for us for another season, but what we both agreed on was he needed a change and a different challenge,” Baird explained. “He spoke to me about Melbourne and some clubs were interested, and as I played over there myself for a short period, and I had a great relationship with Langwarrin.
“I know the club well and trust the people in charge, so I spoke to the them about Joe and got the process going, which eventually he got his opportunity which we at Mandurah City FC are delighted with. I have to say the period I managed Joe he has went to a different level, not just in performance but professionalism which I think helped him to the success he got. He has been at the club since he was eight-years-old and becoming vice captain was a great servant to the club, in return the club provided football for nearly 20 years and I think both agree it’s been terrific, we wish him all the best, but hope he will wear the Dolphin kit again one day.”
Langwarrin will have a new Head Coach in the dugout this season, with Jamie Skelly taking over the reins from former Newcastle Jets coach Scott Miller, who stood down at the end of last season. Skelly has brought a wealth of experience to the role, having served as Assistant Coach alongside Miller since 2019. Prior to this, he was Head Coach at Peninsula Strikers, Noble Park and Casey Comets, and he holds an AFC B license. “Taking over after someone as accomplished as Scott is a significant challenge,” Skelly said. “However, I have assembled an exceptional coaching team and we are all enthusiastic as we work in shaping our squad for what will again be a highly competitive league.”
Skelly started his junior career at Langwarrin as a five-year-old and progressed through the ranks to the seniors. After that he played at a number of other local clubs including Mornington and Peninsula Strikers but unfortunately, he retired at 26 due to injuries. Transitioning into coach in 2008, he took on the role of under 21 head coach at Langwarrin, and has held coaching roles in a number of third and fourth tier clubs in the south-east of Melbourne. He then made a return to Langwarrin, where he has served as an assistant to Miller for the past five years.
The new coach remembers fondly the time Baird spent at Lawton Reserve, and he said after a chat to the former Raith Rovers, Dundee, St Mirren and Falkirk striker regarding O’Brien, he is looking forward to working with the talent striker. “During his brief 10-week stint with us at Langwarrin, Bairdy made a lasting impression on both myself and the entire club, and after his move to WA we have remained in close contact,” Skelly said. “When discussing Joe, Bairdy was very complimentary of his qualities and accomplishments at Mandurah, and my own research confirmed his insights, and we are now excited that Joe is here to see what he can bring to Langwarrin.”
16.11.2023
GLORY HOPING TO DO IT FOR TASH
Perth Glory have started the season well, and sit on top of the Liberty A-League table after four rounds, and they will be aiming to make it five in a row, and celebrate the 100th Glory game for skipper Tash Rigby in the process, when they host fifth placed Melbourne Victory at Macedonia Park on Saturday evening. (5pm) The Margaret River born defender has been the lifeblood of the Glory over her time in purple, and has led by example after taking over the captain’s armband from Sam Kerr when she departed for the UK.
The 30-year-old is excited to play her milestone game, and is expecting a tough test against a good Victory side. “I’m so incredibly excited, and grateful and honoured to step out for the 100th time for Glory, and the side are buzzing to take on Victory at home,” Rigby said. “I’ve had a number of incredible moments for the club, playing in the Grand Final in my first year, and a second one in 2019, but to play my part in the club’s development over the years and it’s been really special to part of women’s football.”
“We have started the season well and have the momentum at the moment, and that’s credit to all the players, all our staff, and to be able to take the field at a time like this and continue our positive start to the season. They (Victory) have one of the better teams on paper in the league and a number of Matildas and a great deal of experience as well as some talented younger players, and I’m sure it will be a good test for us.”
Glory Head Coach Alex Epakis was quick to praise his skipper, and said she has done so much for the club in her 100 games. “It’s a huge milestone and one that I’m really happy to see her reach. The impact that she has had on this team since I’ve been here and in particular, over the last couple of years, has been unbelievable, Epakis said. “I don’t think there’d be enough words to really put into place that would describe how much she’s done for the team. Her personal values and what she brings really resonates throughout the group and there’s a really clear link between the identity of our team and what she is and her personality. I really love that and I’m really happy for her.”
Epakis is looking forward to the challenge of taking on a quality Victory team, who sit fifth after losing their opening two games, but have bounced back to win the last two, the latest a 4-0 win against Newcastle. “Melbourne have got close to 300 Matildas caps sprinkled throughout the team, the most experienced coach in the competition and they even train out of the home of the Matildas, so you look at that and think that this is going to be a big test,” the coach explained. “But I know that my team and my players are really up for this. “We’ve been playing some really good football and some of the things that we focus on as a playing group are coming to life in games. This is another opportunity to ramp it up and go to another level. When you have that much experience and quality both on and off the field that they [Victory] do, every opportunity to play against them is a good one because you really get to test yourselves. I wouldn’t say we particularly want to make a statement more than any other week and we just want to keep doing what we do. It’s a big challenge and we’re really excited for it.”
Another player who has impressed this season is teenage midfielder Georgia Cassidy, the former NTC player was named as October’s nominee for the ALW Young Player of the Year award and Epakis said the 18-year-old has coming into the side and taken her opportunity well. “Georgia is a very quiet character, but she’s come in with such a steely focus this year and has really taken the opportunity that she’s been given and run with it,” he said. “Her first four appearances have been at a level that have probably exceeded her own expectations, but I’ve got a lot of belief in what she’s capable of and I think there’s a lot more to go, I’m really excited to see how she continues to develop this season, she is a great talent.”
The last time Glory hosted Victory in Perth was in round four last season, when the visitors left with all three points after a 3-0 win at Macedonia Park. Melin Ayres gave Victory the lead midway through the first half, and Glory were reduced to ten when Sarah Cain received a second yellow card and was sent off. Victory capitalized on their numerical advantage with Ayres doubling their advantage on the hour, begore Matildas star Alex Chidiac added a third late. Victory went on to make the end of season finals, one point ahead of Glory on the table.
Perth Glory squad: GK Morgan AQUINO, GK Sally JAMES, 3 Jessika COWART, 4 Natasha RIGBY, 7 Liz ANTON, 8 Hana LOWRY, 9 Millie FARROW, 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM, 11 Grace JALE, 12 Sofia SAKALIS, 13 Sarah CAIN, 14 Tia STONEHILL, 17 Abbey GREEN, 18 Sadie LAWRENCE, 19 Izzy FOLETTA, 20 Quinley QUEZADA, 22 Claudia MIHOCIC, 23 Isobel DALTON, 25 Grace JOHNSTON, 27 Georgia CASSIDY *Four to be omitted* - Ins: CAIN, GREEN, LAWRENCE, FOLETTA - Unavailable: 16 Isabella WALLHEAD (injured)
Melbourne Victory squad: GK Lydia WILLIAMS, GK Miranda TEMPLEMAN, 2 Jamilla RANKIN, 4 Sara D’APPOLONIA, 3 Tori HANSEN, 5 Jessika NASH, 6 Beattie GOAD, 7 Ella O’GRADY, 9 Emily GIELNIK, 8 Alana MURPHY, 10 McKenzie WEINERT, 13 Kurea OKINO, 16 Paige ZOIS, 18 Kayla MORRISON, 19 Lia PRIVITELLI, 21 Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 22 Ava BRIEDIS, 23 Rachel LOWE, 27 Rosie CURTIS - Ins: Zois (promoted), PRIVITELLI (promoted) - Unavailable: 15 Emma CHECKER (injured)
14.11.2023
CASSIDY NOMINATED FOR YOUNG FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR
Teenage Perth Glory midfielder Georgia Cassidy has credited increased work-rate for helping her earn recognition as one of the A-League Women’s top young prospects just four games into her career. The 18-year old has started all four of Glory’s games in the middle of the park, with her impressive showings earning the October nomination for the league’s Young Footballer of the Year Award.
After signing with Glory in the off-season following an excellent stint with the local National Training Centre, Cassidy has quickly adapted to life in the A-League and has played an important role in Perth’s four-game winning streak. The Junior Matildas said she had entered the league determined to seize her chance and had taken it upon herself to develop a strong work ethic.
“The biggest thing that I’ve got from Glory is my work rate off and on the ball, because if you asked anyone, I was never one to track back really,” Cassidy said. “Going into tackles, I would hold off and just kind of be that pivot, just be there - but now I’m just trying to work hard for the whole team.”
Cassidy said playing midfield had been tougher than it looked, and credited 20-year old Hana Lowry for aiding her on the pitch. “Hana has helped me so much confidence-wise. Playing with her is just the best. It’s not been easy, but it’s been good because it’s been easy to adapt into - there’s two in the midfield and it’s just easier with two instead of just being the one,” Cassidy said.
14.11.2023
GRAY HOPING TO GET PEEL ON TRACK
Peel United have appointment Rob Gray as their Premier Amateur First Team Coach for 2023, the new coach looking to get Peel on track after a tenth-place finish last season. Gray will replace Daryl Willmott as coach, who will remain at the club taking up the new role of under 18’s coach, and Gray said he is looking forward to the challenge and building on the good work of Daryl last season. “Very excited to be a part of Peel United again, and the energy and the football quality is there, it just needs shaping and success will follow,” Gray explained. “I caught the last two home games last season and was impressed, most of what I saw could be remedied easily. They are fantastic bunch of lads who should be very proud of how they have climbed to the top and stayed there. Yes, we need to improve on last season, and we are about to start our player recruitment for next season over the next coming weeks and also running trials for U18’s.
“Mandurah/Peel area is a strong population growth area and new players arriving all the time. I have noticed the current players have a strong football community network as they have all known each other for a long time, this also translates to the current team knowing how each other play. There is plenty of youth and the skill level is fairly good as well. It is all about gelling the guys into a team and building the confidence in the team and themselves. We will aim to get early points because as the season progress, I can see us getting stronger, and our aim would be top half knocking on top four.”
Gray has played the game since the age of ten, starting at Gosnells City, where his dad was one of the founders of the Walter Padbury Reserve club, before joining the RAAF as an 18-year-old, and represented the RAAF Amberley Soccer Club. At 19 played for Wagga City in the Southern NSW league, before returning to WA after completing his service, returning to Gosnells City in the WAASA Premier League.
He moved to Mandurah City and played Amateur football in 1993, but an ACL injury ended his top-level football career, but he went on to become President of the Dolphins three years later. He played till the age of 50 with Mandurah Athletic in the Peel Super League, but when the call to coach Peel came along, he jumped at the chance, and he can’t wait to get started.
“I’m looking forward to the new role, and the main thing I bring to the club is an old experienced head (Been there done that) kind of guy. The club has been managed on and off the pitch by the players, all in the same age bracket. I will be someone from a different generation who will act independently from what they are used to,” Gray said. “So, once I get their respect, we all want to turn Peel United into a force in this league where other clubs don’t fancy the trip down to Mandurah.”
14.11.2023
GLORY TAKEOVER SAGA CONTINUES
The news in midweek about the Perth Glory’s takeover being terminated is another slap in the face for the club’s loyal supporters. Yes, membership has dropped in recent seasons, and many can’t blame them after the on again, off again saga that seems to follow the club. After the news Prime Land group-led consortium had taken over the reins there was a glimmer of hopes, but that came crashing down on Tuesday afternoon when the club receivers KordaMentha announced they were unable to satisfy certain conditions precedent to the sale transaction and the conditional sale agreement has subsequently been terminated.
Former Glory owner Tony Sage has described the news as a “travesty”, saying the team’s supporters “deserve better”. Sage was forced to hand back his A-League licence to the Australian Professional Leagues in July, is still hopeful a credible new owner will be found, and a Qatar consortium is one of them. Sage was part of an MLS-based group seeking to buy the club in what would have been a second stint for the businessman who has pumped in a great of money during his 15-year ownership tenure.
