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31.10.2024
ZDRILIC LOOKING FOR IMPROVEMENT AT MARINERS
Last week saw glimpses of improvement, but they are no way near the finished product, and injuries and fitness seem to be a concern, especially the players that came in late, but Zdrilic is expecting his side to take further steps forward this weekend. “The group is now starting to come together in terms of the whole group having the fitness that we need,” he said. “The squad that we’ll be taking [to Gosford] have had enough match minutes in them to be able to put out a very competitive performance.
“Last week, I thought we saw a big stride from the first game and I thought we should have got more out of that game, but we have to learn the lessons very quickly. I think the guys can see that… and we’ll be taking a positive outlook into this next game. The pre-season was very positive and we were very confident coming out of pre-season. But now we’ve had two games where we’ve had to learn the standard of the A-League very quickly. I’ve been in many situations where you lose one game, you lose two games, but then it turns around very quickly, the focus is always the next game.”
Mark Jackson’s Mariners side are also still searching for a first win of the campaign having drawn their opening two games, but Zdrilic is well aware the threat they will pose as they look to kick start their season, as they go in search of a third successive title. “The Mariners fight for their results and in their first game against Victory, a very good team, they got a positive result, then against Adelaide, they fought their way back into the game,” he said.
“They’ve got a lot of experience in Asia as well [as the A-League] … and they’re very comfortable playing in a system which is similar to what they played last year. So, the coaching staff, now in their second season after having an excellent season last year and pretty much winning everything, have got a very positive and confident group. We’re expecting nothing less than a tough fight.”
In team news, Columbian winger Cristian Caicedo and defender Trent Ostler have been added to the squad, but they will still will be without the injured trio Mustafa Amini, Josh Risdon and Nikola Mileusnic, while Luke Bodner and Kaelan Majekodunmi have both been left out of the travelling squad. The last time Glory visited Gosford was in round ten last season, and it wasn’t a Happy New Years Eve for the men in purple, losing 4-2.
It started well with Adam Taggart opening the scoring on 18 minutes, but the Mariners took control, and goals from Jacob Farrell, Alou Kuol and a Marco Tulio penalty gave the hosts a comfortable lead at the break. Stefan Colakovski reduced the margin early in the second half and Glory went in search of the equaliser, but a second penalty from Tulio in stoppage time gave the mariners the points. To make matters worse Glory ended the game with nine players after Mark Beevers and Aleks Susnjar were both sent off.
Central Coast Mariners squad: GK Adam PAVLESIC, GK Dylan PERAIC-CULLEN, 3 Brian KALTAK, 8 Alfie MCCALMONT, 9 Alou KUOL, 10 Mikael DOKA, 11 Vitor FEIJAO, 12 Lucas MAURAGIS, 15 Storm ROUX, 16 Harry STEELE, 17 Sabit NGOR, 24 Diesel HERRINGTON, 26 Bradley TAPP, 27 Sasha KUZEVSKI, 29 Nico DUARTE, 30 Jack WARSHAWSKY, 33 Nathan PAULL, 36 Haine EAMES, 37 Bailey BRANDTMAN, 99 Ryan EDMONDSON *Two to be omitted* - Unavailable: 20 Trent SAINSBURY (injured)
Perth Glory squad: GK Oli SAIL, GK Cameron COOK, 3 Anas HAMZAOUI, 5 Lachlan BARR, 6 Brandon O’NEILL, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 9 David WILLIAMS, 11 Hiroaki AOYAMA, 12 Taras GOMULKA, 14 Nathanael BLAIR, 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI, 16 Adam BUGARIJA, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 18 Cristian CAICEDO, 20 Trent OSTLER, 21 Abdul FAISAL, 22 Adam TAGGART, 24 Andriano LEBIB, 26 Khoa NGO, 33 Luis CANGA *Two to be omitted* - Ins: CAICEDO, OSTLER - Unavailable: 4 Luke BODNAR (Not Selected), 8 Mustafa AMINI (injured), 10 Nikola MILEUSNIC (injured), 19 Josh RISDON (injured), 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI (Not Selected)
31.10.2024
GLORY HIT BY INJURY FOR SEASON OPENER
Perth Glory begin their 2024-25 Ninja A-League season on Sunday when they travel to last season’s champions Melbourne City at ctrl:cyber Pitch (Kick off 12.00pm) It will be the first game in charge for new coach Stephen Peters, and he will head east with a new look squad, and will have as many as 11 players that could make their club debuts, but he will have a number of experienced players missing for the season opener. The squad has come together in the last couple of weeks, but injuries have hit them hard, with three players out for the trip east, and they could also miss a number of games.
Winger Susan Phonsongkham is set to miss a number of games, after suffering an ankle injury for Preston Lions, in their 2-3 loss in the NPL Victoria grand final in September, which required surgery. Also new import signings Megan Wynne and Onyinyechi Zogg have also been sidelined, while incoming keeper Casey Dumont is still contracted to AFLW side Hawthorn. Despite this Peters is excited for the season ahead and has refused to let it cloud the side’s enthusiasm for their opening game.
“Susan’s got an ankle injury that she’s unfortunately carried into the pre-season and unfortunately she’ll be out for a period of time — we’re looking at three to four months,” Peters said in his pre-game press conference. “That’s a significant challenge for us, because she’s a player with great quality. It was a couple of bumpy weeks for her navigating through the decision on what to do and how to navigate through that. But she’s come through that pretty well, she’s been around the group and helping the group.”
Peters also explained that Welsh international and ex-Tottenham winger Wynne had a wrist injury, while twice-capped Nigerian centre-back Zogg has a calf issue. “Megan will be about three weeks. She’s got a wrist injury, which is just a little bit complex in terms of what needs to happen for her to get 100 per cent right and there’s a couple other niggles that she can rest up in that time,” he said.
“Onyi’s actually got a really strange one. She’s got a plantaris injury, which is a bit weird. It’s not really a structural thing, it’s just more of a pain management thing, so she’s working with the medical team, we’re looking to hopefully have her back sooner rather than later. The next persons just got to step up and that’s got to be our mantra; as long as we’ve got 11 players on the field, we’re going to give an effort and put in a performance that everyone will hopefully be proud of.”
Despite the injury news, Peters upbeat about the upcoming season, which begins with a trip away to reigning premiers Melbourne City, who finished first and clinched the Premiers Plate in 2023-24 but they failure to convert in the Grand Final after a 1-0 defeat to Sydney FC, and the coach said it’s a huge challenge first up, but a one they are relishing. “We’ve had an opportunity to obviously look at them with their AFC (Club Championship) duties, so that’s a bonus for us, and they’re a good side,” he said.
“It’s going to give us a real good indication of where we’re at and I think it’s a great starting platform for us. They seem to have a philosophy in the club that’s carried through from manager to manager, to a certain degree, so there are some things that I think still remain from Dario Vidosic’s reign, but Michael (Matricciani) seems like a very astute manager.”
The Glory were unable to face any other A-League Women sides in pre-season, but Peters said they were focused on the positive elements of their pre-season. “The fact that we haven’t played an A-League opponent in preseason, is obviously a challenge, but we’re just constantly trying to look at the positives,” he said. “We spent more time on the grass than probably most other teams in terms of our training sessions, we had two very decent games against the state side, and then we essentially had a couple of midweek hit-outs against some boys teams that we organised.”
The last time they played Melbourne City away was in round seven last season, when Glory produced one of their best performances of the season to win 3-1. The hosts hit the front early, with Hannah Wilkinson on target, but Millie Farrow levelled on the half hour. The English striker put Glory ahead early in the second half, and the former Glory completed her hat-trick twenty minutes from time to collect her first hat-trick for the club.
Melbourne City squad: GK Melissa BARBIERI, GK Malena MIERES, 5 Taylor OTTO, 6 Leticia MCKENNA, 7 Kathryn HARVEY, 8 Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 10 Rhianna POLLICINA, 12 Shelby MCMAHON, 13 Rebekah STOTT, 14 Laura HUGHES, 15 Kiera MEYERS, 16 Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 17 Mariana SPECKMAIER, 18 Leah DAVIDSON, 19 Lourdes BOSCH, 20 Caitlin KARIC, 21 Isabella ACCARDO, 22 Bryleeh HENRY, 27 Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC, 31 Carina ROSSI - *Four to be omitted* - Unavailable: GK Sophia VARLEY (ankle), 9 Holly McNAMARA (ACL), 11 Emilia MURRAY (calf)
Perth Glory squad: GK Miranda TEMPLEMAN, GK Jessica SKINNER, 2 Mischa ANDERSON, 5 Grace JOHNSTON, 6 Tijan MCKENNA, 8 Georgia CASSIDY, 9 Gabby HOLLAR, 11 Natalie TATHEM, 13 Naomi CHINNAMA, 14 Miku SUNAGA, 17 Morgan ROBERTS, 19 Sarah O’DONOGHUE, 20 Ella ABDUL MASSIH, 22 Ischia BROOKING, 23 Izzy DALTON, 25 Ella LINCOLN, 26 Tanika LALA, 44 Kelli BROWN - *Two to be omitted* - Unavailable: GKCasey DUMONT (not yet available), 7 Megan WYNNE (injured), 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM (injured), 16 Bella WALLHEAD (injured), 18 Izzy FOLETTA (injured), 29 Onyinyechi ZOGG (injured)
31.10.2024
A-LEAGUE TWO TAKES EMBRYONIC STEP
After humming and hawing regarding a National Second Tier competition, Football Australia today confirmed the launch of the National Second Tier (NST) competition, well almost. It does mark a significant step forward in its commitment to elevating the domestic club football landscape in Australia, and after a series of workshops and consultation sessions with the eight NST Foundation Clubs, Football Australia confirmed that it will kick-off the NST in October 2025. It will be showcasing the best of Australian club football in a contemporary and sustainable competition format, along the lines of the NPL National competition which was dropped in 2019 with the Australia Cup taking centre stage for the state league clubs.
The reaction has been muted here in the west, as we don’t have any clubs involved, and that’s the big argument from the WA football family, it’s a national competition so all states should be represented, and the competition model looks like the NPL winners in each state will be involved. The key highlights are as follows: Commitment to Play: Football Australia, alongside the NST Foundation Clubs and key stakeholders, share a commitment to launch the NST Competition in 2025. This decision ensures alignment with the original strategic objectives of connecting the football pyramid in Australia and elevating iconic clubs to the national stage.
New Competition Structure: The NST will feature a 16-team format, consisting of group stage matches and culminating in an elimination Finals Series. This structure has been designed to ensure the competition model is sustainable while maintaining a high degree of competitive integrity and commercial appeal. Team Composition: The eight NST Foundation Clubs will be granted automatic access and are joined by eight invitational clubs comprised of the Member Federation NPL State Premiers from the respective domestic season - delivering a national competition.
Season Timeline: The NST competition will be held annually between October and December, initially across nine matchday rounds, and concluding with a Championship Final in early December. The spring calendar window provides the agility to expand and align within the Domestic Match Calendar ensuring optimal fixturing for players, fans, and stakeholders. Brand Launch: Football Australia can confirm the competition’s name, brand identity, marketing collateral, and the new trophy design will be unveiled in the coming months, setting the stage for a memorable debut season.
CEO of Football Australia CEO James Johnson expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming NST competition. “The introduction of the National Second Tier is a landmark moment for football in Australia,” he said. “Following productive discussions with our eight Foundation Clubs and consultation with other stakeholders, we are committed to creating a competition that not only elevates our game but also enriches the football community at all levels. The National Second Tier will provide a new platform for iconic clubs to showcase their talent and connect with fans nationwide.”
Football Australia will continue to engage with the NST Foundation Clubs, Member Federations, and other key stakeholders to refine operational details for the new competition. Over the past 12 months, Football Australia has undertaken two comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP) processes to select NST clubs. This work, supported by advisory partner BDO, has successfully identified 14 clubs representing six states and territories that have each passed the technical elements of the NST RFP process.
Six of the 14 clubs were unable to meet the mandatory financial requirements required to play in a standalone NST home and away league competition prior to the deadline in June 2024, however Football Australia will continue to monitor these clubs as they seek to advance their bid proposals. Football Australia has also committed to a third NST RFP selection process, expanded to target clubs outside of the initial Expression of Interest process and predominantly from underrepresented states. It is hoped this enhanced national focus will identify additional foundation clubs.
The eight clubs announced in November 2023 — APIA Leichhardt FC, Avondale FC, Marconi Stallions FC, Preston Lions FC, South Melbourne FC, Sydney Olympic FC, Sydney United 58 FC, and Wollongong Wolves FC — remain integral to the future growth of the NST and will continue to be recognised as foundation members. The six additional clubs that have passed the technical elements of the NST RFP process include: Adelaide City FC, Caroline Springs-George Cross FC, Gold Coast United FC, Gungahlin United FC, South Hobart FC, and Sunshine Coast FC. Further updates will be provided as the NST continues to evolve, noting it remains a key strategic objective to establish a standalone NST home and away league competition as soon as the minimum threshold is secured.
30.10.2024
KEY TRIO ABSENT FROM GLORY WOMEN
Perth Glory’s A-League Women’s campaign has been dealt a blow with a trio of important players suffering injuries on the eve of the season. But new coach Stephen Peters is nonetheless excited for the season ahead and has refused to let it cloud the side’s enthusiasm for their opening game of the fixture.
Exciting winger Susan Phonsongkham is set to miss a sizable chunk of the season, with Peters revealing an ankle injury suffered in the National Premier Leagues Victoria Grand Ginal in September required surgery. International signings Megan Wynne and Onyinyechi Zogg have also been sidelined, while incoming goalkeeper Casey Dumont is still contracted to AFLW side Hawthorn.
“Susan’s got an ankle injury that she’s unfortunately carried into the pre-season. She’ll be out for a period of time — we’re looking at three to four months,” Peters said, “That’s a significant challenge for us, because she’s a player with great quality. It was a couple of bumpy weeks for her navigating through the decision on what to do and how to navigate through that. But she’s come through that pretty well, she’s been around the group and helping the group.”
Peters said Welsh international and ex-Tottenham Hotspur winger Wynne had a wrist injury, while twice-capped Nigerian centre-back Zogg has a calf issue. “Megan will be about three weeks. She’s got a wrist injury, which is just a little bit complex in terms of what needs to happen for her to get 100 per cent right and there’s a couple other niggles that she can rest up in that time,” Peters explained.
“Onyi’s actually got a really strange one. She’s got a plantaris injury, which is a bit weird. It’s not really a structural thing, it’s just more of a pain management thing, so she’s working with the medical team, we’re looking to hopefully have her back sooner rather than later. The next person’s just got to step up and that’s got to be our mantra; as long as we’ve got 11 players on the field, we’re going to give an effort and put in a performance that everyone will hopefully be proud of.”
Despite the injury news, Peters remains upbeat about the upcoming season, which begins with a trip away to reigning premiers Melbourne City on Sunday. It will be Peters’ first game as an A-Leagues coach and he said he was relishing taking on a City side who were one of the competition’s benchmarks.
While coach Dario Vidosic has moved onto English Women’s Super League side Brighton and Hove Albion - who have won three of their opening five games under the Australian - Peters said City were still a formiddable opponent. “We’ve had an opportunity to obviously look at them with their AFC (Club Championship) duties, so that’s a bonus for us, and they’re a good side,” he said.
“It’s going to give us a real good indication of where we’re at and I think it’s a great starting platform for us. They seem to have a philosophy in the club that’s carried through from manager to manager, to a certain degree, so there are some things that I think still remain from Dario’s reign, but Michael (Matricciani) seems like a very astute manager.”
Glory were unable to face any other A-League Women sides in pre-season, but Peters said they were focused on the positive elements of their preparation for the new campaign. “The fact that we haven’t played an a league opponent in pre-season is obviously a challenge, but we’re just constantly trying to look at the positives,” he said.
“We spent more time on the grass than probably most other teams in terms of our training sessions, we had two very decent games against the state side, and then we essentially had a couple of midweek hit-outs against some boys teams that we organised.”
29.10.2024
LOWRY IN SEARCH OF GLORY
Rising star Hana Lowry won’t beat around the bush: she wants trophies and a Matildas call-up. Touted as one of the best young talents in the country, Lowry is bent on taking her game to the next level after leaving hometown club Perth Glory for A-League Women powerhouse Sydney FC.
The Sky Blues’ opening round match against Central Coast Mariners on Saturday will be the 21-year old’s first for another club since her professional career debut in 2019. Lowry rejected overtures from Glory to stay on this season, saying she needed a change after 72 appearances across five years.
“I haven’t won anything. I haven’t actually played any finals football,” Lowry said. “I’ve been at Perth for a long time. I needed to push myself outside my comfort zone, to be in a new environment where I can really take my game to the next level. You look at Sydney’s history, how successful they’ve been. I wanted to be a part of that. I want to win trophies.”
But silverware isn’t the only thing Lowry has set her sights on. The Matildas will return home to host Brazil and Chinese Taipei in friendlies across November and December. Lowry, alongside new teammate Kyah Simon, will be one of the many A-League stars vying to impress interim coach Tom Sermanni.
Simon has not represented Australia for almost 18 months after missing the 2023 World Cup with a knee injury, while Lowry has established herself as a regular in the Young Matildas line-up. The midfielder hasn’t gone so far to tempt herself with fantasising of a potential call-up but remains bullish that the opportunities are on the horizon.
“Having Kyah in the team is amazing. She’s a role model for all of us girls that have come through, just watching her in the Matildas,” Lowry said. “The Matildas is a dream of mine. This (moving to Sydney) is probably a move that’s going to help me hopefully get to another level, and that’s what I’m hoping to do.”
“To have a professional like (Simon) in the team, watching her train every day, is a really good thing. I’ve really just got to focus on performing well in this team ... Hopefully as a result, those accolades come.”
28.10.2024
MATILDAS SPOILS THE PARTY FOR GERMAN LEGEND
The Matildas have bounced back from a disappointing draw against Switzerland last week, stunning Germany 2-1 at the Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena in Duisburg on Tuesday morning. The hosts dominated the early stages, and were ahead on five minutes through Selina Cerci. They had chances to extend their lead but failed to take them and Kyra Cooney-Cross and Clare Hunt scored their first goals for the Matildas as Australia fought back it seal their first win over the Germans since 2005, and only the second time they have defeated the two-time FIFA Women's World Cup champions.
The home supporters had hoped to celebrate retiring forward Alexandra Popp’s final appearance with a win, but it wasn’t to be and Interim coach Tom Sermanni says the “foundation” for the Matildas’ 2026 Asian Cup campaign has been laid with the fighting and confidence-boosting win. “It restores confidence in individual players, it restores confidence in the team and it brings that belief back,’’ said Sermanni post-match. “The great thing we showed was that character and that determination. We hung in and we showed a great deal of determination and pride. “We’re looking at this as the start of our preparation for the Asian Cup, so hopefully this is a great foundation.”
Sermanni made two changes to the side that drew in Switzerland last week, Steph Catley came in for Courtney Nevin, and reclaimed the captain’s armband, while Clare Wheeler started in midfield in place of Tameka Yallop. The hosts, fresh of a big win against England last week, were on the front foot early, and found the opener on five minutes. Vivien Endemann was picked out down the right, and her cross to the back post was headed home by striker Selina Cerci.
They went close to a second moments later, Popp made space down the right, and every time the skipper touched the ball the crowd cheered, her cross was cleared to the edge of the box, and some hesitant defending allowed Felicitas Rauch to reclaim the ball and her shot beat Mackenzie Arnold, but the post came to the rescue of the Matildas custodian. On 15 minutes the crowd stood as one as the legendary Popp was withdrawn from the field of play in an international fixture for the final time.
The Matildas settled and went close themselves on 22 minutes, May Fowler’s through ball sent Caitlin Foord racing clear, but German keeper Stina Johannes made a smart save to her left to deny the Arsenal and former Perth Glory striker. Foord was in again two minutes later, Fowler and Cooney-Cross combined, and the latter sent her Arsenal team mate clear with a defence splitting pass, but Johannes produced a great save to deny the Matildas striker.
Germany should have doubled their lead on the half hour, the ball broke to an unmarked Endemann with only Arnold to beat, but the striker failed to find the target. That let off was soon punished, with the Matildas levelling with a stunner. Cerci’s poor pass was picked off by Cooney-Cross, who looked up and saw Johannes off her line, and her shot from distance beat the back-pedalling keeper, for her first goal for country in her 50th appearance for the green and gold.
Germany started the second half in the same manner as the first, but the Matildas held firm, and always looked threatening on the break with Fowler and Foord a constant threat. Sermanni introduced Winonah Heatley on 66 minutes, the Nordsjælland defender becoming Matilda #230. Then 12 minutes later the Matildas stunned the home crowd as they hit the front. Catley’s corner from the right found the head of Hunt, and the 25-year-old Tottenham defender headed it past Johannes for her first international goal.
The fourth Ranked Germany pushed for the equaliser, and moments later they nearly found it. Chelsea midfielder Sjoeke Nüsken’s shot came through a crowded penalty area, but Arnold produced a stunning reflex save to push it around for a corner. From the resulting corner substitute Linda Dallmann’s goalbound shot was well blocked by Manchester City and former Glory defender Alanna Kennedy. The Matildas were able to hold on to secure a famous victory.
“I couldn’t stop thinking about it after I scored, it just feels like a big relief, and a weight off my shoulders,” Cooney-Cross said post-match. “I’m so grateful to get 50 caps, but I definitely wouldn’t be here without a few of the girls sticking by my side and helping me get there. It’s a surreal moment. I’m feeling very proud and grateful.” The midfielder and her teammates turn their attention to the international window in November/December, when they take on Brazil and Chinese Taipei at home.
Germany: GK Stina JOHANNES, 2 Sarai LINDER, 6 Janina MINGE (4 Sophia KLEINHERNE 46’), 9 Sjoeke NUSKEN, 11 Alexandra POPP (18 Nicole ANYOMI 15’), 14 Lisanne GRAWE (27 Lina MAGULL 46’), 15 Giulia GWINN (5 Pia-Sophie WOLTER 58’), 17 Felicitas RAUCH, 19 Klara BUHL (22 Jule BRAND 59’), 25 Selina CERCI (16 Linda DALLMANN 59’), 26 Vivien ENDEMANN – Subs not used: RGK Ann-Katrin BERGER, RGK Sophia Winkler, 20 Elisa SENB, 23 Sara DOORSOUN-KHAJEH, 24 Giovanna HOFFMANN, 98 Sara DABRITZ
Australia: GK Mackenzie ARNOLD, 6 Clare WHEELER (3 Winonah HEATLEY 67’), 7 Steph CATLEY, 8 Kaitlyn TORPEY (32 Michelle HEYMAN 37’) (24 Sharn FREIER 67’), 9 Caitlin FOORD, 11 Mary FOWLER (13 Tameka YALLOP 87’), 14 Alanna KENNEDY, 15 Clare HUNT, 19 Katrina GORRY (10 Emily VAN EGMOND 46’), 21 Ellie CARPENTER, 23 Kyra COONEY-CROSS - Subs not used: RGK Jada MATHYSSEN-WHYMAN, RGK Chloe LINCOLN, 2 Courtney NEVIN, 4 Clare POLKINGHORNE, 22 Charli GRANT, 26 Daniela GALIC - Attendance: 26,623
28.10.2024
GLORY CLOSING IN ON A NEW HOME
After many seasons of being nomads, moving from one training ground to another, Perth Glory look set to call Mirrabooka home from 2025, in a move that will give the club a new, fully integrated training and administration base for its staff and players. The Glory announced today that the council voted this month to approve a five-year lease for the club to use part of Stirling Leisure – Mirrabooka as its administrative headquarters, with part of the adjacent Mirrabooka Regional Open Space to be used as its training facility.
However, reports say the move to Mirrabooka would not prevent the Glory from continuing to search for a long-term site for a state-of-the-art headquarters, which has been at the forefront of new owner Ross Pelligra’s vision for the club. The club have previously spoken to the City of Stirling about a parcel of land between Stirling Station and the council chambers. Also, Wotton Reserve, home of Morley Windmills and a stone’s throw from the future Morley train station, is another potential option. The club’s tenure in Fremantle has been dogged by inconvenience, with the Glory unable to use Fremantle Oval for training purposes.
The lease, once finalised, will have an option of a further five years and will be funded through a sponsorship agreement negotiated by the City and the club, and Perth Glory CEO Anthony Radich said it’s a major step forward for the club. "This move brings much greater synergies and efficiencies to how we function in terms of our administration, while having A-League-standard training pitches located on our doorstep will be hugely beneficial performance-wise for our A-League Men’s and Women’s teams. Centralising and consolidating our operations into a single base, is a major step forward for the club,” Radich explained.
"We are looking forward to engaging with what is a richly diverse local community, which has football at its heart, and adding value to the exciting plans that the City of Stirling has for the Mirrabooka Town Centre and the local area. I would like to acknowledge the foresight and vision of the City of Stirling, Mayor Mark Irwin and all the Councillors and executive for their support and willingness to make this happen. The WA State Government have also been a vitally important catalyst and we’re very grateful for their significant contribution and for their ongoing support of our sport and the club."
The State Government has committed $1.2 million towards facility upgrades to establish Perth Glory’s new home in Mirrabooka. "The Cook Government is proud to be supporting the new home for Perth Glory with $1.2 million in funding for turf, lighting and changeroom upgrades," Minister for Sport and Recreation David Templeman said at today’s press conference. "It’s great to hear that the club and the City will be working together to deliver soccer clinics and school visits."
Council has allocated $700,000 to the project in its 2024/25 annual budget, with two of the soccer pitches at Mirrabooka Regional Open Space to be upgraded to A-League standard. "Perth Glory is a proud club with a rich history and a passionate following, and it will be an honour for us to have them based in the City," Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin said. "We’re also really excited about the sponsorship agreement we’ve reached with the club, which involves soccer clinics and school visits for our community and more."
The City developed a strong working relationship with Perth Glory after the club moved its home games to Macedonia Park in Stirling in the 2022-23 season. The A-League Men and A-League Women teams played a combined 30 games at Macedonia Park over the next two seasons in an arrangement made possible by the hard work of Stirling Macedonia Football Club. Mayor Irwin said the experience at Macedonia Park had given the City and community a taste of what was to come in Mirrabooka.
"We have a very multicultural community in Stirling and soccer has been a fundamental part of our sporting culture and identity," he said. "Soccer, perhaps more than any other sporting code, connects people of different generations and cultural backgrounds in Stirling. "I can only imagine the impact the Glory will have in Mirrabooka, where so many young people who love the game will have the elite level at their doorstep."
The establishment of Perth Glory’s new home in Mirrabooka will have a range of economic and social benefits for the local community. The move has the potential to be a catalyst for the revitalisation of Mirrabooka Town Centre, which remains a key focus for the City and State Government. "I am delighted to hear that Perth Glory is coming to Mirrabooka," Mirrabooka MLA Meredith Hammat said. "We have a very passionate football community and I know that the Glory will be welcomed with open arms. It’s wonderful that the Cook Government has supported this move with upgrades for the Herb Graham Recreation Centre and Dryandra Reserve, including turf, lighting and fencing upgrades."
27.10.2024
A-LEAGUE ROUND TWO WRAP
The Isuzu-Ute A-League round two kicked off on Friday evening, with Newcastle Jets coming from behind to beat Macarthur FC 2-1 at Campbelltown Stadium. The hosts were coming off the big win against Glory last week at the same venue, and they found the opener on 19 minutes. Bulls young gun Jed Drew’s low cross behind the Jets defence was met by the in-form Marin Jakoliš, for a simple tap-in, for his third goal of the season to date. The Jets levelled in 56 minutes with a determined piece of attacking play, Eli Adams’ driving down the right and playing the ball through the legs of Bulls defender Matthew Jurman, and finishing clinically. Adams then gave the Jets the lead three minutes later, his strike from the edge of the box buried into the bottom-left corner.
Macarthur pushed for an equaliser and in second-half stoppage time, they had the opportunity to level, after Jets substitute Thomas Aquilina was adjudged to have clipped the heels of Dean Bosnjak, and referee Tim Danaskos checked the pitch side monitor to award the spot kick. Valere Germain stepped up to take the resulting penalty, but Ryan Scott guessed the right way to match a great save, and parrying the ball away from danger and sealing three hard-earned points for the Jets.
“It was certainly something special, I like both (goals) – but I think the first one is a special one, being the first in Newcastle colours. That’ll be one I’ll cherish for a while,” two goal hero Adams said post-match. “I think credit goes to Scotty at the end there, he’s a trooper saving that last-minute pen. I think that’s his first-ever pen saved in the A-League. It shows we’re certainly coming together and this is a big step forward in the right direction for us.”
In the early Saturday game, the points were shared, as Adelaide United drew 1-1 with Central Coast Mariners at Coopers Stadium. The hosts were on the front foot from the outset against a Mariners team who lost 3-2 to Kevin Muscat’s Shanghai Port in the AFC Champions League Elite on Wednesday. The Reds deservedly broke the deadlock in ten minutes, Luka Jovanovic’s initial attempt was blocked by Brian Kaltak but the rebound found its way back to the Reds teenage striker, and he bundled the ball over the line.
The Mariners did put the ball into the back of the net in on 61 minutes, Englishman Ryan Edmondson’s volley was ruled offside. But they were not to be denied a minute later as substitute Sabit Ngor bundled the ball over the line after Peraic-Cullen had smothered Vitor Feijao’s effort. “I think we have to be happy with the point because we didn’t perform today,” Central Coast boss Mark Jackson said post-match. “There are various reasons for that. We changed it at half-time and moved our shape. We were a lot better in the second half and got us back in the game. I don’t think we deserved three points.”
On Saturday evening it was the ‘Melbourne Derby’ with Victory running out 3-1 winners against City at AAMI Park. It was Victory who made the best start, racing to a three-goal lead. Young Socceroo Nishan Velupillay racing clear from Greek striker Nikos Vergos’ ball and finishing well after only five minutes, and they doubled their lead seven minutes later. Great work from Rene Piscopo on the left-hand side saw him picked out Vergos to side-foot past Patrick Beach. City looked for a quick response but a great save from former Glory keeper Jack Duncan denied Marco Tilio.
But on 35 minutes it was 3-0, Beach received a back pass, but the young goalkeeper was closed down rapidly by Teague and the ball deflected off the midfielder and into the net. City reduced the margin just after the hour mark, Yonatan Cohen’s shot was parried by Duncan into the path of Andrew Nabbout, who was on hand to tap home. Duncan produced another smart save to deny Arion Sulemani late and prevent a nail-biting finale. “It was an important game for us and as a club and for the fans, the derby is always our biggest game,” Victory midfielder Teague said post-match. “The way we went out there and to get the three goals in the first half showed a lot of passion and desire as a team. If we can keep this momentum going now, we’re going to be hard to beat all season.”
On Sunday in the early game Auckland have continued their winning start in the competition, scoring a late goal to beat Sydney 1-0 in front of another big crowd at the Go Media Stadium. Both sides had chances early, Brazilian Leo Sena curling effort flashed just wide for the Sky Blues, before Uruguayan striker Guillermo May did likewise down the other end. The visitors lost English import Joe Lolley on the half hour with injury, and it was the hosts creating the better chances after the break, Liam Gillion seeing his effort crash off the crossbar. Sydney hit back and Jordan Courtney-Perkins was denied by a stunning save from Auckland keeper Alex Paulsen.
Sydney thought they had the lead moments later, the hosts failed to clear their lines and Anas Quahim’s cross was turned home by Hayden Matthews, but after a VAR check the goal was ruled out for offside. But there was still time for late drama. Sydney FC defence couldn’t deal with the threat of Nanda Pijnaker from a free kick, who’s cheeky backheel squirmed through the legs of Andrew Redmayne and over the line, blowing the roof of Go Media Stadium.
Victory over Sydney FC held extra-special importance for Auckland FC’s head coach given his association with the Sky Blues. “A little bit,” smiled Corica in his post-match interview. “I think it was more unusual during the week because I was thinking about it a little bit more. (It’s) the team that I spent 19 years at. “There’s still a lot of players that are still there, coaching staff as well – they’re all fantastic people as well. I had a wonderful time at Sydney, they looked after me and obviously we won a lot of trophies there as well. But coaching, like I said before, is about moving on, making yourself better.”
In the final game Western United and Western Sydney Wanderers have fought out a 1-1 draw at Ironbark Fields. The visitors took the lead against the run of play in the 14th minute with Socceroo Brandon Borrello firing the ball beyond goalkeeper Matthew Sutton. Western United – playing out of Ironbark Fields for a full season for the first time having enjoyed three games at the venue in 2023-24 – had plenty of chances and eventually levelled things up just three minutes into the second half as Hiroshi Ibusuki bagged his first goal for the club. Wanderers’ keeper Tristan Vidackovic then recovered from a mistake to deny Ibusuki a second before substitute Noah Botic rattled the post but Western were forced to settle for a draw.
Wanderers coach Alen Stajcic was delighted for Borrello, who had endured an injury-hit campaign last season. “He is obviously trying to rebuild his confidence. He is such an amazing weapon for us. It’s not easy to get that belief back into yourself and body, but he had a really good pre-season,” the former Perth Glory coach said post-match. “He’s working so hard for the team. He’s a tremendous leader in our group. We know what we’re going to get with (Borrello). He works extremely hard for everyone and a great person to have on our team. It’s good when he gets a little reward like that. It’s just the tip of the iceberg for him.”
27.10.2024
JOEYS SEAL AFC U17 ASIAN CUP SPOT
The Australian Joeys have secured qualification for the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia 2025 as Group G winners after a hard fought 0-0 draw against Indonesia on Sunday evening WA time, at the Abdullah Al Khalifa Stadium, Mishref. After convincing wins against Northern Mariana Islands and Kuwait, Brad Maloney's side faced off against Indonesia, who also boasted a 100% record, in a winner-takes-all match to top the Group.
The Head Coach made two changes to his team that overcame Kuwait 3-1 on Saturday, with Max Anastasio and Perth Glory defender Christian Pullella coming in for Logan Sambrook and Miles Milliner respectively. It was a tense start to the game with the Joey’s going close twice, with Max Anastasio and Amlani Tatu firing wide. Indonesia hit back and Joey’s keeper Jai Ahanovic got down well to deny the lively Zahaby Gholy. Chances kept coming at both ends, the best falling to Gholy again, after he was picked out by Mierza Firjatullah, but Besian Kutleshi got back to block his goalbound shot.
The Joeys hit back and went close themselves, first a shot was cleared off the line by an Indonesian defender, before skipper Quinn MacNeil saw his follow up shot crash off the crossbar and away to safety. The chances kept coming, Anthony Didulica went close for the Joey’s racing into the box, but Indonesia keeper Dafa Al Gasemi stood tall to deny the striker. Glory striker Max Naylor replaced Didulica just after the hour, and the game continued to ebb and flow, as both sides looked for the winner.
Indonesian midfielder Evandra Florasta’s long-range shot fizzed over the top, before MacNicol fired wide, but ultimately the game ended goalless, and Australia finished the campaign as Group G winners, with seven points and a superior goal difference. The Joeys will compete in the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2025, set to be held from 3-20 April 2025, joining the Young Socceroos who also recently progressed to the AFC U20 Asian Cup China PR 2025, which will take place in February.
Australia Starting XI: GK Jai Ajanovic, 4 Alexander Garbowski, 5 Christian Pullella, 7 Nickolas Alfaro, 8 Quinn MacNicol, 9 Anthony Didulica (22 Max Naylor 67'), 10 Amlani Tatu, 13 Besian Kutleshi, 14 Charlie Parkin, 19 Jay Maltz, 20 Max Anastasio – Subs not used: RGK Jonty Benfield, RGK Noah Ellul, 2 Isiah Boston, 3 Zayd Kassaby, 6 Alex Bolton, 11 Rhys Williams, 15 Zane Stevenson, 16 Miles Milliner, 17 Jordan Graoroski, 21 Henrique Oliveira, 23 Logan Sambrook
26.10.2024
GLORY’S POOR START CONTINUES
Perth Glory’s disastrous start to the Isuzu-Ute A-League season has continued after slumping to a 2-0 home defeat against Wellington Phoenix at HBF Park on Saturday evening. After last weeks big loss against Macarthur, the Glory faithful were out in force with over 7000 fans behind the side. They huffed and puffed but only had one shot on target during the game, and goals either side of half time from Scott Wootton and Tim Payne secured the points for the visitors. “That first [goal] was irritating, just for the fact that we gave away too many free kicks,” Zdrilic said post-match. “Second one, it’s just a defending error. I think overall, it was a big improvement. You can see the framework’s there, but we still have a way to go.”
Zdrilic made four changes to his starting side following last week’s horror performance against Macarthur, with Anas Hamzaoui, Lachlan Barr, Adam Bugarija and Jarrod Carluccio promoted, while Luke Bodnar and Kaelan Majekodunmi were not selected in the squad. Zach Lisolajski and Andriano Lebib dropped to the bench, and they were joined on the pine by new signings Nicholas Pennington and Nathanael Blair. The Shed were in full voice at kick off, unfurling a banner reading “Time for a response”.
The hosts made a bright start and skipper Adam Taggart headed wide from Taras Gormulka’s corner, before a long-range shot from the Socceroos striker brought out a smart save from Wellington keeper Joshua Oluwayemi. It was a great response from the side, but that was all undone six minutes before the break, when Wellington found the opener. Japanese import Hideki Ishige’s free kick picked out Scott Wotton, who lost his marker to head past Oli Sail, to head the Nix’s into the break with the lead.
Glory made a triple change at the break, as they looked to get back into the game, with David Williams, Khoa Ngo and former Phoenix midfielder Nicholas Pennington, replacing Abdul Feisal, Adam Bugarija and Hiroaki Aoyama. They needed a good start to the second half, but instead they handed the Phoenix a second four minutes in. Kazuki Nagasawa sent a speculative high cross into the box from the left, which should have been easy for Glory’s defence to deal with. But Anas Hamzaoui’s decision to leave the ball for someone else allowed Tim Payne to nip in a head past Sail. Jarrod Carluccio almost halved the arrears immediately with a cross-shot which Oluwayemi did well to block at the near post and Glory went agonisingly close once again moments later as David Williams crossed for fellow-substitute Pennington whose header flew just wide.
Alex Rufer almost made it 3-0 on 76 minutes, after being given far too much room in the penalty area, his curling effort crashed off the crossbar. With Phoenix content to sit deep and defend their hard-earned lead, Glory continued to search for a way through, but although Ngo and Gomulka both went close in the latter stages, they were ultimately unable to do so. Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano said he was delighted with the win. “I was very happy, he said post-match. “We dug in deep, especially in the first 20 minutes when I thought they were on top.”
Perth Glory: GK Oli SAIL, 3 Anas HAMZAOUI (15 Zach LISOLAJSKI, 86'), 5 Lachie BARR, 6 Brandon O’NEILL (14 Nathanael BLAIR 72'), 11 Hiroaki AOYAMA (26 Khoa NGO 46'), 12 Taras GOMULKA, 16 Adam BUGARIJA (7 Nicholas PENNINGTON 46'), 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 21 Abdul FAISAL (9 David WILLIAMS 46'), 22 Adam TAGGART, 33 Luis CANGA - Subs not used: RGK Cameron COOK, 24 Andriano LEBIB
Wellington Phoenix: GK Josh OLUWAYEMI, 4 Scott WOOTTON, 5 Fin ROA CONCHIE (12 Mo AL-TAAY, 65'), 6 Tim PAYNE, 7 Kosta BARBAROUSES (3 Corban PIPER 88'), 9 Hideki ISHIGE (41 Nathan WALKER 65'), 14 Alex RUFER, 15 Isaac HUGHES, 19 Sam SUTTON (11 Stefan COLAKOVSKI 75'), 25 Kazuki NAGASAWA (24 Oskar VAN HATTUM 65'), 27 Matt SHERIDAN – Subs not used: RGK Alby KELLY-HEALD, 36 Xuan LOKE - Attendance: 7,074 - Referee: Lachlan Keevers
26.10.2024
MATILDAS HELD IN ZURICH
The post Tony Gustavsen era for the Matildas has started with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Switzerland, in front of a record crowd at Zurich’s Letzigrund Stadium on Saturday morning. In the first ever meeting of the two sides, former Perth Glory striker Caitlin Foord gave interim coach Tom Sermanni’s side the lead in the shadows of half time, this despite the hosts dominating. The 25th-ranked Swiss levelled just before the hour with Geraldine Reuteler scoring, and although both sides had chances to win it, they had to settle for a draw.
Sermanni spoke to the media post-match and said they were a little off the pace in the first half, but praised the host for keeping star striker Mary Fowler quiet. “I thought Switzerland were a little bit sharper than us, got the ball a little bit quicker, but in general we still looked fairly solid and safe,” he explained. “For big patches of the second half, we dominated possession of the game without creating a lot of chances. I was a little bit disappointed with the quality of the goal that we gave away. I thought it was very messy defensively from us.
“I thought they defended very, very well. Sometimes you’ve got to give credit to the opposition and what they did. For part of the time in our midfield, we didn’t quite work out how to press, or when to press, and I think that the result of that was that Mary never really got a foothold in the game at any time.” Sermanni went for a similar side to that of his predecessor, with Elle Carpenter wearing the captain’s armband, Foord was the point of attack with Mary Fowler and Kaitlyn Torpey alongside her. Kyra Cooney-Cross and Katrina Gorry anchored the midfield with Tameka Yallop, while Courtney Nevin, Clare Hunt and Alanna Kennedy started in the heart of defence in front of Mackenzie Arnold.
It was an even opening to the game, but it was Foord had the first real sight on goal on the quarter hour mark, but the Arsenal striker wasn’t able to wrap her boot around the ball to get a clean strike on target. The hosts hit back and Juventus defender Viola Calligaris shot was straight at Matildas custodian Arnold. The game opened up, and the hosts should have taken the lead on 40 minutes, a defence-splitting pass from Reuteler sent Smilla Vallotto in on goal, but Arnold stood tall to deny her.
But two minutes later Australia found the opener. A great through ball from Carpenter found the run of Foord, who held off Luana Buhler, and only had the goalkeeper to beat, she rounded Elvira Herzog, but was brought down by the Swiss keeper, and the referee had no hesitation in pointing the spot and showed the keeper a yellow card. Foord stepped up and sent Herzog the wrong way from the resulting penalty, and it sent the Matildas into the break with a narrow lead.
Switzerland began on the front foot early in the second half and they were rewarded with the equaliser on 58 minutes. Australia failed to clear Ramona Bachmann’s cross from the left, the ball falling to Reuteler just inside the penalty area, and the Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder fired low past Arnold, despite her getting a hand to it. Sermanni went to the bench seven minutes later, with Michelle Heyman, Sharn Freier and Steph Catley coming on for Yallop, Nevin and Torpey.
The changes had a positive effect, and from Cooney-Cross’ corner Foord headed wide at the back post. Youngster Daniela Galic then became CommBank Matilda #229, after she came on 12 minutes from time, her first appearance as a Matilda in her first senior call-up. Both sides had late chances to seal the game, Freier’s cross shot had to be tipped away by Herzog as it threatened to creep into the back of the net, but it was the hosts who had the best chance in the last minute.
Sydney Schertenleib found fellow substitute Larina Baumann on the edge of the box, her first touch gave her time and space to get the shot away, it beat Arnold but the crossbar came to the rescue of the Matildas shot stopper, and the game ended with honours even. The Matildas are back in action on Tuesday morning, when they take on Germany (Kick off 1.10am WA Time) at the Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena, Duisburg, who will be on a high after beating England 4-3 last night at Wembley,
Foord said they were disappointed not to have taken the win, and knows they have a few things to work on before they take on Germany. “It’s always an honour to score for you country so I’m super happy, and it’s good to be back out there again playing, but we’re a little disappointed not to come away with a win tonight,” she said post-match. “We wanted to keep a clean sheet tonight, but there are a few things we can work on, and some positives in our first game back together for a while. We don’t have much time before the Germany game, but it will be same for them, so we obviously want to get the win, especially after our game against them at the Olympics.”
Switzerland: GK Elvira HERZOG, 5 Noelle MARITZ, 6 Geraldine REUTELER, 8 Nadine RIESEN (4 Larina BAUMANN 77’), 9 Ana Maria CRNOGORCEVIC (7 Sydney SCHERTENLEIB 64’), 10 Ramona BACHMANN (23 Alisha LEHMANN 89’), 13 Lia WALTI, 14 Smilla VALLOTTO (16 Sandrine MAYRON 64’), 15 Luana BUHLER, 17 Naomi LUYET (20 Iman BENEY 46’), 18 Viola CALLIGARIS - Subs not used: RGK Livia PENG, RGK Nadine BOHI, 2 Julia STIERLI, 3 Lara MARTI, 11 Coumba SOW, 19 Lydia ANDRADE, 22 Meriame TERCHOUN
Australia: GK Mackenzie ARNOLD, 2 Courtney NEVIN (7 Stephanie CATLEY, 65’) 8 Kaitlyn TORPEY (32 Michelle HEYMAN 65’), 9 Caitlin FOORD, 11 Mary FOWLER (26 Daniela GALIC 78’), 13 Tameka YALLOP (24 Sharn FREIER 65’), 14 Alanna KENNEDY, 15 Claire HUNT, 19 Katrina GORRY (6 Clare WHEELER 78’), 21 Ellie CARPENTER, 23 Kyra COONEY-CROSS (10 Emily VAN EGMOND 78’) - Subs not used: RGK 18 Jade MATHYSSEN-WHYMAN, RGK Chloe LINCOLN, 3 Winonah HEATLEY, 4 Clare POLKINGHORNE, 22 Charlotte GRANT
26.10.2024
JOEYS CONTINUE THEIR WINNING RUN
The Australian Joeys have continued their strong start in the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2025 Qualifiers with a crucial 3-1 win against hosts Kuwait at Abdullah Al Khalifa Stadium on Saturday morning. After their 19-0 win against Northern Mariana Islands in the first game, this one was a much closer encounter, with goals from Amlani Tatu, Charlie Parkin and skipper Quinn MacNicol proving the difference.
Head Coach Brad Maloney made just one change to the side that ran riot in the opener, with Logan Sambrook replacing Max Anastasio in the forward line, while Perth Glory trio Christian Pullella, Alex Bolton and Max Naylor were among the substitutes. It was vital game for Kuwait, who lost their opening Group G game 1-0 against Indonesia, and it was a tight opening, but it was the Joeys who opened the scoring on 21 minutes, Tatu scoring his third goal in two games.
With their tournament on the line, the hosts pressed for the equaliser, but the Joeys held firm, but it wasn’t a game for the faint hearted with the referee showing 13 yellow cards. Glory duo Naylor and Pullella entered the fray just before the hour mark, Naylor looking to add to the brace he scored in the opener. Maloney’s side doubled their advantage five minutes from time, central defender Parkin on target, then in the third minute of stoppage time the hosts were reduced to ten men after Hamad Al Saeed was dismissed after picking up a second yellow card.
The Joeys made the result safe two minutes later, with skipper MacNicol adding a third, adding to his hat-trick in the first round. To the hosts credit they continued to press forward and were rewarded with a consolation goal on 97 minutes, with Abdulrahman Al Suwaidi on target. The win leaves the Joeys sitting top of Group G, ahead of the final game against Indonesia at the Abdullah Al Khalifa Stadium, Mishref on Sunday evening kick off 10.30pm WA Time, the winner will top the group.
Joeys: GK Jai Ajanovic, 4 Alexander Garbowski, 7 Nickolas Alfaro, 8 Quinn MacNicol, 9 Anthony Didulica (22 Max Naylor 58'), 10 Amlani Tatu (11 Rhys Williams 86'), 13 Besian Kutleshi, 14 Charlie Parkin, 16 Miles Milliner (5 Christian Pullella 58'), 19 Jay Maltz, 23 Logan Sambrook (20 Max Anastasio 70') – Subs not used: RGK Jonty Benfield, RGK Noah Ellul, 2 Isiah Boston, 3 Zayd Kassaby, 6 Alex Bolton, 15 Zane Stevenson, 17 Jordan Graoroski, 21 Henrique Oliveira
25.10.2024
ALL SYSTEM GO AT BUTLERS RESERVE
Wembley Downs will play in the State League for the first time in the club’s history next season, after a successful 2024 saw them win the Amateur Premier Division title, and promotion to Division Two, and it’s all system go at Butlers Reserve as they prepare for their debut season. Formed in 1980, the club have risen through the Amateur leagues, and after ten seasons in the Premier Division, where they won the league in 2017, a new era dawns, and there will be a number of changes. The biggest is head coach with Bob Jackson stepping down and replaced by Luke Thompson.
The new coach is a busy man, working as a teacher at Trinity College, heavily involved with the sports program, and has worked at amateur clubs North Perth United, Kingsley, before coaching MUMFC in the NPLWA – Women’s competition. He returned to Kingsley and helped the club back to the Premier Division, and last season was coach at Fremantle City under20’s. But the challenge at Butlers is one Thompson is looking forward too. “I am really excited about what this project has to offer. Wembley Downs is a huge community club with so many members both junior and senior and to be able to lead the State League and help guide the club to provide pathways for their young players and opportunities for coaches to come and learn and further develop is really exciting,” Thompson explained. “David (Bujok) and the club have been so supportive to help provide the best opportunity they can not only for myself and the State League program but also to keep the community spirit alive and well.”
Thompson knows he has big shoes to fill after Jackson’s success last season, but the new coach is confident they can give state league football a good go, and said the former coach has been really helpful in the transition period, but it’s a challenge he is relishing. “Bob and the boys had an amazing season, almost breaking records on the way as well. Bob has been fantastic in the transition, very helpful and providing a lot of information about the existing squad,” he said. “I can’t wait to get started, almost the entire first and reserves squad have committed to coming back and if the previous Amateur sides that were promoted are anything to go by, we feel like we have a real chance to give things a real go.
“The group really want to make the step as well, and we will go in confident of competing with best teams in the league, we know it’s a jump in quality but it’s an exciting challenge. Unlike coming into most jobs where you are coming in after the results haven’t been great, I’m getting to start with a squad that is used to winning and have a great culture and dressing room. All the boys that earned the club the promotion into the State League will get a chance to fight for their spot. Of course, there will need to be a few additions as fresh faces always creates more competition and more competition means higher intensity at training etc. That said we have already started to make additions, but it has to be the right personality to fit in as the culture that’s already been created is very important.”
Wembley President David Bujok said the work Jackson and his coaching team achieved for the club last season was outstanding. “Bob did a marvellous job and the results were just rewards. We must mention his right-hand man and Reserves team Coach Gary, as well as all the support staff who all did a fabulous job over a couple of seasons,” Bujok explained. “Winning the title this year was tremendous, it also meant that Wembley held the AMS Cup from last year, the preseason cup this year and the Amateur Premier Division title all at the same time, I think it’s fair to say a job well done. These achievements along with increased self-belief on and off the field did give the club the confidence needed to move to the next level for the first time in our club’s history.”
Bujok said they had a number of quality coaches put their hat in the ring to coach the club next season, but he is delighted to have secured the services of Luke. “We had some very high calibre expressions of interest in the position but we felt that the standout was Luke, and we are really excited about Luke coming on board,” he said. “His knowledge and understanding of the challenge together with his ambition not just for the state league group, but for the development of the club as a whole made him an outstanding candidate and we are delighted to have secured his commitment. The feedback on the appointments to date has been really positive and we are all looking forward to working together and making Wembley an even stronger club and indeed a club of choice.”
Thompson knows it’s tough for the club, with them having to find an under 18’s side for next season, but he knows the work behind the scenes by the President and his committee have the wheels in motion. “I agree with that completely, it’s probably taken the most of David and my time so far. We’ve tried to get on the front foot and get expressions of interest out early and the response so far has been really pleasing,” he explained. “We are very happy and lucky to bring Matt Novatsis on board to lead our 18s side this year and it’s a really important entry point for the clubs’ juniors to aspire to so we are taking everything about the 18s very seriously to provide the best opportunities possible for the Wembley juniors.”
The hard work starts now for Bujok and his committee, finding an under 18s team and adding to the first and reserves teams, but he said it’s full steam ahead. “We have 700 members, and that ensures that the hard work is continuous and has been completed by volunteers for many years already but yes this is another step up with extra efforts been made by all,” he explained. “We have already made large steps forward but we realise there is plenty more to do. The appointment of Matt as 18s coach is a significant step in the right direction, while the expressions of interest at 18s level has been fantastic as we hoped it would be.
“Pleasingly for me and my committee is to see ex Wembley players applying for the positions which is something that we had all hoped would happen. There is now a new clear pathway for the club to progress our young talent and keep them involved for years to come. The players from the First team and the reserves have both done extremely well for a couple of years now, doing well in both league and cups so there is a lot of talent within the existing playing groups.
“They will all be given the chance to prove themselves and the handover from Bob and Gary to Luke has been terrific and ongoing. The guys have been a credit to themselves and the community nature that the club is so proud of. We are still looking to appoint a new Reserves Team Coach so if anyone would like to join the team then please get in touch via the website or Facebook page. There is still a lot to do but we are all are really looking forward to the journey forward and the 2025 season.”
25.10.2024
GLORY LOOKING FOR HOME COMFORTS
Perth Glory began their Isuzu Ute A-League season in disastrous circumstances last week against Macarthur, and they will be looking for redemption on Saturday evening, and looking for some home comforts, when they host Wellington Phoenix in the ‘Distance Derby’ at HBF Park. (Kick off 6.45pm) There is milestone for Glory skipper Adam Taggart, who is poised to make his 150th career appearance in the competition, and he will be looking to get on the front foot. Glory Head Coach David Zdrilic, speaking at his pre-game press conference, said that last week’s game is in the past, and are ready to get their season up and running in front of their members and supporters.
“We spoke about the defeat after the game, that first 45 minutes was a bit of a shock, and the whole preseason we had no indications, and not having another competitive game after the Newcastle game in Albany, showed that,” Zdrilic said. “We did get knocked out of the Cup, but overall, pre-season was really positive. It was that we weren’t even able to react in those first stages as it went one goal, two goals, three goals. At least in the second half we regrouped and we changed things… the second 45 was much better and that’s what we’ll be taking into this home game. We had to learn a lot in that first 45 minutes, it was a clear message, not an easy one to take, but I think the mood [within the squad this week] has been very positive.”
The coach, who last visited Perth as assistant coach at Sydney FC, is also looking forward to his home debut. “It’s been a long time, we’ve been here three months and we haven’t had a real home atmosphere, I know we’ve been playing Melbourne City at the Sam Kerr Football Centre, but it’s not our own stadium, so for us it’s a great moment,” Zdrilic explained. “Obviously off the last result we are rearing to go and make sure we show our true face. We still have a lot of positive energy from preseason and we are focusing on being on the front foot, to be aggressive, something we weren’t able to get out last week.”
Glory midfielder Brandon O’Neill said last week’s defeat was disappointing, but they are determined to bounce back on Saturday. “It was one of those game, anything that could have gone wrong unfortunately did, but I thought in the second half we showed a lot of resolve and character, but it’s never enjoyable to play in those game, but we take responsibility and make sure it doesn’t happen again,” O’Neill told 6PR Wide World of Sports. “The beauty about football there is always next week, and to play in front of our fans this weekend, there is a burning desire to right the wrong from last week.”
It will be a first game back at HBF for midfielder Brandan O’Neill, who left the club under a cloud last season, but he is so happy to be back, and has urged the Glory faithful to get behind the team. “They (Wellington) are a good team and well coached, but for me I can’t wait to play in front of our fans again, and we want to make HBF Park a fortress, and we need everyone behind us,” he said. “Coming back home to WA, I’ve got so many mixed feelings and emotions. At the time I left I had a lot of things going on in my life, but I’ve never been happy and contented and I really want to thank the club and the football community for welcoming me back. They didn’t need to they obviously had a choice but I’m grateful that I will get the opportunity to play for Perth Glory again.”
The injury concerns continue to hit Zdrilic’s side, with Josh Risdon’s knee injury ruling him out for several weeks, while new recruit Nikola Mileusnic only lasted ten minutes on his debut, limping off with a hamstring injury, which will see him miss as well, and they are also still without former skipper Mustafa Amini, and Nicholas Pennington. There was some better news regarding Lachie Barr, the former Adelaide United defender will be assessed over the next 48 hours to see if he is able to make a return from injury, but he hasn’t been named in the squad, but they do regain the services of Nathnael Blair and South American import Cristian Caicedo. Get your tickets here: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/perth-glory-v-wellington-phoenix-perth-26-10-2024/event/1300611CDD7F6D7F
Wellington opened their season with a 1-1 home draw against Western United last weekend. Kosta Barbarouses gave the Nix’s the lead on the stroke of half time, but Angus Thurgate levelled for the visitors 14 minutes from time. Barbarouses likes playing against Glory, the New Zealand international, who has scored ten times in 30 appearances. The last time the sides met at HBF Park was in round 18 last season, when they shared the spoils in a 0-0 draw in front of 8,252 supporters.
Perth Glory squad: GK Oli SAIL, GK Cameron COOK, 3 Anas HAMZAOUI, 4 Luke BODNAR, 6 Brandon O’NEILL, 9 David WILLIAMS, 11 Hiroaki AOYAMA, 12 Taras GOMULKA, 14 Nathanael BLAIR, 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI, 16 Adam BUGARIJA, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 18 Cristian CAICEDO, 21 Abdul FAISAL, 22 Adam TAGGART, 24 Andriano LEBIB, 26 Khoa NGO, 27 Will FRENEY, 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI, 33 Luis CANGA - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: BLAIR, CAICEDO, FRENEY - Unavailable: 5 Lachlan BARR (injured), 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON (injured), 8 Mustafa AMINI (injured), 10 Nikola MILEUSNIC (injured), 19 Josh RISDON (injured)
Wellington Phoenix squad: GK Josh OLUWAYEMI, GK Alby KELLY-HEALD, 3 Corban PIPER, 4 Scott WOOTTON, 5 Fin ROA CONCHIE, 6 Tim PAYNE, 7 Kosta BARBAROUSES, 9 Hideki ISHIGE, 11 Stefan COLAKOVSKI, 12 Mo AL-TAAY, 14 Alex RUFER, 15 Isaac HUGHES, 19 Sam SUTTON, 24 Oskar VAN HATTUM, 25 Kazuki NAGASAWA, 27 Matt SHERIDAN, 29 Luke BROOKE-SMITH, 36 Xuan LOKE, 39 Jayden SMITH, 41 Nathan WALKER - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: COLAKOVSKI (promoted), Xuan LOKE (promoted) - Outs: 10 David BALL (omitted), 23 Luke SUPYK (omitted) - Unavailable: 8 Paulo RETRE (injured), 17 Gabriel SLOANE-RODRIGUES (injured), 18 Lukas KELLY-HEALD (injured), 21 Marco ROJAS (injured)
24.10.2024
GLORY SKIPPER GOING NOWHERE
It’s one game into a new season, and that wasn’t a highlight be all means, but the rumour mill has already started, with an on-line post saying Perth Glory skipper Adam Taggart will leave the club in the January transfer window to get his big wages of the books, but it has been emphatically denied by the club. Fresh off the 1-6 defeat against Macarthur, it’s the last thing the Glory faithful want to hear, by Glory director of football Stan Lazaridis slammed the rumour and denied the club were looking to get rid of Taggart, especially not to A-League rivals. “He’s not leaving this club. 199 per cent,” Lazaridis told The West Australian. “At the end of the day, I’m the one in control of that and I’m telling you right now, he’s not going.”
Perth-born Lazaridis was perplexed by the post, and anyone who knows the former Socceroo winger, have been pleased with his comments when he came on board with the takeover by the Pelligra Group in February, after he said there has been a push for the club to sign, retain, develop and play homegrown products like Taggart. “I want more Perth boys. I’m trying to bring more Western Australians back here...the Brandon O’Neill’s, the Josh Risdon’s, the Taggarts, they’re very important for this club,” Lazaridis said. “Tags is our captain, and he is our leader.”
Despite the club picking up the A-League wooden spoon last season, Taggart was a standout, bagging 20 goals in 25 matches, and that form saw him earn a recall to the Socceroos, but lack of game time saw him miss out on selection for the opening games of Tony Popovic’s tenure. Writing in his weekly column in the West Australian last week, the striker said it was an honour to captain the club for the second season in a row.
“As someone who grew up supporting Perth Glory, watching the games at HBF Park and dreaming of one day being out there wearing the famous purple, the captaincy means a huge amount to me,” he said.
“I know how much this club means to our members and fans because I am one myself and I’m determined to help repay their incredible loyalty by making this a season to remember.” Taggart and his teammates will be looking for home ground support to put the disastrous opening round defeat behind them, when they welcome Wellington Phoenix to HBF Park on Saturday evening – Get you tickets and support the lads.
24.10.2024
JENNINGS READY FOR NEW CHALLENGE AT QUINNS
After nine seasons at the helm of Joondalup United in the state league, Nick Jennings has moved on and will coach Quinns in 2025. He will take over from Trevor Morgan at Stylish Park, Gumblossom Reserve, who guided the club clear of relegation last season, and Jennings has already started the rebuild with a number of new signings, including Ben Johns, Ben Wyeth, Tyler Holden, Danny O’Shea, Jamie Gardiner and Joel Prout from his former club.
Jennings stood down as Joondalup coach before the news of the club pulling out of state league football, and he was shocked with the news, but enjoyed eight great seasons there, but he is now fully focused on the job ahead at Stylish Park. “Moving to Quinn’s FC presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to a club who have underachieved for a few years but are a club with big aspirations,” he said. The club have big plans, and focusing on promotion to State League One sets a clear and ambitious target for the season ahead.”
Quinns went close to promotion to the NPL in 2021, finishing third, but since then it’s been a downhill spiral, and Jennings is well aware of the challenge ahead, in a strong Division Two, but along with his assistant Steve Flint, they are determined to improve the club’s fortunes. “I am under no illusion of how difficult this will be with the quality of the sides on Division Two for the 2025 season,” he said. “Retention and recruitment key are key, and currently we are happy with our work, but will be looking to add depth and quality to the players already committed to next season.”
Club President Vincient McMillan thanked Trevor Morgan for his work last season, and believes the appointment of Jennings and Flint is a good fit for the club. “We couldn't thank Trevor enough, as he came in at a time when we needed a steadying hand and that is what he did, we will always be grateful to Trevor for that,” he explained. “We are delighted with the appointment Nick and Steve, and it was evident after our first meeting that they shared the same beliefs as the club, both on and off the field. There is a real buzz in the air around the club, and we can't wait for the preseason to kick off.”
24.10.2024
AQUINO BACKS SAFE FOOTBALL PROJECT
The Safe Football Project, an initiative of the Professional Footballers Australia, aims to make professional football the safest sport for women in Australia. The project catalyst was former Matilda Lisa De Vanna revealing in 2021 that she had faced incidents of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment during her career. De Vanna spoke out during a period when more players worldwide came forward with similar stories. The PFA felt compelled to take action and review players’ workplace experiences.
"That (De Vanna’s case) was an eye opener," says goalkeeper Morgan Aquino, who last season was at Perth Glory and recently joined Power FC in the United States. Aquino was part of the Player Consultation Group the PFA set up to assist with the project. "You feel sorry that she couldn’t speak up in that moment, because who knows what her career would have looked like. Obviously she still achieved a lot, but who knows what she would have achieved if she was able to feel comfortable."
"It changed the way I was looking at the football environment. I was still young, but I started looking around more to check if everyone was getting treated well. After that (De Vanna’s case) came out, I took my soccer more seriously. If this is where I'm going to work, I want to feel safe. I don't want to be going into an environment where I'm not comfortable. What's the point of doing it as a career if you're not going to be comfortable with it?"
Aquino was one of the core members of the Player Consultation Group who, together with PFA staff, created the Safe Football Project that sets out to review processes for supporting and safeguarding players. A 2021 survey found 27% of the 138 players surveyed reported some form of abuse, with only 21% of players informing someone else about it. In 2023% of 172 participating players reported some form of abuse, and 55% of them spoke about it.
"I was shocked after learning about the results," Aquino commented. "But what stood out to me is the difference between the two years; that in the second year more people who had unfortunately received some sort of abuse knew where to go. They had learned from the education and weren't trying to deal with it on their own." From the feedback, the players union concluded that significant and urgent change was needed to deliver a safe workplace free of abuse and harassment.
The PFA presented several recommendations including a wholesale review and five interim actions. One of those actions is the establishment of a "landing space". "It's a safe space where you can go for support, protection or answers for whatever you are experiencing. It could be a platform, a website or a brochure created by trusted peers. You can find guidance on how to stop what is going on, or you can share concerns. It's in the works, it's still to be created," Aquino explains.
Another recommended action was education to increase players’ awareness about their rights, and where to find remedy for when those rights are not respected. "Sometimes people forget that this is a workplace," Aquino highlights. "If you are an accountant and you were being mistreated at a job, you wouldn't put up with it. You would leave, right? But when you are playing football, you're in such a unique work environment that people can get confused how to treat you.
"With the learnings and with the education sessions that the PFA can bring to the teams, we show that it's not acceptable. If you feel you've been mistreated or you think someone else is, then it's okay to speak about it because your position won't be jeopardised. Players were scared of that; they were afraid of being dropped from their team because, at the end of the day, they want to play.
"Personally, I will call out if something's wrong," Aquino continues. "Even when I wasn't playing, I still felt I could speak up, because I'd been at Perth for so long, understood the club, and because of the relationships I had with the club I could speak to the coaches. I felt that if I spoke up, I wasn't going to get dropped or whatever."
Later this month, the PFA will host a Safe Football Conference, where Australian football stakeholders will come together to discuss player wellbeing and safety. "The most important message is: we hear you,” says Aquino. “Don't ever feel like you have to keep something in. There are people that will help you. Keeping it in is detrimental to your physical and mental health.
"I want everyone to acknowledge the abuse that people experienced and to be empathetic to them. It is important you feel safe in the workplace. You excel in a professional environment when you feel comfortable. If there's harassment or any other type of abuse, then you're not able to perform. You come to your workplace to excel, and no one should be there stopping you from doing that."
24.10.2024
ZDRILIC ADMITS BALANCING ACT WITH PLAYERS’ FITNESS
Perth Glory coach David Zdrilic is facing a selection balancing act as he looks to ramp up some players’ minutes while not overexposing others amid fitness issues. Zdrilic was criticised in the wake of Glory’s horror 6-1 loss to Macarthur to open the season after admitting some players were underdone fitness-wise.
Ecuadorian centre-back Luis Canga only made it through 45 minutes, while second half substitute Nikola Mileusnic lasted just 10 minutes before exiting with a hamstring injury. Belgian left-back Anas Hamzaoui also played off the bench while Nicholas Pennington, Josh Risdon and Lachlan Barr missed the game through injury.
Zdrilic said pre-season injuries had forced his hand to an extent, and the selection of the side to face Wellington Phoenix in their home opener was a “juggling act”. “We have a lot of players that have been out - and are still out - for the whole pre-season that I haven’t even seen in a competitive game,” he said.
“Anas played the second half, but he’s come in the back end of the pre-season. Canga is the same. He’s been improving out of sight, but just coming in recently and playing a different style, with different teammates and different players around him all the time, we’ve just got to manage the situation.”
While Risdon is set to miss around a month with a knee issue, centre-back Barr is a chance to feature for Glory against Wellington on Saturday night. “He’s been back in training now, he’s been looking good, but he’s another one that we have to assess,” Zdrilic said.
“We don’t want to be throwing guys in if they’re not not ready. He’s been training, so that’s a positive. We’ve got another session (Friday), and we’ll reassess. Nikola Mileusnic, he was raring to go, but without the work in pre-season, he broke down in that one and I don’t want that happening to other players.”
23.10.2024
IT'S JUST THE START: NORTHERN IRELAND'S JOURNEY UNDER OXTOBY
When Tanya Oxtoby took over the Northern Ireland women's team she had ambitions of qualifying for major tournaments - so are they ready? It has been a busy 14 months under the new manager, who was brought in to turn things around following a disappointing Euro 2022 campaign and the departure of Kenny Shiels.
Oxtoby has made plenty of changes - lowering the average age of the squad, moving them up the FIFA world rankings and improving their defensive record. Now, as they prepare for two crucial Euro 2025 play-off games against Croatia, Oxtoby reflects on the progression the side have made.
"I would sum it up as being super exciting and a lot of work," Oxtoby said. "I've learned so much over the last 12 months about myself, the group and the country. We're on a really exciting journey and this is just the start. I can't wait to see where we get to in another 18 months. Get on board. It's an exciting time."
Oxtoby, who captained Perth Glory for four seasons, was appointed caoch of Northern Ireland in August 2023 having been assistant manager at Chelsea and following a spell as Bristol City boss. Her first camp was in September as Northern Ireland started their Nations League campaign with a 3-0 defeat by the Republic of Ireland.
It was a "baptism of fire", Oxtoby says, and she embarked on an "evaluation period" afterwards to see what changes needed to be made to improve for the long-term. "We wanted tactically flexible players who could play a number of different positions so we had the ability to switch things up," said Oxtoby.
"The biggest thing was the personal accountability. It’s not about coming in and performing for your country for 10 days, it’s the professionalism that goes on every single day to be the best version of yourself. Everyone is pulling in the same direction now. That level of professionalism and application outside of the windows has really improved."
Oxtoby looked at what skills they needed to bring into the coaching staff, as well as communicating with clubs to develop individual training programmes. She did educational talks on the menstrual cycle, nutrition, video analysis and physical performance. "I spoke about a high-performing environment and what elements go into that," said Oxtoby.
"I asked the players to think about whether they were maximising everything. We looked at what they could take control of and what we could support with. We gave them individual programmes so they were in the best physical shape they could be when they came into camp."
The Irish FA also made changes off the pitch, appointing several new members of staff in the analysis and physical performance departments. Oxtoby says the changes have been "small but ongoing", tweaking things in each window and growing the environment around the team.
Young players have been given opportunities, while Oxtoby and her staff have continued to "layer on top" information around professionalism. "I think we're on the right track with it. Both internally and externally it's massive," said Oxtoby, who named Simone Magill as Northern Ireland's new captain earlier this week.
"We have such amazing players coming through and we want people to know their stories, their backgrounds and for people to be able to relate. You need to share your journey so people can understand where you come from and where you want to go to. Part of that is to continue to get good results so people are interested."
This is a project that is all aimed towards an end goal of qualifying for Euro 2025 and being able to compete at the tournament. Oxtoby hopes to set foundations for success in the future too and she hasn't been afraid to make tough decision, including dropping former captain Marissa Callaghan for the upcoming play-off with Croatia as well as Demi Vance.
"We're heading in the right direction, there's no doubts about that. I feel like in the last two windows we have turned a corner," said Oxtoby. "We have good foundations to keep pushing on. This level now is the minimum for us. These two play-off games will be massive."
"It's a fairly young squad in transition. The hardest thing to do in a transition period is to keep winning but I’m excited to see them play. We won't move away from what we have been doing. But we need to do it quicker, better and for longer. That's the challenge - and the players are ready for it."
It will not be an easy task. Northern Ireland are ranked 14 places higher than Friday's play-off opponents Croatia but with major tournament regulars Norway potentially to come should they progress, tougher challenges lie in waiting. Oxtoby is under no illusions to the challenge but she is looking at the bigger picture.
"It would be massive to (qualify for Euro 2025). It's the reason I took the job. It was always going to be a massive challenge. But I don't want to just qualify for major tournaments. I want us to go there, be successful and compete. I want us to shake it up, that's the whole point of it."
"We need results, that's the business we're in, but we also need long-term success. We need to win in the right way and develop in the right way. I want to get (to Euro 2025) and people say 'wow, this team is something'. That's my goal for these players. We are not getting ahead of ourselves but that's where we want to be."
23.10.2024
GLORY SHUT DOWN TAGGART TRANSFER RUMOUR
Perth Glory have emphatically denied striker Adam Taggart is being shopped to rival clubs amid an online rumour suggesting they were looking to get his wages off the books. The Glory captain won the A-League Golden Boot last season but in the wake of a disastrous opening game of the new season, it has been suggested the club are actively trying to off-load Taggart due to his current wage.
However, Glory director of football Stan Lazaridis has slammed the rumour and denied the club were looking to get rid of Taggart. “He’s not leaving this club. 199 per cent,” Lazaridis told 'the West Australian’ newspaper. “At the end of the day, I’m the one in control of that and I’m telling you right now, he’s not going... Tags is our captain. He’s our leader.”
Since Glory were taken over by the Pelligra Group in February, there has been a push for the club to sign, retain, develop and play homegrown products like Taggart. “I want more Perth boys. I’m trying to bring more Western Australians back here...the Brandon O’Neill’s, the Josh Risdon’s, the Taggarts, they’re very important for this club,” Lazaridis added.
21.10.2024
CAMERON BURGESS JOINS PREMIER LEAGUE ELITE (courtesy waoveryonder.au)
Ipswich Town centre-back Cameron Burgess became just the eighth West Australian to play in England’s top flight when handed his Premier League debut on the weekend. Although the 28-year old defender was unable to prevent the Tractor Boys from going down 2-0 at home to Everton, it will be a day he will no doubt savour after a defiant rise up the ranks of English football.
Just four years ago Cameron was playing on loan to League Two side Salford City, with any dreams of appearing in the top-flight way off on a distant horizon. But a timely transfer to then League One side Ipswich put his career on an upward trajectory that included back-to-back promotions and a place in the Premier League.
After playing regularly across the past three seasons, Cameron has had to bide his time on the bench this term. The eleven-times capped Socceroo featured in Ipswich’s Carabao Cup loss to Wimbledon in August but he had to wait until yesterday for his second outing, and his Premier League debut.
Cameron joins an elite group of eight Sandgropers to have played in England’s top flight. Andy Petterson became Western Australia’s first Premier League star when he took the goalkeeping gloves in Ipswich’s 2-1 defeat of Nottingham Forest in May 1993. Left-sided maestro Stan Lazaridis came off the bench for West Ham United against Chelsea in September 1995.
Chris Coyne and Richard Garcia both made their Premier League debuts for West Ham against Leeds United, the former in May 1999 and the later in January 2002. Brad Jones kept goal in Middlesbrough’s January 2004 win over Fulham. Chris Herd was a second half substitute for Aston Villa against Manchester United in November 2010. And Jordan Lyden was also with Villa when he featured against Bournemouth in April 2016.
20.10.2024
NIGHTMARE START FOR GLORY
Perth Glory, and head coach David Zdrilic, have endured a nightmare first Isuzu Ute A-League game of the season, thrashed 6-1 by an impressive Macarthur FC at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The hosts, who won the Australia Cup last month, dominated the first half, racing to a 5-0 lead at the break, with goals from Jed Drew, Jake Hollman, Tomi Uskok and a brace from Marin Jaklois. Valere Germain added a sixth after half-time, before Adam Bugarija scored a late consolation goal, to end the nightmare, and leave the new Glory boss with plenty of headaches, the win was the biggest ever A-League victory for Mile Sterjovski’s side.
“I thought we started well and I thought we were in the game, but we had players who were underdone, and that is what it is, we had a good pre-season, but this is our first trip away from home and you can see it was a culmination of things that went in to that first 45 minutes, and unfortunate we got caught out,” Zdrilic said post-match. “I thought we showed some good signs after half time, it’s never easy to comeback from 5-0 down, and I thought some of the young guys that came on handled the situation perfectly. I know we can score goals, but it’s the other end of the pitch we need to tighten up on. But we’ve got a lot of young lads in the squad, and they are going to learn from today.’
Injuries have hit the club hard in preseason, and the latest was Josh Risdon, who missed the game, with Zdrilic giving five players, Hiroaki Aoyama, Taras Gomulka, Zach Lisolajski, Abdul Faisal and Luis Canga Glory A-League debuts, while Andriano Lebib made his first A-League start. There had been a positive vibe around the new era at the club, but that imploded seven minutes in, when an errant back pass from Luke Bodnar went straight to Hollman, his shot was well saved by Oli Sail, but Drew fired home the rebound.
The hosts added a second three minutes later, poor defending allowed Drew to skip past his marker, and cut the ball back to Hollman, who made no mistake. It was one-way traffic, with the inexperienced Glory side chasing shadows, and it was 3-0 on 21 minutes, Jakolis wriggled past two defenders, played a one-two with Liam Rose, eased past another defender, his shot was parried by Sail, and Uskok was on hand to fire home the rebound. Glory’s best chance of the half came moments later when Kaelan Majekodunmi’s effort was well saved by Filip Kurto.
The home fans were on their feet again on the half hour, when a quick free kick caught Glory napping, and Jakolis cut inside his marker and curled home superbly to make it 4-0. Adam Taggart had a goal ruled out for offside eight minutes later, but there was still time for a fifth for the Bulls in stoppage time, Hollman’s through ball found Jakolis, who raced into goal and finished well past Sail. It was the worst possible start for Zdrilic, and he made three changes at the break, with Anas Hamzaoui, Khoa Ngo and Bugarija coming on for Bodnar, Canga and Aoyama.
Perth was on the front foot after the restart, and Adam Taggart was denied once more by the linesman’s flag by the barest of margins after substitute Bugarija’s clever first touch. But Glory’s defensive problems continued on the hour, with the Bulls adding a sixth, Jakolis’ cross from the left bypassed three Glory defenders and was turned home by the unmarked Germain at the back post. Glory scored a consolation goal on 73 minutes, Brandon O’Neill’s ball found Taggart in space on the edge of the box, he cut inside his marker, and the ball ran on to Bugarija who looped his shot over Filip Kurto.
It was good to see Glory fight the game out, but it went from bad to worse for them when substitute, and new recruit Nikola Mileusnic was forced off with a hamstring injury shortly after coming off the bench, and with Glory having used all their substitutes, they were forced to finish the game with ten men. Back to the drawing board for Glory, as they prepare for their first home game of the season against Wellington Phoenix on Saturday evening at HBF Park.