“It’s really a travesty what’s happened - and I feel sad for the supporters who deserve much better,” he said. “I was kept away from the process (by the liquidator), who didn’t want previous management involved. What’s now transpired is not the APL’s fault. I put my hand up because I just couldn’t afford it anymore and it was taken out of my hands in July. There were rumours from two weeks ago that Robert Brij didn’t have the funding required but you trust the process and believe the liquidators would do their due diligence. I was grateful when Primeland came in but it’s now in a difficult situation. However, the APL are a professional mob and will continue to look after the players and staff. I have no doubt they’ll get the job done.”
Glory CEO Anthony Radich said the sale process will yield a positive outcome. “Although this news is disappointing, this development is completely out of our control as a club,” he told the clubs website. “While not being privy to the exact details behind KordaMentha’s decision, we have complete confidence in their handling of the sale process and trust that they and APL have acted and continue to act, in the very best interests of the club. We are heartened by the fact that multiple bidders expressed their interest in buying the club during the sale process and remain optimistic that a new prospective purchaser will be identified in the near future. We would like to thank our members, fans, corporates, players and staff for their continued support throughout this sales process period.”
14.11.2023
DONNELL BAGS A HAT-TRICK OFF THE BENCH FOR FULHAM
Things are going along well for former Rockingham City junior Chris Donnell at English Premier League club Fulham, and in his recent game for the Cottagers under 21 team in the Premier League Cup he came off the bench to score a hat-trick to help them to an 8-0 win against Burnley. The 19-year-old played his junior football at Rocky, and went on to Perth Glory, and rose through the academy ranks and made his senior debut for the club in the FFA Cup against Melbourne Victory, before heading to the UK and he has started well for the club.
He has had to bide his time in recent weeks, with a number of first team players dropping down to the 21’s for game time after injury, and missed out on a Olyroos camp due to it not being in the FIFA window, but he took his chance against the Clarets, after coming off the bench on 64 minutes, the midfielder bagged a 12 minutes treble. “I’m a bit in shock to be honest. I was saying to the boys I haven’t scored a hat-trick since I was really young so I’m a bit in shock but over the moon obviously,” he told the clubs website.
Two of Donnell’s goals were headers and it’s something the teenager has been working on. “A lot of credit has to go to the boys around me. The balls definitely made the goals, but I’ve been trying to get into some better positions recently, and obviously my size – I’m pretty tall out there. When I can get into an area, just have to head the ball down more. A few times they’ve been going over the bar but fortunately tonight they went it. I’m loving it. It’s a great club and the boys around me have helped me,” Donnell continued.
13.11.2023
GLORY BACK ON THE MARKET AFTER SALE DEAL TERMINATED
Perth Glory are again on the lookout for new owners after the sale of the club sensationally fell through less than a month after it was announced. A Primeland Group-led consortium, headed by Melbourne property tycoon Robert Brij and associate John Nekic, were unveiled as the new owners on October 17, with formal completion of the deal scheduled to take place in early November.
But the deal was terminated today by receivers KordaMentha after they said the Primeland consortium failed to "satisfy certain conditions precedent to the sale transaction". GLory said KordaMentha would continue to work closely with the Australian Professional Leagues and would re-engage with other interested parties to secure a buyer.
Glory chief executive Anthony Radich is confident the resumption of the sale process will yield a positive outcome. "Although this news is disappointing, this development is completely out of our control," Radich said. "While not being privy to the exact details behind KordaMentha's decision, we have complete confidence in their handling of the sale process."
11.11.2023
PHONSONGKHAM WINS IT FOR GLORY LATE
Perth Glory have maintained their perfect start to the Liberty A-League season, by coming from behind to beat Adelaide United 2-1, in week four at Macedonia Park, to keep them top of the table. Dylan Holmes had given the visitors the lead in the first half, like she did last season at the venue, but this time Glory hit back with New Zealand striker Grace Jale levelling early in the second half, before Susan Phonsongkham scored a late winner to send the big home crowd happy. Glory Head Coach Alex Epakis had been ill all week, but after a few nervy moments early, he was pleased how his side turned things around.
“This week was important week for the group, we know Adelaide are a good football side, and we knew they would be desperate for a result today, so to go behind and get tested and find a way to get maximum points is very pleasing for me,” he said post-match. “I’m really pleased with the character of the side, conceding the goal was a wakeup call for us, and after a chat at half time we tidied up a few things, and played the ball a bit longer and the players came together and found the result, so credit to the players.”
The visitors, who were still searching for their first win of the new season, were thankful to keeper Annalee Grove early, the Reds keeper was the star last season at the venue putting in a player of the match performance, making two early saves. First Jale raced clear but Grove was out quick to deny her, the rebound falling to English striker Mille Farrow, but Grove again saved. The hosts thought they had the lead on eight minutes, Jale found space down the right, her low cross was turned home by Farrow, but the flag was up for offside.
Adelaide hit back and Glory custodian Morgan Aquino had to be alert to make a smart save to deny former Glory striker Alana Jancevski. But it was Grove who was keeping her side in the game, saving well to thwart Hana Lowry’s long-range shot, before saving with her feet to deny Jale, who was proving to be a really handful for the Adeliade defence. But three minutes from half time it was the visitors who struck the opener. Jancevski’s corner to the back post was headed across goal by Ella Tonkin, and Holmes fired home to give them the lead at the break.
The hosts were on the front foot after the break, and they were rewarded with the equaliser six minutes in. Lowry’s racking ball sent Phonsongkham racing down the right, her low cross picked out Jale at the back post and the striker beat Grove at her near post, much to the delight of the home supporters. Adelaide hit back and Holmes should have done better six minutes later, firing over the top when well placed, before Nanako Sasaki did likewise moments later.
It looked like the points would be shared, but Glory had other ideas and four minutes from time they won it. Substitute Grace Johnston found Phonsongkham on the left of the penalty area, she raced into the penalty area, cut inside her marker and her low shot through a crowd of players beat Grove, to set off wild celebrations on and off the park. Adelaide pressed for the equaliser, with five minutes of stoppage time, but Glory held firm to take the points.
Perth Glory: GK Morgan AQUINO, 3 Jessika COWART, 4 Natasha RIGBY, 7 Liz ANTON, 8 Hana LOWRY, 9 Millie FARROW (23 Isobel DALTON 75'), 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM (14 Tia STONEHILL 87'), 11 Grace JALE, 12 Sofia SAKALIS (20 Quinley QUEZADA 68'), 22 Claudia MIHOCIC (25 Grace JOHNSTON 68'), 27 Georgia CASSIDY - Subs not used: RGK Sally JAMES
Adelaide United: GK Annalee GROVE, 2 Emily HODGSON, 5 Sarah MORGAN, 6 Hannah BLAKE, 7 Mariah LEE (18 Annabel HAFFENDEN 84'), 12 Nanako SASAKI (14 Jenna HOLTZ 59'), 13 Ella TONKIN, 16 Dylan HOLMES, 17 Zoe TOLLAND, 19 Maruschka WALDUS (9 Rosetta TAYLOR 59'), 23 Alana JANCEVSKI (11 Isabel HODGSON 75') - Subs not used: RGK Grace WILSON – Attendance: 1,231 - Referee: Gerogia GHIRARDELLO
11.11.2023
WANDERERS HIT TOP SPOT AFTER BEATING GLORY
Perth Glory’s search for their first points on the road in the Isuzu Ute A-League this season continues, after a 2-0 defeat against Western Sydney Wanderers in round five at the CommBank Stadium on Saturday afternoon. It was the first of a three game away trip for Alen Stajcic’s side, and it was a tight first half, with both sides having chances, but second-half goals from former Glory defender Jack Clisby and Tate Russell gave Wanderers the points, moving them to the top of the table, the loss leaving Glory in eighth.
“I thought our performance was good for large parts of the first half and showed a lot of good intent and created a number of chances. I thought we should have been up by a couple at half time, we let them off the hook by not taking those chances, and we got punished with a couple of sloppy bits of defending, and ultimately it cost us the game,” Glory Head Coach Alen Stajcic said post-match.
“We’ve been in every game this season, and shown we are up to the level and can compete with everyone, and even outplay teams and we did that away from home today which was a really good sign. Obviously, we need the result to go with it, as we know the result is the most important thing.”
The coach went on to praise youngster Daniel Bennie, who caused the Wanderers problems all afternoon. “I thought Daniel (Bennie) had a few good chances today, and he caused them a lot of problems, against the experienced defenders they have got, he is tracking well, and is working hard and showing he’s got a lot of potential.”
Stajcic made three changes to the side that beat Central Coast Mariners last week, with striker Adam Taggart out injured and Oliver Bozanic and Jarrod Carluccio unable to play as they are on loan from the Wanderers, with David Williams, Jacob Muir and Bruce Kamau coming into the starting line-up, while on the bench Irish midfielder Aaron McEneff returned from his long-term injury.
Glory started brightly and Kamau dragged a shot wide early, before Williams half-volley flashed over the top. The visitors suffered an injury blow after only 13 minutes with Kamau injuring a hamstring, and he was replaced by the inform Stefan Colakovski coming on. Cameron Cook, who was outstanding in last weeks win against the Mariners, kept his spot between the sticks, and he was in the action early, getting down to save low to deny Brook’s nine minutes later, as the game opened up.
Colakovski went close to the opener moments later, Johnny Koutroumbis’ cross picked out the former Melbourne City striker, his shot beat keeper Lawerence Thomas but Brazilian skipper Marcelo cleared the ball off the line. It was end to end football, and when Russell raced into the penalty area, Cook stood tall to save, before Williams’ shot from just outside the box crashing off the woodwork. Moments later Swedish striker Marcus Antonsson’s snap shot clipped the bar at the other end, before Daniel Bennie, who was having another good game, raced clear from Giordano Colli’s through ball, but Thomas raced out quickly to clear the danger, but at the break it was all to play for after the break.
But it was the hosts who made a perfect start to the second half, hitting the front five minutes in. Josh Brillante’s ball sent Clisby into the box, and the former Inglewood United defender out muscled Bennie and fired into the roof of the net. It was 2-0 seven minutes later, Clisby was the provider this time, his cross wasn’t dealt with and Russell’s volley hit Brillante on the goal line, but the ball had already crossed the line and referee Daniel Elder awarded the goal, after a VAR check.
It was almost 3-0 when Antonsson’s volley flashed wide of the target, but the visitors weren’t finished, a credit to them they pushed forward late, and substitute Trent Ostler’s cross picked out Colakovski on 79 minutes, whose header was superbly saved by Thomas. Ostler was involved again five minutes later, combining with fellow substitute Jayden Gorman, his curling effort whistled inches past the post. Bennie then saw an effort fly over the top when well placed, but it was the hosts celebrating at the final whistle, the Glory looking to bounce back in their next game against Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium on November 26.