Macarthur FC: GK Filip KURTO, 5 Matthew JURMAN, 6 Tomislav USKOK (15 Dino ARSLANAGIC 67'), 8 Jake HOLLMAN (28 Harrison SAWYER 68'), 11 Jed DREW (24 Dean BOSNJAK 67'), 13 Ivan VUJICA, 20 Kealey ADAMSON, 22 Liam ROSE, 26 Luke BRATTAN, 44 Marin JAKOLIS (18 Walter SCOTT 74'), 98 Valere GERMAIN (19 Ariath PIOL 82') – Subs not used: RGK Alexander ROBINSON, 27 Joshua DAMEVSKI
Perth Glory: GK Oli SAIL, 4 Luke BODNAR (26 Khoa NGO 46'), 6 Brandon O’NEILL, 11 Hiroaki AOYAMA (16 Adam BUGARIJA 46'), 12 Taras GOMULKA, 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI, 21 Abdul FAISAL (10 Nikola MILEUSNIC 76'), 22 Adam TAGGART, 24 Andriano LEBIB, 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI (17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO 64'), 33 Luis CANGA (3 Anas HAMZAOUI 46') - Subs not used: RGK Cameron COOK, 9 David WILLIAMS - Referee: Ben Abraham – Attendance: Not available
20.10.2024
REST OF THE A-LEAGUE ROUND ONE WRAP
The round started on Friday evening with a Grand Final rematch between Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne Victory at the Industree Group Stadium in Gosford, and they played out a 0-0 draw. Five months on from the Mariners’ triumph, this one had a bit of everything. Former Glory striker Bruno Fornaroli penalty crashed off the post in the first half, this after teammate Jason Geria had a red card downgraded to yellow upon a VAR review. After the break Roderick Miranda saw red but the Mariners couldn’t make their numerical advantage count, with both sides sharing the spoils. Referee: Alireza Faghani – Attendance: 6,953
Auckland’s Isuzu UTE A-League introduction was a memorable one at Go Media Stadium, as Steve Corica’s side beat Brisbane Roar 2-0 in front of nearly 25,000 home fans. The hosts got off to a flyer, when Japanese defender Hiroki Sakai played a dangerous ball across the box which was flicked into his own net by Roar defender Harry Van Der Saag. They sealed the points on 75 minutes, striker Logan Rogerson became the first goalscorer for the new franchise, tapping in Francis De Vries’ cross at the far post to give the Black Knights a winning start. Referee: Daniel Elder - Attendance: 24,492
Melbourne City have started their campaign with a narrow 1-0 win against Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium. The only goal of the game came after only two minutes, after the Jets defence failed to clear their lines. City were then reduced to 10 players 20 minutes from time after midfielder Jimmy Jeggo was shown a straight red card, after a VAR review, for raking his studs down the back of Newcastle’s Eli Adams, but the visitors held on to take all three points despite some late Jets pressure. – Referee: Shaun Evans - Attendance: 8,032
Then on Saturday evening it was the Sydney Derby, with Sydney FC beating Western Sydney Wanderers 2-1, with Polish striker Patryk Klimala bagged a second half winner for 10-man Sky Blues at CommBank Stadium. Klimala was the provider for the opener on 17 minutes, nodding onto Joe Lolley, and the former Nottingham Forest midfielder rolled the ball home. The hosts levelled early in the second half, Aydan Hammond pouncing on a ball in the box and firing past Andrew Redmayne.
The home fans were in raptures on 62 minutes when new Spanish signing Juan Mata came off the bench, but 60 seconds later, it was the Sky Blues fans cheering when they scored the winner. A cross from Brazilain striker Douglas Costa found the head of Hayden Matthews, whose flick-on was headed home by Klimala. Sydney was forced to play the last ten minutes of the contest with ten-men after substitute Max Burgess was sent off just four minutes after coming on for a mistimed challenge on Wanderers substitute Ben Holliday, but they held firm to take home the points. Referee Alex King - Attendance: 27,496
In Sunday’s early game Wellington Phoenix and Western United have fought out a 1-1 draw at the Sky Stadium in Wellington. It was business as usual for the hosts and veteran striker Kosta Barbarouses, who put the Phoenix ahead in first-half stoppage time, and it looked like Giancarlo Italiano’s side looked set to cruise to an opening-round victory, but failed to take their chances. But United grew in confidence through the second half and equalised 14 minutes from time with Angus Thurgate on target. The hosts had further chances to win it, but John Aloisi’s side held firm to take home a point – Referee: Adam Kersey - Attendance: 7,535
17.10.2024
LINCOLN AND JACOBSZ WINS THE NPL GOLD MEDALS
The Football West NPLWA Awards were held at the Ritz Carlton on Thursday evening, and Perth SC striker Ella Lincoln took home the Women’s NPL Gold Medal, with Armadale striker Pieter Jacobsz winning the Men’s NPL Gold Medal. Jacobsz has had a fantastic season for Armadale, and becomes the first player from the club to win the prestigious award on 26 votes, pipping Western Knights midfielder Kristian Santich by a single vote, with David Ninkovich of Perth SC was third with 21 votes.
Jacobsz, who has been training with A-League side Perth Glory, and played in their recent pre-season friendly against Newcastle Jets in Bunbury, also won the Men’s NPL Golden Boot trophy after finishing top scorer with 25 goals, while his stunning stoppage-time winner in the 5-4 victory at Stirling Macedonia in Round 21 was voted Goal of the Season. But he his all-round game has gone through the roof this season, and he has shown his loyalty to Armadale, after being chased by a number of clubs in the pre-season.
The striker was over the moon to win the medal. “I couldn’t be happier with how things ended, and I have to give all the glory to God. Such a blessing to receive these awards, especially with all the talent in the league I feel honoured.” Jacobsz explained. “I have too many people to thank, but in short, I thank everyone who has helped me through my footballing journey. Family, friends, teammates, coaches, supporters I appreciate all of you.”
Armadale coach Alun Vernals said it’s a great reward for Jacobsz, who has been a pleasure to coach this season, and he’s hoping for more in 2025. “I’m absolutely made up for Pieter, his attitude this year has been bang on and it's shown in his performances,” he said. “In the second half of the year he was on another level and some of the goals he scored he made look easy He's confidence has grown and he looks after himself well off the pitch, so we’ll see more of the same next year.”
Perth SC striker Lincoln won the Women’s NPL Gold Medal with 30 votes, two more than Perth RedStar playmaker Reina Kagami, while Subiaco’s Frankie Murray-Hocking was third on 23 votes. Lincoln also went home with three awards for a stellar season which has earned her a contract with A-League side Perth Glory. She won the Women’s Golden Boot for her 26-goal league season and was voted Female Young Player of the Year. “Honestly, I feel so honoured to be awarded such a great accolade alongside the other awards,” Lincoln said. “It is such a great achievement and I cannot thank everyone that has helped me earn this award.”
Perth SC skipper Baxter Thew, who was herself a trialist at Perth Glory in pre-season, said Lincoln has been outstanding this season and all her hard work has been rewarded. “Me and the girls are absolutely thrilled for Ella. It was great to see her be acknowledged and rewarded for a stand out season and be rewarded with the gold medal,” the defender said. “I think her success has been cultivated by not only having a great team around her but, also an immense amount of individual hard work and effort. I have enjoyed playing with her both as a person and player and it has been great to watch her play with so much confidence. I wish her every success with her upcoming A league season with Perth Glory and cannot wait to see what she can achieve at the next level.”
17.10.2024
ZDRILIC SET FOR GLORY DEBUT
Perth Glory begins their 2024-25 Isuzu Ute A-League campaign on Sunday afternoon, with a trip to the Campbelltown Sports Stadium to take on recently crowned 2024 Australia Cup winners Macarthur FC. (1.00pm WA Time) It is the start of a new era at the club on and off the pitch, with Ross Pelligra and the Pelligra Group becoming new owners, with Jason Bontempo, and former Socceroos Vince Grella and Mark Bresciano coming on to the advisory board, with another Socceroo, and WA great Stan Lazaridis, coming in as Director of Football.
There is also a new coach, David Zdrilic replacing Alen Stajcic, and his assistants are Tomi Vidovic and Spaniard Andres Clavijo, while it’s a new look playing squad, and if the pre-season action is anything to go by, the Glory faithful will be in for some exciting football. A first up trip to New South Wales, is a daunting task for Glory, who have never beaten the Bulls on the road, but it’s a challenge Zdrilic is looking forward to.
“For me, it’s fantastic that I’m here in Perth, I’ve just loved every minute,” Zdrilic said. “The challenge of totally recreating the club’s identity, the culture, and seeing that change already in the pre-season, makes me very proud. As a head coach – I’ve been asked this before – I don’t feel like it’s my first head coaching role. I’ve been in environments that are very, very stressful, high-pressure environments that I don’t think I can replicate here in Australia… albeit as an assistant coach but still in very high-pressure situations.”
Zdrilic said his squad has a considerable number not yet up to full fitness and managing workloads will be key on Sunday, and through the opening rounds of the season. “There (are) a lot of players in the squad that aren’t fully fit…we need to manage minutes,” he explained. “That’s the challenge for the first couple of rounds, is who can play (for) long, what role do they play, if it’s a starting player, how long will they last, the guys coming on, how long will they last?
“We have a lot of depth in the squad, so when everyone is back and ready to go, I think it’s going to be a very, very good challenge to have. But at the moment it’s the same thing, some players are under that. For the philosophy, it’s a big change for everyone. That change, you’re going to see during the season. I’m just delighted the players have bought into it, that it’s been very effective in the pre-season. We’ve had our challenges with just being here and not being able to get as many games, but in the games that we have had, I think for the most part it’s been very positive.”
The last time Glory met the Bulls at the venue was in round 14 last season, when a late goal from David Williams secured a 2-2 draw. Ulises Dávila opened the scoring early, but the season would end in controversy for the Mexican striker, who was accused of yellow-card fixing in A-League games and banned. Glory would level 18 minutes from time, with Mustafa Amini converting from the spot. The game was up for grabs, and it was the Bulls who regained the lead ten minutes later, with French striker Valère Germain also scoring from the spot. It looked like another defeat at the venue, but three minutes into stoppage time Williams popped up to restore parity and give both sides a share of the spoils.
Macarthur FC Squad: GK Filip KURTO, GK Alexander ROBINSON, 5 Matthew JURMAN, 6 Tomislav USKOK, 7 Daniel DE SILVA, 8 Jake HOLLMAN, 11 Jed DREW, 13 Ivan VUJICA, 15 Dino ARSLANAGIC, 18 Walter SCOTT, 20 Kealey ADAMSON, 22 Liam ROSE, 23 Frans DELI, 24 Dean BOSNJAK, 26 Luke BRATTAN, 27 Joshua DAMEVSKI, 28 Harrison SAWYER, 33 Yianni NICOLAOU, 44 Marin JAKOLIS, 98 Valere GERMAIN - *Two to be omitted* - Unavailable: 9 Chris IKONOMIDIS (Injured), 21 BERNARDO (injured)
Perth Glory Squad: GK Oli SAIL, GK Cameron COOK, 3 Anas HAMZAOUI, 4 Luke BODNAR, 5 Lachlan BARR, 6 Brandon O’NEILL, 9 David WILLIAMS, 10 Nikola MILEUSNIC, 11 Hiroaki AOYAMA, 12 Taras GOMULKA, 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI, 16 Adam BUGARIJA, 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 19 Josh RISDON, 21 Abdul FAISAL, 22 Adam TAGGART, 24 Andriano LEBIB, 26 Khoa NGO, 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI, 33 Luis CANGA - *Two to be omitted* - Unavailable: 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON (injured), 8 Mustafa AMINI (injured), 14 Nathanael BLAIR (injured)
17.10.2024
DONNELL READY FOR UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE
Kris Donnell has been appointed as the new coach at State League Division One side UWA Nedlands, and the 39-year-old said after a chat to the club on their future plans, he is excited by the challenge of being a head coach, and the prospect of guiding the club forward. “Really excited and delighted to take on the role next season, I’m up for the challenge and feel it’s a good time to go back in as first team manager,” Donnell explained. “After I met the club officials, the discussions with Vice-President Mark Reid and Technical Director Mitch Doherty about the club’s short term and long-term goals, it was an easy choice, and it's something that I want to help and be a part of.”
Donnell will replace Richard Abrams, who left the club at the end of last season, and he has been impressed with the squad, and delighted a number of players have stayed loyal to the club, and he’s delighted with the clubs coaching roster. “There is plenty to build on with such a great young squad, it was important that we kept the core of the team and I’m pleased with how quickly the club have managed to retain the squad bar one or two players,” he said.
“We have a great coaching group with Lee Benton coming on board to the 18s, while Vinnie Kapur will continue on from his amazing success last season after winning the State League Reserves Cup Final. I am also really pleased to have Nigel Burke alongside me next season. Nigel is a familiar face around UWA already, and is a great addition to the group, with a strong playing background in Ireland.”
UWA Nedlands President Alexandra Lyons said the appointment of Donnell is great for the club, but also thanked Abrams after his two-years at the club. "We're excited to have Kris on board - he has an excellent reputation and will be a great fit for our club. He brings a range of skills and experience to share, and with a core returning player base we're looking forward to seeing where he can take them,” Lyons explained. "We're grateful for Richard and Simon's efforts in stabilising the program, and in giving the opportunity for some talented youth to showcase their ability and get results. There were some exciting games in there and entertaining goals - we wish them the best in their new roles."
Donnell started his coaching in WA at Port Kennedy, helping them to promotions from the Amateur Division Three to the Amateur Premier. The Scotsman then headed to Kwinana and got them promoted from Division One to Amateur Premier, and won the Amateur League Cup. His first State League role came at Mandurah City with Pete Taylor, finishing fourth in their first season and winning the Night Series. He was then appointed as Technical Director at Rockingham City, before being given the first team job and finishing sixth in the league. His last coaching role was last season, when he assisted Steve McDonald and Scott Miller at Cockburn City.
The new season can’t come quick enough for Donnell, and he is well aware of the challenge, but he has been impressed with the talent within the squad, and hopes to bring in a few more to strengthen it. “We certainly have a great group already here and we will look to add two or three additions who I think will help the squad in the long run to achieve our goals,” he explained. “There are also several young players coming through at the club who we have to look at and involve in preseason to give them some exposure to the first team squad, I can’t wait to get started.”
17.10.2024
MARINERS WITHOUT INJURED SAINSBURY FOR SEASON OPENER
Central Coast mariners will be without captain Trent Sainsbury for their A-League season opener against Melbourne Victory. The former Socceroo tore a pec muscle after a "freak" gym incident in the weeks leading up to tomorrow's Grand Final rematch and is expected to be ruled out for the rest of the year.
Sainsbury has only played one game for the Mariners so far, featuring in their 3-1 AFC Champions League Elite defeat to Shandong Taishan, after re-joining the club in August on a three-year deal. The centre-back is back with the club that launched his professional career after 10-years abroad, most notably in the Netherlands.
"Trent's going to be out until the new year so it's a big, big blow for him and for us in particular," coach Mark Jackson said. "It was a freak incident in the gym. He tore a pec muscle. It was nothing which any of the staff or him could have done different. We're going to miss his leadership on the pitch, but off the pitch, he's still there."
16.10.2024
JONES CLOSES IN ON BOLTON COMEBACK
Gethin Jones will soon be back in the frame for Bolton Wanderers with manager Ian Evatt describing the defender as an “important player” in the team’s future. A knee injury has prevented the 28-year old from featuring for the Whites so far in League One but he is expected to be back in contention following the international break.
Jones made 50 appearances in all competitions last season and his versatility in either a central or wide defensive spot is, by Evatt’s estimation, a major boost for the weeks ahead. “He is an important player for us and one who can obviously play in a wing-back role or as a centre-back, so I think that’s an important string to his bow,” Evatt said..
“He can do the job for both and I think if you look at his win ratio for this team, it’s pretty good. His record – and I am not saying it is just down to him – but he has been a big part of what we have done over a number of years now. It will be great to have him back involved around the squad and make it more competitive.”
Jones has been given extra competition with the summer arrivals of Jordi Osei-Tutu and Chris Forino but Evatt believes the Australia international still has a big part to play. “He is a leader, a good person, and he helps others. And having him available will only increase the quality we have to pick from and the squad depth,” he added.
Jones is one of a handful of Wanderers players who will be back in the fold after the break, including Carlos Mendes Gones and Will Forrester, which could present Evatt with a few more selection decisions. “I think we will have more options and obviously that adds a bit more complexity with the numbers and the squad but it’s what we wanted,” he said.
“When we have a full fit squad available I think it is very competitive. We want competition and players who go out there and perform to keep their shirt, perform on the training pitch every single day, and they earn their spot in the team. We want players who perform because if they don’t there is someone ready to take their place.”
“That has to be the mindset right across the squad. Even the last couple of weeks, managing to rotate the strikers in particular, they are buying into that policy and they are buying into the fact that every one of them has to play their part, in the team, on the bench.”
16.10.2024
SOCCEROO BURGESS READY TO FIGHT FOR PREMIER LEAGUE SPOT
Socceroos defender Cam Burgess will quickly put his own goal against Japan behind him and focus on winning back his spot at English Premier League club Ipswich Town. Australia took the lead in Saitama last night via a horror own goal by Shogo Tanaguchi in the 58th minute, but 16 minutes later Burgess knocked a sizzling centre from Keito Nakamura into his own net.
"Maybe there was the guy (striker Ayase Ueda) behind me, so if I didn't try and do something, then I guess he'd have tapped it in," Burgess said. "So (I have) seen it pretty late, and just, I guess, one of those unfortunate ones." The game finished 1-1, with a point crucial to Australia's hopes of direct World Cup qualification.
Burgess otherwise thrived in coach Tony Popovic's back three alongside the excellent Jason Geria and Harry Souttar. "For the way we're playing at the moment, it suits us," Burgess said. "We've taken the messages on board. We've seen that the last two performances. It's something that a lot of us have played before throughout our careers, certainly I have, so yeah, it's positive signs."
Burgess helped Ipswich secure promotion to the Premier League, but is yet to play a minute in England's top flight. "It's tough not playing football," he said. "That's what I want to do. That's what I grew up, trying my best to do. It's tough at times. "But it's the biggest stage in the world, the Premier League, and then to play for the national team as well, it's a huge honour."
"So to be a part of both those things is massive for me in my career. And it's a process, and I'm there to help the team, and when called upon I'll be ready. It's a long season and I'll be ready when my time comes." Burgess will be on contention when 17th placed Ipswich meet Everton, who are one rung higher up the ladder, this Saturday.
16.10.2024
RESILIENT SOCCEROOS TAKE A POINT IN JAPAN
The Socceroos have earned a vital point in their FIFA 2026 World Cup qualification campaign, after holding Group C leaders Japan to a 1-1 draw at the Saitama Stadium on Tuesday evening. The Socceroos defensive shape worked well in a hard-fought encounter, and despite not having a shot on goal, it looked like they might secure a historic win, after taking the lead through a Shogo Taniguchi own goal, but Cameron Burgess also scored into his own net to give Japan a share of the spoils. The results in the rest of the group games went the Socceroos way, with China winning and Saudi Arabia and Bahrain drawing, to leave them in second place, with games against the Saudi’s and Bahrain in the next international window in November.
Socceroos Head Coach Tony Popovic was delighted with the resolute performance of his side. "It was wonderful character in the group, we're happy with the result, of course, but we want to expect more,” Popovic said post-match. “We tried to play … [but] they win the ball back quickly. This was a huge test, but they hung in there the whole time. We were very resolute at the back, and we’ll reflect on a good October window, and in November, we want to play better. I thought it was a very resolute display defensively. We came up against a nation that has scored 14 goals in three games now.
“They have a first 11 that all play in Europe, in the top leagues in the world, so to keep them to very minimal chances. Obviously, they’ll always have their moments because they have the quality, but it’s a very good display. Not just from the defenders, but I think as a team, we were very well-structured and organised. We can do much better with the ball, and that’s a goal for us to move forward and keep working on that aspect of our game. But without that desire, without that will to win, you start off without a chance.”
Popovic made six changes to the side that beat China last week, with Jason Geria, Burgess, Jordy Bos, Riley McGree, Ajdin Hrustic and Luke Brattan, who was making his Socceroos debut, all coming into the starting eleven. Thomas Deng, Kye Rowles, Aziz Behich, Aiden O’Neill, Nestory Irankunda and Craig Goodwin all made way. It wasn’t the best of starts for the Australian players, arriving late to the ground, after they were caught in traffic after an accident. Both teams requested a delay to the kick-off and were rejected by the Asian Football Confederation, a decision that was pretty ordinary, and after only 35 minutes, from getting to the ground, warming up, the Socceroos took the field.
The hosts were on the front foot early, and had the majority of possession without really threatening, the best chance fell to Takefusa Kubo, but the Real Sociedad fired into the side-netting from a tight angle. Mitch Duke was then picked out by Hrustic’s free kick, but the big striker headed wide. That was as good as it got in attack, but Harry Souttar, Burgess and the rest of the Socceroos defence were working overtime, as the hosts pressed, but they couldn’t breakdown a well-marshalled Australia outfit. The best chance for Japan came just after the half hour, Kaoru Mitoma cutting in from out wide, but the Brighton midfielders curing effort was cleared by the alert Jason Geria.
Popovic made one change at the break, with Patrick Yazbek replacing Brattan in midfield, and they had more possession to start the second half, but didn’t trouble Zion Suzuki in the Japanese goal. The home faithful were becoming frustrated, as chances came and went, the best falling to Takumi Minamino, who headed wide when well placed. Then moments later the crowd were silenced when the Socceroos found the opener. Lewis Miller found space on the right, and his curling cross was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Taniguchi, much to the delight of the small pocket of Australian supporters in the sell-out crowd.
It was the first goal conceded by the hosts in round three qualification, and they looked for an immediate response, but Ao Tanaka’s shot from range was saved by Joe Gauci. But 14 minutes from time Japan did find the equaliser, substitute Keito Nakamura sped past Yazbek on the left of the penalty area, and his low cross was deflected home by the unfortunate Ipswich Town defender Burgess. Japan pressed for the winner, but Gauci was alert to save from Koki Ogawa’s close-range effort, the Socceroos holding firm to claim a valuable away point. They will back in action on Thursday 14 November when they host Saudi Arabia at the AAMI Park
Socceroos skipper Jackson Irvine said getting to the ground late is what it is, but he was proud to lead the side to a valuable point against the group leaders. “My experience as part of this team is that the boys stand up in the most difficult moment: no excuses. I’m very proud of that performance as captain – the calmness and composure that we showed in defence, it’s a top foundation for us to move forward,” the midfielder explained.
“It’s tough to put into words (on captaining the side), I’ve got a very strong emotional connection to this team and it’s a very proud moment, and I’ve got some family here which makes it even better. On the delay getting to the ground late, it is what it is. When circumstances are out of your control, it makes it simple, you’ve just got to do it. I can’t speak highly enough of all our staff for the way they prepare us, they gave us the best opportunity to perform tonight and we did that.”
Japan: GK Zion Suzuki, 3 Shogo Taniguchi, 4 Kou Itakura, 5 Hidemasa Morita, 7 Kaoru Mitoma, 8 Takumi Minamino (15 Daichi Kamada 70'), 9 Ayase Ueda (19 Koki Ogawa 83'), 10 Ritsu Doan (14 Junya Ito 62'), 16 Koki Machida, 17 Ao Tanaka, 20 Takefusa Kubo (13 Keito Nakamura 70') – Subs not used: RGK Keisuke Osako, RGK Kosei Tani, 2 Yukinari Sugawara, 6 Joel Chima Fujita, 11 Daizen Maeda, 18 Henry Mochizuki, 21 Reo Hatate, 22 Ayumu Seko
Australia: GK Joe Gauci, 3 Lewis Miller (17 Keanu Baccus 82'), 8 Jason Geria, 19 Harry Souttar, 21 Cameron Burgess, 5 Jordy Bos (16 Aziz Behich 73'), 22 Jackson Irvine, 20 Luke Brattan (6 Patrick Yazbek 46'), 10 Ajdin Hrustic (23 Craig Goodwin 88'), 14 Riley McGree, 15 Mitch Duke (7 Nishan Velupillay 73') – Subs not used: RGK Maty Ryan, RGK Paul Izzo, 2 Thomas Deng, 4 Kye Rowles, 9 Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, 11 Nestory Irankunda, 13 Daniel Arzani – Attendance: 58,730 – Referee: Ahmad Al Ali (Kuwait)
16.10.2024
GILSENAN WORKING HARD FOR BLACKBURN RETURN
Zak Gilsenan says he’s seeing the light at the end of the tunnel beaming brighter every day as he nears his long-awaited return from injury. The Republic of Ireland Under-21s international enjoyed a fine 2023/24, featuring regularly for his club’s Under-21s, making his first team debut scoring his first professional goal.
Whilst those milestones were memorable for Gilsenan, there was also a frustrating run of minor knocks which saw the former Sorrento junior miss out on game time. Back for pre-season, the 21-year old was eager to hit the ground running and aiming to impress coach John Eustace in a bid to be part of the senior set-up for the new campaign.
However, things haven’t panned out as planned with a thigh issue keeping Gilsenan sidelined since the end of July. “I am definitely (making progress),” Gilsenan told RoversTV. “It has been tough. I really wanted to impress the gaffer and his staff, but things happen in football where sometimes you just have to get on with, keep your head high and come back stronger.”
“I had a really good season last year, injury free for most but I had a few niggles toward the back end. The way it panned out, I was scoring goals for the 21s and felt a bit unlucky really. It is tough dealing with it mentally, it took me a week or so. I have a good family and they definitely helped.”
Gilsenan is staying positive and believes past experiences can help him this time around. “It is just knowing my ability and knowing you will never lose that part of your game, it is more the fitness side coming back which will take a while,” he explained. “I have belief in myself and I know that I have done it before with my ACL, I will come back stronger.
“With injuries, you always have to look at the positives. I have been doing a lot of work outside football just to get myself stronger in areas where maybe I wasn’t as strong before. Dealing with my ACL quite young was tough, I felt like I missed a year compared to most of the lads. I have had two injuries and they have both been quite big ones, but I am strong mentally and believe in my abilities.”
Having had a taste of first team football last season, Gilsenan is desperate to be back among it and show what he can do. “I am back out running now, which is always nice,” commented Gilsenan, whose team sit in eighth spot in the English Championship. “It always goes quicker when you are on the pitch. I should be back training with the team in bits and bobs.”
“I get a scan in about three weeks’ time and hopefully, if that shows I am progressing well, we can move forward from there and get back training with the lads. It is a bit cold out there now. But being in and around it and watching the lads train, it is a lot nicer than being in the gym. No footballer wants to be injured. It is a tough period so making sure that everything is right this time is a big factor for me, I am sure it will be.”
15.10.2024
GLORY NAME CAPTAINS FOR UPCOMING SEASON
Perth Glory kicks off their Isuzu-Ute A-League season on Sunday, and today they launched their season at Frasers Restaurant at Kings Park, and it was announced that Adam Taggart will be the captain for season 2024-25, while Isobel Dalton and Onyinyechi Zogg were appointed as co-captains of the Ninja A-League Women’s team. Taggart, who was joint skipper last season, will be assisted by fellow-striker David Williams who has been named as vice-captain. The Socceroos striker said it’s a new start this season, with new coaches and new look squad and he knows final football is their aim.
"It's definitely a new era and a fresh start, and I think for all of us, it just gives us a fresh opportunity and that bit of optimism that we can be a bit of a surprise package this year, and use all of that freshness and new people to push this club forward,” Taggart explained. "I think we obviously need to be in the top six as an absolute minimum. I know that everyone says that, but I think for the club not finishing in the top six the last [four] seasons, it's obviously something that needs to be rectified. Challenging for finals football is an absolute minimum. For me, that is winning every home game ... and improving our away record."
The 31-year-old, who took out the A-League Golden Boot last season, has now scored a remarkable 47 goals in 86 appearances for Glory and his stellar performances in 2023/24 saw him take out the Most Glorious Player, Players’ Player of the Year and Members’ Player of the Year awards, but he knows they need to improve this season, after picking up the wooden spoon. “(Last season) was extremely disappointing. Anyone who finished last is always going to have a bit of motivation for next year. I think there were definitely some positives to come out of last year,” he said. “Going forward I think we were very good, especially in the first half of the season. We just probably lost our way a little bit more towards the end of the year. As much as we’re a new side, a new team with fresh opportunities I think it’s important to realise we did have some positives and to build on those things we did well last year, scoring lots of goals.”
The club have made huge changes to their squad during the off-season. Gone are the likes of Daniel Bennie (Queens Park Rangers), Aleksandar Susnjar (Newcastle Jets), Stefan Colakovski (Wellington Phoenix) and Josh Rawlins (Melbourne Victory), while imports Mark Beevers and Darryl Lachman have also departed. In their place, familiar faces Josh Risdon and Brandon O'Neill have returned to their hometown club, the experienced Nikol Mileusnic and Nicholas Pennington, along with imports Anas Hamzaoui, Luis Canga and Cristian Caicedo.
They have also added some talented youngsters, the likes of Nathanael Blair, Zach Lisolajski and Abdelelah Faisal, and new coach David Zdrilic remains optimistic about what the team can achieve. "You always go into a season wanting to win everything you can," he said. "We've got the mindset to be very aggressive in every game, home and away. The belief is for us to find a way to win every game. "Everything's new, so there's no reference to anything other than this is a totally new culture and entity."
Glory women will have joint-captains for the season, midfielder Dalton, who made 19 appearances in what was her debut campaign for the club last year, the 27-year-old scoring a spectacular maiden goal for the club against Canberra United in Round 13, will share the armband with central defender Zogg who signed for Glory during the off-season from Swiss side Servette, having previously played extensively at the top level in Germany and France. Zogg, 27, has also tasted UEFA Women’s Champions League action and represented Nigeria at senior international level. New Head Coach Stephen Peters has been busy re-building the squad, adding experienced keepers Casey Dumont and Miranda Templeman, former Tottenham Hotspur and Wales winger Megan Wynne, American striker Gabby Hollar, and New Zealand striker Kelli Brown, and a number of talented youngsters.
Glory CEO Anthony Radich believes that all three players will serve the club with distinction on and off the pitch this season. “We’re thrilled to confirm Adam, Isobel and Onyinyechi as our captains for the new season,” he said. “In addition to being top-quality performers in their respective positions, all three are excellent characters who have demonstrated strong leadership skills and attributes. “They will provide exactly the kind of guidance that our young, dynamic, new-look ALM and ALW squads need, while also playing a key role in spearheading our efforts to reengage with the local football community and reignite Glory in 2024/25.”
15.10.2024
TAGGART DECLARES FINALS A 'MINIMUM' FOR NEW-LOOK GLORY
Perth Glory captain Adam Taggart reckons his team can be the A-League Men's surprise packets this season, declaring finals as a minimum target. Glory collected the wooden spoon last season in a campaign that yielded just five wins and seven draws from 27 matches. Along the way the team conceded a league-high 69 goals.
Although the highly-rated David Zdrilic has been thrust into the coaching hot seat, the outside predictions aren't looking pretty with Glory tipped to finish near the foot of the table again. But with new owners in place to go with a new coach and a new-look squad, Taggart is confident Glory will buck the odds this season.
"It's definitely a new era and a fresh start," Taggart said at today's season launch. "I think for all of us, that (new era) just gives us a fresh opportunity and that bit of optimism that we can be a bit of a surprise package this year and use all of that freshness and new people to push this club forward."
"We obviously need to be in the top six as an absolute minimum. I know that everyone says that, but I think for the club not finishing in the top six the last (four) seasons, it's obviously something that needs to be rectified. Challenging for finals football is an absolute minimum. For me, that is winning every home game ... and improving our away record."
Glory made huge changes to their squad during the off-season. Gone are the likes of Daniel Bennie, Darryl Lachman, Mark Beevers, Aleksandar Susnjar, Bruce Kamau, Stefan Colakovski and Josh Rawlins. Familiar faces Josh Risdon and Brandon O'Neill have returned to their hometown club along with a host of little-known entities.
Zdrilic remains optimistic about what the team can achieve. "You always go into a season wanting to win everything you can," Zdrilic said. "We've got the mindset to be very aggressive in every game, home and away. The belief is for us to find a way to win every game. Everything's new. There's no reference to anything other than this is a totally new culture and entity."
15.10.2024
OXTOBY CALLS FOR MORE SUPPORT FOR MENTAL HEALTH IN WOMEN’S GAME
Northern Ireland women’s coach Tanya Oxtoby believes more needs to be done to support mental health in the women’s game. With increasing popularity over recent years and a move into the mainstream, players are now facing bigger pressures, whether it is dealing with higher expectations or the pitfalls of social media.
Oxtoby, who worked as a government psychologist in Western Australia specialising in mental health for young people, acknowledges progress has been made but says resources remain inconsistent across the game. “I think it’s probably more discussed now, which is a real positive thing,” former Perth Glory Women captain Oxtoby said.
“I think the support for players is there, which is good. I think there’s still a disparity between leagues in the women’s game and maybe even between clubs in leagues, as to the amount of resources there for mental health. With the success of the women’s game and how it’s growing now.”
“The pressure that goes with that, whether that be on social media or internally within clubs or fanbases, it has an impact on individuals and the support needs to be in place. There’s still work to do. It’s probably not exactly where it would like to be, but it’s definitely a recognised area that is hopefully going to be catching up as the game progresses.”
Oxtoby, who leads Northern Ireland into a crunch Euro 2025 qualifying play-off against Croatia later this month, is working on the Chase Football Coaching Programme, which provides fully-funded access to coaching qualifications for individuals from low-income backgrounds across the United Kingdom.
Oxtoby believes the programme will particularly help women get into coaching and break down some barriers which still exist. “It’s about taking away some of the barriers around the inclusivity,” she said. “I know being a female, going on some of those coaching courses can be quite daunting at times.
“You want to feel like you belong on courses and it’s important we get more role models in those spaces so that we can encourage more people to take the big step forward. Particularly in female football, coaches don’t get paid the massive, massive bucks. So it’s an investment, which is why it’s really important with programmes like this.”
Research has shown that 64 per cent of existing coaches have said coaching has improved their mental health while also offering transferable skills. “It has a really positive impact on the mental health and transferable skills, like teamwork and communication,” Oxtoby continued.
“I would say communication is probably the biggest skill that I’ve learned and especially as you go further up in terms of the coaching sphere when you’re working in high-pressure environments, communication is massive.”
14.10.2024
O’NEILL WANTS TO MAKE AMENDS FOR MESSY EXIT
Two years ago, Brandon O’Neill was persona non grata among Perth Glory fans after a messy exit from his hometown club; now, he wants to win back their trust. The local product’s departure in 2022, after he won multiple titles with Sydney FC before returning to the club and being named captain, still rankles many Glory fans.
But now he is back in Perth, eager to make amends, determined to right wrongs and help correct Glory’s on-field fortunes in what will be his third stint for the club. And he is well aware not everyone has welcomed him back with open arms just yet, although he is hoping they warm up to him again in the long run.
O’Neill is still guarded when asked about the manner of his previous departure from the Glory. “I’ve been asked probably about 20-30 times now and I don’t think I’m in the position to go back and speak about the nitty-gritty of everything that went on two years ago,” O’Neill said.
“The only thing I can say in that regard is that, two years ago, the context and the position myself, the club, and the whole circumstance was completely different to the circumstance here.” Glory’s statement released in 2022 cited O’Neill’s belief he was unable to perform to the best of his abilities while living in Perth.
O’Neill is aware of the need to make amends after re-joining Glory in the off-season. “I can completely understand how people see a former captain of the club leaving in the circumstances and you straight away question, why would you take him back? Why would you be okay with someone like that coming back to the football club?” he said.
“If I was in their position, I would think the exact same thing. I completely know I have to win the trust back of the footballing community here in Perth, and I’m hoping to do that not by words or an interview like this, but solely down to my actions down at the football club on the pitch and off it.”
13.10.2024
GLORY TAKE OUT THE GOLD FIELD CHALLENGE CUP
Perth Glory have begun their preparation for the new Ninja A-League season, with a 5-2 win against the Gold Fields WA State Team in Sunday afternoons Challenge Cup clash at Dorrien Gardens. New recruit Kelli Brown gave Stephen Peters side the lead early, before Georgia Cassidy doubled their advantage after Balcatta Etna keeper Rebecca Bennett punched her cross into her own net. Another new recruit Gabby Hollar scored twice to increase the lead, before the WA side pulled two back through Momo Sakairi and a Baxter Thew, who was a Glory trialist in the game, scored an own-goal, but Miku Sunaga added a fifth late to seal a good win in Peters’ first game in charge.
“There were some really good moments, but some not so great, but it is to be expected in our first full hit-out in pre-season,” Peters said post-match. “We had a real mix in our squad today, and very happy with the start in both halves, and some individuals played well, but as a collective I think we can improve significantly. We need to improve defensively, especially in transition, but overall, we were decent with the ball in parts. Great to see Gabby and Kelli hit the back of the net, which will give them plenty of confidence going into the season.”
It was a perfect afternoon for football, and a big crowd was on hand at kick off, and it was new look Glory squad, with only four players from last season’s squad, who made the best possible start, hitting the front after only two minutes. Brown found space just inside the box, and her shot flew past Bennett. They doubled their advantage on the half hour mark, Cassidy’s cross from the right was punched into her net by Bennett. Brown was replaced moments later with a niggling injury, with Sarah O’Donoghue replacing her, and with the Glory injury problems, they will hope it’s nothing serious. The best opportunity for the state side came late, a ball sent Abbey Green racing forward, but a well-timed tackle from Abdul Massih cleared the danger.
Glory added a third eight minutes into the second half, an inch-perfect through-ball from Sunaga sent Hollar clear, and the American striker finished clinically. It was 4-0 moments later, Megan Wynne picking out Hollar, who beat her marker before toe-poking home. It looked all over for the state team, as both sides cleared the benches, with recent recruits Ella Lincoln and Chari Wainwright making their debuts for Glory after signing from Perth SC in the week on youth development agreements. But credit to the state side they hit back and reduced the margin nine minutes from time.
Fremantle City’s Abbey Green played in Perth RedStar’s Sakairi, after Glory gave the ball away in the middle of the park, and the striker rounded Jessica Skinner and rolled the ball home. They pulled another goal back seven minutes later, Subiaco’s Stella Zampogna sent Balcatta Etna’s Jamie-Lee Gale down the right, and her cross into the box was turned into her own net by the unfortunate Thew, who impressed as a trialist. But Glory would have the final word in stoppage time. Wynne and Lincoln combined to send the other trialist Lucy Jerram down the left, and her cross was spilled by RedStar’s Gabby Dal Busco and Sunaga bundled the ball over the line from close-range to seal a comfortable win.
Gold Fields WA State Team: GK Rebecca BENNETT (Balcatta) (RGK Gabby DAL BUSCO (RedStar) 46’), 2 Sarah CARROLL (RedStar), 3 Olivia WOOD (RedStar) (7 Daisy MCALLISTER (Perth SC) 61’), 5 Reina KAGAMI (RedStar) (6 Stella ZAMPOGNA (Subiaco) 61’), 8 Jamie Lee GALE (Balcatta), 10 Abbey GREEN (Fremantle), 11 Abbey MEAKINS (Balcatta), 12 Andreia TEIXEIRA (RedStar), 14 Caitlin DOEGLAS (RedStar) (4 Sam MATHERS (Perth SC) 72’), 21 Queyan DOAN (RedStar) (9 Sofia OSBORNE (Fremantle) 52’), 43 Annabelle LEEK (Fremantle) (13 Momo SAKAIRI 61’) – Subs not used: None
Perth Glory: GK Miranda TEMPLEMAN (RGK Jessica SKINNER 62'), 2 Mischa ANDERSON (17 Charli WAINWRIGHT 62'), 3 Baxter THEW (Trialist), 5 Grace JOHNSTON (4 Lucy JERRAM (Trialist) 57'), 6 Izzy DALTON, 7 Megan WYNNE (15 Ella LINCOLN 71'), 8 Georgia CASSIDY, 9 Gabby HOLLAR, 10 Kelli BROWN (19 Sarah O’DONOGHUE 34'), 13 Ella ABDUL MASSIH (16 Tanika LALA 62'), 19 Miku SUNAGA – Subs not used: None - Referee: Niall GILMOUR
12.10.2024
FOOTBALL WEST AWARDS – STATE LEAGUE AND REFEREES
Football West’s season awards began last week with 2024 State League and Referee Awards were held at the Sam Kerr Football Centre. First on Thursday evening Sorrento skipper Dean Cummings won the State League Division One Player of the Year, and also took out the Golden Boot, after scoring 29 goals. The Gulls also took out the Fair Play Award, while coach Steven McGarry, who guided the club back to the NPL next season, won the Division One Coach of the Year Award. Cummings, who was unable to attend the event, said winning the award capped a great season for the club and himself. “Delighted on a personal note, to have won the Player of the Year and the Golden Boot,” he said. “And it’s the icing on the cake for a great season for the club.”
The one award Sorrento did not collect was the Division One Goalkeeper of the Year, which went to Dianella White Eagles’ Peter Pilkadaris. “It’s always good to win an individual award, and I thought we had a pretty good season overall, although we fell short of our goal at the end,” Pilkadaris said. “I’d like to thank Dianella White Eagles as a whole, this includes committee, fans, coaches and of course the players. Special thanks to Simon Mills, our keeper coach. Every session we had always had a purpose and there was a reason for everything we did.” in other awards from the State League Division One, Reserves Player of the Year went to Joondalup United’s Alexander Wheelhouse, with Sorrento’s Rhys Thompson winning the Reserves Golden Boot with 24 goals. Mandurah City’s Sam Lovell won the 18s Player of the Year, and he also took out the Golden Boot with 17 goals.
The Division Two Player of the Year was won by East Perth striker Ryan McCready, who was recognised for a fantastic campaign in which he also won the Golden Boot with 25 goals. Curtin University, who are heading to Division One, won the Fair Play Award, while Kalamunda City coach German Montealegre was rewarded for sealing promotion to Division One, by winning the Division Two Coach of the Year, with keeper Rain Blauberg taking out the Division Two Goalkeeper of the Year. The Division Two Reserves Player of the Year was won by Dylan Briggs from Curtin University, while Forrestfield United’s Cooper Holland won the Golden Boot with 13 goals. The Division Two U18s Player of the Year was won by Craig Barreiro from Wanneroo City, who also won the Golden Boot, after scoring 34 goals.
The Hyundai Womens League Division One Player of the Year was won by Mandurah City’s Georgia Aiesi. The Dolphins skipper as instrumental in Mandurah’s third-place finish, just two points behind champions Perth AFC, and she said it’s an honour to win the award, but it was a team effort all-season. “It was surreal to be a finalist for this award let alone win it. The standard of football in Division One, and the quality of the players this year was definitely elevated so this outcome came as a shock to me,” Aiesi explained.
“It’s worth noting that Lola Price, another finalist, is one of our youngest players in our team and for her to be up there is an incredible testament to her. Personally, winning this award is a token to the girls that I shared the field with. Football isn’t ever won by one person it’s won by an entire team. I’m fortunate to be a part of an incredible culture at Mandurah City.” League winners Perth AFC were recognised with Cynthia Kuman named Goalkeeper of the Year. Subiaco’s Graham Normanton took out the Coach of the Year Award, while Sally Rojahn, also of Subi, collected the Golden Boot for her 25 goals. Murdoch University Melville won the Fair Play Award.
The Football West match officials celebrated their season at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Friday evening, with the 2024 Referee Awards were presented. Josh Mannella was named Golden Whistle Male Referee of the Year. “It is very humbling to have been recognised as the Golden Whistle winner for the 2024 season,” Mannella said. “I’ve been lucky to have a lot of support on and off the field, especially my wife Kristen’s and my kids as they are there behind me on the good days and the bad. Also, to Steve, the team at Football West and those who help keep me out on the park, I really appreciate their help. I am looking forward to another A-league season over the summer and whatever 2025 may hold.”
The Golden Whistle Female Referee of the Year went to Jasmine Bremner, which made it back-to-back wins for her, unfortunately she was unable to attend “It was a shame to miss out on the opportunity to celebrate the season with the refereeing group, but I’m grateful to be recognized for the second year in a row,” Bremner explained. “A big thank you to my colleagues and Football West for their continued support - I’m looking forward to seeing what next season brings.” In other awards on the night, Alex Ciccarone was named Assistant Referee of the Year while Dragan Kovaceski won the State League Referee of the Year. The State League Assistant Referee of the Year went to Maria Avramita, Connor Richards took out the State League Youth Referee of The Year, with Manners Garatidye named Amateur Leagues Referee of the Year.
12.10.2024
GLORY SNAP UP LOCAL DUO
After stellar seasons with Perth SC in the NPLWA – Women’s competition Ella Lincoln and Chari Wainwright have been rewarded by signing youth development agreements with Perth Glory. Both have impressed new Glory coach Stephen Peters while training at the club, and both will be good additions to the Ninja A-League squad. Striker Lincoln (20), began her football at Bayswater City, before a move to the NTC where her eye for goal came apparent and she continued that at Perth SC last season scoring 26 times to claim the competition’s Golden Boot.
Lincoln trained with Glory last season, and is delighted to have signed for them, and she was full of praise for the coaching staff at the Azzurri for helping her achieve it. “I’m very grateful to have signed for my home town club, and it was my personal goal going into my NPLW Season this year at Perth, having being involved with the Glory squad last season,” the striker explained. “I really enjoyed my season at Perth, they have always been such a great club to play for and the support has been immense from both Danielle and Fed, and I couldn’t thank them enough for helping me get given this opportunity.”
Wainwright, also 20, started her football journey at Rockingham City, before a season at Queens Park, and then a move to Murdoch University Melville where she established herself as one of the leading attacking midfielders in the state, before joining Perth SC and became one of the best midfielders in the NPLWA – Womens competition. Both players found the net in Perth SC’s spectacular State Cup Final victory over Perth RedStar last month and Glory Head Coach Stephen Peters believes that they are now ready to step up and make their mark at ALW level.
“It’s fantastic to bring another two talented young local players into our squad for the 2024/25 season,” he said. “Ella and Charli both trained with the group previously and have really impressed in pre-season over the last few weeks. They arrive off the back of standout campaigns in the NPLW WA and provide us with important additional attacking options. We look forward to seeing them fulfil their undoubted potential in the weeks and months ahead.” Both Lincoln and Wainwright are expected to feature in today’s Challenge Cup clash with the Gold Fields WA Women’s State Team at Dorrien Gardens.
12.10.2024
WANNEROO CITY TO FILL STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO VACANCY
Wanneroo City will play in the State League next season after a successful application to Football West to fill the spot left by the withdrawal of Joondalup United last month. Football West received eight applications to fill the void, with Wanneroo beating Kelmscott Roos, Hamersley Rovers, Kwinana United, Morley-Windmills, Ellenbrook United, Queens Park and Emerald FC. Wanneroo were relegated to the Amateur Premier Division back in September, but Football West and the State League standing committee believed they were the best club to fill the place.
Football West along with the State League standing committee stated. "Wanneroo City has demonstrated consistent strength across critical criteria, including Football Merit, Ground Facilities, Junior Development, and Club Standing. With a total score of 78.5, they are the top-ranked club, showing robust community engagement, well-developed facilities, and sustainable financial and governance practices."
Wanneroo City President Dean Bell said it had been a stressful couple of weeks, but he is delighted they have regained their State League status. “It’s been a very tough couple of weeks for the club as we’ve gone through the process, and the anxiety has taken its toll, but we are delighted all the hard work from everyone involved at the club saw us successful in our bid,” Bell explained.
“The club played Premier League football in 2006 and 2007, and missed out on spot back in there in 2013 after winning Division One, and that’s where we want to be playing again. I'm just really pleased that we've managed to stay in the state league, all be it given the strange circumstance in which the opportunity came about, but it’s time to reset and prepare for 2025.”
Wanneroo City captain Aaron Louttit said they hope to make emends after a disappointing 2024. “It’s a lifeline for us at Wanneroo to right a lot of wrongs we did over the course of the season,” he explained. “My sympathies go out to Joondalup United in what has resulted in an unfortunate outcome, but it gives us a chance now to prove to the league we’re levels above what we showed this year.”
11.10.2024
GOODWIN STUNNERS HELPS SOCCEROOS TO VICTORY
Socceroos have won their first game in the third phase of World Cup qualifying, coming from behind to beat China 3-1 at Adelaide Oval on Thursday evening, to give new coach Tony Popovic a winning start in his tenure. There were grumblings in the big crowd of 46,291 when Xie Wenneng scored against the run of play, but a Lewis Miller header just before half time got them level, before second half goals from local boy Craig Goodwin, a stunner from distance, and a goal on his debut for Nishan Velupillay gave the Socceroos a much-needed victory to kick start their campaign.
The coach was delighted how his side hit back just before the break, and went on with it after the break. “That can always be a nervy period, where you start forcing the action, and there’s an opportunity to concede another goal. But they looked really composed and just kept playing,” he said. “I’m really happy. That was a good sign for us. Then of course the goal helps just before halftime. Then I thought in the second half we improved in the middle and front third with the ball. It gave us a lot more opportunities to score. There wasn’t much wrong with today. It wasn’t a bad performance at all.”
Popovic made a number of changes, selecting Adelaide local Joe Gauci in goal, while, at the back, Thomas Deng lined up alongside Harry Souttar and Kye Rowles in a three-man defence, with Miller and Aziz Behich as wing-backs. In midfield, Jackson Irvine, who wore the armband, partnered Aiden O’Neill. The attacking trio featured local favourites Goodwin and Nestory Irankunda, with Mitch Duke leading the line. It was a good start from the green and gold, applying early pressure, but clear-cut chances were missing.
Despite the Socceroos good start, it was the visitors who struck first on 20 minutes. A long ball from the keeper Wang Dalei was not dealt with by the Australian defence, allowing Zhang Yuning to knock it down for Xie Wenneng, who finished clinically past Gauci. The crowd was getting restless, with Australia dominating possession, but were held back by a well-organised Chinese outfit. But in first half stoppage time the hosts levelled. Goodwin’s perfectly delivered free kick into the box picked out Miller, the Hibernian defender rose highest to head home his first international goal.
Popovic made two changes at the break, with Irankunda and Deng making way for Riley McGree and Jason Geria. The Middlesbrough midfielder returned after missing the last international window, while Geria made his first appearance for the Socceroos since 2017. It was better start from the hosts, and they were rewarded with the lead eight minutes in. Irvine picked Goodwin in acres of space in the middle of the park, and he drove forward before unleashing an unstoppable shot, much to the delight of the big crowd.
China looked for a quick response, but struggled in the final third, and in stoppage time the Socceroos sealed the game with a third. Velupillay, who had only been on the pitch for nine minutes, was in the right place at the right time to fire home Bos’ cross which wasn’t dealt with by the China defence. It was a great home coming for Adelaide-born keeper Gauci, but he was sure once they got the first goal, they would go on with it.
“In previous games, we may have felt a bit flustered and felt the pressure to score the goal," he said. “Definitely in the two games before, we definitely had that feeling, but tonight we were more patient, trusted the opportunities would come and, when we got them, we would take them. Getting the goal right before half-time definitely swung momentum in our favour." The Socceroos will face a far sterner test on Tuesday, when they take on group leaders Japan in Saitama (9:35pm AEST)
Australia: GK Joe Gauci, 3 Lewis Miller, 2 Thomas Deng (8 Jason Geria 46'), 19 Harry Souttar, 4 Kye Rowles, 16 Aziz Behich (5 Jordan Bos 75'), 22 Jackson Irvine, 13 Aiden O’Neill, 23 Craig Goodwin (10 Ajdin Hrustic 90'), 15 Mitch Duke (7 Nishan Velupillay 83'), 11 Nestory Irankunda (14 Riley McGree 46') – Subs not used: RGK Mathew Ryan, RGK Paul Izzo, 6 Patrick Yazbek, 9 Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, 17 Keanu Baccus, 20 Luke Brattan, 21 Cameron Burgess
China: GK Wang Dalei, 2 Tyias Browning, 4 Li Lei (19 Liu Yang 77’), 6 Wang Shangyuan, 8 Li Yuanyi, 9 Zhang Yuning (11 Lin Liangming 68’), 10 Wei Shihao (15 Cheng Jin 68’), 13 Hu Hetao, 16 Jiang Shenglong, 17 Fernandinho, 20 Xie Wenneng (24 Behram Abduweli 46’) – Subs not used: RGK Yan Junling, RGK Liu Dianzuo, 5 Wei Zhen, 7 Xu Haofeng, 18 Han Pengfei, 21 Wang Haijian, 22 Huang Zhengyu - Attendance: 46,291
11.10.2024
PETERS SET FOR FIRST HIT OUT FOR GLORY
With just under a month to go till they open their Ninja A-League season, Perth Glory will step up their preparations with the traditional Gold Fields Challenge Cup game against Gold Fields Women’s State team at Dorrien Gardens on Sunday afternoon. (Kick off 1pm, admission free) It will be a great opportunity for the Glory supporters to get their first glimpse of new signings Gabbie Hollar, Ischia Brooking, Ella Abdul Massih, Sarah O’Donoghue, Kelli Brown, Miku Sunaga and Megan Wynne, while a number of local players have impressed in trails at the club and could be involved on Sunday.
Glory claimed a 4-0 victory in last year’s game, with Millie Farrow bagging a hat-trick and Sofia Sakalis scoring the other, and new coach Stephen Peters is looking forward to getting started. “It’s our first game, so we want to see if everything we’ve been working on to this point is a true reflection of where we’re at,” new Glory Coach Stephen Peters said. “It’s a nice time for us to get out there and put some more minutes in the legs and see that in a game format. It’s the best players in the NPL in WA [that we’re up against], so we’re expecting them to give us a good game. It’s the most competitive game we can acquire at this time of the year, so we’re very grateful for that. I believe there’s a good camaraderie between the girls in WA and we’re looking forward to seeing that on Sunday.”
They will take on a strong WA side, with champions Perth RedStar having eight players in the 17-player squad. Skipper Sarah Carroll and goalkeeper Gabby Dal Busco are joined by another former Glory player Caitlin Doeglas. Japanese midfield duo Reina Kagami and Momoko Sakairi, defenders Andreia Teixeira and Quyen Doan and striker Olivia Wood. The other keeper in the squad, Rebecca Bennett, is one of a trio of Balcatta Etna representatives along with Jamie Lee-Gale and Abbey Meakins, Fremantle trio Abbey Green, Annabelle Leek and Sofie Osborne, as well as Perth SC pair Daisy McAllister and Sam Mathers, plus Stella Zampogna of Subiaco.
Football West Manager - Female Football & Advocacy and assistant coach and former Perth Glory skipper, Tash Rigby said it will be an entertaining game. “This is a fantastic opportunity for the WA State players to train and play in a high-performance environment and an opportunity to be identified,” she explained. “It’s also great to help the Glory women prepare for their upcoming A-League season.”
Gold Fields Squad: GK Gabby Dal Busco, Sarah Carroll, Quyen Doan, Caitlin Doeglas, Reina Kagami, Momoko Sakairi, Andreia Teixeira, Olivia Wood (all Perth RedStar), GK Rebecca Bennett, Jamie Lee-Gale, Abbey Meakins (all Balcatta Etna), Abbey Green, Annabelle Leek, Sofie Osborne (all Fremantle City), Daisy McAllister, Sam Mathers (both Perth SC), Stella Zampogna (Subiaco). Head Coach: Courtney Owen; Assistant Coach: Tash Rigby; Goalkeeper Coach: Cyril Sharrock.
11.10.2024
LENZO READY FOR CHALLENGE AT GWELUP
Gwelup Croatia will have a new coach at the helm next season, with Basil Lenzo taking over the reins from Darren Veness, who guided them to a seventh-place finish last season. Lenzo said the opportunity to coach at the club is an exciting challenge, and one he is looking forward too.
“I’m extremely excited to be given the opportunity to lead Gwelup for 2025. The multi-year project excited me and given I have worked with Technical Director of Football Lucas Le Marchand before, it was a really good opportunity to work with someone who has a similar vision in what we want to stand for as a football club,” Lenzo explained. “Through the process, we also met with President Jure Denona and the committee, and anyone who has met Jure knows of his passion for the Gwelup Croatian community, so it’s been very much a great match.”
Lenzo has been coaching in WA for 35-years, and has coached at Stirling, Balcatta, Subiaco and Perth SC. He was assistant to Gianfranco Circati in 2010/11 and interim first team coach last year, and he also helped UWA Nedlands to survive from relegation in 2022, as part of the "partnership” between UWA and Perth SC. He will be joined at the club by Paddy Strano and Dom Ciullo as his assistants, while Giancarlo Ando will take the 18’s, and Lenzo said it’s great team to work with. “It was important that we had coaches who were very much aligned to what we wanted to do,” he said.
“We all get along really well and we run a really open and honest team of coaches. They enjoy rolling their sleeves up, taking sessions, doing extra work with the players and I am extremely appreciative that they have joined me on this journey - we are a really great team of coaches. Having Giancarlo in the 18s is a massive coupe for the club as he played an instrumental role at youth level over the last few years and he has really good experience at developing youth footballers. I am excited to see that he has challenged himself by taking this opportunity up.”
The move up the Mitchell Freeway did come with heavy hearts for the new coaches. All have worked tirelessly to develop the young players at Dorrien Gardens, and many of them have gone on to play first team football, something Lenzo is proud of. “We won’t lie, it’s been an emotional few months for us, as we have ‘bled Azzurri’ for years, being engaged across juniors, youth and seniors as well as other aspects of the club,” he explained. “However, many things occurred which led us to move on. We are all Azzurri boys through and through and working with the youth players has been so rewarding including winning trophies yet most importantly being part of developing excellent players and seeing their progression which has been a privilege.”
11.10.2024
ATTACKING PAIR LINCOLN AND WAINWRIGHT JOIN GLORY WOMEN
Perth Glory have strengthened their attacking options with the recruitment of highly-rated local duo Ella Lincoln and Charli Wainwright on youth development agreements.
Lincoln, 20, is coming off a stellar National Premier Leagues Women season for Perth SC where her 26 goals secured the Golden Boot award. Perth teammate Wainwright, 20, is widely regarded as one of the leading attacking midfielders in the local competition.
Stephen Peters believes Lincoln and Wainwright are ready to take thier games to the next level. "It's fantastic to bring another two talented young local players into our squad for the 2024/25 season," Peters said.
"Ella and Charli both trained with the group previously and have really impressed in pre-season over the last few weeks. They arrive off the back of standout campaigns in the NPLW and provide us with important additional attacking options."
"We look forward to seeing them fulfil their undoubted potential in the weeks and months ahead." Lincoln and Wainwright are expected to feature in Sunday's Challenge Cup clash with the West Australian Women's State team at Dorrien Gardens.
10.10.2024
GLORY YOUNGSTERS NAMED IN JOEYS SQUAD
Perth Glory Academy trio Alex Bolton, Max Naylor and Christian Pullella have been named in the Joeys squad for this months 2025 Under-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers. Australia will face Indonesia, hosts Kuwait and Northern Mariana Islands in Group G of qualifiers.
Maloney believes his squad of 23 is well placed to make a strong start to their qualification campaign. "The squad has been fantastic over the last six months, putting in great performances in both Indonesia and the Pacific and we come into these qualifiers feeling well prepared and connected as a group," Maloney said.
"Our preparation will be extremely important given the qualifiers fall out of regular season. The squad has been diligent with their individual training programs and I've been very impressed with their professionalism and commitment ahead of our pre-camp."
Defender Pullella and midfielder Bolton both tasted first team action during Glory's recent pre-season trip to Bunbury and Albany. Striker Naylor scored 11 goals for the clubs' Under-18s and netted a further four goals for the Under-20s in this year's National Premier Leagues campaign.
10.10.2024
GLORY PICK UP EXPERIENCED DUO
Perth Glory have added some experience to their squad for the new Ninja A-League season, after the signing of Matildas keeper Casey Dumont on a one-year deal and Japanese midfielder Miku Sunaga. With the loss of Morgan Aquino from last season, the signing of Dumont, who has been a standout performer in the A-League Women’s competition since debuting in 2008, winning two Premiership and three Championship titles during her spells with Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory, is a major coup for the club.
The 32-year-old, hasn’t been plying her trade between the sticks in the off season, instead playing AFLW for Hawthorn, the utility has shown her versatility in the last two seasons at the Hawks. She is now looking forward to the new challenge in the west. “I’m looking forward to a new challenge, it’s going to be out of my comfort zone being on the other side of Australia at a new club with a whole lot of new faces, but I love being out of my comfort zone and the challenges that come with this,” Dumont said.
“I think Perth will help me grow as an athlete on the field and as a better person off the field. I’m looking forward to taking on a mentor role amongst the team, helping the younger players improve their growth mind-sets and passing on some of my tips from all the experiences I have had in this league. I worked under [Head Coach] Stephen [Peters] a few years ago in the NSW NPLW with Blacktown Spartans and I enjoyed his playing style then and am looking forward to doing so again.
“I’ve seen all the growth and development Stephen has had since then and can’t wait to see him in charge and to be a part of that. I hope I can help Perth Glory challenge at the top of the table and grow the club’s women’s football department. We are planning to aim high and make those Finals spots and I believe that’s doable, especially with the recruitment the club has carried out during this off-season. I appreciated how CEO Anthony Radich, Football Director Stan Lazaridis and Stephen [Peters] reached out to get me to the club and supported me as a dual athlete. I’m excited to get amongst the squad and the club once I have finished this season with Hawthorn FC.”
Dumont will join the club at the conclusion of the AFLW season, and Peters believes she will be a key figure for the club on and off the field during the upcoming campaign. “Casey’s track record speaks for itself and to secure the services of a player with her pedigree is a real coup for the club,” he said. “In addition to being a top-quality player, she will also provide leadership and help drive standards within the playing group. Along with the two other keepers we have brought in, she will form a very strong unit which I know will serve us extremely well this season.”
Born in Sydney, Dumont played for several clubs on the Gold Coast before joining Brisbane Roar for the inaugural ALW season in 2008, making 44 appearances over the next four campaigns, helping the Roar to two Championships and one Premiership and setting a club record of 20 clean sheets which still stands today. She went on to have spells with Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers followed, before joining Melbourne Victory and last season she moved on to Central Coast Mariners and duly took her career tally to 148 appearances, while she has featured for the Matildas on three occasions having previously earned both Under-17 and Under-20 caps.
Meanwhile, Japanese midfielder Miku Sunaga has headed west to join her coach from last season. The 29-year-old arrives at the club off the back of a stellar year in the NSW NPLW under Peters with Macarthur Rams which culminated in her taking out the competition’s Player of the Year Award. Sunaga played a key role in driving Macarthur to three successive NSW NPLW titles, making more than 70 appearances and scoring 24 goals along the way.
Having handed her the Rams’ Coach’s Player of the Year Award for the 2024 season, Peters has no doubt that Glory’s latest recruit has what it takes to thrive at A-League level. “Miku is a talented playmaker who gives us so much attacking versatility as she can play as an inverted winger, a number ten, or even as a false nine,” he said. “We’ve worked closely together for the past three years so she is well attuned to my coaching style and principles. Miku has a great level of humility and discipline and I’m confident that she will prove to be an excellent addition to our squad.”
10.10.2024
COLAKOVSKI HEADS OVER THE DITCH
Perth Glory will be without Stefan Colakovski next season, after the 24-year-old signed a one-year deal with Wellington Phoenix. The striker, who spent two seasons in the west, playing 24 games and scoring six goals, departed the club to take up an opportunity overseas, which didn’t come to fruition, and will head to Nix for season 2024-25. He arrived in Wellington on Wednesday, and trained with new teammates today, and was straight into it. “I’m keen to get started and play with some of the best players in the league like Barbarouses, Rojas, [Alex] Rufer and [Tim] Payne,” Colakovski said. “Playing and scoring in front of all the Phoenix fans is something I can’t wait to do.
“It’s always tough playing for the away team coming to Wellington, but now I’m on their side it’s going to be fun. The Yellow Fever create a top atmosphere and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone ripping their shirts off in the 80th minute. Also, playing under Chiefy is something I’m very excited for. I think the way he wants the team to play suits me and I think his coaching along with the strength of the squad can lead to some really exciting things this season.
“I love to attack, and I pride myself on being a creative player that has the ability to score goals. I love to combine with teammates and get behind the opposition’s defence as often as I can. I would say I’m someone who will do whatever it takes to win, and even if I’m having a quiet game, I know I just need that one moment to make a difference. I want to be a great teammate to everyone and be a part of a healthy culture within the club with a winning mindset. I’ve played in grand finals and I’ve won trophies in this league, so now it’s just about adding to that success with the Phoenix.”
Head coach Giancarlo Italiano moved quickly to sign Colakovski after the opportunity for him in Europe didn’t come to fruition. “It was good timing for us that Cola came back on to the market,” Italiano said. “We’ve always liked him and thought he’d be a good addition to the squad, so we’re happy we could make it work. “Cola can do things that a lot of players can’t. He’s very effective, makes very good forward runs and gets in dangerous positions. Our job as a coaching staff is to refine his skillset, and we think we can get more out of him as well. We’re really looking forward to him showing us what he’s got.”
Colakovski will give Italiano a ready-made replacement for New Zealand international striker Marco Rojas, who is expected to miss the start of the season with injury. “We’re still going to build the team around Marco. We just felt it wasn’t fair to put the burden on our young guys straight away and expect them to bag a bunch of goals. We want to give them time and make these things occur naturally,” he explained. “The fact that Cola has a proven goalscoring record and has experience creating goals it gives us a bit more depth and another layer that otherwise we wouldn’t have. In saying that our pre-season friendlies have been really good for the young guys to see where they’re at. I think the mix with Cola coming in is going to give us a really interesting dynamic.”
10.10.2024
GLORY TRIO SELECTED IN JOEYS SQUAD
Perth Glory NPLWA trio Alex Bolton, Max Naylor and Christian Pullella have been named in the Australia Joeys squad for the 2025 AFC Under-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers which are set to take place in Kuwait later this month. Defender Pullella and midfielder Bolton both played for the A-League side during the club’s recent pre-season trip to Bunbury and Albany, while striker Naylor scored 11 goals for the Glory NPL Under-18s and a further four for the Under-20s in this year’s campaign.
Joeys Head Coach and former Glory midfielder, Brad Maloney, has selected 23 players for the preliminary stage of the U-17 AFC tournament which also serves as qualifying for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, and he believes that his group is well placed to make a strong start to their qualification campaign. “The squad has been fantastic over the last six months, putting in great performances in both Indonesia and the Pacific and we come into these qualifiers feeling well prepared and connected as a group,” he said.
“Our preparation will be extremely important given the qualifiers fall out of regular season. The squad has been diligent with their individual training programs and I’ve been very impressed with their professionalism and commitment ahead of our pre-camp. This is the first step on our journey towards a World Cup and I know the players can’t wait to get started.” The preliminary stage of the U17 continental tournament, which features 43 teams, divided into 10 groups, featuring seven of four teams and three of five teams. Qualifying groups will be contested in a centralised league format, with teams to be seeded based on their final rankings from the corresponding previous edition.
Australia have been drawn in Group G, alongside hosts Kuwait, Indonesia and Northern Mariana Islands in Group G, with all three games scheduled to take place at the Abdullah Al Khalifa Stadium, Mishref. Up first they take on Northern Mariana Islands on Wednesday, October 23 (1.30am), before taking on hosts Kuwait on Friday, October 25 (1.30am, and finally they meet Indonesia on Sunday, October 27 (10.30pm). The 10 group winners and five best second-placed teams will qualify for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia, which will be held from 3 – 20 April 2025.
9.10.2024
IREDALE PUSHING FOR HIBERNIAN DEBUT
Hibernian recruit Jack Iredale is pushing hard to become the answer to manager David Gray's defensive woes. Gray says the 28-year old defender, signed just minutes before the summer transfer window closed, is "ready" to answer the call-up after playing his way up to full match fitness on the training ground.
Iredale has made the bench for Hibernian's last two games and will provides a handy alternative should Gray decide to break up the pairing of Marvin Ekpiteta and Warren O'Hora. "If I called upon him, he's ready to step in already,” Gray said of Iredale. “I’ve seen that with how he's trained. The priority now is just to try and keep him going and get him as fit as he can be."
"He's been on the bench, he's trained consistently, and he's getting stronger every day. He's a real good character in the group as well, which is great. He's jumping about to try and get into the team and that's the focus for him. There's competition for places everywhere; him joining the squad now gives us competition everywhere."
9.10.2024
COWART DEPARTS GLORY WOMEN BY MUTUAL CONSENT
Perth Glory have confirm defender Jessika Cowart has departed the club by mutual consent to pursue an opportunity in the United States of America. The 24-year old Philippines international was born in California and played for Washington Huskies between 2017 and 2021.
Cowart made 22 appearances in what was her first and only A-League Women's season in 2023/24. "We would like to thank Jess for the contribution that she made to the club on and off the field last season and wish her all the very best for the future," said Glory chief executive Anthony Radich.
8.10.2024
STATE TEAM FRIENDLY TO HELP MEASURE PROGRESS SAYS PETERS
Perth Glory Women coach Stephen Peters will use Sunday’s Challenge Cup clash with the West Australian Women’s State team as a yardstick to gauge his new-look squad’s progress. The pre-season fixture will be Glory’s first outing under Peters following three weeks on the training track.
Peters says the fixture is exactly what his team needs as the countdown to Round One of the 2024/25 A-League campaign continues. “It’s our first game, so we want to see if everything we’ve been working on to this point is a true reflection of where we’re at,” he said.
“It’s a nice time for us to get out there and put some more minutes in the legs and see that in a game format. It’s the best players in the NPL in WA [that we’re up against], so we’re expecting them to give us a good game.”
“It’s the most competitive game we can acquire at this time of the year, so we’re very grateful for that. I believe there’s a good camaraderie between the girls in WA and we’re looking forward to seeing that on Sunday.”
A host of players are in line to make their Glory debuts against the State Team, including Gabbie Hollar, Ischia Brooking, Ella Abdul Massih, Sarah O’Donoghue, Kelli Brown and Megan Wynne.
The State team features a host of former Glory players including Gabby Dal Busco, Sarah Carroll, Abbey Green, Caitlin Doeglas and Jamie Lee Gale. The friendly is being played at Dorrien Gardens, West Perth, with kick-off at 1:00pm and entry is free.
7.10.2024
ZDRILIC HAPPY WITH PRE-SEASON WIN OVER NEWCASTLE
Perth Glory coach David Zdrilic was pleased with his side’s effort and intent in their fiery 2-0 victory over Newcastle Jets in front of a huge crowd in Albany on Wednesday. The second friendly between the two A-League club’s was far from affable with tempers flaring frequently throughout as both sides grappled with the blustery conditions.
Glory captain Adam Taggart netted a brace with both goals on the back of Glory’s new-found high press. Zdrilic lauded his side’s overbearing presence in the first half, a game-plan he learned during his tenure in Europe where he had stints with German side Red Bull Leipzig and Italian outfit Genoa.
“(The high pressing defence), that’s my whole philosophy,” Zdrilic said. “I learned everything at the Red Bull Leipzig, I spent three years there and then started implementing that with the clubs that I worked with in Europe.
“These are the moments we want to create. . . we created many more moments that we could have maybe executed a bit better, and that’s what we’re working on. We really want to be relentless in winning the ball up high, and then from that we create chances.”
Zdrilic conceded his side needs a more assured defence and better fitness after they were lucky not to conceded late in the second half with the hard-pushing Jets creating most of the chances. “We need to be more secure at the back,” he said. “We have to defend high up the pitch, and. . . we need to do that a little bit better.
“We probably should have conceded a couple goals so that’s something we need address. We have a lot of players that are coming in that aren’t even fully fit. I can’t tell (what the first 11 looks like), because the fitness levels of some of the guys are not there yet.”
Zdrilic said the regional trip through Bunbury and Albany provided his side with the “perfect preparation” as they now turn their attention to their round one clash with Macarthur FC on October 20. “It was perfect preparation. We don’t get many games against A-League opposition, so it’s important for us to maximise these two games,” he commented.
6.10.2024
NORTH BEACH HOLD ON TO SEAL AMATEUR CUP FINAL
North Beach have won their first Belt-Up Amateur League Cup Final, after beating fellow Premier Division side Jaguar 1-0 in a thrilling final at Inglewood Stadium on Sunday evening. North Beach dominated the first half without taking their chances, but defender Bailey Simon did find the winner early in the second half. Jags pressed late looking for winner, and went close on a number of occasions, but they could breakdown a tight defence well marshalled by Simon and Luke Wearing,
“Incredible result on an incredible night for the club as a whole. It's been a great season overall but to end it with silverware under lights with so many supporters was something really special,” North Beach coach Nick Di Carlo explained. “Jaguar make every game so difficult to play with their physicality and athleticism and we expected a fairly direct style of play. I thought our defence held up brilliantly for 90 minutes and although we weren't at our clinical best, the boy’s dugs in so well and remained on the front foot for large portions of the game. Really proud of everyone involved and thank you Jaguar for making it a great hit-out.”
North Beach started on the front foot, and Michael Dudek was out quick to save Ben Reynolds’ effort in the opening minute, and the North Perth supporters in the big crowd were on their feet again 15 minutes later. Alex Kretowicz pounced on a poor header back to Dudek by Martin Gorong, and the former Western Knights raced into goal, his shot beat Dudek, but the clubs top goalscorer saw his effort flash agonisingly wide. Jags were struggling to get into the game, although both sides were guilty of giving the ball away, but it was North Beach who continued to carve out the better chances.
Their best chance came on 33 minutes, Luke Jones flick fell to Reynolds and his first time shot was superbly saved by the Jags custodian, before hitting the post. Mathew Sesay then got back with a last-ditch tackle to deny Reynolds, as the hard-working striker was about to pull the trigger. Jags were hanging on, Jack Tozawa’s shot from distance flew wide, before Jones’ was denied by Dudek in stoppage time, but at the break it was scoreless and still everything to play for.
Di Carlo’s side continued to dictate terms after the break and Dudek got his angles right to beat away Clayton Arnez effort early, but on 51 minutes Jags resistant finally ended. Reynolds corner from the left was recycled on the right by Wearing, and his cross into the box picked out Simon, who headed home, much to the delight of the North Beach faithful. That goal lifted the Jags, and they created their first chance on 66 minutes, the lively Sesay finding Abraham Taona, whose shot on the run flashed inches wide of Aaron Persse’s goal.
The game opened up now, with chances at both ends. First Gorong’s long-range shot whistled wide, before a back pass to Dudek was missed by the Jags custodian, but he managed to get back to save on his line to spare his blushes. It was now Jags asking all the questions, and substitute David Nangabo’s long-range shot was too high, but in the second minute of stoppage time Jags thought they had found the equaliser. Sesay pulled the ball back to Andre Kiir, whose shot on the turn beat Persse, but it crashed off the crossbar and away to safety.
Persse then saved low to deny Taona’s shot, and with the final action of the game they went close again. Good work down the right by Kiir, saw him cross to Taona, but the striker couldn’t keep his header down. So, it was North Beach celebrating their first cup win at the final whistle from referee Simon Hicks, and skipper Brodie Martin said it was a great day everyone involved at the club. Yes, a great night for the club, but credit to Jags who made it difficult for us but I feel we deserved the result in the end,” the skipper said. “It’s been a long season with its ups and downs and the club deserves to finish it off with a piece of silverware.”
Jaguar: GK Michael DUDEK, 3 Lazarous EMIL, 4 Akech DENG, 5 Martin GORONG, 6 Brain KIRUJA (42 David NANGABO 74’), 8 Lok MAMAL (11 Andrew KIIR 50’), 10 Mathew SESAY, 12 Abraham TAONA, 17 Juma WADE, 21 Stephen MUSONDA (7 Roy KIMUTAI 74’), 80 Kenel MOUITHYS (2 Maxwell BIWOTT 85’) – Subs not used: 13 Habib HAMEDNALLA, 14 Hamad HAMAD, 15 Yacoub ALZEIDAN
North Beach: GK Aaron PERSSE, 2 Ashley DARLEY, 3 Jack TOZAWA, 4 Luke JONES (12 Kane GRAVES 85’), 5 Luke WEARING, 6 Clayton ARNEZ, 8 Brodie MARTIN (38 Lukas DE LIMA 74’), 10 Ben REYNOLDS (9 Daniel YELLAND 82’), 11 Sam RICHARDSON, 16 Bailey SIMON, 21 Alex KRETOWICZ – Subs not used: 14 Georgios PAOATHANASSIOU, 20 James DI CARLO – Referee: Simon HICKS
6.10.2024
SAINTS AT THE DOUBLE IN METRO CUP FINAL
Perth Saints have completed the league and cup double after beating Perth SC 2-1 to win the Belt-Up Metro Cup Final on Sunday afternoon at the Inglewood Stadium. The Azzurri found the opener early with Sam James on target, but Madison Holman levelled just before the break. The decisive goal came 13 minutes from time when Perth SC’s Anthony Bridger turned the ball into his net. “Happy to come away with the win, and congratulations to Perth SC on their contribution to what was a hard-fought game of football, as you would expect from a Cup Final,” Saints coach Robert McVey explained.
“Plaudits to our guys, who I thought controlled the game for most parts. They're a pleasure to coach and be associated with. Finally, thanks also to the Perth Saints club for all the behind the scenes work that allows us to focus on the football.” It was Perth Sc who made the breakthrough on the quarter hour mark. James was picked out down the left, and he skipped past two Saints defenders before racing across the edge of the box, and his low shot beat Peter Wile for a great individual goal. It looked the Azzurri would take that lead into the break, but in the shadows of half time the Saints levelled. Mark Lucas’ corner from the right was headed home by Madison from close-range.