Western Sydney Wanderers: GK Lawrence THOMAS, 6 Marcelo, 9 Marcus ANTONSSON (35 Zachary SAPSFORD 82'), 13 Tate RUSSELL (29 Dylan SCICLUNA 71'), 14 Nicolas MILANOVIC, 16 Tom BEADLING, 17 Lachlan BROOK (10 Milos NINKVOIC 82'), 19 Jack CLISBY (36 Oscar PRIESTMAN 89'), 21 Jorrit HENDRIX, 25 Josh BRILLANTE, 26 Brandon BORRELLO - Subs not used: RGK Jack GIBSON, 4 Doni GRDIC, 7 Dylan PIERIAS
Perth Glory: GK Cameron COOK, 2 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS (19 Trent OSTLER 79'), 3 Jacob MUIR, 5 Mark BEEVERS, 9 David WILLIAMS (27 Jayden GORMAN 59'), 10 Salim KHELIFI (11 Adam ZIMARINO 59'), 15 Aleksandar SUSNJAR (14 Riley WARLAND 79'), 20 Giordano COLLI, 23 Daniel BENNIE, 29 Darryl LACHMAN, 77 Bruce KAMAU (7 Stefan COLAKOVSKI 13') - Subs not used: RGK Oli SAIL, 6 Aaron MCENEFF – Attendance: 9,971 - Referee: Daniel ELDER
10.11.2023
DENG TAKES OUT AMATEUR PREMIER DIVISION PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD
The 2023 Belt Up Amateur, Metro and Masters competitions, as well as the Hyundai Women's League held their awards evening at Sam Kerr Football Centre and Jaguar Magai Deng picked up the top award on the night, winning the Amateur Premier Division Player of the Year. The winger who bagging 16-goals last season, despite only being given 15 by Football West, said he was honoured to take on the award, but was quick to thank his team mates.
“I’m very pleased and honoured to have won Men’s Amateur Premier Division player of the year, it’s been a tough season with a lot of competition but I’m glad I won the award, especially with the standard of players in the competitions this season,” Deng explained. “But I couldn’t have done without my teammates and the coaches, all their hard work made it possible, because I wouldn’t have done it alone. We might have not done well as a team compared to last season but individually, I’ve done my best.”
Deng said the club are heading in the right direction, and they are determined to improve in 2024. “Although we all feel disappointed, I must say it was my best year scoring 16 goals for my club, and one I’m proud of,” he explained. “Despite this achievement one thing about this sport, that we all love, is that there’s always a room for improvement, so moving forward I’ll work more harder in order to achieve more.”
Jags Head Coach Josam Muwowo said it was well deserved award for Deng, and his dedication and consistency shone through during the season. “Firstly, I would like to say congratulations to Magai for winning the player of the year award well done and he deserved it,” he said. “Magai is one of the highly dedicated, consistent and disciplined players at our club. He is humble and down to earth and good in personality, and he has always been the key to us during the season, and this shows the love and respect he has for Jags.”
In other awards from the Premier Division, South Perth United’s George won the Golden Boot, North Perth United’s Jamie Serra won the Goalkeeper of the Year, with North Beach winning the Fair Play Award, while Shane O’Donovan, who guided Emerald to the title last season was awarded the Coach of the Year. “For me personally I’m absolutely delighted to get the award and it’s a nice way to finish my tenure, but for the club it’s more recognition from a great season,” O’Donovan said. “Obviously it’s not all down to me as manager, our coach Shane and assistant coach Cathal both had major parts to play on our successful season as well.”
O’Donovan’s side surprised a few people last season by taking out the title, but he said the hard work and determination of the players was outstanding. “I don’t think anyone outside the club expected us to be contenders, not to mind win the league, but everyone inside the club knew we had a strong enough squad to be in the mix,” he explained, “We knew having just good players wasn’t enough, hard work, never letting the standards drop and being consistent were what we pushed on the players from the start and that’s exactly what they done.
“The players were fantastic all the way through, they worked hard at every training session and deserve their rewards now. For the club it is a massive achievement, especially for the size of the club which only started ten years ago in the hub leagues, worked hard to get up through the divisions to now be champions of the Amateur Premier. It’s crazy when you think about it and only ran by couple of lads which the majority still play for the club. But they still have the hunger to grow as a club and bring more success for Emerald FC and will continue pushing to do so.”
In other awards on the night Stirling Panthers Daniel Conti won the Amateur Division One Player of the Year, with Cracovia’s Leigh Morgan and Belmont Villa’s Ali Milhem were joint winners of the Amateur Division Two Player of the Year, Spearwood Dalmatinac’s Giulio Del Dosso took out the Amateur Division Three Player of the Year, with Swan Valley’s Andy Bell winning the Amateur Division Four Player of the Year. Kane Graves from North Beach won the Premier Reserves Golden Boot, with Cameron Bishop from Kingsley Westside winning the Division One Golden Boot.
In other Golden Boot winners, Olympic Kingsway’s Andrew Oldfield bagged the Division One Reserves, with Cracovia’s Leigh Morgan taking out Division Two, and Ballajura’s Curtis Griffin and Bassendean Caledonian’s Matthew Strelcuinas were joint winners in the Division Two Reserves. Nick Banks from Joondanna Blues won Division Three, with Noranda City’s Jarmaine Malie winning the Division Three Reserves. Wanneroo City’s Finn Wilson Pidgeon was the Division Four winner, with Nik Lishman from Wembley Downs taking out the Division Four Reserves. Congratulation to all the winners, and for full list check out - https://www.footballwest.com.au/news/2023-belt-award-winners
10.11.2023
WANDERERS NEXT UP FOR STAJCIC’S GLORY
After picking up his first Isuzu Ute A-League win as Perth Glory coach, Alen Stajcic will look for their first three points on the road when they visit the CommBank Stadium in Sydney, to take on Western Sydney Wanderers in round four on Saturday afternoon. (2.30pm WA time) Last week’s 2-0 win against Central Coast Mariners was the first clean sheet of the season, and moved Glory into the top six, only one point behind fifth placed Wanderers, and the coach hopes they can build on that performance.
“I actually thought our defence was really good in the first two games as well, we just lost one or two moments in a game, which can happen in football, rather than giving away too many shots on target or easy chances,” Stajcic said. “I don’t think there have been any games so far where we’ve given away more than three or four chances which means we’re tracking ok. The Mariners had a couple of long-range shots and we had a long-range shot against us against Newcastle as well, so we’re ensuring that teams have to shoot from distance and create something from a lot further out from goal. Over the last two weeks, we’ve seen that Newcastle are a massive attacking threat.
“They could have scored seven or eight goals last week and seven or eight against Victory and yet against us, they didn’t really create that many clear-cut chances. They probably only had two or three and even their goals against us were gifted to them a little bit. It shows that we’re heading down the right path without the ball, but we certainly need to improve a little bit with the ball to ensure that we’re creating even more chances. I think we’ve got a good platform, but there are certainly a lot of things we have to tighten up on as well, particularly our set-piece defending last week, even though we had a lot of set-pieces to defend, it wasn’t where it should be.”
The last time Glory played Wanderers was in round one last season, when the hosts narrow ran out 1-0 winners at the CommBank Stadium. It was tight game with chances at both ends, but the only goal of the contest came 12 minutes from time, with Sulejman Krpic heading home. Krpic could have added a second in the final minute, but his penalty was well saved by Liam Reddy. Stajcic is expecting a similar game on Saturday, against a good Wanderers outfit.
“I think they’ve probably been the best attacking team in the competition,” he said. “Obviously Adelaide and Victory have been very good as well in terms of getting forward and creating chances, but I’d definitely put Wanderers up there with them. Their front four players have been exceptional in beating people, creating chances and combining with each other, so they definitely will be massive threat going forward and one that we will have to try and stop.”
The CommBank Stadium has not been a happy hunting ground for Glory over the years, and they have lost in their last three visits, but Stajcic hopes that changes come Saturday afternoon. “Winning is always good, it creates good habits and good behaviours and most importantly, gives you that belief and confidence that you’re heading down the right path,” he explained. “I personally had more of that growing after Round One and Two.
“Just knowing that we could gel as quickly as what we did against A-League opposition and again, probably teams like us and Wellington are behind the pack at the beginning of the year just because of distance and not being able to play as many friendlies as what the other teams can. We’ve always got to make those adjustments quicker and get into the flow of the league and the team rhythm and team chemistry quicker and it’s harder for us, it just is. That’s a fact of life, so the fact that we were able to do what we did against Newcastle so quickly was a really good confidence booster for me.”
In team news for the game, Stajcic has added Luke Bodnar, Adam Zimarino and youngsters Jayden Gorman and James Overy to their travelling party, but they will still be without the injured Aaron McEneff, Mustafa Amini, Luke Ivanovic and Antonis Martis, while after impressing in the opening three games, Glory will be without midfielders Oliver Bozanic and Jarrod Carluccio, who are on-loan from the Wanderers, so are ineligible to play against their parent club, but Stajcic said it gives someone else the opportunity to grab the spot.
“Both are unavailable for this game, but as always, when one door closes, it opens up an opportunity for someone else to come in,” he said. “We’ve got a couple more players available who haven’t been available over the last couple of weeks and some big decisions to make over the next couple of days. We’ve been working on a couple of different options in that part of the field [midfield], but we’re not going to give too much away at this point. Regardless of who comes in, I know that they’re going to be able to do the job to the extent that is required for the team.”
Western Sydney Wanderers squad: GK Lawrence THOMAS, GK Jack GIBSON, 4 Doni GRDIC, 6 Marcelo, 7 Dylan PIERIAS, 9 Marcus ANTONSSON, 10 Milos NINKVOIC, 13 Tate RUSSELL, 14 Nicolas MILANOVIC, 16 Tom BEADLING, 17 Lachlan BROOK, 19 Jack CLISBY, 21 Jorrit HENDRIX, 25 Josh BRILLANTE, 26 Brandon BORRELLO, 29 Dylan SCICLUNA, 31 Aidan SIMMONS, 33 Alex BONETIG, 36 Oscar PRIESTMAN - Ins: NINKVOIC, BEADLING SIMMONS, BONETIG - Outs: 35 Zac SAPSFORD, 37 Alex BADOLATO, 38 Anthony PANTAZOPOULOS
Perth Glory squad: GK Cameron COOK, GK Oli SAIL, 2 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS, 3 Jacob MUIR, 4 Luke BODNAR, 5 Mark BEEVERS, 7 Stefan COLAKOVSKI, 9 David WILLIAMS, 10 Salim KHELIFI, 11 Adam ZIMARINO, 14 Riley WARLAND, 15 Aleksandar SUSNJAR, 19 Trent OSTLER, 20 Giordano COLLI, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Daniel BENNIE, 27 Jayden GORMAN, 29 Darryl LACHMAN, 32 James OVERY, 77 Bruce KAMAU *Two to be omitted* - Ins: BODNAR, ZIMARINO, GORMAN, OVERY - Unavailable: 6 Aaron MCENEFF (injured), 8 Mustafa AMINI (injured), 12 Luke IVANOVIC (injured), 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO (unavailable against parent club), 21 Antonis MARTIS (injured), 24 Oliver BOZANIC (unavailable against parent club) - Referee: Daniel ELDER
10.11.2023
LEAGUE LEADERS READY FOR ADELAIDE CHALLENGE
Perth Glory will be hoping to continue their winning start to the Liberty A-League season when they host Adelaide United at Macedonia Park in Week Four on Saturday evening. (7.00pm) Alex Epakis’ side sits a top of the table, while the Reds are still searching for their first win of the season, but the visitors do have a good record in the fixture, only losing once in their last ten meetings, so it’s going to be another tough challenge, but one Epakis is looking forward to. “The team is pleased with where we’re currently sitting, they’re pleased with the level of performance that we’re executing and actioning, but the reality is that we’re also focused on the upcoming fixture and I think that’s a really good place to be,” the Head Coach explained. “The players took that on [winning away at Canberra] as a personal objective. They wanted to make sure that they were part of the first Perth Glory team ever to go over there and win a game and it was a nice side-story, but the main thing for us was the three points and another opportunity to perform against a competitive team.