It was a tight second half, with both sides searching for the winner, but it went to the Saints on 77 minutes. They went close moments earlier, Lucas’ free kick from outside the box beat Anthony Wyatt, but crashed off the post but cleared away to safety by James Duncan. But from the resulting long-throw from Taran Richmond, Levi Reichelt’s flick the ball goalward, and it went in off the unfortunate Bridger. Perth SC looked for a quick response, and it nearly came six minutes later. A short corner caught Saints napping and Alex Duncan’s curling effort crashed off the upright, but the Saints held them at bay to secure the cup.
6.10.2024
EMERALD FINISH SEASON UNBEATEN AND RESERVES CUP WINNERS
Emerald have beaten Kwinana United 1-0 in a highly competitive Belt-Up Amateur Reserves Cup Final on Sunday afternoon at the Inglewood Stadium. There were chances at both ends, but an own goal from the unfortunate Callum Peter ten minutes from time gave Emerald the win, and complete an unbeaten season for the side. “We always knew it wasn’t going to be an easy take against Kwinana. We started well and were unlucky not to be ahead very early on. They definitely came back into it and we were lucky not to be down at half time,” Emerald coach Gerry Gaughan explained. “I think in the second half we were on top and Kwinana’s keeper kept them in it, he was excellent today. We eventually got the goal that was deserved in my opinion.
“It wasn’t our greatest performance but I’m happy to take an ugly 1-0 win for some silverware at the end of the season. Full credit to Kwinana who were a very good side and I hope they return to the amateur premiers soon.” Kwinana had a couple of good chances early, Dominic Sumner firing over the top, Reece Terry’s effort flashed wide, before Alexander Bradshaw clipped the top of the bar. Emerald settled and started to get themselves in the game, and went close three times in as many minutes. First Jamie Kavanagh’s corner picked out Shane Hickey, his shot was cleared off the line by Jake Marshall, and the follow up shot by Ryan Frankland was also cleared away by the alert Marshall.
The Kwinana defender was at it against moments later, this time clearing Shea Loughran’s header off the line, and at the break it was all-square. Emerald piled the pressure on after the break and Kwinana custodian Joseph Arundale produced reaction save to thwart Frankland on the hour. But Emerald’s pressure finally told on 80 minutes, Mark Bailey raced down the right and his low cross was turned into his own net by Kwinana defender Peter. They should have sealed it late, Shane Hickey racing clear one-on-one with Arundale, who stood tall to deny him. But time ran out for Kwinana, with Emarald celebrating at the final whistle.
“It’s great to get the win and get over the line to finish off what has been a great season for us,” Emerald skipper Cathal Quinn said. “The lads put in a serious effort all year at training and it’s no less than what we deserve. I felt we were always in control of the game and played some good football at times but just didn’t put away the chances we created. Kwinana made it tough for us they were very good at the back and hard to break down, and their keeper also made a few great saves to keep us out. The changes in the second half made a big difference for us they brought that added bit of energy and eventually we got the goal to seal the win and finish the season unbeaten.”
6.10.2024
WEMBLEY DOWNS PERTH SC TO WIN WOMENS LEAGUE CUP FINAL
Hyundai Womens Central Division Three champions Wembley Downs have completed a league and cup double after beating Central Division Two champions Perth SC 4-2 on penalties, to take out the Womens League Cup Final, after the game finished 1-1 after normal time. Macay McCready did give the Azzurri the lead early, but Monique Saunders levelled 20 minutes from time, to send the tie to penalties and Wembley prevailed with keeper Alanna Gallatly the hero, to give the northern suburbs club another trophy this season, after the senior men’s side won the Amateur Premier Division.
“It was a great day and vindication that we can match it with the best. Perth is a very good side, but we worked hard in training and I couldn't have asked for more from the players who left it all out there,” Wembley coach Andy Daykin explained. “I thought Rebecca Salsano and Eliza Earl played particularly well and the goal from Mon Saunders was something that we know she has in the locker. Obviously, we are delighted to have got over the line and once again, Alanna Gallatly is the hero in the shoot-out, what a keeper she is.” Perth SC were ahead on 17 minutes, Amie-Leigh Balckwell made space down the right and her cross was played on by Erin Hunt, and Macey McCready made no mistake at the back post.
Wembley found the equaliser on 70 minutes, Saunders’ in swinging corner beat everyone and nestled in the net. Both sides pressed for the winner, but neither could find it, and in the shootout Gallatly saved two penalties and Melissa Montgomery stepped and sealed the tie with the final spot kick. “A lot of us have played together for many years. We have got married together, had kids together and been part of each other’s life,” Wembley skipper Cassandra Greenwell explained. “This has been a special year and to share a double winning seasons with lifelong friends means everything to us. The old girls have still got it.”
5.10.2024
BELT-UP MASTERS CUP FINALS REVIEW
The first day of the Belt-Up Cup Finals Weekend took place at Inglewood Stadium on Saturday, and in the opening game it was Subiaco AFC who won the Belt-Up Masters Over 55’s Cup, beating Joondalup City on penalties, after the game ended 2-2 at full time. Peter Dearlove had given Joondalup the lead before Jim Smith levelled before the break. Dearlove regained the lead for Joondalup from the spot with 13 minutes to go, but Smith levelled instantly for Subiaco, before they prevailed in the penalty shootout.
“A great game and what a way for the 'Shakers' to complete a tremendous season with a heart stopping penalty shootout victory,” Subiaco’s Peter Greaves said. “We had to work hard against a quick and skilful Joondalup side, with keeper Andrew Faragher and captain Ken Taylor both outstanding. We fell behind twice in the game, but managed to fight back on both occasions, and we were unlucky not win it late. It was perhaps inevitable that both teams, who have been evenly matched all year, should have to be separated by penalties at the end of a tough game played in the right spirit by both clubs.
“Commiserations to a really good Joondalup team and congratulations to all in the Subiaco squad, those who played on the day and those who contributed throughout the season. We're all in it together.” It was a tight opening to the game, but it was Joondalup City who hit the front on 20 minutes, Robert Rees’ cross from the right picked out the unmarked Peter Dearlove, whose half volley beat Faragher. But six minutes before the half time Subiaco were level, Greaves through ball sent Smith racing clear, he rounded the keeper before rolling the ball home.
Joondalup regained the lead on 77 minutes, when the referee pointed to the spot after Julian Barley was brought down in the box by Gilles Delmotte. Dearlove stepped up and sent Faragher the wrong way from the penalty. But straight from the kick off Subiaco were level, Liang Tay’s shot was saved by the keeper, but the ball was only cleared as far as Smith on the edge of the box, who lobbed the ball home. In the shootout both sides missed one each, before the final penalty from Scot Anderson hit the post, giving Subiaco the cup.
In the second game at the venue, Bayswater City have completed the league and cup double, after beating Murdoch University Melville 3-1 in the Belt-Up Masters Over 45’s Cup final. Victor Sikora found the opener for City on 24 minutes, and the former Perth Glory striker doubled their advantage six minutes later. MUMFC had it all to do, but their cause wasn’t helped when Stuart Weston was sent off just before the hour, and Bayswater sealed the game with Paul Lincoln adding a third from the spot. MUMFC did pull one back 18 minutes from time, with Bryan Raeburn scoring, but it was too little too late.
“A fantastic effort from the lads today, especially as we only had 13 players available, so it was a great team effort from everyone,” Lincon explained. “We spoke about team focus before the game and I thought we did that and controlled the game and were clinical went it mattered. It capped off another good season for us, with having won the league.” Bayswater were ahead on 24 minutes, Matthew Sparrow’s through ball sent Sikora into the box, and his low shot flew past Michael Linney. They went close to a second moments later, Sparrow turning home Sikora’s cross, but the flag was up for offside.
But they did double their advantage on the half hour, Sikora’s quick feet took him clear of his marker before unleashing an unstoppable shot, before racing off to celebrate. Lincoln thought he had scored before the break, heading in Rob Markovski’s cross, but again in was ruled out for offside. But the former Spearwood and Swan IC striker did hit the target on the hour, Sparrow’s effort was handled on the line by Weston, who was sent off, and Lincoln made no mistake from the resulting penalty. MUMFC scored a consolation goal 17 minutes from time, with Raeburn volleying past Frank Letizia from the edge of the box, but it was too little too late.
In the late game at the venue, Quinns have won the Belt-Up Masters Over 35’s Cup, edging out Hamersley Rovers 2-1 in the final. An own goal set them on their way midway through the first half, before Rob Lund added a second moments later. Daniel Deane pulled one back for Rovers late from the spot, but it was too little too late. “The game was a little scrappy to start as both teams started to work each other out, but then I thought we got on top and were the better team,” Quinns Lee Garnish said.
“We were good valve for the lead, and could have but the game to bed early in the second half, but we never and Rovers never gave up, and they pulled one back to give us a few nervous moments late, but we held firm to seal the win, and big congratulations to coach Danny Allen for a fantastic season. Both sides had early chances, but it was Quinns who found the opener on 26 minutes. A long free kick from Ian McAuley was misjudged by the Rovers defence, and Dean Topliss raced into the box, and his low cross was turned into his own net by a Rover defender Brian O'Keefe. Then two minutes later Quinns doubled their lead, Adam Firych finding Topliss, who turned his marker, before crossing to the back post to Lund, who made no mistake.
Quinns should have sewn the game up after the break, with Lund and Ryan Auld hitting the crossbar, but Rovers continued to press and they pulled one back two minutes from time, after McAuley brought down Deane, and after consulting with his assistant the referee awarded a penalty. Deane’s picked himself up and sent Wayne Cooke the wrong way from the resulting spot kick. It set up a nervy last few minutes for Quinns, and Rovers had one last chance to take the game to penalties, with a free kick on the edge of the box, but the Quinns wall blocked the effort, to win the cup.
4.10.2024
TAGGART MISSES OUT ON SELECTION IN SOCCEROOS SQUAD
Perth Glory skipper Adam Taggart has missed out on selection in new Socceroo coach Tony Popovic’s first squad since he took over from Graham Arnold last month, in the crucial two World Cup qualifiers against China next Thursday and Japan five days later. With Glory’s Australia Cup campaign coming to an end early, the striker hasn’t had much competitive game time, but Popovic has left the door open for a number of players who missed out this time. Also missing from the squad that lost 1-0 to Bahrain and drew 0-0 with Indonesia are injured trio Alessandro Circati (knee), Martin Boyle (wrist) and Kusini Yengi (groin) and Connor Metcalfe, Awer Mabil, Cameron Devlin and Josh Nisbet. “There will be disappointed players … (but) if they’re not here, their chances of playing for Australia (in the future) do not diminish,” Popovic said. “The next camp in November, we may have a very different squad.”
Other changes from that squad included the selection Ipswich Town midfielder Massimo Luongo, who was reported to be calling an end to his international career, but he has made himself available and he is a great inclusion. Melbourne Victory trio Daniel Arzani, Jason Geria and Nishan Velupillay, who earns his first call-up to the senior national squad, are also in the an extended 26-man squad, while fit-again players Jordan Bos, Riley McGree and Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, Italian-based playmaker Ajdin Hrustic and Norway-based Gianni Stensness have also been named.
Popovic was a little irritated when a journalist asked if he had to sell the idea of returning to international football to Luongo. “I didn’t have conversations with Massimo, but obviously people within the organisation did,” he said. “He’s made himself available and he became an option for us, and I wanted to bring him into this camp. There is no sales pitch. I’d be worried if I have to sell to a player a reason to play for the Socceroos. I will never do it. If you’re selected, you should be honoured, you should be privileged … and if that’s an issue for any player, I’d advise them not to make themselves available.”
The Socceroos will play China at the Adelaide Oval on October 10, before flying to Japan to face the Samurai Blue on October 15 and Popovic is looking forward to first game. "We're at the beginning of an exciting journey, and it's an honour to lead this group of players," Popovic explained. "I'm eager to welcome both the players and new staff into camp as we come together for the first time. This October window offers a great opportunity to showcase a vast improvement, both in our desire and in the quality of our play. This time in camp will be crucial as we lay the foundations that will not only help us succeed in this window but set the tone for our future ambitions."
Australia Socceroos squad for World Cup qualifiers: GK Mat Ryan - AS Roma, Italy, GK Joe Gauci - Aston Villa FC, England, GK Paul Izzo - Randers FC, Denmark, Daniel Arzani - Melbourne Victory FC, Australia, Keanu Baccus - Mansfield Town FC, England, Aziz Behich - Melbourne City FC, Australia, Jordy Bos - K.V.C Westerlo, Belgium, Cameron Burgess - Ipswich Town FC, England, Thomas Deng - Albirex Niigata, Japan, Mitchell Duke - FC Machida Zelvia, Japan, Jason Geria - Melbourne Victory FC, Australia, Craig Goodwin - Al Wehda FC, Saudi Arabia
Ajdin Hrustic - U.S. Salernitana 1919, Italy, Nestory Irankunda - FC Bayern Munich, Germany, Jackson Irvine - FC St Pauli, Germany, Massimo Luongo - Ipswich Town FC, England, Riley McGree - Middlesbrough FC, England, Connor Metcalfe - FC St. Pauli, Germany, Lewis Miller - Hibernian FC, Scotland, Aiden O'Neill - Standard de Liège, Belgium, Kye Rowles - Heart of Midlothian FC, Scotland, Sam Silvera - Portsmouth FC, England, Harry Souttar - Sheffield United FC, England, Apostolos Stamatelopoulos - Motherwell FC, Scotland, Gianni Stensness - Viking FK, Norway, Nishan Velupillay - Melbourne Victory FC, Australia
4.10.2024
BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE CUP FINAL PREVIEW
It’s the Belt-Up Cup Finals weekend at Inglewood Stadium, and in the big game Premier Division pair North Beach and Jaguar meet in the Belt-Up Amateur League Cup Final on Sunday. (5.45pm) The sides have played twice this season in the league, with each winning their home games. First in round one at Herb Graham Recreation Centre the hosts won 2-1. Ben Reynolds had given North Beach the lead on the half hour, before two goals just before half time from Kenel Mouithys and Conor O'Driscoll secured the 2-1 win.
Then in round 12 North Beach ran out 3-2 winners. First half goals Clayton Arnez and Daniel Yelland gave the hosts a two-goal lead at the break. Mathew Sesay pulled one back early in the second half, but Jags were reduced to ten when Lok Mamal was sent off. It looked game over when Alex Kretowicz added a third, but North Beach keeper Aaron Persse was then sent off, and Majok Mayen pulled one back for Jags, but they were unable to find the equaliser.
North Beach’s cup run started with a 2-0 home win against Canning City, with Kretowicz bagging a brace, and the striker was at it again in round two, scoring a hat-trick in a 5-2 win on the road at Morley Windmills. They had a hard fought 1-0 win in round three at Division One side Kwinana United, with Kretowicz again on target. In the quarter-final they eased past Quinns at home, Kretowicz scoring another hat-trick in the 8-1 win. In the semi-final they took on Division Two leaders Alkimos at Halesworth Park, and a brace from Kretowicz and another from Georgios Papathanassiou sealed a hard fought 3-1 win.
Coach Nick Di Carlo said the win against Alkimos was tough, but his players showed, like they had all season, the determination to get the result. “Our semifinal fixture against Alkimos was a really difficult game and one we really had to work hard for. We had players step up at crucial times both in attack and defence and we were pushed for 90 minutes,” Di Carlo explained. “We've had to earn our right to be in this final and it was rewarding having a challenging semifinal to get here.
“I'm really proud of the whole squad for how we've finished the league season. Last year was our first exposure to the highest level of Amateur competition, we started great winning the night series but learnt quickly how consistent you have to be. This year we grew from that and went from finishing down the bottom to just outside the top four and we feel our ceiling will only grow next season with the squad we have.”
Di Carlo said Sunday will be a huge day for the club, as they go in search of their first Amateur League Cup. “As good as our season was internally within the club in terms of growth and progress, football is about silverware and to win this cup final would be the ultimate reward,” he said. “We know Jags had a slower finish to the end of the season, but having watched them play against Wembley in the semifinal, we are well aware that means nothing come kick off on Sunday. We always have tight contests with Jags who have game winners across the park, but I've been so impressed with how we've trained and played for the last month that were all just so hungry to go out and give it everything.”
Jaguars cup started with a bye in round one, before stunning current league champions Emerald on the road in round two, with Brian Kiruja scoring the only goal in the 1-0 win. They had a forfeit in round three against Forrestfield United, then in the quarter-final they took on North Perth United at E&D Litis Stadium, and goals from Kiruja and Majok Mayen secured a 2-1 win. In the semifinal they travelled to league leaders Wembley Downs, and Andrew Kiir’s goal gave them a narrow 1-0 win. Head coach Josam Muwowo said after a tough season, the good cup run has given them a huge boost.
“The semifinal win against a Wembley Downs was a morale booster for us. We won against a good formidable side who were cup contenders, we were all delighted with the performance,” Muwowo said. “It's been a tough season for us and we have admitted that such situations happen in the game of football. We do understand these always fluctuations in this game and as Jaguar we have just concentrated on trusting the process. Few players have been injured and others away but we have managed to balance the squad as we have enough depth in the squad.”
Muwowo said the games against North Beach have been tight affairs, and he is expecting the same on Sunday, with both sides looking for their first cup success. “Sunday's final will be good a contest as we are playing against a good team with good quality players,” he said. “We will go there to compete and play according to our game plan. Our boys are ready to go there and enjoy the moment. Good luck to both teams and let the best team win.”
4.10.2024
HYUNDAI WOMENS LEAGUE CUP FINAL PREVIEW
The Hyundai Women’s League Cup should be a thriller, with Central Division Two champions Perth SC taking on Central Division Three champions Wembley Downs at Inglewood Stadium on Sunday afternoon. (3.30pm) The Azzurri were in good form in front of goal in round one, beating Lynwood United 23-0 at home, and they carried on with it in round two, with Macey McCready scoring five, Ellyssa Klomp four and Grace Warburton a hat-trick in a 21-1 win at Balga. The had a forfeit against Fremantle City Black in round three and against Curtin University in round four. They continuing their goalscoring feats in the quarter final, beating Joondalup City 12-2, with Klomp scoring a double hat-trick.
That set up a home semi-final against Port Kennedy, and Warburton helped them ease through to the final bagging four in the 10-0 win, and coach Bryan McCready said it was a great all-round team performance. “The girl’s performance was outstanding, the first half was competitive, with our team not scoring until the 30-minute mark,” he said. “We went into halftime leading 3-0, which provided us with plenty to discuss. A goal shortly after the break diminished the opposition's hopes, and our team continued to gain momentum, ultimately achieving a convincing victory. I would also like to commend Port Kennedy, who played very well in the first half.”
It was a perfect season for Perth, winning all their games, and McCready said they will be doing all they can to make it a league and cup double. “We have had an outstanding season, and I am incredibly proud of the girls. Their success is a testament to their hard work and dedication on the training ground. Achieving 21 wins from 21 matches, with an impressive goal difference of +114 scoring 133 goals and conceding only 19 demonstrates their remarkable progress,” the coach explained.
“They have consistently exceeded my expectations and, to cap it all off, they have reached the Central League final. We are all looking forward to the cup final, we are in no doubt that Wembley are a strong team and will be up for the game. We have been working incredibly hard on the training ground on tactics and fitness, all I can ask is that my girls stay focused, stick to the plan, trust one another and enjoy the day.”
Wembley Downs started their run with a bye, and like Perth received two forfeits in round two and three against Rockingham City Blue and Fremantle City respectively. In round four they hosted Bassendean Caledonian and a brace from Ashley Harling and another from Monique Saunders gave them a 3-0 win. In the quarter final they took on Ellenbrook United and ran out 5-0 winners, with Saunders scoring a double. That set up a semi-final against Division Two side East Perth.
They found themselves two goals down at half time, but Alannah Paylor pulled one back early in the second half, only for East Perth to score a third moments later. Harling made it 2-3, and Melissa Montgomery found the equaliser six minutes from time, and they prevailed 3-1 on penalties, with Alannah Gallatly the hero saving two penalties. “It was a great night of Ladies Football at Butlers. Firstly, East Perth are a quality outfit and they blasted out of the blocks and we showed some nerves but I felt we grew into the game,” Wembley coach Andy Daykin explained. “We have some experienced campaigners who have played at the highest level in WA and they helped us over the line in the penalty shootout. Special credit there though has to go to Alannah (Gallatly) who saved two penalties, she was magnificent.”
Daykin said they are a community club that is punching above its weight with both men's and women's first teams winning league titles, and their league campaign was really pleasing, and they are looking forward to the challenge of taking on Perth in Sunday’s final. “This has been a real team effort, and a lot of our players have played together before at other clubs and they have come together this year and just clicked from the off. We felt a bit hard done by to have been placed in Division Three by Football West, seeing as a lot of the squad played Division Two or higher last season and we've played with a mentality of showing them what we can do,” the coach said. “Our defence has been solid all year led by our Captain Cass Greenwell but we have also scored in every game and when we've needed a goal, we always seem to find a way.
“Alannah Paylor is a new addition to this playing group having played here at Wembley Downs last year and there have been times this season where our opponents have found her unplayable. We are looking forward to Sunday’s, although we are disappointed not to get the game at Sam Kerr Football Centre. But Perth SC record speaks for itself, they are a quality team and my job is to try and prepare my team for what is going to be a stern test. They are obviously free scoring and its scary how they can just go out and win a semifinal 10-0. But we are a decent side and we'll go and try to give a good account of ourselves on the day. After the season they have had, they would be expected to win comfortably so we have nothing to lose. I think it will be a really good spectacle for women’s football.”
4.10.2024
BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE RESERVES FINAL PREVIEW
The Belt-Up Amateur League Reserves Cup Final is at 1.15pm at Sam Kerr Football Centre, with Division One champions Kwinana United meeting Premier Division champions Emerald, which should be a great encounter. Kwinana, won the league by eight points, after just one defeat all season, and they eased past Curtin University in round one, before a Robbie Hasell goal secured a narrow 1-0 win on the road against Stirling Panthers in round two. They hosted Premier Division side North Beach in round three, and goals from Hasell and Reece Terry secured a narrow 2-1 win. In the quarter-final they fought out a 2-2 draw against Southern Spirit, with Hama Kamal scoring deep into stoppage time to send it to penalties, where they prevailed 7-6.
In the semi-final they beat Hamersley Rovers 6-1 with Ameir Salman scoring a hat-trick, with others to Michael Lawson, Darragh Nagle and Dominic Sumner, to seal their spot in the final. Kwinana coach George Mann said their season has been outstanding and to beat Hamersley in the semi-final was huge, as they were the only team to beat them in the league. “It has been an excellent season. The coaching staff and club are extremely pleased with the boys as their efforts have been outstanding. The ongoing support from the entire club at Kwinana has been brilliant and it has impacted our season for the better,” he explained. “Our team has been consistent all year round and we have tasted defeat only once this season. The loss came in the first half of the year to Hamersley Rovers. When the semi-final fixture was announced, our boys were hungry to overcome that loss and we were delighted to take the win on the night.”
Mann is well aware the challenge they face on Sunday against the Premier Division champions, but he knows his players are ready for it. “Emerald are the Premier Division Champions, and it’s also worth noting that they were able to win the league undefeated and that proves how strong they are,” he said. “Despite us being in Division One this year, I believe Kwinana are a Premier League side and we look forward to battling it out with the best. We have nothing to lose and regardless of the result, I am incredibly proud of our boys. Everyone loves an underdog story, bring it on.”
Emerald went through the season unbeaten in the league and edged out Wembley by three points, and in the cup, they had a bye in round one, before goals from Cathal Quinn, Shane Hickey, Stephen Pollock, Dean McAuliffe and Jamie Kavanagh gave them a 5-0 home win against Jaguar, before they travelled to Forrestfield in round three, and won 3-0 with goals from Andrew Dunbar, Jamie Kavanagh and Stephen Pollock. That set up a quarter-final clash at E&D Litis Stadium against North Perth United, Bryce Marinus scored the opener, but at 1-1 Shea Loughran was sent off, but five minutes from time Andrew Patton won it.
In the semi-final they faced Wembley Downs on the road, and a brace from Dunbar and a brace from McAuliffe, including the winner sent them into the final with a hard fought 3-2 win, and coach Gerry Gaughan said it continued their good season. “Yes, it definitely was a hard-fought win, we know it’s always going to be a tough task against Wembley at any level. We have drawn with them twice in the league so we were delighted to be able get the win. It had to be something special to beat a team like that and thankfully young Deano produced the goods,” Emerald coach Gerry Gaughan said.
“I’m delighted with our league performance all year. The lad’s attitude has been top class which definitely got us over the line in some of the tight contests we have had. There are plenty on our panel that were very close to first team standard, but we were lucky to have such quality in both panels this year. We have had a good few that started the season at reserves and ended up been a huge player for our firsts so it shows the standard of our overall panel.”
Gaughan said Sunday will be another tough contest, against a side who were excellent in the league this season. “Kwinana are a quality side and are definitely not to be taken lightly. They have had an excellent season for both first and reserves and were unlucky not to go back up to the Premier Division,” he explained. “They are not in a cup final for the fun of it so we expect a battle. We have not lost a game all year and I’m hoping we have one more big performance in us to top of a great season for the club.”
4.10.2024
BELT-UP METRO CUP FINAL PREVIEW
The Belt-Up Men's Metro League Cup Final sees Premier league champions Perth Saints taking on Perth SC at Inglewood Stadium on Sunday morning. (11.00am) The Saints kicked off their run with a bye in round one, before a Levi Reichelt brace helped them to a 5-1 win against Wembley Downs in round two. They travelled to Lynwood United in round three, and prevailed 4-2 on penalties after the game ended 2-2. They beat Kwinana United 8-2 in round four with Madison Holman scoring a hat-trick, before a brace from Andrew Morrow gave them a 2-0 win against Vic Park in the quarterfinals.
That saw them meet UWA Nedlands in the semifinal and doubles from Mark Lucas and Morrow, with others to Holman and Fletcher Tracy securing a 6-1 win. Saints’ coach Robert McVey said their cup run and league season was outstanding. “We never take any game for granted especially in the cup – a few players having an off night and your participation in the competition could be over. Wembley, Kwinana, Lynwood and Vic Park all gave us good games and tried right to the end,” he explained. “UWA were probably unfortunate that we were all on fire that night including our bench and even though we went a goal down I knew from the way we responded that the win was going to be ours.
“This was the best Metro Prem we have had in several years. There were lots of good teams in the competition Balcatta, North Beach, Florina, Perth, Black Stars were all hard-fought games with lots of good football played.
The Rockingham teams also added some good competition, and well done to Balcatta for taking it down to the last match of the season. We were all pleased with our performance and every single player in the squad played their part, let’s hope it is even more competitive next season.”
The teams have played twice this season, with each winning one, and McVey said Saturday will be another tough contest. “Perth have been our closest rivals over the last few seasons, so it is not surprising that we have at last meeting in the cup final. We all know all cup finals are competitive, but I feel this one will be even more due to both team’s attitude to win,’ he said. “I don’t think league form will come into it on the day and I fully expect a good match for the spectators. My biggest regret in this final is that I will have to leave out several players who have served us well throughout the season. They say it is a good problem to have all your squad available for selection, but it is still very difficult to leave players out regardless.”
Perth SC also had a bye in round one, before beating Ballajura AFC 6-0 in round two. They hosted Cockburn City in round three, and goals from Mpumi Sibiya, James Duncan and Brandon Orr secured a 3-1 win. Then in round four they travelled to Yanchep United and won 14-1, with Michael Johnson bagging four, and that set up a quarter final with Twin City Saints, Ari Gajewski and Sam James on target. In the semifinal they hosted Alexander Florina, and James scored a hat-trick, with others from Duncan, Julian Annett-Chee and Ari Gajewski gave them a 6-0 win.
“It’s been an exciting cup run for the club, starting with strong wins against Ballajura, Cockburn, and Yanchep really set the tone and boosted our confidence,” Perth SC coach Gary Davies said. “The quarterfinal against Twin City Saints was a real test of our grit. Winning that match, albeit tight, proved that we can handle pressure and find a way to dig deep when it matters most. Then, our semifinal against Alexander Florina was fantastic. We played our best football of the season, and the convincing win not only secured our place in the final but also highlighted how far we’ve come as a team this season.
“Overall, this cup run has been a great blend of challenges and triumphs, and I’m proud of how the players have responded. Now, we’re all eager to carry this momentum into the final and give it everything we’ve got. This season has been a bit inconsistent in the league, as we struggled to field the same lineup each week, which affected our overall performance. Finishing in fourth place feels like a fair assessment of our ups and downs. Sam James and Michael Johnson have been our key goal contributors, and I’m confident they’ll play a crucial role for us in the final.”
Davies said the games between the two sides this season have been hard fought, and he’s expecting the same on Sunday. “Yes, the honours were evenly matched this season with a win for each team. Saints certainly come in as favourites after a fantastic season and a well-deserved league title. Being the underdogs suits us well, as North Perth discovered back in 2021,” he explained. “I anticipate a tough, physical match played at a high intensity, showcasing two of the top social teams from the past few years. It would be great to secure a win against a club where I spent several seasons and enjoyed success in the Metro Cup three times. Best of luck to Rob and the Saints lads—may the best team win.”
4.10.2024
BELT-UP MASTERS CUP FINALS PREVIEW
The Belt-Up Cup Finals starts on Saturday at Inglewood Stadium, with the Masters Cup finals. In the early game Joondalup City meet Subiaco AFC in the Masters Over 55’s Final. (1.00pm) In the semifinals Joondalup raced to a three-goal lead against North Beach, with Gary Dimery scoring a hat-trick in the opening half hour. But North Beach hit back with two quick goals, from Gordon Bruce and Fintan Persse, either side of half time. But four minutes from time Robert Rees added a fourth for City to win it. Subiaco had to come from behind to seal their spot in the final, edging out Murdoch University Melville 2-1 at Rosalie Park. Leo Murray put MUMFC in front, but Gilles Delmotte levelled before the break. Then five minutes into the second half a Jason Brown goal won it for the hosts.
In the Masters Over 45’s Final, Bayswater City take on Murdoch University Melville. (3.15pm) MUMFC had two bye in the opening two rounds, before beating Inglewood United in round three. They edged out UWA Nedlands in round four, with Andres Arevalo and Fernando Otalora-Severino on target in the 2-1 win, and sealed their spot in the final after penalty shootout win against Quinns. Patrick Meighan gave Quinns the lead, but Arevalo levelled and they prevailed 5-4 on penalties.
“We are very excited to face the challenge of an all-conquering Bayswater team in the final of the 45’s Masters Cup. We’ve had an injury interrupted year that has been disappointing in terms of league results but we’ve got a strong squad fired up for the game on Saturday,” MUMFC assistant coach Brendan Cahill explained. “The semifinal against Quinn’s was a scrappy affair but it got us through to a cup final for the first time in more than 20 years and we’re under no illusions that we’ll need to play better to get a result in the Final. Bring on Saturday.”
Finally in the Masters Over 35’s Final, Quinns take on Hamersley Rovers. (5.30pm) Both sides had hard-fought semifinal wins, first up Quinns edged out Emerald 3-2. Jason Healy gave Emerald the lead early, but Ryan Auld levelled soon after. Robert Lund gave Quinns the lead early in the second half, only for Fergal Corry to level moments later. But the winner came 13 minutes from time, with Eamon McNelis converting from the spot. “All the lads are looking forward to Saturday's final,” Quinns Ryan Pellow said.
“Morale is high and everyone is hungry to lift the trophy. This is our first season as group and to finish the season with a cup win would be a great achievement.” Rovers also won 3-2 against Bassendean Caledonian at Carine Open Space. Daniel Deane opened the scoring early for Quinns, but Kevin Griffiths levelled. Deane added his second just before half time, and Deane completed his hat-trick on the hour. Andrew Bickley pulled one back moments later, but Quinns held firm to seal their spot in the final.
3.10.2024
TAGGART BRACE SEALS PRESEASON WIN FOR GLORY
Perth Glory continues to prepare for the 2024-25 A-League season, and in their second meeting against Newcastle Jets, they secured a 2-0 win at the Retravision Stadium in Albany on Wednesday afternoon. A first half brace from skipper Adam Taggart secured the win, Glory bouncing back from their loss against the Jets in Bunbury on Saturday. “Obviously happy with the result, and for the most part the performance was very good,” Glory head coach David Zdrilic said post-match.
“The conditions played their part, we played with the wind in the first half and used it to our advantage, and in the second half we found it hard to get out, but we also had plenty of chances, especially in the first half, and I thought we managed the game well late. Considering we don’t get many A-League hit outs, thanks for the Jeys for coming here and they were the perfect opposition and made it really tough for us.”
Zdrilic made two changes to the side that were beaten 3-2 in Bunbury, with Abdul Faisal and Andriano Lebib, who both starred in the Glory’s NPL side in the playoff final, came in for Jarrod Carluccio and Kaelan Majekodunmi, who both dropped to the bench. In front of another healthy crowd, Zdrilic’s side were on the front foot from the first whistle, and were rewarded with the lead on five minutes. Socceroos’ striker Taggart fired from distance, which took a deflection and beat Ryan Scott in the Jets goal.
It was 2-0 on 12 minutes, Abdul Faisal cross hit the hand of a Newcastle defender and referee Shane Skinner pointed to the spot, and Taggart stepped up and converted from the resulting penalty. The Jets looked for an immediate reply, Aleks Susnjar header from Daniel Wilmering free-kick flashed just wide of Oli Sails goal. Glory went close to a third before the break, Taras Gomulka powerful shot was parried by Scott, and at the break Glory led 2-0, but had it all to do against the wind after half time.
Glory made a number of changers at the break, and one of them was keeper Cameron Cook, who came up with a fantastic one-handed save to deny Jets substitute Ben Gibson on the hour-mark. Gibson was proving a real handful and hit shot from the angle crashed off the woodwork. The hosts were also creating chances, and the game was end to end, the best chance for Glory came ten minutes from time, Lachie Barr came within centimetres of sliding home a teasing free-kick whipped across the face of goal by Gomulka. The Jets pressed late but Glory held firm to take out the game.
Perth Glory: GK Oli SAIL (RGK Cameron COOK 46'), 3 Anas HAMZAOUI (17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO 46'), 4 Luke BODNAR (16 Alex BOLTON 88'), 5 Lachlan BARR (43 Christian PULLELLA 81'), 6 Brandon O’NEILL (25 Jaylan PEARMAN 61'), 12 Taras GOMULKA, 19 Josh RISDON (28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI 77'), 21 Abdul FAISAL (31 Joel ANASMO 81'), 22 Adam TAGGART (26 Khoa NGO 61'), 23 Christian CAICEDO (9 David WILLIAMS 31'), 24 Andriano LEBIB (33 Luis CANGA 46') - Subs not used: 27 Will FRENEY, 42 Daniel JANKULOSKI
Newcastle Jets: GK Ryan SCOTT, 7 Eli ADAMS (13 Clayton TAYLOR 61'), 9 Lachlan ROSE (22 Ben GIBSON 61'), 10 WELLISSOL (29 Justin VIDIC 61'), 14 Dane INGHAM, 15 Aleks SUSNJAR, 17 Kosta GROZOS (28 Will DOBSON 71'), 19 Callum TIMMINS (6 Matthew SCARCELLA 29'), 23 Daniel WILMERING, 33 Mark NATTA, 37 Lachlan BAYLISS (39 Thomas AQUILINA 61') - Subs not used: RGK Noah JAMES, 24 Alex NUNES, 27 Nathan GRIMALDI, 44 Ben VAN DORSSEN, 60 Garang AROU - Attendance: 2,022 - Referee: Shane SKINNER
3.10.2024
WANNEROO CITY DESERVES ANOTHER CHANCE (By Brad Hayward)
*Brad Hayward was the Wanneroo City Reserves coach from 2015 to 2018, which included a stint as first team assistant in 2016.
Time to Right a Decade-Old Wrong? Should Wanneroo City Soccer Club Be Granted Joondalup United’s Vacant Spot in State League Division Two?
With Joondalup United’s recent withdrawal from State League Division Two, an unexpected opportunity has emerged to address a long-standing injustice in Western Australian football. Wanneroo City Soccer Club, a fixture of the local football landscape, has endured over a decade of hardship following a controversial decision by Football West in 2012 that denied the club its rightful promotion to the National Premier Leagues (NPL). As the club looks towards its 50th anniversary in 2025, this is an ideal moment to revisit that decision and reflect on the lasting impact it has had on Wanneroo City’s fortunes.
Back in 2012, Wanneroo City won the Division One title, earning what should have been a deserved promotion to the newly formed NPL. However, despite their on-pitch success, Football West ruled that Wanneroo did not meet the off-field criteria required for promotion, which included facilities, financials, and other administrative standards. In a twist of fate, Subiaco, a mid-table team from Division Two that season, was promoted instead, thanks to their ability to meet these criteria. To make matters worse, several of Wanneroo’s top players, eager for NPL football, left the club—some even signing for Subiaco—leaving Wanneroo to rebuild from scratch.
The club has never fully recovered. Losing its best players not only stunted Wanneroo’s immediate prospects but also led to the loss of key sponsors, as the allure of top-flight football disappeared. The momentum from their Division One winning season was abruptly halted, and despite the efforts of the club’s management and supporters, Wanneroo City has been unable to reclaim its former glory.
Adding to the sense of missed opportunity, the fate of Wanneroo’s local rivals Kingsway Olympic serves as a stark reminder of how fortunes can change. Situated just 500 metres down the road, Kingsway Olympic’s journey has been the polar opposite of Wanneroo’s struggles. In 2024, Kingsway Olympic completed a historic treble, having risen steadily through the leagues. This is a far cry from a few seasons ago when both clubs finished level on points, with Kingsway securing promotion on goal difference on the final day of the season. Since then, Kingsway has soared while Wanneroo has faced continued hardship.
Wanneroo City’s struggles culminated this season with relegation from State League Division Two. While it’s true that their performances have not been up to standard, it is essential to recognise that their current situation is deeply rooted in the events of 2012. The club has battled for survival ever since, and without the stability or resources that come with promotion, they have faced an uphill struggle to remain competitive.
However, with Joondalup United’s withdrawal from the league, there is now a vacancy in Division Two. This presents Football West with an opportunity to correct the mistake made over a decade ago. Reinstating Wanneroo City into Division Two would not only offer the club a much-needed lifeline but would also acknowledge the unjust treatment they received in 2012, which has had long-lasting consequences.
As Wanneroo approaches its 50th anniversary in 2025, granting them the vacant Division Two spot would be a fitting way to recognise the club’s importance to the local football community. This isn’t about overlooking their recent struggles on the pitch but about understanding the broader context in which those struggles have occurred.
Football West has the opportunity to make a fair and compassionate decision that allows Wanneroo City the chance to stabilise, rebuild, and look forward to the future with hope. The club has given so much to Western Australian football over the years, and this decision could help secure its next 50 years.
Football is not just about results—it’s about history, community, and ensuring clubs that have been part of the game for decades are given the opportunity to thrive. Allowing Wanneroo City Soccer Club to fill the vacant Division Two spot would go a long way in righting the wrongs of 2012 and providing a brighter future for the club, its players, and its supporters.