“We’ve done extremely well not to concede from open play yet and that’s a collective effort. We speak a lot about defensive structure and being really eager to try and make sure that defending is a collective mindset and not just on the back four and the ‘keeper. We’re benefitting from that right now. We would have liked a bit more control after we scored that 3-2 goal, but sometimes in a game you get tested in different ways and ours was to make sure we were resolute and structured and confident in not having the ball at times.”
Despite Adelaide’s poor start to the season Epakis is still wary of them, and he knows the quality Adelaide coach Adrian Stenta has at his disposal. “Adelaide are a good team and have some high-quality attacking players and some experience throughout the squad,” he said. “I know they’ll come here and be really focused on getting three points and we have to make sure that we’re ready to match that energy. I think that now we have the experience and the quality to win those really important moments in the battle and I think we’ll see that at the weekend. I’m really looking forward to the match because every time we play against them, it’s top quality and it’s another great test for us.”
Epakis said the atmosphere at McKeller Park last week was electric, and he hopes the Glory faithful can bring that on Saturday evening. “It’s pretty significant, the role that they can play,” he said. “The first game we had at Macedonia Park this season, we really felt the energy that the crowd provided and we really buzz off that. I know that playing at McKellar [Park] last week up against 2000 Canberra supporters, it wasn’t easy, so we’re really hoping that our members and supporters can get behind us this weekend. I always say that they’ll be treated to an exciting 90-minute performance and I stand by that and hope that if they make the effort, they can really enjoy what it is we put out on the pitch.”
The last time Adelaide crossed the Nullarbor was in round two last season, when a first half goal from Dylan Holmes gave them a 1-0 win at Macedonia Park. Glory had their chances in front of big crowd, but they found Red’s keeper Annalee Grove in fine form to deny them. They go into Saturday’s game with four inclusions to the squad, with Abbey Green, Sadie Lawrence, Izzy Foletta and Quinley Quezada added, and only Isabella Wallhead unavailable due to injury. “We have a full squad this week, Quinley had a quick turnaround from those Philippines games and was also carrying a bit of a soft tissue injury into that camp,” Epakis said. “We could certainly have used her in Canberra, but I thought that whilst she was available, I didn’t want to take the risk. We’ll be rewarded for that over the next couple of weeks as she’s extremely fresh and firing and ready to contribute.”
Perth Glory squad: GK Morgan AQUINO, GK Sally JAMES, 3 Jessika COWART, 4 Natasha RIGBY, 7 Liz ANTON, 8 Hana LOWRY, 9 Millie FARROW, 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM, 11 Grace JALE, 12 Sofia SAKALIS, 13 Sarah CAIN, 14 Tia STONEHILL, 17 Abbey GREEN, 18 Sadie LAWRENCE, 19 Izzy FOLETTA, 20 Quinley QUEZADA, 22 Claudia MIHOCIC, 23 Isobel DALTON, 25 Grace JOHNSTON, 27 Georgia CASSIDY - *Four to be omitted* Ins: GREEN, LAWRENCE, FOLETTA, QUEZADA - Unavailable: 16 Isabella WALLHEAD (injured)
Adelaide United squad: GK Annalee GROVE, GK Grace WILSON, 2 Emily HODGSON, 4 Erin KONTOUTSIKOS, 5 Sarah MORGAN, 6 Hannah BLAKE, 7 Mariah LEE, 9 Rosetta TAYLOR, 11 Isabel HODGSON, 12 Nanako SASAKI, 13 Ella TONKIN, 14 Jenna HOLTZ, 16 Dylan HOLMES, 17 Zoe TOLLAND, 18 Annabel HAFFENDEN, 19 Maruschka WALDUS, 21 Claudia JENKINS, 23 Alana JANCEVSKI, 28 Chrissy PANAGARIS, 32 Madeleine WRIGHT - Ins: SASAKI, WILSON, PANAGARIS, WRIGHT - Unavailable: 8 Emily CONDON (hip), 15 Katie BOWLER (foot), 22 Emilia MURRAY (ankle)
10.11.2023
EPAKIS FOCUSED ON PERFORMANCES RATHER THAN RESULTS
They may be sitting atop the A-League Women ladder, but Perth Glory coach Alex Epakis says his side are doing their best to avoid becoming a results-orientated outfit. With three wins from their opening three games, Glory are the only side in the league with a 100% record ahead of their home clash with Adelaide United tomorrow night.
Epakis said the team were eager to extend their winning streak but said his side were motivated to build on their strong performances rather than hunting three points week in, week out. “The reality is, we really focus on some key areas of our football and our playing style that we want to get really good at and as close to perfect as possible,” Epakis said.
“That’s our own internal, exciting challenge and the by-product of that is a good performance and a good result and ideally three points. The moment we start focusing on wins and just that in isolation, we lose track of what it is we’re trying to do on the field and what we’re trying to build and I don’t want that to be the case.”
Glory have lost five of their last six encounters against the South Australians, including the last two and Epakis said he was wary of Adelaide despite their winless start. “They’re well-coached and they’ve really established a strong club and program there over a number of seasons now and they’re doing some really great things,” Epakis said.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for what they’re doing and I think the reality is, we always compete well but they’ve just had a little bit more edge, it’s really specific moments across key games. But I think now we’ve got the character and the experience and the quality to win those really important moments in the battle and we’ll see that on the weekend and I’m really looking forward to the match.”
10.11.2023
WESTERN UNITED HOPE BALLARAT CAN SWING ALM FORTUNES
Western United captain Josh Risdon is confident a three-game stint in Ballarat can kick-start his teams' A-League Men campaign. United beat Melbourne City first-up but followed that up with back-to-back losses to Western Sydney and Macarthur.
On saturday they face winless Newcastle Jets in Ballarat then return there after the international break for outings with Adelaide United and Wellington Phoenix. Risdon the run of three games in the region will give his team the opportunity start hitting their straps.
"It's little things here and there. Maybe in the front third, I think our final pass is sort of let us letting us down," Risdon said. "We're getting into really good areas and we're creating a lot of half chances. If we're more clinical we can punish teams. It's obviously only at the start of the season."
"We've got three home games now, we've got a good record in Ballarat so the squad's still full of confidence, we believe we can play play finals this year, do even better, maybe. So, we're really looking forward to the next few games to put like a really good performance together."
9.11.2023
WEST AUSTRALIAN TRIO IN SOCCEROOS MIX
Coach Graham Arnold has selected a largely unchanged squad for the Socceroos upcoming Asian World Cup 2026 qualifiers. West Australia is represented in the squad by central defensive pair Cameron Burgess and Alessandro Circati along with uncapped goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer.
Australia will meet Bangladesh in Melbourne on November 16 before travelling to Kuwait they’ll face Palestine on November 22. “It’s important that we build and maintain a momentum that will see us be successful throughout this campaign and beyond,” Arnold said.
“We’ve had the opportunity to test ourselves against some of world football’s best in the last six months. It was a chance to grow as a group, providing opportunities to younger players in preparation for the start of the 2026 World Cup qualification cycle.”
The second round of Asian qualifiers also serves as direct qualifiers for the 2027 Asian Cup. Australia will play Bangladesh, Palestine and Lebanon in a home-and-away round robin format between now and June. If they progress to the next stages there will be 16 games to play on their path to qualification.
The Australia squad to play Bangladesh and Palestine is Mat Ryan, Joe Gauci, Ashley Maynard-Brewer, Aziz Behich, Jordy Bos, Cameron Burgess, Alessandro Circati, Lewis Miller, Kye Rowles, Harry Souttar, Ryan Strain, Keanu Baccus, Jackson Irvine, Massimo Luongo, Connor Metcalfe, Aiden O’Neill, Brandon Borrello, Martin Boyle, Mitch Duke, Craig Goodwin, Jamie Maclaren, Sam Silvera and Kusini Yengi.
9.11.2023
BIRIGHITTI ON THE MOVE
WA keeper Mark Birighitti is on the lookout for a new club after being told he has no future at Scottish Championship club Dundee United. The 32-year-old said he is open to anything, after he was told by Tangerines’ boss Jim Goodwin he no longer figured in his plans after their relegation from the Premier League. The keeper, who joined Dundee United from A-League side Central Coast Mariners in 2019 almost joined Israeli Premier League side Hapoel Petach-Tikva in September before that move collapsed at the eleventh hour.
The former NTC and AIS custodian made 23 league appearances in Scotland, and had overseas spells at Swansea and NAC Breda, admits it was a “rollercoaster” and has no qualms reigniting his career elsewhere, even back in the A-League. “The coach has been good about things and honest from day one,” Birighitti said. “I have no problems at with him and the way he’s handled himself. I knew my time was up (as the Tangerines shed their highest earners) and we were working to find a solution which came up with Hapoel.
“It was crazy - we were ready to go, our bags were packed. They sent through a contract and my wife was looking at apartments in Tel Aviv. Then we got a call two hours before their transfer window was about to close telling me they’d pulled out. It was a strange one and till this day I don’t know the reason why. Looking back with the war erupting between Israel and Hamas) it was a blessing in disguise.”
The January transfer window now looms as the most likely exit point for Birighitti, whose previous A-League career also included stints with Adelaide, Newcastle Jets and Melbourne City, and he said there's already been interest back home over his availability. “A few clubs from Australia have reached out and we’ll see what happens,” he explained.
“I’m open to pretty much anything at the moment - whether that’s coming back to Australia, or whether I stay abroad. We’ll see what comes up in January. Last season was disappointing the way it all played out, but this is football, the highs and lows, and last year was definitely a low. “Nobody wants to get relegated. We fought hard until the last game but it wasn’t meant to be.”
Birighitti, who played his youth football at ECU Joondalup and Perth SC, is contracted until mid-2024 but he no regrets in moving to Scottish football. “For me personally, it was a rollercoaster. We had three coaches throughout the season and when results aren’t going your way there’s always a lot of chopping and changing,” he said. “There was no real stability in the playing group (which also included Melbourne City’s Socceroos left back Aziz Behich) and it showed in the end. We just weren’t good enough.
“You go through these lulls in your career, so I now need to leave and get back to playing football and loving the game again. Towards the back end of last season, I really didn’t enjoy it anymore. I was trying to play my part, whether I was in or out of the team, but it just wasn’t enjoyable. “It was hard from the minute I got here. I only arrived a week before the start of the season, and with the schedule of being in Europe it felt like we just didn’t have the depth in the squad.
“I think I was given a fair go - but it was hard coming to a new environment with my wife and two kids after a great life on the Central Coast. “But the longer the season went on the more comfortable I felt. There was a period when we went four or five games undefeated but going into the season split, we didn’t get a win and that’s why we went down, I didn’t see it coming. “Looking back, I don’t regret the move, I enjoyed playing in a different league, it was just disappointing the way it all played out.”
6.11.2023
ITALIANO CALLED UP FOR OLYROOS
Borussia Monchengladbach II defender Jacob Italiano has been named in Australia's Under-23 for this months friendlies with Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The fixtures will provide Tony Vidmar’s squad with the invaluable opportunity to spend time together as a group while facing quality opposition.
“There’s been some really positive results in recent camps at the Maurice Rovello Tournament and in securing qualification for the Under-23 Asian Cup,” Vidmar said. “Those are important for the confidence and belief within this group, as we build towards a phase of competition that is significant within our program.”
“We’ve secured games against teams who will provide a different challenge to those we’ve recently faced. There are four available matches to prepare ahead of our first Asian Cup group game, so every part of our preparation needs to be geared towards that.”