30.9.2024
TAGGART SETS EXPECTATIONS HIGH FOR NEW SEASON
It should not be surprising Adam Taggart has lofty ambitions for both himself and his team every time he takes the pitch. Last season, for instance, Taggart was targeting more than finals football; unfortunately Perth Glory fell well short and finished stumping up the A-League. For 2024/25 Glory have a new-look squad, a first-time head coach at the helm and new ownership now in control of the club.
So has Taggart lowered his gaze when it comes to goal setting? Not in the slightest. “We need to be pushing for finals at the absolute minimum,” Taggart told thewest.com.au. “Last year, I had the intention to win the league. I don’t feel it’s right to play football without having a desire and belief that we’re going to win something.”
Taggart is the face of Glory after his herculean efforts last season, when he won the Golden Boot award after netting 20 goals in 25 games and earned a Socceroos recall. His efforts came against the backdrop of on-field disarray and off-field disruption, as long-term owner Tony Sage handed back his club licence and the search for new owners took more than six months before the Pelligra Group assumed control.
With the club being run by the league for several months last season, the ownership saga evidently affected players and Taggart said its resolution boded well for Glory. “It’s good to recognise last year was extremely difficult for lots of different individuals,” he said. “I wouldn’t have said that it affected me too much, I was always confident that everything would eventually get sorted out.”
“I know the landscape and understand the A-League needs a Perth Glory. But obviously it did affect lots of players and staff as well, so it was definitely a difficult time for people. This year, we have the stability of the new owner, who is obviously very passionate about his sports, and seems to be investing his time and and money into this club.”
Taggart is, as Glory fans will tell you, ‘one of their own’: born-and-bred in Perth, a product of the club’s youth system. He has called the northern suburbs home for most of his life, and after growing up as a supporter of the club, not gets to live out the dream of every fan by donning the purple shirt and scoring at The Shed end.
With the new ownership now having settled in, they have made the retention and return of Western Australia’s best players paramount, starting with the re-signings of former players and Perth locals Josh Risdon and Brandon O’Neill. “I’ve said that my whole career, to be honest, especially for Perth being so far away from everyone else and sort of disconnected from the rest of the country, it’s so important we get the best WA boys playing for Perth Glory,” Taggart said.
“It’s a tragedy when I see some of our best WA talent going to other clubs, and I’m happy that’s been made a priority. You’ve got two fantastic players in Rizzo and Branno coming back, both still within a good age to be producing good things for the club. I’m over the moon for those two and I hope we keep doing that, because being in WA it’s just important to have people around the place that actually care about the club, understand where it’s where it’s come from, understand the history and the fanbase.”
Risdon and O’Neill were not the only new arrivals in pre-season - just 14 of last year’s squad have been retained. New coach David Zdrilic brings with him a wealth of knowledge in the art of ‘gegenpressing’ and winning the ball up the pitch as high as possible, having done his coaching education at RB Leipzig in Germany.
With Glory hoping to execute such a specific tactical system with a very different squad to last year, Taggart said the off-season had helped in establishing some cohesion. “It’s practically a completely new side,” he said. “A long pre-season is probably going to do us some good, to make sure that all of us are getting used to each other and understanding how each other play.”
“We’ve obviously got the players to (press), and it can definitely give you a real advantage. I’m looking forward to doing that throughout the season, especially when teams are coming to Perth, because it’s always difficult for those teams, playing against us on the other side of the country with the travel and the heat, so we can use that to our advantage.” 29.9.2024
INTER DIVISIONAL PLAY OFFS FINAL - REVIEW
Perth Glory have secured their place in the NPLWA – Men’s competition for next season, after thrashing State League Division One runners up Dianella White Eagles 11-0 in the NPL Inter Divisional playoff at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Sunday afternoon. Glory led 4-0 at the break, with a brace from Khoa Ngo, and others to from Abdelelah Faisal and Adam Bugarija. They went on with it after half time, with Jaylan Pearman bagging a hat-trick, with Bugarija adding his second, with others to Daniel Jankuloski, Joel Anasmo and Sebastian Despotovski.
“Today was just one of those days where everything went our way and fell into place,” Glory Head Coach Ivan Zuvela said post-match. “We prepared extremely well the past week, and we were rewarded with an outstanding performance. It’s been so tough for the players this past year, but I’m so thankful and grateful for the opportunity to lead this team. This is a special bunch of young players and they will only benefit from this experience, the future is very bright at Glory.”
Glory made the perfect start and were ahead after only two minutes, Pearman finding Faisal down the left, the youngster cut inside and raced along the edge of the box before unleashing a powerful shot that flew past Peter Pilkadaris. The Dianella keeper was injured moments later and replaced by Robert Sinclair, and it was Glory who doubled their lead 15 minutes later, William Freney’s ball over the top found Faisal, who beat the offside trap, racing into the box and squaring to Ngo who made no mistake. It was 3-0 on the half hour, with a great individual goal by Bugarija, and it was 4-0 moments later, a superb pass from Bugarija sent Ngo racing down the right and he finished with aplomb past Sinclair, to send Glory into the break well in control.
They added a fifth early in the second half, Pearman finishing well from the edge of the box, and Bugarija did likewise moments later to make it 6-0. Pearman was in again on 52 minutes, sent clear by Faisal and finishing neatly, before Jankuloski headed home at the back post to make it 8-0. Glory was now in full control, and they added a ninth on 78 minutes, Pearman completing his hat-trick after Sinclair had saved Despotovski’s first effort. Anasmo made it 10--0, finishing well after a neat give and go with Despotovski, and Despotovski rounded out the scoring two minutes from time, finishing Ngo’s low cross from the left, to seal a comprehensive win.
In the earlier games at the venue, Swan United will remain in State League Division Two next season after edging out Belt Up Amateur Premier Division runners-up Emerald 3-2 in their playoff on Sunday morning. It looked like Swan were on their way to victory, after first half goals from Albert Amankwaa and Jake Fritchley saw them leading 2-0 at the break, but Paul Curran’s side hit back with substitute Conor Hogan scoring a brace, including a stoppage time equaliser. But the with the tie heading to extra time a free kick from Jordan Lyall won it for the Niall Hughes’ side, which keeps their place in the State League, that they have held since 1986. It was a hard-fought game with Emerald showing real grit to come back from two goals down,” Lyall said. “When it felt like we could hold out for the win, they scored in stoppage time, and they had all the momentum and extra time would have been a real battle, I'm sure. Luckily Rhys Loxley managed to win us a free kick in a dangerous area which led to me having the final say when it mattered.”
Swan found the opener on 36 minutes, Josh Appleby sent Fritchley down the left, his cross was spilt by Emerald keeper Gerard Crehan and Amankwaa pounced to finish from close-range. Then in the shadows of half time they doubled their advantage. Lyall raced to the edge of the box and squared the ball to Fritchley who finished with aplomb past Crehan. Emarald had it all to do, but they found a lifeline 19 minutes from time. Swan failed to clear the ball on the right of the penalty area and Conor Gormley’s cross was turned home by Hogan, who had only been on the pitch for four minutes.
Emerald pressed for the equaliser, and it duly arrived four minutes into stoppage time. Andrew Patton was sent down the left by Jamie Mclaughlin and he raced down the left before cutting the ball back to Hogan on the edge of the box, and the striker made no mistake. It was a great comeback from Emerald, but sixty seconds later Swan hit back. They won a free kick 20 meters from goal, and Lyall curled the ball over the wall deceiving Emerald keeper Crehan, before being mobbed by his teammates. The drama wasn’t over there, and Emerald had one last chance to level, Gormley sending Patton in on goal, but Ben Parry was out bravely to save, before the Swan custodian pounced on the rebound, as the final whistle sounded.
“Obviously a huge win for the club and the boys and its a result that is just a massive relief for all involved,” Swan Coach Niall Hughes said post-match. “I thought we grew in to the game as it went on and showed that extra bit of quality in the final third for the first half to go in 2-0 up. At half time we let the lads know Emerald had nothing to lose and would go for it and we would have to dig in and get a third to seal it. To Emerald’s credit, they did what we expected scored a good goal for 2-1 and got the game back to 2-2.
“I think we looked very leggy out there and were missing a few big players who may have been able to help us control the half better but our lads have a built a resilience towards the end of the season. Our motto changed towards the end of the season to “get the win or die trying” and luckily for us, we have players like Jordy Lyall who have that big of magic to turn a game in your favour. From here as a senior group and as a club we have to make sure that we don’t put ourselves in this position again and the only playoffs we ever see is for promotion. Thanks to all the players, staff, volunteers and supporters who got us to safety.”
In the Inter Divisional Division One playoff, Joondalup City have beaten Curtin University 1-0. “Today was a performance that shows everyone what these boys are all about. It wasn’t pretty but that doesn’t matter, we had lads playing on their last legs with injuries and illnesses left right and centre but they still went out and gave everything they had,” Joondalup coach Guy McDonald explained. “I couldn’t be prouder of these boys and what we have achieved in ten months. The club was nearly relegated last year and we have turned it around to now being promoted, and it is what dreams are made of.”
The only goal of the game came five minutes before half time with Liam Peacock heading home Cameron Stratton’s corner, the win securing promotion for City for the first time since 2018. Meanwhile it was the second successive year that Curtin had lost the play-off final. This time, however, they won't be too disappointed as they are set to be invited to join City in Division One as the team that replaces Joondalup United, who withdrew from the State League earlier this month. “It wasn’t our best game a few lads carrying injuries, but we got the job done,” Peacock said. “Curtin made it tough, but the lads worked hard, I’m happy to score the winner to secure promotion. We’re looking forward to a well-deserved break and excited to go again next season in Division One.”
29.9.2024
JETS DOWN GLORY IN BUNBURY
Perth Glory have continued their A-League pre-season, going Down 3-2 to Newcastle Jets at Hay Park in Bunbury on Sunday afternoon. Former Glory winger Dean Ingham gave the Jets the lead early, before Kaelan Majekodunmi and David Williams gave David Zdrilic’s side the lead at the break. Another former Glory player, Aleks Susnjar levelled for the visitors early in the second half, before Eli Adams scored the winner just after the hour. Glory, who gave debuts to new South American pair Luis Cangá and Cristian Caicedo, had chances late to level, or go on and win it, but they couldn’t turn those chances into goals.
“The performance today was very good at times, knowing we had to split the teams, having an NPL final we knew we had to manage the squad,” Glory Head Coach Zdrilic said post-match. “I thought the first half we created a lot of chances, but I was pleased how the boys swung the momentum after going behind. Newcastle came out well in the second half and we conceded a set-piece and we gave them a few soft chances after we started making changers, but all in all for us there were plenty of learning points to see we are at. It was a very good even game and exactly what we need at this point of pre-season.’
With Glory’s NPL side in a crucial playoff final back in Perth, Zdrilic gave some local players a chance to shine, with Armadale duo Luke Collins and Pieter Jacobs, Sorrento pair Hina Hamza and Clay Gibbs, and Fremantle City’s Pat Loughrey all on the bench. In front of a bumper crowd of over 2000, Glory fell behind after ten minutes, Brazilian recruit Wellissol’s cross from the left picked out Ingham at the far post, and bundled the ball home past Oli Sail.
Glory hit back five minutes later, Anas Hamzaoui’s in-swinging corner found Majekodunmi, and the Young Socceroo rose highest to head into the far corner. The Glory were now on top and Taras Gomulka was denied by Ryan Scott at full stretch, but there was nothing the Jets’ ‘keeper could do two minutes before the break, when Glory hit the front, the ball broke for David Williams in a crowded box and he finished clinically to send them into the sheds with a 2-1 lead.
After the half time, it was the visitors who gained the ascendancy and they were level ten minutes in, Susnjar headed in a Daniel Wilmering free-kick, before Adams added a third goal at the end of a swift counter-attack on 66 minutes. Zdrilic had brought on Loughrey just before half time, in place of Hamzaoui, and other trialists Hamza replaced Josh Risdon, Jacobsz for Adam Taggart, while Collins came on for Majekodunmi, a great opportunity for the players. Glory almost levelled late, with Hina saw his cross crash against the near post, but they will move on to their second game against the Jets in Albany on Wednesday afternoon.
Perth Glory: GK Oli SAIL, 3 Anas HAMZAOUI (27 Pat LOUGHREY (trialist) 42'), 4 Luke BODNAR (21 Alex BOLTON 60'), 5 Lachie BARR (33 Luis CANGA 68'), 6 Brandon O’NEILL, 12 Taras GOMULKA (16 Clay GIBBS (trialist) 80'), 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO, 19 Josh RISDON (31 Hina HAMZA (trialist) 72'), 22 Adam TAGGART (42 Pieter JACOBSZ (trialist) 80'), 23 Cristian CAICEDO (9 David WILLIAMS 26'), 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI (24 Luke COLLINS (trialist) 80') - Subs not used: RGK Jhett WARNER
Newcastle Jets: GK Ryan SCOTT (RGK Noah JAMES 67'), 9 Lachlan ROSE (29 Justin VIDIC 61'), 10 WELLISSOL (22 Ben GIBSON 44'), 13 Clayton TAYLOR (7 Eli ADAMS 61'), 14 Dane IGNHAM, 15 Aleks SUSNJAR, 17 Kosta GROZOS (24 Alex NUNES 81'), 19 Callum TIMMINS (37 Lachlan BAYLISS 61'), 23 Daniel WILMERING, 33 Mark NATTA, 39 Thomas AQUILINA (6 Matthew SCARCELLA 61') - Subs not used: 27 Nathan GRIMALDI, 28 Will DOBSON,44 Ben VAN DORSSEN, 66 Garang AROU - Attendance: 2,043 - Referee: Shane SKINNER
28.9.2024
MANDURAH CITY MAKING STRIDES IN WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
Mandurah City have continued to development their female teams in season 2024, and last week they were acknowledged by Football Australia and Football West as the as the Club Changer, Club of the Month for their devotion in building their women and girls offerings by setting a foundation for their volunteer base. The Dolphins became a Club Changer in 2023 and successfully became the first Football West club to obtain their 2-Star status in August of this year. Through strategic outreach efforts, Mandurah City FC have successfully expanded in many aspects of their club since the implementation of Club Changer. Seeing many positive outcomes, the club has seen it to be instrumental in fostering a thriving environment.
The clubs Female Football Director, Melanie Loreto said a lot of hard work has been put in to achieve the award. “Receiving the Club Changer – Club of the Month award for our volunteering culture is a tremendous honour, and it reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone who contributes to making Mandurah City FC a welcoming and inclusive environment,” Loreto explained. “We are proud to continue supporting female football and creating opportunities for all. The program’s (Club Changer) emphasis on inclusivity and diversity has resonated positively within the community, attracting a diverse group of participants who feel welcomed and valued within our football family.”
Mandurah City FC, through utilising the Club Changer program, worked towards growing their volunteer base using key resources supplied to 1 Star Club Changers. Hosting a Level 4 Referee course at the club, Mandurah City FC had 26 participants, and have furthered this growth by obtaining funding for 10 females to complete their referee course in the future. The club also set a key objective to increase the numbers of female coaches and mentors. Successfully achieving this, Mandurah created a leadership group made of the captains from each senior team to be future mentors for their junior players. Along with this, the club appointed a Female Football Director whose role includes mentoring girls to become coaches; supplying opportunities in assisting in the MiniRoos and MiniTillies kick off programs – this in turn helping to grow their coaching base.
Now working towards their 2-star objectives, Mandurah City FC is looking at building their volunteer base even further. Appointing a Volunteer Lead, the club looks to focus on recruitment, appreciation and greater understanding of the roles of volunteers. Further aiming to make their volunteer workforce feel part of a supportive and inclusive environment where they can contribute their time and skills to enrich their football club.
The clubs’ senior women’s side narrowly missed out on the Hyundai Women's League - Division One title, finishing third, but only two points behind winners Perth AFC, and Loreto played a pivotal role on the pitch bagging 16 goals, and she said all their hard work has been rewarded. “Our season has been an incredible journey. While the path hasn’t been easy, we are now starting to see the fruits of our labour,” the striker explained. “The team culture has been fantastic, and one of the greatest joys has been retaining our junior players and watching them progress to senior football. Offering a clear female football pathway from juniors to seniors remains a top priority, and seeing that come to life has been truly rewarding.
“This season, our women’s first team worked hard as a cohesive unit to adopt our playing philosophy, demonstrating commitment and teamwork on and off the field. We had a well-balanced mix of younger players and more experienced, mature players, which created a strong dynamic that helped the team grow together. We were also privileged to have the coaching expertise of Langley Britchford, ex Socceroo legend Rhys Williams, and Jack Terrell, whose experience and leadership have been instrumental in the development of our players.
“Beyond focusing on their on-field abilities, we also prioritise the off-field well-being of our players, ensuring they feel supported in all aspects of their journey. We are grateful for the support our club has shown the female football department, actively working to create more equality between the men’s and women’s programs. This commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment has been vital in driving the progress we’ve seen. Our aim is to progress to the NPLW league and establish Mandurah City FC as the home of elite female football in the south-west region.”
28.9.2024
CIRCATI FACES TIME ON THE SIDELINES AFTER ACL INJURY
WA youngster Alessandro Circati has suffered a ruptured ACL in training at his Italian Serie A club. Parma confirmed the 20-year-old defender injured his left knee at training on Friday, which is a huge blow for the former Perth SC defender. He is expected to have surgery, which would rule him out of Australia's entire third round of qualifying, which finishes next June, which is an early blow to new coach Tony Popovic's bid to turn Australia's World Cup qualification campaign around.
The club sent out the following statement on the injury. "The Parma Calcio medical staff can confirm that Alessandro Circati suffered an injury during the team's training session at the Mutti Training Centre in Collecchio this morning," Parma said in a statement on their website. "Tests revealed that the defender has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Everyone at Parma Calcio hopes to see Alessandro back helping his teammates on the pitch as soon as possible. Forza Ale, speedy recovery!"
Circati was crucial to Parma's promotion to the Serie A last season, and the former Azzurri and Perth Glory defender has settled into Italy's top-flight, with some good performances this season. A disappointed Circati posted on his Instagram story, writing: "Recovery starts now, thanks for all the messages and support." The injury robs Circati of potentially a year's development and playing time, meaning Popovic — a former top central defender in his own right — won't be able to call on him early in his tenure, including the October 10 match against China in Adelaide and a blockbuster clash with group C leaders Japan in Saitama five days later.
Former Socceroos coach Graham Arnold played Circati at right back in the recent qualifiers against Bahrain and Indonesia, but is expected to be a long-term centre-back for Australia. The Perth-born youngster will, however, be able to lean on Souttar, who returned from tearing his ACL in qualifiers in time to play at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Souttar went on to take his career to new heights at the global showpiece, playing a crucial role in Australia's run to the round of 16.
Popovic, who was only appointed last week, will now have to consider his right-back options with Harry Souttar, Cam Burgess and Kye Rowles his leading central defenders. If Australia qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup — an uphill task after claiming just a point from their opening two games — Circati would likely return via friendlies. Otherwise, he will be racing the clock to feature in the fourth round of qualifying, which is scheduled for next year in October.
27.9.2024
WILLIAMS TAKES ON NEW PLAYER RELATIONS ROLE WITH PFA
Professional Footballers Australia is pleased to announce that Matildas legend Lydia Williams will transition into a new role within the organisation. The PFA vice-president, who represented Australia on 103 occasions, will switch to the organisation's staff team in Melbourne, as a Player Relations Executive.
Williams new role will focus on supporting the player association's Matildas and A-League Women members and advancing their collective interests. "I'm incredibly proud to continue my journey with the PFA," Williams said. "As a player I saw first-hand how powerful solidarity and unity can be and I look forward to continuing to play my part in ensuring that Australian football can achieve its enormous potential."
"The current generation of players have an enormous opportunity, through their talent and shared experiences, to drive the success of game and I look forward to playing my part." Williams, who announced her retirement from international football earlier this year, has been an advocate for player rights through representative roles with the PFA.
27.9.2024
INTER DIVISIONAL PLAY OFFS FINAL - PREVIEW
The inter divisional play-offs conclude on Sunday afternoon, with spots in the NPL and State League Division up for grabs with three intriguing games at the Sam Kerr Football Centre. Perth Glory’s place in the NPL goes on the line in the late game, when they take on Dianella White Eagles, who will be searching for a spot in the NPL for the first time. (4.00pm) Dianella proved too strong for Murdoch University Melville in the semi-final, and a win in this one will take them back to the top flight for the first time in twenty-six years, while Glory produced a stunning comeback to beat Mandurah City, and a win will see them hold onto their NPL status.
Glory assistant coach Will Cruz, said the win against Mandurah was a great team performance, and they will have to find another one on Saturday against the inform Dianella, and he believes they can. “The boys lifted their game up another level against Mandurah. The return of some key players like Freney and Anasmo, as well as some of the newer boys Bugarija and Faisal made a huge difference and ultimately helped us secure the win,” Cruz explained. “Dianella are a team in great form, and have showed everyone they can score goals. It will be a great game regardless, and we will be doing everything we can to get the win.”
Dianella defender Ryan Hogan said the two-legged win against Murdoch was a solid performance, against a side who have played well this season. “Yes, very pleasing when we look back on the two legs. Murdoch have been very impressive all year and deserved a spot in the play offs, so we couldn’t take them for granted,” Hogan said. “Our plan for the first leg was to put in a good performance, score and keep a clean sheet so a 2-0 result away from home in the first leg put us in a great position. The early goal in the second leg settled any nerves and we ended up with a 5-1 win on aggregate which gives us a lot of confidence heading into this weekend’s final.”
Hogan said Sunday is huge for both teams, but they will be doing all they can to get promotion for their loyal supporters. “We know that Perth Glory are always going to be a tough team to play against, even though they might have had a rough season, the NPL is always a very competitive league and they showed their strengths last week against Mandurah,” the defender explained. “We are very motivated and excited for Sunday’s game. This is the reason we all play, to get to finals like this. It’s a chance for our players to help bring Dianella back to the NPL where we think the club belongs. It’s going to be a great game and we are really looking forward to the occasion as a team and as a club.”
In the early game at the venue, Swan United take on Amateur Premier Division runners-up Emerald. (11am – Note free entry before 12 noon) Swan just edged out Wanneroo City, who were relegated to the Amateurs, on the final day, Swan beating Canning to secure their survival, and a place in the playoff, as they look to keep their place in the State League, they have held since 1986. Swan coach Niall Hughes said it’s been tough this season, but can’t fault the players fight and determination.
“Yes, it’s not been a good season for us and the club and there’s no denying that it isn’t where we wanted or expected to be fighting this season. But in patches, especially towards the end of the season the group showed plenty of fight and determination to get us out of the situation. We picked up some good results and even games where we didn’t pick up a win, we were still putting in decent performances,” Hughes explained. “Finishing with four games in very quick succession was tough and the lads gave us everything but at the end of the day one goal is what has ended up being the difference in safety and a playoff game.”
Hughes know the challenge they face on Sunday, but he is confident they can get the job done. “These playoff games are always tough. We have been in them before as the team looking to come up and the team fighting for survival. Obviously, Emerald have been right at the top the amateurs the last two years, so they are going to be a good side and will have plenty of confidence going in to the game,” he said.
“I haven’t seen much of them (Emerald), so there is that unknown, but that’s what happens between teams in different leagues. Given all the uncertainty and rumours in the last few weeks, it hasn’t helped things but we told the boys on the final day and since then, we just have to concentrate on ourselves and be prepared to go out and do what we need to do, to win a game of football. I have the upmost confidence in the group going out there and doing what needs to be done as individuals and as a unit, to get us a win and keeping this club in the league.”
Emerald won the league last season, but decided not to take promotion, but after another good season, finishing runners up, with more points than the season they won the league, the situation has changed, and coach Paul Curran said, although they failed to reclaim their title, it was a good season in patches. “It was a bit of an up and down season if I’m honest. I’d be lying if I said we didn’t have designs on defending our title. Unfortunately, our first half of the season was a little disjointed and we never put enough pressure on Wembley to drop points and they just kept motoring on,” Curran explained. “We were happier with the second half, where we went unbeaten and our end of season run was very pleasing with finishing with a better points and goal difference tally than last year.”
Curran said Sunday is huge for the club, who were only formed in 2013, and he knows Swan will be desperate to keep hold of the place in the state league, so it sets up a great game. “It’s a massive game for both clubs. With us only in our 11th season and the chance to take the leap into state football is great for the players and the lads who’ve done so much work over the whole journey,” he said. “Swan obviously has a long history and are a massive club in WA football. They’ll be desperate to hold onto their state league status. We know the challenge ahead and it’s going to take a massive effort from our lads to get across the line. I’ve watched Swan and couple times and they’ve had some really good results and they’ve got some quality players who can hurt you if you let them. But we’ve got a couple of lads on our side who can do the same so it all makes for a brilliant game of football.”
The other game on Sunday at the venue, sees Joondalup City taking on Curtin University, with a place in Division One up for grabs for the winner (1.30pm). But due to Joondalup United pulling out of the league next season, it’s believed the loser in Sunday’s game will also be promoted, but silverware is on the line, and both sides will be doing all they can to lift it. Both sides had tough semi-finals wins, firstly Curtin defeated Cockburn City 4-2 on aggregate, and midfielder Nathan Smith said they it was a real battle, but it was a deserved win, and he is expecting the same on Sunday. “We knew we would have to dig deep against a Cockburn side looking to maintain their Division One status,” Smith said.
“They came out firing and had us on the back foot, but we re-gathered and were able to get a couple of crucial goals to swing the advantage back to us in the second half. Really pleased with the performance from the boys. I’m sure Sunday will be a tough game. We have been in a playoff final last year and the result didn’t go our way so we will be doing everything we can to rectify that this year. We’ll go out and execute our game plan and hopefully that gets us the result we want.”
Joondalup City overcame East Perth in two entertaining game, and City defender Liam Peacock said they had to be strong in both games, and although promotion is assured, they will be going all out to win the final. “It was a massive win for us, as East Perth are a great side and they threw everything at us to get back into the tie, but our lads showed a lot of maturity to defend the way we did and to take our chances when they came,” Peacock explained. “We are obviously over the moon to be promoted, a goal we set as a group at the start of preseason, but the ads are focused on finishing the season strong, and there's no better way to do that then in a final. Curtin will be tough, but It’s a great opportunity to end on a high note and reward all the hard work this season.”
25.9.2024
GLORY EDGED OUT GOLD FIELDS WA SIDE
A goal ten minutes from time from Perth Glory’s Latt Mathiang has given the A-League side a narrow 1-0 win against the Gold Fields WA State side at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Wednesday evening. Clear cut chances were few and far between in this tight game, with a number of substitutes not letting the game flow, but it was a good workout for David Zdrilic’s side ahead of their final pre-season games against Newcastle Jets, and their season opener against Macarthur FC on October 20. While the WA side were compact and hard to break down, with Aryn Williams Neil Kilkenny and Rostyn Griffiths all outstanding, and for many of the players their season finished a few weeks ago, so it was good performance from Andrew Ord’s side, after only a few training sessions behind them.
It's a tough week for Glory, with their A-League playing pre-season friendlies against Newcastle Jets, while the NPL side are in the inter divisional playoff final against Dianella White Eagles, so Zdrilic opened with strong starting lineup, but it was the Gold Field WA side who had the first real chances, Joel Chianese heading over the top on eight minutes. Brandon O’Neill tried his luck from distance 12 minutes later, but he never troubled Lewis Italiano, before the former Glory custodian saved low to deny Taras Gomulka moments later.
The lively Jarrod Carluccio, then beat two defenders down the right, and his dangerous cross was well blocked by the alert Nick Walsh. The best chance of the half fell to Glory, on the half hour, Anas Hamzaoui with the teasing cross from the left and skipper David Williams hooking a volley narrowly wide. Glory made ten changes at the break, with only Carluccio remaining on the pitch, while the Gold Fields WA side also made mass changers. The game lost its intensity with so many changers, but it was Glory who were creating the better chances.
Half time substitute Luke Radonich saved well to deny Khoa Ngo, then on the hour mark the Fremantle custodian denied the Glory youngster’s volley, but this time Santiago Flores fired home the rebound, but the flag was up for offside. Radonich was keeping the Gold Fields WA side in the game, getting down well to thwart Jaylan Pearman ten minutes later, and it looked like a draw was on the cards, but ten minutes from time it was Glory who won it. Pearman slipped Adam Bugarija in down the right, his low shot was well saved by Radonich, the rebound falling to Mathiang on the edge of the box, and quick feet took him clear of his marker and he drilled the ball low past Radonich to seal the game.
Gold Fields WA State Team: GK Lewis ITALIANO (Bayswater City) (RGK Luke RADONICH (Fremantle City 46'), 2 Aryn WILLIAMS (Olympic Kingsway) (18.Declan HUGHES (Perth RedStar 83'), 4 Nick WALSH (Perth RedStar), 5 Rostyn GRIFFITHS (Balcatta Etna), 6 Neil KILKENNY (Sorrento FC), 8 Mitch OXBORROW (Olympic Kingsway) (15 Tyler GARNER (Olympic Kingsway 83'), 9 Pieter JACOBSZ (Armadale) (7Joe KNOWLES (Olympic Kingsway 46’), 10 Jesse LAZZARO (Western Knights) (22 Daniel FAICHNEY (Perth SC 76'), 11Joel CHIANESE (Perth RedStar) (27 Clay GIBBS (Sorrento FC 70'), 17 Matthew GEORGE (Perth RedStar) (16 Kristian SANTICH (Western Knights 46), 25 Sean MCMANUS (Floreat Athena) (3 Zayd FARAH (Perth SC 46') – Subs not used: 14 Ajang YUOT (Floreat Athena), 19 Thiak KUEL (Bayswater City), 20 Sam COOK (Perth SC), 26 Josh SAMSON (Olympic Kingsway)
Perth Glory: GK Oli SAIL, (RGK Cameron COOK 46'), 3 Anas HAMZAOUI (27 Will FRENEY 46'), 5 Lachlan BARR (41 Laat MATHIANG 46'), 6 Brandon O’NEILL (24 Andriano LEBIB 46'), 9 David WILLIAMS, (26 Koha NGO 46'), 12 Taras GOMULKA (25 Jaylan PEARMAN 46'), 17 Jarrod CARLUCCIO (38 Gio DE ABREU 80'), 21 Abdul FAISAL (18 Santiago FLORES 46'), 19 Josh RISDON (2 Tino MUTEMA 46'), 22 Adam TAGGART (16 Adam BUGARIJA 46'), 28 Kaelan MAJEKODUNMI (42 Daniel JANKULOSKI 46') – Subs not used: RGK Jhett WARNER, 8 Alex BOLTON, 23 Tadi KUZAMBA, 39 Seb DESPOTOVSKI - Referee: Niall GILLMOR - Assistant referees: Josh MANNELLA, Lawson RIMMER
25.9.2024
ABRAMS NEW KINGSLEY WESTSIDE COACH
Kingsley Westside have appointed Richard Abrams as their new senior coach, and the former UWA Nedlands coach will have big shoes to fill, replacing Steven Dimitrovich who stood down after eight seasons in control of the Chichester Park club. President Chris Brady said Abrams brings extensive experience, and he looking forward to working with him and his coaching panel. “We are excited to announce the appointment of Richard as our new State League Head Coach, supported by Simon Turner and David Frew as his assistants. The management team is also complimented by the arrivals of Pablo and Georgina Vicencio in back-room staff roles, with club icons John Gaffney and Rhiannon Hopkins rounding out the team in key State League support roles,” Brady said.
“Richard and his team are familiar faces with many around the club and within WA football circles. Simon and Richard most recently worked together for the past two seasons at UWA-Nedlands FC, helping rebuild the club's State League men's profile, with David assisting whilst also overseeing and coaching the UWA Under 18s. Richard brings extensive experience from previous roles including Forrestfield United and Gwelup Croatia, and has also assisted at senior level with Perth Soccer Club. Richard and his team were a standout choice for this role, presenting a compelling vision for the future of KWFC State League football. Their plans align with our club’s traditions and culture, setting the stage for the club to meet our future goals, both on and off the field.”
Abrams said he’s excited to be a part of the club, but he was disappointed how his time at UWA ended. “I’m obviously saddened to be leaving UWA, as is my assistant Simon Turner. We are both very proud of our achievements there, especially this year when our rebuilt side managed league wins against Dianella and MUM along with draws against Sorrento and Mandurah,” he explained. “Competing with the top four was always our goal and its pleasing we were able to challenge and take eight points from the eventual play off qualifiers and the league winner and finish a healthy and respectable sixth.”
The pair know the job they have in front of them, but Abrams said they will be looking to continue the great work done by the former coaches. “We are both highly excited to be part of Kingsley in 2025 and continue the work Steve Dima and Monts did, which was beyond amazing. Our task is to maintain the current culture and playing group, whereas the last two years our task was to rebuild,” he explained. “Kingsley have a good solid base of loyal players and along with David Frew who is working with Simon and I, we all can’t wait to get started.
“All three of us know many of the lads so there won’t be too many surprises. Kingsley is highly respected in WA football circles thanks to the work of the present and past committee and coupled with Steve and Monts coaching over the last eight years they have a lot to like. Our task is to carry on the good work and aim for a top six spot in 2025. We have added to the current backroom staff of John Gafney and Rhiannon Hopkins with Pablo and Georgina Vincencio and we hopefully will welcome a few on field additions to add depth in key areas. We look forward to mapping out 2025 over the coming weeks and prepping for an exciting pre-season.”
25.9.2024
GOLD FIELDS WA MEN’S STATE SIDE TO MEET PERTH GLORY IN CHALLENGE CUP
All roads lead to the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Wednesday evening, when the Gold Fields WA Men’s State side take on Perth Glory in the Gold Field Challenge Cup. (7.00pm) Free Entry. WA Head Coach Andrew Ord has selected a strong squad, including former Glory players Joe Knowles, Mitch Oxborrow, Joel Chianese, Aryn Williams, Rostyn Griffiths, Lewis Italiano and Neil Kilkenny, and if games in the past is anything to go by, it should be another entertaining clash.
NPL Champions Olympic Kingsway have five players in the squad, with ‘Gary Marocchi Medal’ winner from the Top Four Cup final on Saturday, Josh Samson and Tyler Garner, joining Williams, Knowles, and Oxborrow. NPL runners-up Perth RedStar have four players involved, with talented youngster Matty George, Nick Walsh and Declan Hughes, joining Chianese, while Perth SC trio Sam Cook, Daniel Faichney and Zayd Farah are also in the squad, along with Balcatta Etna midfielder Griffiths.
Also named are Armadale’s 2024 NPLM Golden Boot winner Pieter Jacobsz, Floreat Athena’s Sean McManus and Ajang Yuot, plus Western Knights duo Jesse Lazzaro and Kristian Santich, the latter scoring the winning goal the last time the Men's State Team beat Glory in 2021. State League Division One champions Sorrento FC have two players in the squad, with young winger Clay Gibbs joining Kilkenny, while Fremantle City’s Luke Radonich and Bayswater City’s Italiano are the keepers selected.
There were a few surprises, RedStar striker Daryl Nicol, who has won the NPL Golden Boot two out of the last three seasons was not selected, while Fremantle skipper Riley Woodcock has had another outstanding season. Also, there were no Inglewood United or Stirling Macedonia players in the squad. Stirling finished third and reached the Top four Cup Final, with Brent Quick, James Bosdet, Alex Tanevski and Calvin Whitney all having good season, but they were not selected or contacted by the state coach, something that coach Ago Mujic and Football Operations Manager Keegan Ashley were extremely disappointed with.
David Zdrilic side are continuing to prepare for the new A-League season, and will use this game as an important build up for their opener against Macarthur FC on October 20, and following Wednesday’s game, they will continue their pre-season preparations by taking on A-League rivals Newcastle Jets in Bunbury (Sunday 29 September, kick-off at 3pm), and Albany (Wednesday 2 October, kick-off at 4pm) The games between the two sides are always tight encounters, and last year’s fixture ended in a 3-0 victory for Glory, with David Williams bagging a brace, with Antonis Martis adding the other.
Glory have had a number of trialists training with them in recent weeks, and don’t be surprised if a number play against the State side, and Zdrilic has confirmed that he will need to juggle his squad somewhat ahead of a busy weekend during which the club’s Academy First Team and A-League side will face Dianella White Eagles and Newcastle Jets respectively. “We’re managing numbers and all of that,” he told the Glory website, “but we want to take it like the Tri Series game and go into it with the same mentality.
“It was a great hit-out for us and obviously Wednesday night will be another similar step forward in our preparations for the season. It’s not easy for us to get quality opposition to play here in WA in pre-season, so the quality we’re going to face in the State Team is perfect for this stage of our preparation. We want to expose as many players as we can to this kind of high-quality game and it will provide the ideal build-up for us leading into the two games against the Jets.”
Gold Fields WA Men’s State Squad: Aryn Williams, Mitch Oxborrow, Josh Samson, Tyler Garner, Joe Knowles (all Olympic Kingsway), Nick Walsh, Matty George, Joel Chianese, Declan Hughes (all Perth RedStar), Sam Cook, Daniel Faichney, Zayd Farah (all Perth SC), Lewis Italiano (GK), Thiak Kuel (both Bayswater City), Ajang Yuot, Sean McManus (both Floreat Athena), Kristian Santich, Jesse Lazzaro (both Western Knights), Neil Kilkenny, Clay Gibbs (both Sorrento FC), Pieter Jacobsz (Armadale), Rostyn Griffiths (Balcatta Etna), Luke Radonich (GK) (Fremantle City). Head coach: Andrew Ord; Assistant coach: Stephen Walmsley; Goalkeeper coach: Cyril Sharrock; Physio: Adrian Rappatoni.
23.9.2024
FORMER GLORY COACH IS NEW SOCCEROOS COACH
Former Perth Glory coach Tony Popovic has been appointed as new head coach of the Socceroos, after Graham Arnold stepped down from the position last week. Football Australia confirmed the permanent appointment of Popovic, and he will assume responsibility for the men’s national team with immediate effect, with his first assignment being to lead the team through the critical Third Round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers in October.
A highly respected figure in Australian football, Popovic brings an impressive depth of experience in both domestic and international football. His achievements include coaching Western Sydney Wanderers FC to the AFC Champions League title in 2014 and winning two A-League Premierships. He is now tasked with guiding the Socceroos toward qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026, and his appointment extends through the FIFA World Cup 2026, marking a new era for the national team.
The defender played 58 times for the Socceroos, and started his football for Sydney United, before stints overseas at Japanese club Sanfrecce Hiroshima, and in the UK with Crystal Palace. He began his coaching career as an assistant at Sydney FC and Palace, before his first head coaching role at the Wanderers. He headed west for two seasons at the Glory, taking them to 2018–19 A-League premiership, before losing to Sydney FC on penalties in the Grand Final at Optus Stadium. He had two unsuccessful stints at Turkish side Karabukspor and Greek side Xanthi, before returning to Australia with Melbourne Victory.