The Australia Under-23 squad to play Saudi Arabia and Qatar is Raphael Borges Rodrigues, Noah Botic, Lachlan Brook, Jordan Courtney-Perkins, Louis D'Arrigo, Jacob Farrell, Steven Hall, Jake Hollman, Jacob Italiano, Lucas Mauragis, Calem Nieuwenhof, Adam Pavlesic, Alexandar Popovic, Adrian Segecic, Callum Talbot, Ryan Teague, Marco Tilio, Mohamed Toure, Kai Trewin, Nectarios Triantis, Nishan Velupillay and Patrick Yazbek.
5.11.2023
HARNWELL RATES MATILDAS VISIT “THE BIGGEST WEEK OF FOOTBALL” IN PERTH EVER
After three games in seven days, 13 goals scored and none conceded, a trio of wins in front of a combined 97,037 fans in attendance across the three fixtures, Matilda-mania has come to a close in Perth. The city has embraced the team just as the team embraced the city.
The on-field excitement over the Matildas’ successful Olympic qualifying campaign was matched off-field, with the announcement of several funding initiatives for the sport and the renaming of the Football West’s new centre of excellence after hometown hero and Australian captain Sam Kerr.
Jamie Harnwell said Football West has no intention of basking in the feel good glow of the past week, with huge grassroots growth expected ahead of next season. The peak body’s chief executive believes the past week and a half has eclipsed anything the game has seen previously in Western Australia.
“There’s certainly a similar vibe across some of the international teams being here with Manchester United and Chelsea and the like,” said Harnwell. “This probably would have been the biggest week of football, over 100,000 tickets sold to watch the Matildas play, that certainly tops the billing for the weeks of football we’ve had here.”
It has been seven years since the Socceroos last played in Perth and Harnwell said he hoped the success of the Matildas trip, coupled with the state of the art facilities at the new Sam Kerr Football Centre, would entice both national teams back to WA.
“We’re delighted to have the Matildas here, we will work with the State Government and Football Australia to try and make sure that happens again sometime soon and that we also do get the Socceroos over here,” he said. It’s important to have role models right in front of you, to have the ability to see where these pathways can ultimately lead, but also create that fandom, that tribalism that football really does so well.”
In terms of heroes to Perth football fans, none come bigger than Kerr, who it was announced this week had finished second in Ballon d’Or and won the Asian Women’s Player of the Year. Kerr received the ultimate honour of having the new state football centre named after her, something Harnwell said was a fitting reward for the player he once coached at Perth Glory women.
“It’s an incredible milestone,” Harnwell said. “It’s due recognition, we’ve never had an Australian player, let alone a Western Australian player finished second in the Ballon d’Or, consistently winning golden boots in the WSL over in England, and playing in the semifinals of a World Cup. There’s no more fitting way to inspire the next generation than having her name up at the centre.”
It was as good a week off the field as it was on it for Football West, with the news the newly-christened Sam Kerr Football Centre had been green-lit for $6 million in funding for expansions. “We’re very grateful to the government for that investment and the increasing capacity of the centre,” Harwenll commented.
“It means that we’re able to have more football, more training programs, more talent programs, work with Glory to host their training sessions and potentially games in the future as well. We can’t wait to have four fully running full-size fields across the centre and having games going on in each and every one one, plus the five a side pitches; it’s going to be an absolute hub of football.”
Meanwhile clubs in the National Premier Leagues Women competition will be able to share in $2.4 million of funding for facilities as part of a State Government funding announcement. While Harnwell said this was ultimately a positive, he also acknowledged there were plenty of junior clubs around the state not eligible for the NPLW funding who needed assistance.
“We certainly won’t be resting on our laurels as Football West, we know there’s more to be done, that there’s a significant amount of investment required into community clubs and the government has facility funds such as the Community Sport and Recreation Facilities Fund,” he said.
“We will continue to lobby that football gets its share and those community facilities continue to become more female-friendly, that they continue to receive lighting as well so we can enable that participation. It’s got to be a joint effort between ourselves, the clubs and local government, State Government to try and improve that - we do have such a vast game that it does take a significant amount of investment.”
4.11.2023
COOK SERVES UP A MAN OF THE MATCH DISPLAY
Perth Glory have moved into the top six of the Isuzu Ute A-League and picked up their first win of the season, after a 2-0 win against Central Coast Mariners in week three at HBF Park on Saturday evening. The visitors had the best of the first half chances, but Cameron Cook, who replaced Oli Sail in between the sticks, made a number of important saves. Glory took control after the break and substitute Stefan Colakovski opened the scoring, and Adam Taggart had another ruled off side. Mariners also had ruled out, Marco Tulio flagged offside, before they were reduced to ten men after Angel Torres was sent off, and Taggart sealed the points in stoppage time.
Glory Head Coach Alen Stajcic said it was good for everyone to get the first win of the season. “To get the monkey off the back and the first win of the season is great for me and most importantly the boys, and get that bit of belief and confidence and for them to know we are heading in the right direction,” Stajcic said post-match. “If I’m honest we probably played better in the opening two games for larger portions of the game, than we did tonight, but didn’t get the result, so happy to get the right result.
“We had a game plan tonight and it was effective in the first half where we caught them three or four times early and we exploited them in certain areas. But we sat back in too much in the second half, especially when we took the lead, and we did that against Newcastle in week one. I think we are trying to protect the lead and going a little bit negative, but if we can stay on the front foot and stay positive regardless, we will be better off in the future.”
Stajcic made two changes to the side that lost in Wellington, Cook coming in for Sail in goal, while Salim Khelifi returned from injury in place of Luke Ivanovic, and the Tunisian international was in the action early, cutting the ball to Taggart, but the strikers shot was deflected wide. But the Mariners, who were also searching for their first win of the campaign hit back, and Jacob Farrell’s shot flashed inches past the post, before Marco Tulio shot from the angle was pushed around the post by the alert Cook, after a slide rule pass from Storm Rouz.
The Glory custodian was called on again just before the break, the Glory failed to clear a free kick, the ball finding its way to Nathan Paull, his shot was creeping into the corner of the net, but Cook managed to get a strong hand to it to push it around the post. At the break it was scoreless, and Glory needed to lift. Stajcic made a doubled change at half time, with Colakovski coming on for Khelifi, who had looked lively in his first start of the season, while Bruce Kamau came on for Jarrod Carluccio.
Glory started the second half on the front foot, and six minutes in both substitutes were involved in the opener. A quick break saw Kamau race down the left, and he found Taggart in the middle of the park, who slipped the ball into the path of Colakovski who finished low past former Glory custodian Danny Vukovic. The Mariners thought they had found the equaliser eight minutes later, Tulio scoring, but the assistants’ flag was up for offside.
Taggart thought he had his second moments later, Kamau pass was played through by Danie Bennie, the former Socceroo striker raced clear and finished clinically past Vukovic, but after a VAR check the goal was ruled out for offside. But the visitors suffered a blow on 76 minutes, when they were reduced to ten men, after Torres lashed out at Glory substitute Jacob Muir, and after looking at VAR referee Shaun Evans showed the Colombian striker a straight red card. Glory made another change moments later, with David Williams coming on for Bennie, to make his 200th A-League appearance.
Despite being down to ten men the Mariners almost found the equaliser eight minutes from time, Christian Theoharous was given far too much space in the middle of the park, and his long-range shot was heading for the top corner of the net, but Cook produced a superb fingertip save to deny him. The points were made save in stoppage time, substitutes Williams and Riley Warland combined down the left, the former Perth RedStar midfielder found Taggart who controlled well and his shot from the edge of the box beat Vukovic, despite the keeper getting a hand to it, and the co-captain raced off to celebrate with the Glory faithful.
“I’m thrilled to be back in the squad, back playing again, it’s good to know (Stajcic) has got the belief in me to play, and to step up when I’m needed,” Cook said post-match. “I’m just looking to hold that spot, pretty much, and the best way to look at it is it’s a really good challenge. To have the old manager (Zadkovich) believe in me and play me, and then to have my first start this season is a good sign for me. It’s given me the confidence to essentially battle for a position with someone like Oli Sail. I just want to tussle (for) that position this season.”
Perth Glory: GK Cameron COOK, 2 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS, 5 Mark BEEVERS, 10 Salim KHELIFI (7 Stefan COLAKOVSKI 46'), 15 Aleksandar SUSNJAR (14 Riley WARLAND 90'), 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO (77 Bruce KAMAU 46'), 20 Giordano COLLI, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Daniel BENNIE (9 David WILLIAMS 77'), 24 Oliver BOZANIC (3 Jacob MUIR 69'), 29 Darryl LACHMAN – Subs not used: RGK Oli SAIL, 19 Trent OSTLER
Central Coast Mariners: GK Danny VUKOVIC, 3 Brian KALTAK, 4 Josh NISBET, 6 Max BALARD (26 Brad TAPP 90+1'), 7 Christian THEOHAROUS (2 Mikael DOKA 83'), 10 Marco Tulio (16 Harry STEELE 83'), 11 Angel TORRES, 14 Dylan Wenzel-HALLS (9 Alou KUOL 46'), 15 Storm ROUX (28 Will WILSON 83'), 18 Jacob FARRELL, 33 Nathan PAULL, 40 Dylan PERAIC-CULLEN, 41 Nicholas DUARTE - Subs not used: RGK Jack WARSHAWSKY, 23 Dan HALL - Red Cards: Torres - Attendance: 6,798 - Referee: Shaun EVANS
4.11.2023
GLORY END CANBERRA HOODOO TO STAY TOP OF THE TABLE
Perth Glory continued their winning start to the Liberty a-League campaign, and ended their poor form at Canberra United, after a 3-2 win at McKellar Park in the ACT on Saturday afternoon. In a topsy-turvy first half goals from skipper Natasha Rigby and Grace Jale, were cancelled out by Cannon Clough and a penalty from Vesna Milivojevic, but a penalty from Glory midfielder Sofia Sakalis six minutes into the second half secured the points, and give Alex Epakis’ side their first ever win in the nation’s capital.
“I was happy with the opening to the game and we built a lot of momentum and possession, and we were rewarded with the goal,” Epakis said post-match. “But we made it hard for ourselves, to go up twice and concede twice, but once we got the third goal, I thought we showed a lot more steel and resilience, and alternately get the three points which I’m happy about. To win here is very pleasing, especially for the players, it’s been spoken about all week in Perth, but we knew we needed a good performance to get that win and break that hoodoo, so I’m happy about that.”
The visitors started brightly and Hannah Lowry shot was well saved by Chloe Lincoln on 11 minutes, but sixty seconds later Glory did find the opener. Georgia Cassidy’s corner picked out Rigby at the far post and her header found the net despite the Lincoln getting a hand to it. But four minutes later the hosts were level, Mary Stanic-Floody whipped a dangerous ball corner to the near post, and Clough headed home powerfully giving Morgan Aquino no chance. There were chances at both ends as the game opened up, Aquino saved well to deny Vesna Milivojevic, and moments later the Glory custodian got down well to save Maria Rojas.
But against the run of play it was Glory who regained the lead on 39 minutes. English striker Millie Farrow slipped a pass into Jale, and the New Zealand striker made no mistake against her former club. Aquino was alert to deny former Matildas striker Michelle Heyman, but in the final minute the hosts leveled, after Rojas was brought down by Claudia Mihocic, and referee Isabella Libri pointed straight to the spot. Milvojevic stepped up and sent Aquino the wrong way from the resulting penalty, to send the sides level at the break.
Glory was back in front six minutes into the second half, after the referee pointed to the spot again after Alex McKenzie brought down Sakalis, and the Glory midfielder Sakalis converted the resulting penalty, despite Lincoln getting a hand to it. United pressed for the equaliser and Aquino saved to thwart Rojas again, but Glory also had their chances and Lincoln made a smart save to deny Lowry. Both sides had late chances, Canberra substitute Deven Jackson’s shot clipped the top of the bar, while Glory substitute Tia Stonehill and Jale had chances for the visitors, but Glory held firm to take home the points and remain top of the table.
Canberra United: GK Chloe LINCOLN, 2 Alex MCKENZIE, 5 Emma ILIJOSKI, 7 Maria ROJAS (9 Ruby NATHAN 83'), 8 Sasha GROVE, 10 Mary STANIC-FLOODY (4 Holly MURRAY 83'), 17 Vesna MILIVOJEVIC, 19 Nickoletta FLANNERY (11 Deven JACKSON 87'), 22 Cannon CLOUGH, 23 Michelle HEYMAN, 28 Tegan BERTOLISSIO (13 Sofia CHRISTOPHERSON 77') - Subs not used: RGK Coco MAJSTOROVIC
Perth Glory: GK Morgan AQUINO, 3 Jessika COWART, 4 Natasha RIGBY, 8 Hana LOWRY, 9 Millie FARROW (14 Tia STONEHILL 73') 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM (13 Sarah CAIN 83'), 11 Grace JALE, 12 Sofia SAKALIS (23 Isobel DALTON 73'), 22 Claudia MIHOCIC (7 Liz ANTON 46'), 25 Grace JOHNSTON, 27 Georgia CASSIDY - Subs not used: RGK Sally JAMES – Attendance: 2,229 - Referee: Isabella Libri
3.11.2023
STAJCIC COMES UP AGAINST FORMER CLUB IN WEEK THREE
Perth Glory will go in search of their first win of the 2003-24 Isuzu Ute A-League season, when they host last season’s Champions Central Coast Mariners at HBF Park on Saturday evening. (6.45pm kick off) After a home draw in the opening game against Newcastle Jets, Alen Stajcic’s side were beaten at Wellington Phoenix last week, so the coach will be looking to get his and clubs first three points of their season, against his former club, and he believes it’s not far away.
“Everyone is still positive, we know that there have been probably one-and-a-half good performances,” Stajcic said. “The first 20, 30 minutes of the first half the other day [v Wellington] probably wasn’t our best, but we know that we can improve throughout a game which we have done both times now. The fact that we’ve created as many chances as we have throughout those matches just shows that we do belong towards the top, but we’ve just got to make sure that we execute those important details at crucial moments in the games.
“We know that it’s a results-based business and we can’t ever forget that, but we know that we were in the match and probably dominated in terms of chances created versus how many we’ve given up. But ultimately football comes down to crucial moments and on that ledger, we haven’t been good enough to this point, I’m still pleased with how we’re tracking. “We knew it would be a bumpy start and you always hope that you can get results during that period, but we are certainly going to have to work hard to earn every point that we can.”
They take on a Central Coast side, who are also seeking their first win of the season, but Stajcic, who coached the NSW outfit for two seasons, is keenly aware of the offensive threat they will pose on Saturday evening. “In their first game against Adelaide, and we saw what Adelaide did to Melbourne City last weekend, I thought Mariners were on top and should have been ahead by two or three goals in the first half-hour,” he said. “They then had two unfortunate injuries… and that changed the match, and they ended up losing 3-0, but that game could have been 6 or 7-3 to Adelaide.
“They certainly showed that they’re a good attacking force, and they’ve been playing a lot and they’re playing in the AFC Cup as well, so they’ve got a lot of games under their belts and opportunities to get team cohesion even with a lot of new players that have come into the squad. As reigning Champions, there’s still a core of those players there, like [Marco] Tulio… and Vuka [Danny Vukovic] in goal. They’re a good side and it’s a tough game for us, but every game is tough in the A-League.”
The last time the Mariners headed west was on February 18 last season, when they came from two goals behind to draw 2-2 at Macedonia Park. Salim Khelifi, who returns to the squad for Saturdays game, fired the hosts into the lead on 16 minutes, and he doubled the lead from the spot six minutes into the second half. But the Vistors hit back, Socceroo striker Jason Cummings pulled on back 16 minutes from time, and he bagged a second, also from the spot seven minutes later to give both sides a share of the spoils.
Saturday’s game is set to be a memorable one for David Williams as he prepares to make his 200th career A-League appearance and Stajcic was quick to pay tribute to the livewire Glory striker. “Willo is a great character,” he said. “This is the first time I’ve worked with him, but having watched him over east, I know what an exciting player he is and how much he has contributed to the different teams that he’s been in in the A-League. Especially at Wellington, that partnership he had with [Roy] Krishna is one of the best we’ve had in A-League history. On the field, he’s an excellent performer who has that little bit of x-factor about him and is a goalscorer and off the field, he’s a great character and a good person and senior player to have around the group, and he is one that will help accelerate the learning of the younger players in our squad as well.”
Perth Glory Squad: GK Oli SAIL, GK Cameron COOK, 2 Johnny KOUTROUMBIS, 3 Jacob MUIR, 5 Mark BEEVERS, 7 Stefan COLAKOVSKI, 9 David WILLIAMS, 10 Salim KHELIFI, 14 Riley WARLAND, 15 Aleksandar SUSNJAR, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 19 Trent OSTLER, 20 Giordano COLLI, 22 Adam TAGGART, 23 Daniel BENNIE, 24 Oliver BOZANIC, 27 Jayden GORMAN, 29 Darryl LACHMAN, 32 James OVERY, 77 Bruce KAMAU - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: KHELIFI, GORMAN, OVERY - Unavailable: 6 Aaron MCENEFF (injured), 8 Mustafa AMINI (injured), 12 Luke IVANOVIC (injured), 21 Antonis MARTIS (injured)
Central Coast Mariners squad: GK Danny VUKOVIC, GK Dylan PERAIC-CULLEN, 2 Mikael DOKA, 3 Brian KALTAK, 4 Josh NISBET, 5 Noah SMITH, 6 Max BALARD, 7 Christian THEOHAROUS, 9 Alou KUOL, 10 Marco Tulio, 11 Angel TORRES, 14 Dylan Wenzel-HALLS, 15 Storm ROUX, 16 Harry STEELE, 18 Jacob FARRELL, 23 Dan HALL, 26 Brad TAPP, 28 Will WILSON, 33 Nathan PAULL, 41 Nicholas DUARTE - Ins: FARRELL (return from suspension), PERAIC-CULLEN (promoted), DUARTE (promoted) - Outs: 17 Jing REEC (not selected), 39 Miguel DI PIZIO (not selected) - Unavailable: 27 Sasha KUZEVSKI (injured), 30 Jack WARSHAWSKY (illness)
3.11.2023
GLORY HOPING TO END CANBERRA UNITED HOODOO
Perth Glory will look to continue their winning start to the Liberty A-League campaign, when they hit the road for the first time this season, a trip to McKellar Park to take on Canberra United. (1pm WA time) The trip to the country’s capital hasn’t been ideal for the Glory in the past, with no wins in their 13 visits to United, but after their opening wins against Western United and Newcastle Jets Head Coach Alex Epakis is quietly confident that his in-form charges can change that on Saturday.
“It’s crazy [Glory’s record in Canberra],” he said. “For us, the focus is that if we play well enough… and do our jobs, we should win, that’s the way I look at it with every fixture. That hoodoo is something that if we do our jobs well enough, we’ll break it and if we’re not good enough on the day, we won’t. We’re pretty focused on making sure that we come away with all three points.” After the international break Epakis has a full squad to choose from, with Liz Anton and Isobel Dalton available after injury, and he said he has some tough selection decisions to make.
“We’re lucky because we’re still sitting with a full squad,” he said. “We have some players that are ready to compete for their positions, but we’ve also had a great start to the season, so for me it’s headaches and I can’t deny it or hide that fact. The players’ output at training has been really competitive and they are fighting really hard internally for positions. It’s a really great place to be and we’ve just got to see how it plays out over the next few days heading into the game.”
Saturday’s opponents are looking for their first win of the season, after a draw against Adelaide before losing to Melbourne City, but Epakis said he will not be underestimating his former club or his counterpart in the home dugout, Njegosh Popovich. “I think they’re playing some really good football and have a lot of threats, especially across their front three and in midfield,” he said. “They probably haven’t had the start they wanted, but Njegosh is a fantastic and experienced coach, so I know he’ll be wanting more, as will the playing group, and I’m sure he’ll have them prepared and ready for this upcoming fixture.”
The last trip to Canberra was in round one last season, which saw Glory come with a 2-2 draw. New Glory midfielder Grace Jale gave United the lead early, but her New Zealand teammate Elizabeth Anton levelled for Glory on the half hour, Vesna Milivojevic regained the lead for the hosts just before half time. But the points were shared just after the hour with Gabriella Coleman restoring parity for Epakis’ side.
Epakis said his chargers can’t rest on their laurels, despite their current position at the top of the table and he is expecting a tough game. “I’m really clear on how I want us to play and the players are taking that information on board,” he said. “There are parts of our game right now that we’re really happy with, but we need to continue to chase improvements in other areas and we’re always chasing the perfect performance. You’ll never have that perfect performance, but if that’s a goal, the open-mindedness, the growth and the focus around that, means that we’re challenging ourselves to get better week in, week out, so that’s the driving force for us.
“It’s about how far can this team evolve across the course of the season and what can a perfect game look like for us. Especially this early in the season, teams are probably still trying to find their own way as well and I’m not reading too much into it [the league table]. Certainly, I’m really pleased with where we’re sitting, but just like I keep stressing that we still have a lot of growth and improvement in our squad, I know the other clubs will be saying the same thing about their teams. By the time we get Round Four or Five, we’ll start to see a clearer picture of where all the teams in the competition are at, but at this time, we just need to keep chasing that perfect performance.” Canberra United squad: GK Chloe LINCOLN, GK Coco MAJSTOROVIC, 2 Alex MCKENZIE, 4 Holly MURRAY, 5 Emma ILIJOSKI, 6 Ava PIAZZA, 7 Maria ROJAS, 8 Sasha GROVE, 9 Ruby NATHAN, 10 Mary STANIC-FLOODY, 11 Deven JACKSON, 13 Sofia CHRISTOPHERSON, 14 Maia CAMERON 15 Hannah MCNULTY 16 Maddy WHITTALL 17 Vesna MILIVOJEVIC, 19 Nickoletta FLANNERY, 22 Cannon CLOUGH, 23 Michelle HEYMAN, 28 Tegan BERTOLISSIO *Four to be omitted* - Outs: 3 Michaela THORNTON, 12 Hayley TAYLOR-YOUNG, 24 Georgia RITCHIE
Perth Glory squad: GK Morgan AQUINO, GK Sally JAMES, 3 Jessika COWART, 4 Natasha RIGBY, 7 Liz ANTON, 8 Hana LOWRY, 9 Millie FARROW, 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM, 11 Grace JALE, 12 Sofia SAKALIS, 13 Sarah CAIN, 14 Tia STONEHILL, 17 Abbey GREEN, 18 Sadie LAWRENCE, 19 Izzy FOLETTA, 20 Quinley QUEZADA, 21 Claudia MIHOCIC, 23 Isobel DALTON, 25 Grace JOHNSTON, 27 Georgia CASSIDY *Four to be omitted* - Ins: ANTON, CAIN, STONEHILL, DALTON - Outs: Nil
3.11.2023
O’REILLY AND EVANS TAKES OVER AT MORLEY-WINDMILLS
It was a turbulent season at Morley Windmills in 2023, the club were in contention for promotion from State League Division Two, but it came crumbling down around them, with internal problems and points deduction, which saw them plummet down the table and finally relegated to the Amateur Premier League next season. The club have started their re-build under new President John Castrilli, who has returned to the top job at Wotton Reserve to turn their fortunes around, and his first decision is a popular one, appointing former Armadale coach John O’Reilly and Dan Evans as his co-coaches for next season.