Popovic is very proud to take control of his country. "I am extremely honoured to be given this opportunity to lead the Socceroos as head coach. It's a role that comes with great responsibility, and I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity,” Popovic said. “This is undoubtedly a very proud moment for myself and my family. To be entrusted with guiding our national team is a privilege that I do not take lightly. I want to express my sincere gratitude to Football Australia for their confidence in my abilities. Their trust motivates me to give my absolute best in this role.
"I fully understand the weight of responsibility and the high expectations that come with this position. The Socceroos have a rich history and a passionate fan base, and I'm committed to living up to those expectations. Looking ahead, I have great faith and confidence in our ability to grow as a team. Together, we will work tirelessly to improve, evolve, and continue Australia's success on the international stage. I believe we have the talent and determination to make our nation proud."
Anter Isaac, Chairman of Football Australia said Popovic is a great fit for the role, and will continue the good work done by Arnold. “Tony Popovic’s appointment represents an exciting new chapter for the Socceroos at a critical stage. As a player, Tony represented our nation proudly and with distinction at every age group,” he said. “As a coach, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to develop winning teams through his attention to detail, meticulous planning, and ability to harmonise a collective focus, like Graham was.
“We know he will be welcomed warmly by all our Socceroos players, staff, and fans as we continue to work towards FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification. We are proud and delighted to have Tony on board and look forward to supporting him as he builds momentum with the team under his stewardship. His leadership, beginning immediately, will be vital as we head into the upcoming qualifiers."
CEO of Football Australia James Johnson echoed those comments. “We are delighted to confirm Tony Popovic as the head coach of the Socceroos. Tony’s proven leadership and strategic football acumen combined with his deep understanding of Australian football, our players, and what it means to be a Socceroo, makes him the ideal choice to lead our national team moving forward. His international experience, particularly across Asia, both as a player and a coach, further strengthens his ability to navigate the global football landscape and drive success for Australia on the world stage,” he explained.
"We have moved swiftly to secure the best possible candidate for this crucial role. Our prompt action reflects our commitment to maintaining the momentum and success of the Socceroos program, especially as we are at the beginning of the critical Third Round of AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26. As we continue the next phase of FIFA World Cup qualification, Tony will play a key role in building on the success of the team and ensuring that we are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. His immediate task will be to lead the squad through the AFC Asian Qualifiers, and we are confident that under his leadership, the team will continue to excel on the international stage."
22.9.2024
BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND TWENTY TWO REVIEW
Peel United will play in the Belt-Up Amateur Premier Division next season after their great escape from relegation. Going into the final game of the season they were in the relegation place on goal difference from South Perth United, but they secured survival with a 1-0 win against Jaguar at Bortolo Park on Sunday, this after South Perth were defeated 2-1 defeat by North Beach at Charles Riley Memorial Reserve on Friday evening, which sees South Perth relegated.
Firstly, on Friday evening, South Perth knew a win would see them survive, but they were behind on the hour mark, with top goalscorer Alex Kretowicz scoring for the hosts, getting in behind the defence from a well-weighted ball over the top and calmly finished past the Jordan Barclay. But the visitors were level two minutes later, they won possession in the midfield and played a quick ball and striker Bassie Kamara got to the ball before keeper Aaron Persse, and slotted into bottom corner.
But North Beach won it six minutes later, and gave their Cup Final preparations a boost. Ben Reynold’s corner was headed home from close-range by Luke Wearing. The visitors ended the game with ten-men, after Shawn Spozio was shown a second yellow card and sent off. “Great result under lights on Friday night and a perfect way to finish a long tough season. We knew South Perth had everything to play for and it showed in the 90 minutes, they didn't look like a team facing relegation, so it made for a tough game,” North Beach coach Nick Di Carlo said. “We don't have time to reflect on the season yet as we still have a fortnight to prepare for the cup final, but will see the game as great preparation.”
Peel knew a draw would be enough after the South Perth defeat, and they found the opener on 38 minutes. A quick break down the left hand saw Mitch Kelman race into the box, before cutting the ball back for Scott Martin who made no mistake. Both sides had limited chances for the rest of the game, and some strong defending kept the scoreline the same, the three points sealing survival for Daryl Willmott’s side. Jags, who will play in the Amateur Cup Final in two weeks, ended the game with ten-men, when Ngunar Ngunar was sent off 15 minutes from time.
“The game felt a little back and forth early, but our back line was incredible and didn't let jags make any chances. We broke the deadlock and for the rest of the game felt similar to the beginning both sides defending well and trying to make something from limited chances but it was our lads who pulled through with the result,” Willmott explained. “Again, my backline and midfield in front of me locking down Jags for very limited shooting chances.
“I felt in all its what we've always had in the locker but injuries, holidays and so forth has made it very hard for us this season. This makes it even more sweet staying up by overcoming the odds in front of us. It wasn't just us on the pitch or the technical area again however as the atmosphere was simply incredible again, and all those who attended deserve their credit as especially in the last two weeks they have been incredible. Congrats to all teams this year in the Prem league, which is such a unique league in local football.”
Meanwhile, Champions Wembley Downs Soccer Club took the three points without kicking a ball, with a 3-0 forfeit win over Joondalup United. Wembley Downs leave the Amateur League with a 19 win, two draw and one loss season. A great effort by coach Rob Jackson and all at the club, and they will now prepare for their first season in the State League next year, without Jackson, who has stepped down. In the other games, Emerald beat Morley Windmills 2-0 at Fraser Park, with goals from Brendan Doherty and Shane Young, to seal runners-up, and a place in the playoffs against Swan United next Sunday to decide who will play in State League Division Two in 2025.
Kelmscott Roos finished fourth, after a 2-0 win against Maccabi at Maccabean Memorial Oval. The goals came late in this one, the Roos found the opener 12 minutes from time, when a ball over the top sent Amos Doegolia racing in on goal and held off his marker, and finished clinically past keeper Steven Kaye. They doubled their lead two minutes later, after some good build up play through the midfield, the ball found its way to Kingsley Nteng, who unleashed a shot from the edge of the box, which took a deflection and bounced in off the upright. “It was a nice to finish the season with a win. We have a lot of reflecting to do over what was a disappointing season overall because we didn’t achieve our goal we set out at the start,” Kelmscott keeper Taylor Warwick explained. “We now look onwards to next season and making sure we improve on this year. We will enjoy the break and get ready for preseason soon.”
Kingsley Westside Amateurs finished their season on a high after a 4-2 win over North Perth United at Chichester Park to end up in the top half of the table. It was the visitors who opened the scoring on nine minutes, with Eamonn Kelly scoring his fifth goal of the season. Then in the shadows of half time the hosts levelled, a looping cross fumbled by the keeper and Louis Cheetham tapped into an open net at the second attempt. Kingsley were ahead early in the second half, Bailee Yeomans squaring to Ollie Valentine to tap into an open net.
They added a third on 52 minutes, with Luke Coleman’s deflected shot from the edge of the box, and 13 minutes from time they made it 4-1, Valentine bundling the ball home after the keeper fumbling the ball, before Yanich Jordan scored a late consolation goal for North Perth “To be fair, we were lucky to go in 1-1 at half time, but the lads picked it up and responded very well in the second half,” Kingsley coach Sam Ellis said. “Finishing sixth is a good return on a first year back in the Prem, and the boys deserve a lot of credit for holding their own in this league.”
22.9.2024
FAISAL STUNNER HELPS GLORY BEAT MANDURAH
A stunning strike from A-League winger Abdelelah Faisal has helped Perth Glory fight back from a 1-3 first leg deficit at Mandurah City last week, to seal a spot in the Inter Divisional Play-Offs Final, after a 5-0 win in the second leg at Sam Kerr Football Centre on Sunday afternoon, going through 6-3 on aggregate, and now meeting Dianella White Eagles in the final next weekend to keep their place in the NPL. “A fantastic all round team performance from us, and we knew we had to be better than last week and our boys delivered,” Glory coach Ivan Zuvela explained. “Now we have to refocus and prepare for what is going to be another big week for us.”
The hosts hit the front on 12 minutes, great work down the right by Khoa Ngo, saw him skip past two Mandurah defenders before finding Jaylan Pearman, whose shot was deflected in by Brian Patterson. They doubled their lead, and brought the tie level eight minutes before the break, Faisal cutting in from the left and unleashing a stunning strike, that gave Alfie Brincat no chance in the Mandurah goal. They were ahead in the tie just before half time, Faisal and Daniel Jankuloski combined to send substitute Joel Anasmo in on goal, and he finished with aplomb.
They added a fourth 11 minutes from time, Mandurah turned the ball over in the middle of the park and William Freney sent Pearman clear and he outpaced his marker and fired low past Brincat. The icing was added to the cake moments later, Faisal raced clear down the right, his low cross was pushed clear by Brincat, but Freney was hand to fire home, to seal a remarkable comeback win, and a chance to keep their NPL status, while Mandurah’s season is over, suffering a second consecutive season loss in the playoff semi-finals.
Perth Glory: GK Cameron COOK, 2 Adam BUGARIJA, 3 Daniel JANKULOSKI, 4 Andriano LEBIB, 5 Laat MATHIANG, 6 William FRENEY, 7 Abdelelah FAISAL (18 Giovanni DE ABREU 83’), 8 Jaylan PEARMAN (9 Santiago FLORES 83’), 11 Khoa NGO (16 Joel ANASMO 20’) (19 Tinomuonga MUTEMA 77’), 12 Tadiwanashe KUZAMBA (14 Kaelan MAJEKS 46’), 17 Christian PULLELLA – Subs not used: RGK Robert COOK, 10 Seb DESPOTOVSKI
Mandurah City: GK Alfie BRINCAT, 2 Charles PARRY (15 Jack TERREL 85’), 4 Harry COLLINS, 6 Brian PATTERSON, 7 Ben GALLAGHER (12 James PAYLOR 72’), 10 Craig BARKER, 13 Dylan COLL (42 Jordan CALLAGHAN 46’), 16 Robbie GALVIN, 19 Shaun MUKWEVHO (48 James WATERMAN 85’), 46 Liam BONNER (62 Jack COSLETT-GREENE 85’), 64 Graham TOUGH – Subs not used: RGK Jerry AKPO, 9 Leigh GRIFFITHS
21.9.2024
KNOWLES AT THE DOUBLE FOR THE GREEN MACHINE
Joe Knowles sealed the NPL Top Four Cup Final for Olympic Kingsway, scoring from the spot in the final minute of extra time to give them another dramatic come-from-behind 3-2 win against regaining holders Stirling Macedonia on Saturday evening at the Sam Kerr Football Centre. Alex Tanevski had given Stirling the lead early in the second half, but a stoppage time equaliser from Knowles sent the final to extra time. Substitute Ciaran Byrne restored Stirling’s lead in the first period, before Man of the Match Joshua Samson levelled, and Knowles converted from the spot to end a successful season for the Green Machine on a high. “What a game just when you think it’s done, we don’t give up, it’s the performance that a championship side shows,” Knowles said post-match. “We didn’t play as well as we usually do but that’s what Finals are about. Credit to Stirling they made it really tough, but this team doesn’t know when to give up. I’m just so happy for everyone involved what a season for everyone involved with Kingsway. The Treble say less.”
Head David Tough was full of praise for his players, especially Samson, after taking out the ‘Gary Marocchi Medal’. “What a fantastic advert for WA football, with great support from the fans for two top-quality clubs. Our Top Four performances reflect everything our club stands for. When it looks like we're beaten, no one gives up, and we fight to the final minute. I’m so proud of the board, volunteers, and sponsors, who never lost faith in the club,” Tough explained post-match. “Josh (Samson) has been with us on this incredible journey from the start, transforming from a team on the brink of relegation to treble winners. He has shown incredible loyalty to both me and the club and has developed into one of the best midfielders in the state. He had another outstanding game, as usual. He may fly under the radar at times because of his consistency, but we know how crucial he is to our success.”
It was a lively start for Olympic and they had the first opportunity on seven minutes, Samson and Knowles combined to send Tyler Garner in on goal, but James Bosdet stood tall to deny him. From the resulting corner Stirling failed to clear their lines, and Ryan Lowry fired over the top, and then on 16 minutes Aryn Williams’ volley flashed over the top. Stirling settled, and ended the half the better, Sam Wynne’s long-range shot whistled just wide. Then seven minutes before the break, Tanevski’s shot from the edge of the box was well saved by Adrian Sinagra at full stretch. Moments later Kade Fearnall’s corner picked out Tanevski at the back post, and his effort was slapped away by Sinagra, and at the break it was scoreless.
Joshua Bilaloski long-range shot was saved low by Sinagra, as Stirling opened up the second half as they finished the first. Then after good work down the right by Asher Nelson his low cross was superbly cleared by Lowry, with Bilaloski ready to pounce. Stirling had the ball in the net on 56 minutes, but referee Shane Skinner spotted a foul in the lead up by Bilaloski. Knowles was a constant threat, and his shot on the run whistled wide, as chances came and went. But with fifteen minutes to go Stirling hit the front, after Bilaloski was dragged back by Lebib Lebib, and the referee pointed straight to the spot. Tanevski stepped up and sent Sinagra the wrong way from the resulting penalty.
It looked like that would be the winner, but Olympic have showed already this season they can score late goals, and they did it again in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Calum O’Connell’s throw was flicked on by Daniel Walsh, and Knowles’ shot flew past Bosdet, to send the game to extra time. Knowles went close early in extra time, his shot from the angle was saved by Bosdet, and moments later Mitch Oxborrow’s shot flashed inches past the far post. Bosdet then saved Lowry’s header as the champions looked for the winner, before O’Connell’s shot crashed off the bar and away to safety. But against the run of play in the final minute of the first period of extra time, it was Stirling who regained the lead. Fernall sent Kai Matthews down the left and his low cross was turned home by former Olympic striker Byrne.
Olympic were again on the front foot after the break, and restored parity five minutes in. Oxborrow’s diagonal pass found Luke Hewings on the left, who did really well to get to the ball and cross, Williams headed the ball down and Samson was on hand to fire low past Bosdet. Then in the final minute David Tough’s side won it, when a under hit back pass from Ryan Malton was pounced on by Williams, who was brought down by Bosdet, and Knowles kept his nerve to finish low past the Stirling keeper. Stirling pressed late for the equaliser, the best chance fell to Tanevski whose shot was saved low by Sinagra, and at the final whistle it was Olympic players and supporters celebrating their historic treble, and Joshua Samson was awarded the ‘Gary Marocchi Medal’ as player of the match.
“It was an incredible game to be a part of, and to come back from a goal deficit twice in the one match shows the character this team has. We have shown this in every game we have played and the whole squad has played a significant role in achieving the treble,” Samson explained post-match. “We had to suffer for spells in the game and full credit to Stirling who played some great stuff yesterday. We had to battle extremely hard for the result but we always felt we could do it. It was great to give the club another trophy and end the season on a high. On a personal note, it was great to grab a goal and I am honoured to have received the Gary Marocchi medal last night. We had so many great performers in the match who were key to our success. But it was a collective effort that pushed us over the line and I couldn’t be anymore prouder of the team.”
Olympic Kingsway: GK Adrian SINAGRA, 4 Ollie ANNIS (2 Jon LEITHEAD 80’), 5 Calum O’CONNELL, 6 Aryn WILLIAMS, 7 Tyler GARNER (3 Daniel WALSH 80’), 8 Mitch OXBORROW, 9 Joe KNOWLES, 13 Ryan LOWRY, 17 Joshua SAMSON, 18 Joe HOBSON (20 Luke HEWINGS 73’), 19 Lebib LEBIB - Subs not used: RGK Seb MEDICA, 11 Thomas SALLIS, 12 Jacob EVANS, 14 Ronan DOWLING
Stirling Macedonia: GK James BOSDET, 2 Brent QUICK, 5 Kai MATTHEWS, 6 Dejan SPASESKI (3 Ryan MALTON 91’), 7 Asher NELSON (19 Ciaran BYRNE 70’), 9 Kade FEARNALL, 10 Sam WYNNE, 14 Joshua BILALOSKI (12 Louis HADFIELD 90’), 15 Shade STEWART, 17 Alex TANEVSKI, 18 Danny DOUGLAS (8 Gyles DAVIES 84’) – Subs not used: RGK Liam PRICE, 11 Thoams SNOWDEN, 16 Joshua BOSEVSKI – Referee: Shane SKINNER, AR1 Arvin SHANMUGANATHAN, AR2 Finn JOHNSON, Fourth Official: Michal JASINSKI
21.9.2024
WOOD GIVES REDSTAR TOP FOUR CUP
A great individual goal from Perth RedStar striker Olivia Wood has seen Perth RedStar win the NPL – Women’s Top Four Cup Final, against Perth SC at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Saturday afternoon. The teams had meet three times recently, with the Azzurri wining two, including the State League Cup at the venue a few weeks ago, but Wood’s strike and a solid defensive performance saw them lift the trophy, with defender Mischa Anderson being named Player of the Match.
It was a tight opening, with both keepers not tested, but that changed on 18 minutes, with Jayna Ridley sending Wood in on goal, but the alert Stacey Cavill was out to save, before Caitlin Doeglas fired over from distance. Perth suffered a blow on 23 minutes, with Daisy McAllister limping off, to be replaced by Sam Mathers. Then four minutes later RedStar found the opener. Reina Kagami and Doeglas combined on the left to find Wood, whose quick feet took her clear of her markers, and she fired home superbly into the top corner of the net from the edge of the box. Perth struggled to breakdown a tight RedStar defence, and at the break they had it all to do.
Wood fired over the top early in the second half, as RedStar looked to put the game to bed, but Perth started to come to life in the final third. Ella Lincoln raced down the right and cut inside the area, but Mischa Anderson made a smart tackle to deny the leagues top goalscorer. The game was now opening up, and moments later Kagami dinked the ball over the top and Wood raced in on goal, but Cavill narrowed the angle well and the striker fired inches wide of the far post. The Azzurri were still in the game and after good work from half time substitute Grace Johnston on the right, she found Lincoln, but some great defending from Emily Dunn denied the striker. RedStar went within inches of a second on 73 minutes, Momoko Sakairi found Ridley, and her shot from distance beat Cavill, but the crossbar came to the rescue of the Perth custodian.
Time was running out for Perth, and they pushed players up looking for the equaliser, and Cassidy’s free kick was straight at Gabby Dal Busco, while Lincoln’s shot on the turn was straight at the RedStar custodian. They had one final chance in stoppage time, Cassidy finding Matilda Boehm on the left, her cross found Lincoln who got in front of her marker, but Dal Busco was out bravely to save at the feet of the striker and Andreia Teixeira cleared the rebound. RedStar held firm to take out the game 1-0, and go hat-trick of victories in the Top Four Cup.
Earlier in the day, Hyundai NTC came from behind to beat Perth RedStar 3-1 in the NPLWA - Women's U21 Top Four Cup final. Lillia Pollard gave RedStar the lead early in the second half, only for Cate Mcauliffe to level from the penalty spot ten minutes later. Then, with the game heading to penalties NTC struck twice in two minutes to seal it. First Lacey Heys headed home, then Shenae Rebelo followed in to score after Heys' free-kick had been pushed on to the bar.
Perth RedStar: GK Gabby DAL BUSCO, 2 Sarah CARROLL, 3 Andreia TEIXEIRA, 8 Reina KAGAMI, 9 Jayna RIDLEY (16 Katie RITCHIE 83’), 10 Olivia WOOD, 11 Emily DUNN, 13 Mischa ANDERSON, 18 Quyen DOAN, 19 Caitlin DOEGLAS, 20 Momoko SAKAIRI – Subs not used: RGK Jayde ODONOHOE 5 Abbey WOOLLEY, 12 Kaitlyn BELLANCA, 14 Renee LEOTA, 15 Lauren CONTINIBALI, 17 Manami ARAI
Perth SC: GK Stacey CAVILL, 3 Tijan MCKENNA, 4 Baxter THEW, 5 Epril NOSSENT (16 Grace JOHNSTON 46’) (2 Nadia HARVEY 83’), 6 Daisy MCCALLISTER (13 Sam MATHERS 23’), 7 Ruby MARSHALL, 9 Ella LINCOLN, 10 Charli WAINWRIGHT, 11 Matilda BOEHM, 12 Georgia CASSIDY, 17 Kimberley MCCARTNEY – Subs not used: RGK Amber ATKINSON, 14 Jade DI MATTINA, 15 Alanna OTTOBRINO, 18 Tamsyn HANNAN – Referee: Alex NOVATSIS, AR1 Maria AVRAMITA, AR2 Meagan SCOTT, Fourth Official Jasmine BREMNER
21.9.2024
GLORY TAKE OUT BOTH 18’S AND 20’S TOP FOUR CUP
Perth Glory have won the 2024 NPL Under 18’s Top Four Cup Final, after a dramatic 6-5 penalty shootout win against Perth RedStar at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Saturday morning. Ollie Evans shot deflected shot from the edge of the box gave Glory the lead early, and quick feet from Tyler Nyabinde, saw him doubled their lead on 18 minutes. But RedStar hit back with Seth McGillivray reducing the margin seven minutes later, getting on the end of a Jack Bennie cross from the left. They were level just after half time, Bennie and Finn Wensley combining, the latter racing through and finishing clinically past Tomi Petkovic.
RedStar hit the front eight minutes later, with Rohan Patel scoring via the post, and it looked like that would seal the tie for the northern suburbs club, but substitute Tadiswa Mutyavaviri restored parity in stoppage time, bundling the ball home after good work down the right by Achnaff Sayon, to take it to penalties. The first five penalties were all scored, but Glory keeper Petkovic saved Kai Rouse’s sixth penalty, and Sayon converted his to seal the game for Glory.
Perth Glory also took out the NPL Under 20’s Top Four Cup Final, after thrilling 4-3 win against Perth SC at the same venue. Like the 18’s Glory found themselves two goals ahead, with Louis Sollitt turning home Max Argent’s cross on ten minutes, and Argent was involved again just after the half hour, crossing to Will Ferson who made no mistake at the back post. The Azzurri hit back after the break, Jack Spriggs finishing well from just inside the box, to reduce the margin five minutes in. Glory restored their two goal margin moments later, when the lively Sollitt broke down the right and squared for Alfie Knight to score.
It was end-to-end and straight from the restart Perth scored again, Sprigg pouncing on a defensive error and firing home, and it was game on. It looked like Knight had sealed the time eight minutes from time, getting on the end of Chulu Johnson’s cross and scoring at the second attempt. But Perth had other ideas and Clarence Musa bundling home from a Sprigg corner, to set up a tense last few minutes, but Glory held firm to win.
21.9.2024
JOONDALUP SEAL PROMOTION WITH WIN AT EAST PERTH
In his first season as head coach at Joondalup City, Guy McDonald has led the club to promotion to Division One for the first time since 2018, after a 2-1 win against East Perth in the second leg of the Inter Divisional Play-Off tie at Hudson Park on Saturday afternoon, to win the tie 5-2 on aggregate. Sam Rawling had given Joondalup the lead early, only for East Perth striker Ryan McCready to level, but Jayden Rowles put the visitors back in front before the break, and then they held firm to seal the win.
“The boys were excellent today, and over the last two weeks we have been the best prepared we have been all year. We tweaked a few things tactically and put the boys through a couple scenarios in regards to if they do this, we do this and the lads performed it to perfection,” Joondalup coach Guy McDonald said. “We knew East Perth were going to come at us, they are a great side with some strong individuals.
“I have a massive respect for Colm and his players, we have challenged and battled each other four times this year and it’s only made us both stronger. It’s crazy what we have achieved as a club in ten months. I’m so happy for everyone at the club, especially the ones that have been there through the hard times. We will celebrate today, regroup during the week and go and enjoy the final next Sunday.”
East Perth had it all to do after the first leg, and they were further behind on ten minutes. A short back pass from Niall Murray was pounced on by Rawlings, who beat keeper Sean Hyland to the ball and fired home, much to the delight of the travelling supporters. But the hosts were level on the day 13 minutes later, Ryan Murray’s free kick from the edge of the box, was turned home by the league’s top goalscorer McCready.
Joondalup regained the lead ten minutes before the break. Cameron Stratton’s free kick found Mason Gallagher down the left, he raced into the box and crossed to Jayden Rowles at the front post, who headed home to seal the tie. “Delighted for the club to get promotion, and the squad couldn't be happier,” midfielder Rowles said. “Everyone on the team was told to go win their individual battles and told the way we were going to play today and everyone from the bench coming on to the starting 11 put in an excellent shift.”
East Perth: GK Sean HYLAND, 2 Kealan MCDERMOTT (17 Jamie O’CONNOR 57’), 3 Ryan DOHERTY, 4 Chris SMITH, 5 Aaron DOYLE (14 Cian TUITE 73’), 6 Nathan FERGUSON, 8 Gavin DILLON (15 Stewart MILLS 87’), 9 Ryan MCCREADY, 10 Ryan MCCORMACK (16 Tomas HEHIR 57’), 11 Ryan MURRAY, 12 Niall MURRAY – Subs not used: RGK Mitchell PAPAS, 18 Ian COLLINS, 99 Azarl TANVEER
Joondalup City: GK Joe SMITH, 3 Harry EDWARDS, 4 Cameron STRATTON, 5 Callum STOCKS (13 Lucas REID 60’), 6 Liam PEACOCK, 7 Mason GALLAGHER, 9 Jayden ROWLES (15 Luke WILSON 90’), 11 Sam RAWLINGS (10 Noel DISHA 90’), 12 Eddie WILCOCK (2 Joel LEDSHAM 67’), 14 Theo GILSENAN, 35 Thomas HUNT – Subs not used: 8 Joshua PASCO, 21 Klarens DISHA, 50 Chris GORRY
21.9.2024
CURTIN CLOSE IN ON PROMOTION
Curtin University will play in Division One next season, after Troy Reid’s side beat Cockburn City 4-2 on aggregate in their Inter Divisional Play-Offs second leg at Edinburgh Reserve on Saturday afternoon. The hosts led 2-0 from the first leg, but they halved the deficit from the first leg early with Andrew Rankin on target, and they held that lead until just after the hour, when Kiran Witt levelled for the hosts. Cockburn were reduced to ten men nineteen minutes from time with Callan Baker shown a second yellow card, and Rowan Steed then gave Curtin the lead moments later.
Jacob Twigg did pull one back late for the visitors, but it was too little too late, Curtin moving in to Division One for the first time in their history, this after Joondalup United decision to pull out of the league, meaning both of next week’s play off final sides are promoted. “It was a tough game, and we had to hang in there a lot, particularly in the first half,” a delighted Curtin coach Troy Reid explained. “But credit to the boys they took their chances in the second half and got the job done. I couldn’t be prouder of this group for reaching another playoff final.”
Cockburn made the best possible start to this one, and were ahead on seven minutes. Alessandro De Basto’s long throw was flicked on, and Rankin raced into goal and fired past Damiel Marques. The game was in the balance with chances at both ends, but Curtin levelled on 66 minutes. A searching ball from Nathan Smith sent Jai Coker racing down the left, his cross picked out Witt, who headed home. Cockburn’s chances of a comeback were dented five minutes later when Baker was sent off for a second yellow card
To make matters worse Curtin hit the front moments later. Witt’s in swinging corner beat everyone and was going in, but Steed made sure firing home from close-range. Cockburn scored a consolation goal three minutes from time, Oliver Palmer laying the ball back to Twig, whose stunning long-range shot flew into the top corner, but it was too little too late, with Cockburn relegated to Division Two, and they have now suffered a double relegation, which last occurred in 1973 when Swan Valley went down in consecutive seasons.
Curtin University: Daniel MARQUES, 2 Jeffrey LEDWITH, 5 Mighael MULLER, 6 Nathan SMITH, 7 Rowan STEED, 10 Kieran WITT, 11 Jordan VALENTINI (17 Jacob DA SILVA 30’), 13 Aaron HINSHELWOOD, 14 Ben KNIGHT (18 Nayan BROWN 85’), 15 Jai COKER (4 Janno SAKS 80’), 16 Dane MEERALLY – Subs not used: 3 Daniel DAVEY, 8 Jaxon ILLMAN, 12 Scott GEARE, 50 Robert NICOLOSI
Cockburn City: GK Michael CRAGGS, 4 Callan BAKER, 6 Jacob TWIGG, 8 Oscar HOLDEN (18 Ryan PRATT 53’), 10 David ARAYA (7 Oliver PALMER 69’), 11 Harry O’BRIEN (15 Rory MCGRATH 69’), 16 Andrew RANKIN, 17 Angel ANDRES (14 Ivan SKORICH 78’), 21 Alessandro DE BASTO, 22 Sam GEEVES, 24 Blake PESICH – RGK Ben RADONICH, 5 Chris THACKRAY, 13 Isaac MCVITTIE – Red Card: BAKER 71’
20.9.2024
EAGLES FLY INTO PLAYOFF FINAL
Dianella White Eagles are one win away from a spot in the NPL for the first time, after they beat Murdoch University Melville 3-1 in the second leg of their inter-divisional play-off semi-final at Dianella Reserve on Friday evening, completing a 5-1 win on aggregate. They went into the game with a 2-0 lead from the first leg, and Paul Zimarino extended their lead early, before Roberto Soares scored a great individual goal just after the break. Ishmael Dawson pulled one back for Marc Anthony’s side, but substitute Marcus Seydel added a third late for the hosts, to send them into the final next Sunday at the Sam Kerr Football Stadium.
“A great win for us last night and a great night for Dianella White Eagles in front of a big crowd,” defender Ryan Hogan said post-match. “A 2-0 lead is known to be a very dangerous lead in football, but the gaffer made sure we were fully aware it was only half time heading into last night’s second leg. I thought our performances over the two legs were very promising and the lads put in two great shifts. It’s great when you see a young player (Marcus) coming off the bench and scoring two very important goals in both legs.
“It shows the important of the squad at this time of the year. We now look forward to next week’s final which will be a massive occasion for the club as we look to gain promotion to the NPL.” MUMFC needed an early goal to get back in the contest, but it was Dianella who found it on eight minutes with a great team goal. A surging run by Eoin Massey saw him find Zimarino, who picked out Andy Keogh on the edge of the box, he played in the overlapping Massey, who squared the ball to Zimarino, and with the visitors looking for an offside flag, that never came, and the striker made no mistake, much to the delight of the big crowd.
They doubled their advantage three minutes into the second half, Zimarino found Soares on the half way line, and the midfielder went a on a slalom run, which took him past a number of MUMFC defenders, before firing low past Paul Leask. The visitors found a lifeline on the hour, a racking ball from Joshua Macri sent Edward Wynne-Willson down the left, and his low cross was turned home by Dawson at the back post. But the hosts weren’t to be denied and wrapped the tie up nine minutes from time, Keogh’s corner picked out Seydel, whose looping header found the net, and the home faithful can now look forward to the final next week.
Dianella White Eagles: GK Peter PIKADARIS, 7 Roberto SOARES (30 Marcus SEYDEL 66’), 8 Kian MCGUIGAN, 9 Andy KEOGH, 14 Ryan HOGAN, 15 Eoin MASSEY, 18 Daniel O’DONOVAN, 10 Angel ANDRES JNR, 20 Paul ZIMARINO (17 Isaac TOAH NTOW 52’), 45 Mitchell BYRNE (16 Joshua KUSER 60’), 61 Joseph HEATH – Subs not used: RGK Robert SINCLAIR, 6 Alen PATAROV, 11 Tomas DESPOTOVSKI, 12 Luka MRDJA
Murdoch University Melville: GK Paul LEASK, 3 Ryan BRACKPOOL (15 Kai JONES 14’), 5 Adam FIELDS, 6 Godfrey ASIMWE, 8 Pat SARA, 9 Iljas AHMEDOV (11 Declan TANNA 64’), 10 Edward WYNNE-WILLSON, 16 Joshua MACRI, 17 Brodie LANGAN, 19 Daniel TAIT, 20 Ishmael DAWSON – Subs not used: RGK Felix COLLETT, 2 Harry CLISBY, 7 Adrian CIAMPINI, 12 Jack STEELE, 14 Paul MCCORMACK,
20.9.2024
BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND TWENTY TWO PREVIEW
Emerald are the runners-up in the Belt Up Amateur Premier Division, after they beat Kingsley Westside 1-0 in Thursday’s week 17 catch up game at Chichester Park, and will now take their place in the playoff against Wanneroo City next week for a spot in the State League. The only goal of the game came just after the hour, Shane Young shot was blocked, and he latched onto the rebound, and delivered a great cross for the unmarked Shane Hickey to score past Ben Seivwright with a diving header. “Kingsley really brought the game to us, and although we created some early chances, we really rode our luck at times,” Emerald coach Paul Curran said. “There were a few nerves with what was at stake, so just happy to get out of there with the win. They’re a far better team than what their league position shows, so fair play to them on a good season.”
Emerald will play their final game of the season, when they host third placed Morley Windmills at Fraser Park on Sunday. (All games kick off at 3.00pm, unless stated) Curran said it will be a good game to keep their momentum going into the playoff game. “Yes, the final game against Morley seems like a bit of a dead rubber after the Kingsley result, but we know for a fact that they’ll be coming down and want to finish their campaign off with a win,” he said. “We’ve been on a good run ourselves and we want to keep the momentum going for the playoff next week with Wanneroo, so it should be an entertaining game.
Morley will finish third, in their first season in the Amateur League since 2000, and after a slow start to the season, they are one of the form team of the league, but just missed out on the playoff spot, and coach John O’Reilly said they will be doing all they can to continue their winning streak to end their campaign. “We look forward to the game on Sunday, and our challenge is to go 11 wins in a row,” he explained. “Emerald will be a tough game and they will want to keep momentum going into the play offs, but we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
At the other end of the table the relegation spot is between South Perth United and Peel United, who are level on points, going into the final day, and they both play the two sides who will play in next months Amateur Cup Final. First on Friday evening, North Beach welcome South Perth to Charles Riley Memorial Reserve. (8.00pm) The visitors need three points to put the pressure on Peel, who don’t play until Sunday, and defender Chris Nolan said they are looking to bounce back from the disappointing result last week, and three points are a must. “We are very excited to have the chance to bounce back after a pretty sickening loss last weekend,” Nolan said. “North Beach have historically presented as a really difficult game for us, so to have the game on Friday night under lights is a great opportunity to put last week behind us. We are under no illusions that North Beach are a very difficult challenge, but also understand the circumstances surrounding the game.”
North Beach coach Nick Di Carlo said he knows the importance of the game for South Perth, so he is expecting them to come out all blazing tonight. “It’s going to be a massive game given the importance for South Perth and the potential ramifications with the Peel result. For us it sets up the perfect preparation for the cup final as we expect a high intensity game and a real challenge,” Di Carlo explained. “We want to perform well and keep our scoring form up over the last few weeks. Alex (Kretowicz) is in poll position to secure his golden boot which is a remarkable achievement having only got off the mark in round nine, so overall we'll treat this fixture like we would any other week with a desire to play well and grab three points.”
Peel United will know what result they will need on Sunday, when they host Jaguar at Bortolo Park. “For us against Jags we are extremely determined and driven, we know that it will still be tough depending on the outcome of the South Perth v North Beach game, but we are determined to carry the same fight we've had the last few weeks into this one,” Peel Coach Daryl Willmott explained. “Our future is potentially in our own hands after last week, so we need to take it and step up to the challenge. It should be a brilliant Sunday with a great atmosphere and we again are calling on our fans and players from teams to help us get over the line for whatever result we need.”
Jags coach Josam Muwowo said the game will be perfect preparation for the cup final. “Obviously, our title race for this season is gone, congratulations to Wembley Downs SC they have been outstanding this year and they deserved it, and we at Jags FC wishes them all the best in their future endeavours,” he said. “On Sunday, we are heading to Peel to try our best to collect maximum three points so that we can finish the season with the high momentum that we anticipate will lead us to the cup final in few weeks. We know Peel are very difficult to play at their backyard, but we will go there with the positive mindset and focus on our game plan. Our hope from the technical bench is to see how our approach will turn out on the day.”
In other games on Sunday, seventh place is up for grabs when Kingsley Westside welcome North Perth United to Chichester Park, while Kelmscott Roos make the trip to the Maccabean Memorial Oval to take on Maccabi. Wembley Downs season is complete, the champions given a 3-0 win after Joondalup United forfeited their game a Forrest Park, to end a very sad week for United, with Wembley taking their spot in the State League next season. We would like to thank Wembley coach Rob Jackson, for his time this season, as he steps away from coaching.
Meanwhile in Division One Hamersley Rovers and Olympic Kingsway are promoted to the Premier Division next season, after both sides won their penultimate game of the season. Rovers sit two points ahead of Olympic, after Jordan Cook’s goal gave them a 1-0 win against Ellenbrook United at Carine Open Space, and a win in the final game at home to Port Kennedy on Sunday will give them the title. Olympic sealed their promotion with a 2-0 win against Kwinana United at Kelly Park. Niall McGurk gave them the lead early in the second half, before Nathan McManus sealed the points. They need a win on the road against Cracovia on Sunday, and they must hope Rovers slip up, to win the title.
20.9.2024
ARNOLD STEPS DOWN AS SOCCEROOS COACH
The Socceroos are on the search for a new head coach, after Graham Arnold surprisingly stepped down just three weeks out from Australia's crucial World Cup qualifiers against China and Japan in October. It’s been a disastrous start to the third round of their qualifying campaign for Australia, where they picked up just one point from a possible six in the opening two games, and the whispers were getting louder after the shock 1-0 loss to Bahrain, while the 0-0 draw against 129th-ranked Indonesia led to widespread criticism, with Arnold saying he needed to go away and "think about things".
Football Australia CEO James Johnson publicly backing Arnold, but the 61-year-old handed in his resignation last week, saying it was in the best interests of the team and the nation to step aside. "Leading the Socceroos has been the pinnacle of my career and a true honour," he said. "I'm incredibly proud of our achievements, from breaking records to nurturing new talent and making history on the global stage. After careful consideration, I believe it's time for fresh leadership to guide the team forward. I said after our game against Indonesia that I had some decisions to make, and after deep reflection, my gut has told me it's time for change, both for myself and the program.
"I've made the decision to resign based upon what's best for the nation, the players and Football Australia. I've given absolutely everything I can to the role, and I am immensely proud of what has been achieved during my tenure. I would like to sincerely thank everyone, particularly the Australian football family, who has been part of this journey over the past six years, and wish this incredible team and support staff nothing but success for this FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign."
Having led the Socceroos since 2018, Arnold oversaw the team's best-ever finish at a men's World Cup, edging past Denmark and Tunisia in the group stage before narrowly falling to eventual winners Argentina in the round of 16. He went precariously close to getting the sack in 2022 after the Socceroos torpedoed their hopes of direct World Cup qualification, having to rely on Andrew Redmayne's penalty shootout heroics against Peru to get to Qatar. Following the Socceroos' performance in Qatar, Arnold was rewarded with a new four-year deal by Football Australia.
Arnold reportedly turned down approaches to coach at club level in order to guide Australia to the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the USA, Canada and Mexico, so he leaves as the longest-serving Socceroos coach in history, having overseen both the senior men's and under-23 programs, and ushering through a new generation of players who will carry the team forward. FA CEO James Johnson thanked Arnold for his contributions to the Australian game, and confirmed the search for his replacement was already underway.