John Castrilli has returned to the club as President, and he said it’s great coup to get O’Reilly and Evans to coach the team, as they look to get the club back to their best and build on their rich history. “I’m delighted to be back at the club, and of course, it was tough to witness what happened at the club last season. However, we're determined to learn from the past and focus on a brighter future, that is why the club is now back in the hands of its life time members,” Castrilli explained.
“We're absolutely thrilled about the appointment of John and Dan in their coaching roles at Morley Windmills. Having them on board is a significant step forward, and we're confident that their expertise will make a positive impact on our club and the new team. Morley Windmills has a rich history, and we've enjoyed success in the past. Next season marks the beginning of an exciting rebuild, and our committee is indeed looking forward to the challenge. We're dedicated to restoring the club's glory, and we appreciate the support of our members and the football community.”
O’Reilly, who coached at Alfred Skeet Reserve for seven years, helping Armadale to their highest ever finish in the NPL, and he has also coached at Swan United and Shamrock Rovers. He is looking forward to the new challenge at a club he played for when heading to WA. “Morley Windmills were the first club I played for and coached in Australia after arriving from Dublin, so I have always had a connection and interest over the years. I really enjoyed my time here and still have many great friends from the club that I often see and enjoy their company to this day,” O’Reilly explained.
“After many years of coaching in the NPL, I found myself considering time off, but when Dan and I spoke about a possible project to rebuild a team at Morley Windmills, it really interested me. We now look to recruit the best players we can and set about implementing a culture and philosophy to develop and build a competitive team. Like all coaching roles I have undertaken, the journey will be tough, but I only see this as a new challenge and I look forward to giving it all my best.
“We already have a few house hold named players on board and are talking to various players regarding their interest in joining us in this project and the interest level has pleasantly surprised me. Over the next month we will also take players expressions of interest and aim to start kicking a ball about in December. Like I said it’s a huge challenge, but one Dan and I are really looking forward too.”
Evans, started as assistant first team coach at Gosnells City, before a two-year stint as head coach at Melville City. He then helped the Windmills win promotion in 2017 as assistant first team coach, before heading to the US, working at Toledo Villa FC, Pacesetter Soccer Club, Lourdes University and in the Olympic Development Program in the USA. He also held Technical Director positions at Ashfield and Stirling Lions and worked on various programs with Football West
Most recently he was Head Coach at Swan United and Technical Director at UWA Nedlands. Like O’Reilly he is hoping to bring success back to Wotton Reserve. “I’m really excited to be welcomed backed at Morley Windmills. There is no doubt that we have a big task ahead and I’m looking forward to working hard towards mine and the clubs shared vision,” Evans explained. “I want to thank the committee for trusting John and myself with the rebuilding process. I’m still as passionate about the game as ever and hopefully we see that translate into results on the pitch.”
3.11.2023
STAJCIC BACKS GLORY TO REBOUND FROM 'BUMPY' START
Perth Glory coach Alen Stajcic is confident his team remains on track to become one of the competition's best despite their bumpy start to the A-League Men season. Glory have picked up just one point from their opening two games under Stajcic.
Glory will be aiming to notch their first win of the season when they take on defending champions Central Coast Mariners at Perth Oval on Saturday night. Stajcic, who coached the Mariners for two-and-a-bit seasons before stepping down in 2021, is confident his team's new-look squad will soon gel.
"Everyone's still positive," said Stajcic, who joined Glory three months ago. "We know there's been probably one-and-a-half good performances. To know we can create as many chances as we have throughout both matches just shows we do belong towards the top."
"But ultimately football comes down to crucial moments and on that ledger we haven't been good enough. I'm still pleased in how we're tracking. I always knew it would be a bumpy start. You always hope that you can get results during that period, but we're going to have to work hard to get every point that we can."
Saturday's match will mark the 200-game milestone of Glory striker David Williams, who started his career at Brisbane Roar and then joined North Queensland Fury, Melbourne Heart/City and Wellington Pheonix, before linking up with Glory at the start of last season.
2.11.2023
BOLTON READY TO REMEDY FA CUP WOES SAYS JONES
Gethin Jones takes no pride in Bolton Wanderers’ recent FA Cup barren streak. Now in his fourth season as a Bolton player, the Perth-born defender has yet to get past the first round of the competition, suffering defeats against Crewe Alexandra, Stockport County and Barnsley.
While pursuing promotion to the Championship remains the priority, the poor Cup run was one of the first topics of discussion after victory at Charlton Athletic last weekend. “As soon as we came off the pitch one of the first things the gaffer said when he came into the changing room was not to get carried away, there’s a big FA Cup game coming up,” Jones said.
“I don’t think we have got out of the first round since I have been here. And obviously that is not good enough. We know they will be coming to try and cause an upset, but we have won three league games in a row now, we are playing some good football, so we are confident we can get a win and get into the second round. It’s overdue.”
Some may feel cup football should be side-lined so that all focus can be placed on League One but the message within the Wanderers camp this week has been geared towards maintaining momentum, thus aiding their cause at Shrewsbury a few days later.
Jones feels the team has rediscovered itself at a good time, with some key games through November and early December. “We know our objective,” he said. “We know where we want to be come the end of the season. We say all the time that this group has a tight bond, and I think it is the best I have been involved in here.”
“The lads all work hard whether it is the league, the cup, we just want to get results and win games. It is such an unbelievable squad. You know whenever you get on that pitch that you have to put a performance in to keep the shirt… the way we play sometimes blows teams away.”
1.11.2023
KERR PLACES SECOND AT BALLON D'OR
Australia captain Samantha Kerr has been voted the second best female player in the world. The Chelsea striker achieved her best ever placing in the Ballon d’Or Feminin by being runner-up to Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati, whose teammate Salma Paralluelo took out third place.
It’s the third straight year that Kerr has finished among the top three in the prestigious award, which recognises the world’s best female footballer of the last season. She has also previously recorded finishes of fifth, in 2018, and seventh, in 2019. in the award.
Kerr won a fourth successive Women’s Super League title with Chelsea and lifted the FA Cup for the third consecutive season. At international level she helped Australia reach the World Cup semi-finals and, more recently, scored three goals in the Matildas’ an 8-0 Olympic Games qualifier drubbing of the Philippines.
Fellow Matilda Hayley Raso, who earlier this year became the first Australian player to sign with Real Madrid, finished 17th in Ballon d’Or Feminin voting. Neither Kerr nor Raso attended the award ceremony in Paris with the Matildas preparing for the third of their Olympic Games qualifiers, against Taiwan in Perth tomorrow night.
1.11.2023
FOWLER STUNNER HELPS MATILDAS BEAT CHINESE TAIPEI
The Matildas moved into the final stage of qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics after a 4-0 win against Chinese Taipei at HBF Park on Wednesday evening. The visitors were hard to breakdown in the first half, but a stunning strike from Manchester City striker Mary Fowler just after the hour changed all that. WA’s Sam Kerr added a second moments later, before substitute Tameka Yallop made sure of victory with a third late on, in front of another sellout crowd. The win sees them top Group A, and in the next round they will take on Uzbekistan over two legs, the winner will take their place in Paris.
Fowler said they had to be patient but got their rewards after the break. "That's something that we focused on. We know coming into these games, they can be a bit frustrating versing teams that are lower block and tend to sit a bit more," Fowler said post-match. “But we were patient and we knew if we didn't get one in the first half that we still had 45 minutes to get one in the second half. It is nice to get the goal and put us ahead. I think we had our chances and we weren’t putting them away so it was good to get one and then get a few more after that.”
The Matildas made one change to the side that thrashed the Philippines on Sunday, with Clare Wheeler coming in for Ellie Carpenter, who returned to her club side Lyon. The big crowd saw the Matildas dominate early, the best chance falling to Fowler on 14 minutes. Steph Catley’s corner was only cleared to Fowler on the edge of the box, her first time shot crashed against the upright and across the goal to safety. Moments late Fowler’s goal bound shot was blocked, the Matildas were adamant the ball had hit the arm of the defender, but the referee waved away their protests. The visitors really threatened, but every time Matildas keeper touched the ball the crowd ga e her a huge cheer after her World Cup heroics. Alanna Kennedy headed over the top, before in the shadows of half time Kerr headed over Katrina Gorry’s cross at the back post, but at the break it was scoreless.
Charli Grant and Lydia Williams were introduced at the break for Clare Wheeler and goalkeeper Arnold, as the Matildas began the second half with energy. Chinese Taipei dug in as the Matilda’s continued their search for the opener, and Gorry was outstanding in the middle of the park. Caitlin Foord went close when she beat her marker on the touchline, but keeper Cheng Ssu-yu was equal to her effort again. The visitors were well organised and defending stoutly, and it took something special to break the deadlock on 62 minutes. A diagonal ball from Clare Hunt found Fowler on the left, her first touch took her clear of her marker the second took her to the edge of the box, the third was a stunning strike which flew past Cheng and nestled in the back of the net, much to the delight of the 19,084 crowd.
They doubled their advantage six minutes later, Foord’s burst into the penalty area on the left, her low cross caused confusion in the box and the ball fell kindly for Kerr, who nipped in to score from close-range, for the Matildas’ 900th goal in their history, fittingly scored by their best ever player. The impressive Gorry went close to a third, winning possession on the edge of the penalty area, but her shot was superbly saved by the alert Cheng. The crowd was in party mood now, and on 76 minutes they were on their feet again when the Matildas added a third. Foord shot rebounded back to her, and the Arsenal striker crossed the ball to the back post substitute Amy Sayer, who squared the ball to Yallop, and the Brisbane Roar midfielder made no mistake.
The Matildas kept their foot on the gas and created a number of chances, the best falling to Fowler, whose effort flashed just wide. But the win ensured top spot for Tony Gustavsson’s side, and he praised the “maturity” shown by his side. “It takes sometimes an hour to break down a team,” Gustavsson said post-match. “With patience, then it starts to open up.” When asked about his future in the role, the coach played a straight bat with the respond. "I love this team and we have unfinished business to do,” he said. "It has been such a privilege to be involved in this (team)."
Australia: GK Mackenzie Arnold, (RGK Lydia Williams 46’) 3 Kyra Cooney-Cross, 6, Clare Wheeler (22 Charlotte Grant 46’), 7 Steph Catley (2 Courtney Nevin 77’), 9 Caitlin Foord, 11 Mary Fowler, 14 Alanna Kennedy, 15 Clare Hunt, 16 Hayley Raso (13 Tameka Yallop 68’), 19 Katrina Gorry, 20 Sam Kerr (17 Amy Sayer 68’) - Subs not used: RGK Teagan Micah, 4 Clare Polkinghorne, 8 Alex Chidiac
Chinese Taipei – GK Cheng Ssu-yu, 4 Lin Chiung-ying, 6 Zhuo Li-ping (22 Chang Chi-lan 82’), 8 Wang Hsiang-huei (21 Bi-han Chan 60’), 9 Hsu Yi-yun (3 Yi-wen Li 71’), 13 Su Yu-hsuan (5 Pan Shin-yu 71’), 14 Kai-ching Wu, 15 Chia-ying Ting, 16 Lan Yu-chieh, 17 Ting Chi (7 Chin-wen Chen 82’), 20 Ying-hui Chen - Subs not used: RGK Yu-ting Wang, RGK Chu Fang-yi, 10 Lee Hsiu-chin, 11 Lai Li-chin, 19 Lin Hsin-hui – Attendance: 19,084 – Referee: Hyeon-Jeong Oh (Korea Republic)
1.11.2023
DAVIES AND SAMSON TAKES OUT STIRLING AND OLYMPIC FAIREST AND BEST AWARDS
Stirling Macedonia ended the season as Top Four Series winners, beating Champions Perth RedStar in the final, while Olympic Kingsway completed their first season in the NPL with a top four finish, bowing out in the semi-final against Perth SC. But the two clubs, who were had been promoted from the State League over the past two seasons, showed the gap between the two leagues is closing, and both celebrated their successes at their recent presentation nights.
First Stirling held there awards night at the QT Perth Hotel on Saturday October 21, and it was Gyles Davies who won the first team Fairest and Best for the second year running, ahead of Asher Nelson. Davies, who joined the club from Olympic Kingsway, said without his teammates he couldn’t have on the award. “Yes, on a personal note, it was a privilege to be awarded the Player of the Year especially given the number of other boys who would be worthy recipients,” Davies explained.
“Last year I dealt with the lingering effects of a serious injury I picked up in Night Series, so it has been good to get through this year without any significant injuries which allowed me to get a degree of consistency which was, relatively speaking, more difficult last year given how fragmented my season was at stages. It honestly is a pleasure playing with this group, it’s an easy environment to perform well within, my teammates, coaches, support staff and supporters deserve a lot of credit for the direction the club is heading.”
Davies said to won the Top Four was deserved for the club, but they will go in search of the NPL title next season, after just missing out in the last two season. “When we collectively look back at the season, we see it as ultimately a successful one. The quality and work of our management, players and support staff has been deserving of getting our hands on silverware since our return to the NPL. While it was not the silver ware which was ultimately goal at the start of the year, the league, it still feels like a just reward for the players and club consistent efforts,” the midfielder said.
“Our season was somewhat frustrating at stages largely characterised by performing and getting results in ‘big’ games and then mostly dominating in games which when you look at the table we should be winning however, our consistency in front of goal ultimately cost us. For 2024, we have been within touching distance of winning the league on both occasions since our return to the NPL last year. Ultimately, we got third last year, second this year and we have our sights set on doing one better in 2024."
In other awards on the night Brent Quick won the first team Players’ Player of the Year and the Coaches’ Player of the Year. Michael DeFilippis won the under 20’s F&B, ahead of Kyle Davis, and he also won the Players’ Player of the Year, while Yousif Toto won the Coaches Award. In the under 18’s Lutfil Hadi Afandi won F&B, ahead of Oskar Patterson. Tate David won the Players’ Player of the Year, while Guiseppe Zuccaro won the Coaches’ Award.
Olympic Kingsway were the big surprise in 2023, the club back in the top flight of WA football for the first time since 1999, and David Tough’s side finished third in the NPL, and at their awards night at The Crown, it was midfielder Joshua Samson who took out the Fairest and Best Award, and he also won the Players’ Player of the Year. The 22-year-old said to win one award was amazing, but to take out both was very humbling. “I was really honoured and proud to have received the Fairest and Best and the Players Player awards this season, especially given how strong the squad was this season,” Samson explained. “To be chosen by my coaches and teammates was really humbling, and it was a great night overall with my brother, Tristan, also winning the Fairest and Best award for the under20’s.”
The lively midfielder said the squad were confident going into the NPL, and their confidence was high after taking out the pre-season competition, and they will look to build on their success in 2024. “Our objective for this season was to finish inside the top four, so to start the season with winning the Night Series gave us a lot of confidence that we can compete at this level playing our style of football,” Samson said.
“It was an incredibly competitive season, so to finish in the top four and pick up a trophy was great and a very positive first season back in the NPL. Next season we hope to continue to build on this season’s success and look to go a step further and challenge for the league title.” In other awards on the night, Tristan Samson won the under 20’s Fairest and Best, while Sebastian Medica won the Players’ Player of the Year. In the under 18’s Tom Sallis swept the awards, taking out both the Fairest and Best and Players’ Player of the Year.
1.11.2023
HAYWARD READY FOR PREMIER LEAGUE CHALLENGE
Kingsley Westside will play in the Belt-Up Amateur Premier Division in 2024, and they have brought in the experienced Brad Hayward as their new Head Coach for the season. Hayward is a familiar face to many on the local football scene, and he arrives at Chichester Park following coaching stints at Wanneroo City and more recently Joondalup City State League, where he led their reserves to Top 4 Cup success in 2021 before taking charge of the State League first team in 2022.
After a year off in 2023, Brad arrives at the club ready for the challenge of the Amateur Premier League, following their promotion this year. “The club culture and ambition shown at Kingsley Westside over recent years is the number one factor that has attracted me to this position,” Hayward said. “The club’s foundation is built upon a solid respect and love of the game and the friendships made along the way. I’ve had some great battles over the years against Kingsley Westside, many of which were against the lads now playing for the Amateur Premier League side.”
“They are a club I have admired and respected for many years, with everyone from Sundays through to Saturdays and beyond working towards one collective goal. From my short time around the club so far, it’s infectious and I can’t wait to be a part of it. The Amateur Premier League is a very exciting challenge. It’s a tough competition with some really strong opponents but I strongly believe that this KWFC side isn’t here to just make up the numbers next season and we plan on continuing the great run shown by this group of players over the last few years, and drawing upon the strong history that Kingsley Westside has in the Amateur League competition."
Hayward replaces the outgoing Ben Andrews and Luke Thompson, who leave the Amateur side after guiding it to promotion from Division One in 2023. Andrews will be rejoining KWFC’s State League set-up as Reserves Coach, while Thompson has taken up a new position with newly promoted NPL Men’s side Fremantle City. Club President Chris Brady thanked the pair for their services, and he is excited to have Hayward on board.
“We are very pleased to welcome Brad as our Amateur Premier League head coach in 2024. He is highly regarded in local football circles, has some great experience coaching in the State League and is young and ambitious,” Brady said. “Most importantly though, we see his character as being a good fit for the club as we get ready to take on an exciting and challenging 2024 as the club returns to the Amateur Premier League for the first time since winning the title and gaining State League promotion in 2019.
“Ben and Luke were both upfront with the club early on in the year that they would be looking at other options in 2024 to progress their coaching careers. So, this gave us plenty of time to put a succession plan in place, and it also meant that Brad could get himself involved with the Amateur squad towards the latter part of last season, which I think puts us in a good position heading into the new season. We’re all very happy for Luke that he has secured an exciting new role with Fremantle City and thrilled that Ben will be staying with the club and returning to our State League set-up. They are both excellent at what they do and are great people to have around any club.”
1.11.2023
KERR NAMES AFC WOMEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR
It’s been a special week for WA-born Sam Kerr, not only walking out in front of a sellout crowd at Optis Stadium on Sunday, and having the WA Football Centre named in her honour, the Matildas skipper has been voted the AFC Women’s Football of the Year, at AFC Annual Awards Doha 2022 in Qatar on Wednesday morning, and runners up in the 2023 Ballon d’Or. The striker’s form, for the Matildas and English Women’s Super League club Chelsea, saw her top the pole in Qatar, and it was the second time the former Perth Glory skipper has taken out the prestigious award.
Kerr was unable to attend the award ceremony, as she is in camp for the Matildas in their 2024 Asian Olympic qualifies in Perth, but she was grateful to receive the award and thanks her team mates on her acceptance speech via video. “I just want to say what an honour it is to win this award, especially up against some amazing finalists,” Kerr said. “It has been an amazing year for me and my team and I just want to thank all my team-mates, my coaches, my family and friends – thank you very much again.”
Kerr helped Chelsea win the WSL title last season, scoring 12 league goals, and played a key role in their Women’s FA Cup success along with making the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals. Her performances for the Blues were recognised by winning the Football Writers Association Women’s Footballer of the Year for a second consecutive season. The AFC award comes a day after she had a career best second-place finish in the Ballon d’Or, behind Spain and Barcelona star Aitana Bonmati at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
In other awards on the night, Socceroos star Mathew Leckie fell short in the race for the AFC Men’s Player of the Year, which was won by Saudi Arabian attacker Salem Al Dawsari. Japan’s Hajime Moriyasu received the AFC Men’s Coach of the Year, ahead of Socceroos boss Graham Arnold, while Maika Hamano took home the AFC Women’s Youth Player of the Year, a category Matildas star Mary Fowler was also nominated for. Football Australia were awarded Gold in the AFC President Recognition Awards for Grassroots Football and Chris Beath (referee), Anton Shchetinin (assistant referee) and Ashley Beecham (assistant referee) were recognised with the AFC Referees Special Award.
1.11.2023
NPL CLUBS AWARDS WRAP
After relegation to Division One next season, Sorrento will be hoping to bounce straight back, and they have started their recruitment to do that by bringing in former Perth Glory and Socceroo midfielder Neil Kilkenny, Teeboy Kamara, James McGowan, David Keenan and Hamza Hena. The club held their held Awards Presentations for the Senior NPL teams at its club premises on Percy Doyle Reserve on Friday, 29 September, and it was skipper Dean Cummings who took out the Player of the Year award, ahead of Ryan McLaug, and he also took out the Golden Boot, after bagging 12 goals. “It's always a pleasure to pick up Player of the Year and Golden Boot from a personal point of view, even though being relegated from the NPL put a damper on that,” Cummings explained.
“But we move on to next year and are fully focused on winning the league, and the club has already made a few exciting signings so I’m buzzing to get playing again in 2024.” In other awards on the night Keegan Chambers won the under 20s Player of the Year ahead of Harry Hodgkinson, with Keegan Chambers winning the Golden Boot with 15 goals. In the under 18s Tom Sadler won the Player of the Year ahead of Ronan Dowling, with Brodie Roberts bagging the Golden Boot with 21 goals. Meanwhile the Sorrento Best Club Person of the Year was won by Kerry Slater, totally deserved, with Kerry doing so much for club over a number of years.
The other club to be relegated was Cockburn City, and at their presentation night Jesse Lazzaro won the Fairest and Best Award, ahead of Cherno Bah. Lazzaro also took out the Golden Boot with six goals, while Bah was voted the Players’ Player of the Year. In other awards on the night, Luke McClaren made a clean sweep of the under 20s, winning F&B, Players’ Player and Golden Boot winner, with Konrad Sollorin the runner up in the F&B. In the Under 18s Bishop Johnson won the F&B, ahead of Alex Nawn, Zayde Free won the Players’ Player of the Year, with Kaiden Guiver the Golden Boot winner.
Balcatta Etna finished two points off the relegation play-off spot, and it went down to the wire, winning the final game of the season 3-0 against Cockburn to seal their survival. In their presentation night at the Rooftop Ballroom at the Aloft Hotel, Liam Hudson won the MVP award, ahead of skipper Trent Kay, while Declan Hudson won the Coaches Award. In other awards on the night Sam Hamilton won the under 20s MVP, ahead of Nathan Hale, while Jack Frew won the Coaches award. In the under 18s Justin Alessandrino won the MVP, ahead of Benjamin Ognenis, while Zarne Gaitan won the Coaches Award. The ‘Luke Beyer’ Rising Star Award was won by Matthew Tomassone, the award named after the former Balcatta youngster who tragically killed in a car crash in 2011.
Perth SC NPL Men’s Fairest and Best was won jointly by Zayd Farah and Julian Teles, while Judy Connolly won the Women’s NPL Fairest and Best. Oliver Lebihan won the under 20s Fairest and Best, and Nicolas Echeverria the under 18’s, with Alanna Ottobrino taking out the Women’s 21’s.
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This page was last updated on the 4th November, 2023