"Graham Arnold's departure marks the end of an era for Australian football," Johnson said. "His contributions to the sport and the Socceroos are there for all to see. Under Graham's leadership, we achieved remarkable milestones that elevated Australian football on the global stage. Graham's passion and dedication have left an indelible mark on the team and Australian football. While we respect his decision and are saddened to see Graham leave the national team set-up, this scenario is not uncommon in international football.
"We will act swiftly in appointing a new head coach to ensure continuity and stability, particularly as we approach the crucial second window of the AFC Asian qualifiers next month. Our focus now shifts to finding the right candidate who can build upon the foundations which Graham leaves behind and guide the team forward with confidence. Time is of the essence, and we are fully committed to making the transition as smooth as possible to keep the Socceroos on track for continued success."
20.9.2024
NPL-WA TOP FOUR GRAND FINAL - PEVIEW
The NPL-Men’s Top Four Cup Final sees champions Olympic Kingsway take on reigning holders Stirling Macedonia at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Saturday evening. (6.45pm) Olympic moved into the final after a late Joe Knowles goal, sent their game against Perth RedStar to penalties, which they prevailed 6-5, while Stirling beat Fremantle 3-1, in the semi-final last week, before beating Redstar 3-0 in the preliminary final on Tuesday evening. It sets up a cracking game, with both sides in good form, lates hope there is a big crowd to watch the final game of the season.
Olympic have had the wood on Stirling this season, winning both league games 3-0. The first game was in week one at Macedonia Park, and Joshua Samson gave the visitors the lead early, before Aryn Williams doubled their lead 14 minutes from time. Joe Knowles sealed the points late, when he converted from the spot. In the return game at Kingsway Reserve, Sasa Njegic opened the scoring for the hosts just before half time, before Joe Hobson added a second on the hour, and Luke Hewings made it 3-0 three minutes from time.
Olympic will be looking to seal their third trophy of the season, after taking out the league and cup double, and they are also looking for their first Top Four/Five Cup Final win since 1980. The Green Machine had to work hard for their win against RedStar, and Tyler Garner said they will need that again on Saturday. “RedStar has challenged us all season, they have a lot of quality and experience in their squad. We missed a lot of chances throughout the game but credit to the boys who stepped up for the penalties and showed their character,” he explained. “We’re looking forward to the final, being a Derby, it’s going to be a massive game for the club. For us to win the treble would be the perfect way to cap off a very successful season.”
Defender Ollie Annis thought it was going to be one of those days against RedStar, but he said it showed the character they have in their squad, and having watched Stirling on Tuesday, he knows it will be another tough test. “We created so many chances on Saturday but couldn’t put one away, with Rocket (Liam Reddy) making some incredible saves, but again kept going and one finally went it to take it to penalties, where Snaggers (Adrian Sinagra) and the boys stepped up when it was needed and got us through to the final,” he explained. “Stirling looked sharp on Tuesday and scored some great goals. They have some good players who can create things from nothing, and with them defending their top four, they will be up for it, so it should be a cracker of a game.”
Stirling won last season final beating RedStar 2-0. A penalty early in the second half from Calvin Whitney set them on their way, before Alex Tanevski added a second 12 minutes later. Whitney was sent off moments later, after receiving a second yellow card, while RedStar also finished the game with ten men after Sonny O’Shea was also given his marching orders, but at the final whistle Stirling were celebrating their first win in the top flight of WA football since 2010. Skipper Dejan Spaseski, who missed last season’s final due to suspension, said another challenging game is in front of them on Saturday, but they are ready for it. “The boys backed up our Saturday showing with a complete 90-minute performance against RedStar,” he said. “We’ve worked hard over the last ten months for this, and can’t wait for the big dance on Saturday.”
Defender Brent Quick was in the line-up in last season’s final, and he knows Saturday’s game will be another huge challenge against the side who has taken all before them this season, but they are determined to hold on to their title. “We were so happy with the result on Tuesday, and it sets us up for a chance to retain our title and it means everything to us as we could redeem a season that we feel we could have shown more in,” he said. “Kingsway have done very well this season, but we are looking forward to showing how we match up with the top four on the line.”
Ago Mujic took over at Macedonia Park in round 11, after the club parted ways with Ian Ferguson, and he’s seen his chargers lift and they sealed their spot in the top four with two games remaining. He has been pleased how his players have worked in his time at the club, and he said a Top Four Cup Final win would be a great end to his first season at the helm. “We made lots of people happy around the club and all our fans with our win on Tuesday, which I’m very pleased about, he said. “Now it’s time to recover and prepare for our biggest game of the year on Saturday night, as the club look to regain the title. To play against a Kingsway side who have already won cup and league is tough, but we are really looking forward for challenge against very strong and well organised Kingsway side, and I believe it will be great night of football.” In the other men’s games at the venue on Saturday, Perth Glory will meet Perth RedStar in the 18’s final at 9.30am. RedStar moved into the game after beating Perth SC 3-1 on penalties on Tuesday after the game ended 1-1 at full time, while in the 20’s Perth SC meet Perth Glory at 2.00pm, after the Azzurri beat Bayswater City 2-0 on the same night.
20.9.2024
NPL-WA WOMENS TOP FOUR GRAND FINAL - PEVIEW
The NPL-Women’s Top Four Cup Final will be another Perth SC and Perth RedStar clash at Sam Kerr Football Centre on Saturday afternoon, as the pair continue their rivalry over the past two seasons. (4.15pm) RedStar made Saturday’s game after a hard fought 3-2 win against Balcatta Etna at the Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve on Wednesday evening. In a see-sawing tie, the hosts hit the front ten minutes from the break, with Jamie-Lee Gale’s corner finding the net. But RedStar were level just before half time, Caitlin Doeglas made space down the left, her cross was played back by Oliva Wood and Sarah Carroll fired past Rebecca Bennett, despite the keeper getting a hand to it.
Balcatta regained the lead early in the second half, a superb through ball from Abbey Meakins sent Monique Prinsloo raced down the right channel, she crossed to Gale, who swept the ball past former Balcatta keeper Gabby Dal Busco. RedStar hit back moments later, Carroll and Emily Dunn combined down the right, and the skippers low cross was fired home by Reina Kagami. RedStar sealed their spot in the final just before the hour mark. Dunn sent Wood racing down the right, before squaring the ball to Carroll, who took a touch and drove to the edge of the box before firing home clinically past Bennett.
RedStar coach Carlos Vega Mena said Wednesday’s game was a hard-fought encounter between two strong sides, and he was delighted with his side’s performance. “The Preliminary Final was a make-or-break match for both teams, and we approached the game with a united mindset, focusing on strength and playing quality football,” he explained. “We were mentally prepared for a battle, and it turned out to be a fantastic showdown between two strong sides, with impressive play and great goals from both teams. I’m really pleased with our performance; the team executed the game plan perfectly, and now, we shift our focus to the Top 4 Final on Saturday.”
Vega Mena said every time they play Perth it’s a tough game, and he knows they need to be at their best to come home with the trophy. “The final promises to be another intense clash between two strong teams, and we need to be mentally prepared, as it’s going to be a tough match,” he explained. “Our team is fuelled by the motivation to bounce back after our penalty loss to Perth in the Semi Final. If we stick to our strategy and maintain the same level of performance we’ve shown in the last two games, we’ll be in a strong position to compete for the win. We recognise that Perth is a formidable opponent with talented individual players, and in a final, the team that minimises mistakes will have the best chance of coming out on top.”
RedStar striker Caitlin Doeglas starred in the win against Balcatta, the striker who has bagged 17 goals this season, said two games in four games is tough, but she was delighted how the girls fought out the win on Wednesday. “So proud of the girls getting the win last night, and we knew going into the game that Balcatta are always a tough team to play, and they are tactically very good and well drilled,” she explained. “So, we’re very happy with the win and to have another opportunity at silverware on Saturday. We are all really looking forward to playing Perth in the final, and after losing the cup final and then semi to them we definitely have extra motivation to win this one.”
Perth SC custodian Stacey Cavill was the hero in the penalty shootout win against RedStar on Saturday, and she said the final will be the third game against RedStar in three weeks, and the keeper is expecting nothing to change. “The semi-final was a great day for the club, but credit to both teams pushing hard for 120 minutes, and it was quite a hot day and game compared to the rest of the season, and players were cramping,” she explained. “When it came to the penalties, I just tried my best and stuck to my game plan, luckily and fortunately it paid off. Saturday will be another challenging game, and playing RedStar for the third time in three weeks will be tough, especially when there is silverware on the line but I believe in my team that we can get it done. Mad respect to our coaches and management, Brogan, Fed, Renae, Rocco and Em, they have prepared us mentally and physically for each game this season, and we are focusing on finishing the season of 2024 on a high.”
Striker Ella Lincon finished the season well, bagging 26 goals, to take out the Golden Boot, but she missed in the shootout last week against RedStar, but was relieved that Cavill starred to guide them into the final. “It was a good performance from the girls, the whole game could have gone either way and we were fortunate to win the penalty shootout, but credit to Stacey though, because she was brilliant and we are all so proud of her efforts,” Lincoln explained. “We are looking forward to a rematch on Saturday, and we take a lot of confidence into the game on the back of last week, and our performance in the State Cup Final. We know we have to be at our best as they are league champions and are a good team. We can’t wait for this opportunity to play in another final and to hopefully collect our second trophy of the year.” In Saturday’s Under 21’s Top Four Cup Final Perth RedStar take on the Hyundai NTC, who beat Balcatta Etna 1-0 in the preliminary final on Wednesday evening.
20.9.2024
INTER DIVISIONAL PLAY OFFS - PREVIEW
The second legs of the Inter Divisional Play-Offs take place this weekend, with spots in the NPL, and Division One up for grabs. The NPL play-off start on Friday evening when Murdoch University make the trip to Dianella Reserve to take on Dianella White Eagles. (7.00pm) The hosts are in pole position, after a 2-0 win on the road, with goals from Andy Keogh and substitute Marcus Seydel, but Murdoch skipper Pat Sara said they are still in the tie, but they need to improve on Saturday’s performance. “We were disappointed with the result from the weekend,” he said. “I thought we were the better side the first half, unlucky to go a goal down and then a red card just before the break changed the dynamic of the game. Even with ten men, we had chances to go level, and on another day it’s 1-1 going into the second leg, but unfortunately, we leaked a goal right before the end and now we have a bigger hill to climb.”
Perth Glory also needs a huge turnaround, when they host Mandurah City at the Sam Kerr Football Stadium on Sunday afternoon. (1.00pm) The youngsters were beaten 3-1 in the first leg, and they need a huge performance if they are to continue their NPL status. A brace from Mandurah striker Leigh Griffiths, and another from Jordan Callaghan saw the Dolphins secure the win, although Jaylan Pearman’s goal has kept Glory in the tie, and coach Ivan Zuvela is hoping they can turn things around. “Really disappointing result last week against a very good Mandurah side, we did have some good passages of play but ultimately were not good enough on the day,” he explained. “Our backs are against the wall and we go out there this weekend focused and knowing what we need to do to win the game.”
In the Division One play-offs, things could change after the news of Joondalup United pulling out of the league, but that is a decision for Football West, but we are hearing the possibility that both winners of the two games on Saturday will be promoted. Curtin University and Joondalup City are in pole position in the ties, both securing big wins last weekend. Harry Edwards brace helped Joondalup to a 3-1 win against East Perth, who host the second leg at Hudson Park on Saturday afternoon. (2:30pm) East Perth coach Colm Costello said they were well off it last week, but he is confident his players can turn things around. “We will need a huge improvement this week but we had a chat straight after game last week and realise what went wrong and what needs to be done to fix things,” he explained.
“It was our first flat performance for months, after a brilliant season from the lads so myself and Sully will always back the lads and they are determined to go out and do what we can to get the result. Joondalup City will be coming for the win they won’t be sitting back so it’s all to play for on Saturday. With the quick turnaround we needed a good positive reaction and that’s exactly what we got at training this week, so we’re looking forward to the game and I reckon will be great atmosphere and occasion for the club.”
In the other tie, Curtin University hold a 2-0 lead, when they host Cockburn City at Edinburgh Oval. (3.00pm) Goals from Rowan Steed and Mighael Muller have put the hosts in a commanding position, but Cockburn need to bounce back to keep their Division One status, and keeper Michael Craggs believes they can. “Obviously not what we wanted out of the first leg, some moments that cost us dearly,” he said. “We have to go out and commit to scoring a few against a side that looked good on the counter last game. As long as we can control that I have full confidence that we can score the required amount to get through.”
20.9.2024
TATHEM HEADS WEST FOR GLORY
Perth Glory have continued their build-up to the new Ninja Women’s A-League season, adding experienced defender Natalie Tathem to their squad on a two-year contract. The 28-year-old has played more than 40 A-League games, after stints at Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory, and joins the Glory from Queensland NPL side Mitchelton FC. Tathem, who can play anywhere across the back four or in midfield, was a member of the Victory squad which claimed the Championship in 2021 and also helped Roar secure a second-place finish in 2019.
The defender is now excited to be a part of a new-look Glory squad and confident that the club can enjoy a successful season. “Perth is a beautiful city, and much like my hometown Brisbane, there is only one A-League team based in a such a big area, this offers a big opportunity for our home to be a fortress,” she told the Glory website. “Being on the opposing side, Perth has always been a tough team to come and play against and that’s really drawn me in. Alongside this, [Head Coach] Stephen [Peters] has had a lot of success at club level and has a very good reputation amongst the other players, so it is an exciting time to see what he can bring at this next level with the talented squad the club has put together.
“I have had a lot of friends play with Perth throughout my time in the A-League and have always heard positive things, so I am excited to be able to be involved at a club where we will feel valued as players and people on and off the pitch. In terms of targets, I feel there is no other goal than making Finals. I personally want to be able to help the team win matches while playing a good style of football and bring my winning mentality and experience from playing abroad to help hold our team to good standards. I feel as a player I offer positivity and energy on and off the pitch. I want to be able to make sure as a team we can come together and that every player can enjoy their football as I feel, from experience, that this is when teams play at their best.”
Glory Head Coach Stephen Peters has been busy completing his squad, and there is more to come, but believes that Tathem is a valuable addition to the squad. “Natalie brings plenty of experience and know-how in terms of what is required to be successful in the ALW,” he said, “and that will really help our playing group. Her versatility is another of her main strengths and we believe that she will be a major asset for us both on and off the pitch.”
19.9.2024
GLORY WOMEN STRENGTHEN DEFENCE WITH TATHEM
Perth Glory Women have added another piece to their defensive puzzle with the recruitment of Natalie Tathem on a two-year deal. With more than 50 games to her name across spells at Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory, Tathem’s arrival adds to a revamped defence set to feature new signings Naomi Chinnama and Nigerian centre-back Onyinyechi Zogg.
“Perth is a beautiful city and much like my hometown Brisbane, there is only one A-League team based in a such a big area,” said 29-year old Tathem. “This offers a big opportunity for our home to be a fortress. Being on the opposing side, Perth has always been a tough team to come and play against and that’s really drawn me in.”
Tathem said she is excited to work alongside incoming coach Stephen Peters. “Stephen has had a lot of success at club level and has a very good reputation amongst the other players, so it is an exciting time to see what he can bring at this next level with the talented squad the club has put together.”
“I have had a lot of friends play with Perth throughout my time in the A-League and have always heard positive things, so I am excited to be able to be involved at a club where we will feel valued as players and people on and off the pitch. In terms of targets, I feel there is no other goal than making finals.”
Tathem, who can play across the back four or in midfield, started her professional career with Brisbane who she helped to second place in 2018/19. A member of Melbourne’s 2020/21 championship winning squad, she has most recently been playing for Queensland side Mitchelton.
18.9.2024
JOONDALUP UNITED DROP OUT OF THE STATE LEAGUE
On Wednesday afternoon Joondalup United made the decision to drop out of the State League next season, which is a sad day for everyone involved at the club. United, who were formed in 2000 in Amateur Division Four, rose up the leagues and were promoted to the State League in 2014, and won the Division Two title that year. Then after two seasons in Division One, they were promoted to the NPL, a meteoric rise for the club. But problems securing a home ground has been the headlines in recent seasons, and this was one of the main reasons they have made this decision.
The club sent out the following statement “JUFC has made the incredibly tough decision not to participate in the 2025 State League. It's no secret that our team has been struggling to find a permanent home ground for many years. Despite renting spaces and receiving assistance from Pentanet Stadium and COJ grounds, we've found that the absence of a consistent facility has finally become too much to bear. Over the past 11 seasons, our club has expanded across four community parks. However, after 25 years, we still have inadequate facilities and have faced numerous setbacks for various reasons.
“We are constantly battling with the City of Joondalup to find suitable grounds. As volunteers, we can only do so much with limited resources. The rising costs of competing at a semi-professional level are putting immense strain on the club. The committee did not make this decision lightly. As a committee, we have decided to prioritize the club's future by investing in our junior development programs, increasing participation, and supporting our Amateurs, Vets, Masters, and Women's teams. After 25 years, JUFC is embarking on a new path for the benefit of everyone involved, past and present.
We hope to receive the football community's support during this change. While it comes with some sadness, we embrace it and aim to bring positive changes to the club and our culture. We want to extend our sincere gratitude to all our committee members who have dedicated thousands of hours to establishing a permanent 'home ground' over the years. They have tirelessly attended meetings with residents, council members, committees, and club members. We also want to express our gratitude to the Falcons for allowing us to utilize the grounds at Pentanet this year and for the unwavering support of our loyal members. As we embark on this new chapter, your support is indispensable.
“As a club, we are committed to providing unwavering support for our youth to develop and create a highly competitive environment for our Sunday teams. Furthermore, we are resolute in investing in and expanding our women's and girls' squads. As we end the 2024 season, saying goodbye to our state side, we thank the players and coaches for providing us with hope and fantastic achievements over the years. We have thoroughly enjoyed the journey that it has taken us on, fraught with obstacles we overcame for so long. From all of us at JUFC, Thank You.” Footballwa would like to thank everyone at the club for their support of our website, contributing each week, for previews and reviews. We hope things can turn around for the club, and wish you all the best in the future.
18.9.2024
OVERY IS A RED DEVIL
Former Perth Glory academy graduate James Overy is officially a Manchester United player, after the defender signed for the club after a delay with the transfer. The teenager has joined United’s Under-18 academy team after the Premier League and Football Association finally approved the transfer. He had been tipped to join the Premier League giants since May but both the player and club were waiting on clearance. He becomes another talented player to leave the Glory, without making a senior appearance.
Overy caught the eye following his performance for the Glory in a friendly against Premier League outfit West Ham in July 2023. The Red Devils pounced, beating out Everton and West Ham, who had previously looked at the defender. His family moved over to the UK with their son, and found a house in a Cheshire suburb, however, Overy has not been able to play for United while the Premier League and FIFA both look at his transfer.
Overy, who can play as a defender and an attacking wing-back, joined non-league side Newton Abbot Spurs in March, but under FIFA rules, the teenager was not allowed to join any other club within 16 weeks as this would be regarded as a ‘bridge transfer’. United tried to sign Overy within that period and the agreement was delayed although they had no history with the player before he came on trial, but it’s now been resolved.
17.9.2024
MACEDONIA THROUGH TO TOP FOUR CUP FINAL
Stirling Macedonia will defend their NPL – Men’s Top Four Cup title, after a beating Perth RedStar in the preliminary final at Macedonia Park on Tuesday evening. First half goals from Danny Douglas and Joshua Bilaloski sent Ago Mujic’s side on their way, before a stunning free kick from Alex Tanevski sealed the win, moving them into the final against champions Olympic Kingsway at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Saturday evening. “It was great night at Macedonia Park and boys were absolutely brilliant all night,” Mujic said.
“We worked hard and executed the plan we had worked on. It was pleasure watching the team play last night and we made lots of people happy around the club and all our fans which I’m very pleased about.” The game was switched from the RedStar Arena, due to floodlights issues, and the hosts were ahead on 24 minutes. A corner from Kade Fearnall picked out the unmarked Danny Douglas, whose quick feet took him away from his marker and he finished well past Marino Gojak.
They doubled their advantage just before the break, Fearnall’s free kick from out on the right found Joshua Bilaloski, who guided his header past Gojak, to send them into the break in control. They sealed the tie just before the hour mark, Alex Tanevski curling home a free kick from just outside the box, to take them into final, and a chance of regaining their title. “We were so happy with the result on Tuesday, RedStar showed a different formation but we adjusted well and were able to maintain control across the game,” Stirling defender Brent Quick said. “All the goals we scored were of high quality, Danny, Josh and Alex all with great finishes. We were also proud of the clean sheet and the composure shown.”
In last night’s other games, Perth RedStar moved into the under 18’s Top Four Cup Final, to play Perth Glory, after beating Perth SC 3-1 on penalties after preliminary final at Dorrien Gardens ended 1-1. RedStar were reduced to ten men after Tatenda Madziva was shown a second yellow card on 66 minutes. The hosts then found the opener 11 minutes later with substitute Matheus Major scoring, but 11 minutes from time RedStar levelled with substitute Liam Mayer on target, before they won the shootout.
In the under 20’s preliminary final Perth SC beat Bayswater City 2-0 at Dorrien Gardens. Another tight game, came to life just before the hour, when Bayswater midfielder Sarsan Ahmed was shown a second yellow card and sent off. The Azzurri hot the front moments later with Luke Davies on target, and they sealed the tie, and spot in Saturday’s final against Perth Glory, five minutes from time, with Evan Moorhouse scoring.
17.9.2024
MIDWEEK FINALS FOOTBALL
The NPL- Men’s Top Four Series Cup Final spot is on the line tonight, when Stirling Macedonia host Perth RedStar in the preliminary final at Macedonia Park. (7pm) The game was scheduled for the RedStar Arena, but due to floodlight issues, the game was switched to the home of Stirling. The hosts are coming off a 3-2 win against Fremantle City on Saturday, while RedStar were beaten on penalties by Olympic Kingsway, who await the winner of tonight’s game in the final at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Saturday evening. (6.45pm)
The under 18’s preliminary final will be held at Dorrien Gardens tonight, with Perth SC hosting Perth RedStar. (6.00pm) The winner of tonight’s game will meet Perth Glory in the final at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Saturday morning. (9.30am) The under 20’s preliminary final is also at Dorrien Gardens tonight, with Bayswater City taking on Perth SC. (8.00pm), the winner to take on Perth Glory at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Saturday afternoon (2.00pm)
The preliminary final In the NPL – Womens Top Four Finals Series will take place tomorrow evening, with Balcatta Etna hosting Perth RedStar at the Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve. (7.45pm) Like the men’s game, the fixture has been switched from the RedStar Arena, to the home of Balcatta. Both sides are coming off penalty shootout endings to their semi-finals. Balcatta were successful, edging out Fremantle 3-1, with Rebecca Bennett the hero in the shootout, but they will be missing striker Lucy Jerram who was sent off in the game.
Meanwhile RedStar were beaten 3-2 by Perth SC, and will be without defender Abbey Woolley, who was also sent off against the Azzurri, who await the winner in the final at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Saturday afternoon. (4.15pm) Also on Wednesday the under 21’ preliminary final sees Balcatta Etna hosting Hyundai NTC (5.45pm), the winner will meet Perth RedStar in the final at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Saturday morning (11.45am)
17.9.2024
SERMANNI RETURNS FOR THE MATILDAS
The search for the new Head Coach of the Matildas is still on-going, but Football Australia has today confirmed the appointment of Tom Sermanni as interim head coach, effective immediately. Sermanni is the longest serving coach of the Matildas having previously coached the team from 1994-1997 and 2005-2012. The Football Australia Hall of Fame inducted coach brings a wealth of experience to the role as Football Australia continues the recruitment process for a permanent replacement for Tony Gustavsson.
Football Australia CEO James Johnson said: "We are delighted to welcome Tom (Sermanni) back to the Matildas program. “With over three decades of football experience in Australia and internationally, his extensive knowledge of the global women’s football landscape, the local Australian game and his previous success with the team make him the ideal candidate to guide the Matildas through this transitional period. We are conducting a thorough and comprehensive search for our next permanent head coach. Tom's appointment allows us the time and space to make the right decision for the long-term future of the Matildas’ program, while ensuring our team remains in capable hands for the upcoming international fixtures."
Tom Sermanni's coaching career spans several decades and continents, showcasing his versatility and expertise in women's football. He had two stints with the Matildas (1994-1997 and 2005-2012), and led the US Women’s National team in 2013 and 2014. He served as a technical consultant and assistant coach for the Canadian Women’s National Team, and worked for them in 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, before coaching the New Zealand Football Ferns in the 2018 and led them to the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
He was named AFC Coach of the Year in 2007, and he has also coached at several Australian clubs, including Canberra Metros and Canberra Cosmos, and worked for two-seasons at J-League side Sanfrecce Hiroshima as an assistant. He was head coach at New York Power and Orlando Pride in the US, and was the inaugural coach at the Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League from 2016 to 2018. Sermanni will temporarily take a leave of absence from his role as Head of Women’s Football at Western Sydney Wanderers to fully dedicate his time to the interim position.
This is vital, as the Matildas prepare for two matches in their upcoming October FIFA Women's International Window including against Olympic bronze medallists Germany. During this period, his focus will be on getting the squad ready for these fixtures while ensuring their cohesion and competitiveness are maintained. He will begin his duties immediately, working closely with the existing coaching staff and Football Australia's high-performance team to maintain the Matildas' preparation for upcoming fixtures. His experience in tournament settings, such as FIFA Women’s World Cups and Olympic tournaments will be particularly valuable for upcoming international fixtures.
"It's an honour to return to the Matildas, even in this interim capacity. I'm looking forward to working with this talented group of players and helping to ensure a smooth transition as Football Australia continues its search for a permanent head coach,” Sermanni said. “My immediate priority is to prepare the team for the upcoming International Window." Football Australia has confirmed that the process for selecting a permanent head coach is ongoing, with the organisation committed to finding the best possible candidate to lead the Matildas for the next cycle and into the future.
15.9.2024
BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND TWENTY ONE REVIEW
Our Belt-Up Amateur Premier Division week 21 ‘Match of the Round’ didn’t disappoint, with Peel United keeping their hopes of surviving relegation alive, after a thrilling 4-3 win in the relegation battle against South Perth United at Challenge Reserve on Sunday afternoon. Going into the game a defeat would have seen the Mandurah-based club relegated, but a last-minute penalty from Jordan Rhodes sealed the win. So, it goes down to the final game of the season to see who will join Joondalup in Division One, with both sides taking on the cup finalists, Jaguar and North Beach next week.
“It was a see-saw game, we made some mistakes, but we overcame them and the beauty of football came out yesterday to give us a fighting chance next week,” Rhodes said. “I took the penalty for our fourth, and it was the last kick off the game, I was just happy to take the moment for the boys. It is quite remarkable Peel United are in the Amateur Premier and it's been a tough year. But the boys will fight and that’s what we need to focus on and see how things fall for us.” The hosts made the best start and were ahead on 19 minutes, Ayela Santa’s neat turn on the edge of the box saw him race into the box one-on-one with Daryl Willmott, and finishing well. But in the shadows of half time Peel levelled, Scott Field’s volley from the edge of the box took a deflection and beat Jordan Barclay.
South Perth regained the lead 20 minutes from time, Wellington Muvunduke converting from the spot. But three minutes later Peel restored parity, Bradley Mallinder losing his marker from a corner to finish past Barclay. Moments later the hosts hit the front again, Santa finishing clinically, and it looked over for Peel, but they had other ideas. They made changes, with Tom Hitchens going up front, and five minutes from time they levelled. A goal kick from Willmott was flicked on by Mitchell Kelman to Hitchens, who fired home via the crossbar from 20 meters. Peel went for the win, with South Perth looking to keep the point, and in the final minute Kelman was brought down in the box, and the referee pointed straight to the spot. Rhodes stepped up and converted the resulting penalty, much to the delight of his teammates and their travelling supporters.
“It was a massive game for both sides and it was an absolute classic of a game. We were able to fill a stronger side than we have in previous weeks which helped us a lot,” Peel player/coach Daryl Willmott said. “All in all, I felt it was a justified win, we made so many chances throughout the 90 minutes, we just couldn't take them. South Perth’s front line to their credit made less but slotted them away well. The jobs not over now and we are determined to keep putting a shift in through the week and aim for points in what is again another do or die football game. I may add too, the atmosphere at the ground was incredible, with so many supporters from both sides and they gave us a huge push.”
It was a huge day at Butlers Reserve, with Wembley Downs presented with the league trophy, after their 1-1 draw against Maccabi. “It would have been easy for the players to just go through the motions after clinching the title a couple of weeks ago, but the effort and attitude from the lads against both Emerald last week and Maccabi on Sunday has been first class,” Wembley coach Rob Jackson said. “They’ve worked hard all season to be committed and organised defensively and that’s played a big part in winning the league this season. It was great to see so many people down there on Sunday to see them presented with the trophy. Three trophies in two seasons, has definitely taken a few people by surprise and I hope all the players are really proud of what they’ve achieved together.”
It was Maccabi who made a great start and they were ahead in the first minute, as they looked to spoil the party. Langdon Heath won the ball well in midfield and played it to Dean Gordon who played Dion Berman in behind, he got to the ball before the keeper who had come out and finished into the empty net. The hosts levelled ten minutes before the break, Halil Russo header back across goal picked out Josh Chalmers, who headed home from close-range. Both sides had chances in the second half and both teams did well to cope with a poor surface, but the points were shared. “Firstly, congratulations to Wembley, well deserved winners this season,” Maccabi coach Ricky Berelowitz said.
“On the game, I was very pleased with the result and the performance, as we were comprehensively beaten by them the first two times we played them this year, and we wanted to respond in the right way to a very poor display last week. Against such a good side you have to be prepared to be under the pump a bit and I thought we were solid enough defensively with some good blocks and challenges around the edge of the box. We’re pleased with how we’ve gone this year and are now hoping to finish the season strongly and yesterday was a good step in the right direction.”
At the top end of the table the race for a playoff spot is down to two, with Morley Windmills and Emerald winning vital games. First Emerald travelled to Fyre Park and beat Kelmscott Roos 2-1, the win taking them two points clear of Morley, with a game in hand, while the loss ended Kelmscott hopes of promotion. “We knew it was going to be a tough test going down to Frye Park, a place we have struggled in the past,” Emerald’s Shane Dineen explained. “But we knew the quality and determination of the players the last couple of weeks we believed we would go down there and get a result. The work rate and attitude from all the players that played a part in the game was absolutely a joy to watch.”
The hosts were on the front foot early, and they were ahead on 12 minutes, Isaac Koomson bagging his 18th goal of the season. But just before half time Emerald levelled, a great delivery from Connor Gormley was headed home by Ronan Flaherty. The visitors hit the front early in the second half, Gormley again the supplier, finding Shane Hickey, who stayed composed and tucked it into the corner past Taylor Warwick. That turned out to be the winner, and now a spot in the playoff can be wrapped up on Thursday with a win in their round 17 catch-up game against Kingsley Westside at Chichester Park. “Understandably down there you need to manage the game, so we changed a couple of things and again to highlight the attitude, work rate and determination to chase every ball and fight for the win was excellent to see,” Dineen added. “We are delighted with the three points but we know it’s a short turn around to refocus and go again on Thursday night up in Kingsley.”
Morley Windmills made it ten straight wins, with a 2-0 win against North Perth United at Wotton Reserve. “We are delighted by the result, the main reason being we had a spate of injuries to our back four and were forced into playing two midfielder and a striker back there,” Morley coach John O’Reilly explained. “Every player did their jobs and won their battles and we deservedly earned our points today, and we move on to another huge game at Emerald on Sunday.” The home side were ahead on 22 minutes, a ball was played across top of the box, Travis Taylor dummied it, leaving the ball for Gavin Knight, and the striker curled his shot around the keeper from the edge of the box. They sealed the points in the final minute of the first half, Knight racing onto a defence splitting through ball, beat the last defender and finished neatly past the keeper.
The round started on Friday evening, with North Beach warming up for the Cup Final with Jaguar, thrashing Joondalup United 11-0 at Charles Riley Memorial Reserve. Alex Kretowicz bagged four goals on the night, with others to James Di Carlo, Luke Jones, Freddie Wayman, Cade Miranda, Ben Reynolds, Georgios Papathanassiou and two own goals. “Obviously pleased with the outcome and the performance under lights this week. It was good to see different combinations in attack working on the night and keeping a clean sheet,” North Beach Coach Nick Di Carlo explained. “Fair play to Joondalup for fronting up every week after a difficult season and representing their club week in week out, it was a fair contest throughout. We have one more league game to keep working on things before our cup final so plenty of positives to take into next week.”
The other side in next month’s Cup Final, Jaguar, were beaten 2-1 by Kingsley Westside in the final game at the Herb Graham recreation Centre. “Herb Graham is always a hard place to go and the boys stood up to the test even with the hot weather,” Kingsley coach Sam Ellis said. “We stepped up in the second half after a frantic first and should have scored a couple more in all honesty, but credit to the lads for taking the half time message onboard and executing it.” The hosts found the opener early, with David Nangabo on target, but Kingsley were level on ten minutes. Kingsley won possession in Jags half, and Luke Coltman pass sent Louis Cheetham clear, his first shot was saved by Michael Dudek, but he made no mistake from the rebound. They hit the front just after the half hour, Bailee Yeomans won a tackle just inside his own half and played a neat through ball to Coltman, who beat the offside trap and finished well, and that sealed the points.
15.9.2024
NPL-WA WOMENS TOP FOUR FINALS SERIES - REVIEW
Perth SC are through to the final of the NPL – Women’s Top Four Finals, after a tense penalty shootout win against champions Perth RedStar in the major semi-final at the RedStar Arena on Sunday afternoon. “The game was tough, I thought the opening minutes was an even battle however, Redstar going down to ten players clearly changed the game,” Perth defender Baxter Thew said. “Credit to the way they set up, they were smart and slowed the game down, worked hard and made it difficult for us. I think we could have exploited our advantage a bit better however, I’m so proud of our group.
“We continued to work hard, kept a clean sheet and kept believing we would find a way to win. Credit to both teams for pushing through 120 minutes of football. Penalties are always tough, and they really can go either way. I’m happy the group was exposed to a high-pressure moment like that as its good experience going into the final. There were a lot of tired bodies stepping up to take the penalties, credit has to go to our keeper Stacey Cavill in that moment for making some great saves. We now look to recover and go again on Saturday.”
It was a repeat of last week’s cup final, with the Azzurri running out 4-1 winners on that occasion, and this was another tight opening between the two top teams in the league. The first opportunity went to the visitors on 15 minutes, Thew heading wide from Daisy McAllister’s corner. RedStar was struggling to break down a tight Perth defence, and it was the visitors who were creating the better chances, Kimberly McCartney’s free kick from distance flashed wide of the upright. Then five minutes before the break the hosts were reduced to ten players, after Abbey Woolley was given a second yellow card.
RedStar opened the second half well, and Olivia Wood raced in on goal early, but Stacey Cavill stood tall to deny her. It was end-to-end, and moments later Ella Lincoln played a well-timed through ball to McAllister, who cut the ball back to Sam Mathers, but her shot was saved by Gabby Del Busco. The hosts pressed late for the winner, and it looked it had arrived on 84 minutes, Sarah Carroll’s free kick was cleared off the line by the alert Thew, and shortly after Reina Kagami’s effort was cleared off the line. In extra time the chances to continued to come and go, Lincoln was denied by Dal Busco, and down the other end Wood’s shot whistled inches wide, but the teams couldn’t be separated, so it was off to penalties. Dal Busco saved Lincoln’s opening penalty, but then the Azzurri custodian Cavill took control, making four saves, before Charli Wainwright stepped up to seal the tie 3-2 on penalties.
“It was definitely nerve-racking from the sideline but super proud of the girls. RedStar definitely made the game difficult and the weather was a big factor that we had to adapt to but the girls were exceptional during the 120 minutes to keep RedStar to a clean sheet,’ Perth assistant coach Federico Achilli said. “The nerves really settled in during penalties, but glad we pulled through thanks to Stacey's heroics in goal. The girls have been exceptional all year, a lot of people wrote them off early and weren't expecting us to do well but they got their reward last week and hopefully we can one better and end the year off with a double.”
The minor semi-final also went to penalties, with Balcatta Etna winning 3-1 in the shootout against Fremantle City, after the game ended 1-1 after extra time at Hilton Park on Sunday afternoon. The win sent Etna into the preliminary final against RedStar in midweek, with Fremantle eliminated. "I'm beyond proud of the girl’s performance particularly going a player down in the second half,” Balcatta coach Peter Rakic explained. “Our intensity seemed to lift at that moment and I was confident that the game was still ours to lose despite Fremantle equalising shortly after we took the lead. It's the beauty of finals football, everyone leaves everything out on the pitch and that was definitely the case yesterday. We have a huge challenge ahead of us against RedStar on Wednesday night and if we apply ourselves in the same manner then it's going to be one hell of a contest.”
Like the other semi-final it was a tense game, with both sides having their chances, but failing to take them. But ten minutes into the second half the hosts were down to ten, after influential striker Lucy Jerram was shown a second yellow card. Rakic shuffled his formation to cover the loss, and on 78 minutes they found the opener. Half time substitute Jamie-Lee Gale raced down the right, her cross was only cleared as far as Isabella Foletta, her shot was saved low by Dayle Schroeder, but the rebound fell to Liana Cook who fired home into an empty net.
But their lead only lasted for three minutes. A superb ball from Abbey Green sent Erin Siah racing down the left, she raced into the box and crossed to Mia Yeo, who fired between the legs of Balcatta keeper Rebecca Bennett. The teams couldn’t be separated in extra time, and in the shoot out Bennett was the hero saving three penalties, including the final one from Catherine Adams to seal the tie. “We knew the game against Fremantle was going to be a tough game going in, and it proved to be exactly that. I thought we had quite a few opportunities in the first half which we were unable to capitalise on,” Balcatta skipper Abbey Meakins said.
“Then going down to ten players early in the second half made it an even bigger challenge for us. Despite the red card, I am incredibly proud of the girls for the resilience and fight they showed through the rest of the game to come away with the win. As always, this time of year is challenging especially when having to play a mid-week game after a tough preliminary final. We’ve faced RedStar enough times this season to know Wednesday is going to be a very tough game against an experienced side, however the girls are really looking forward to the challenge.”
16.9.2024
BURGESS EAGER FOR ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE DEBUT
Cameron Burgess has had to bide his time to become the eighth West Australian to step onto the pitch in an English Premier League game. With any luck, his wait will end soon and he’ll follow in the footsteps Andrew Petterson, Stan Lazaridis, Chris Coyne, Richard Garcia, Brad Jones, Chris Herd and Jordan Lyden.
Burgess was a vital part of Ipswich Town’s rise and subsequent return to the Premier League after more than two decades away last season. After helping them secure back-to-back promotions from League One to the Championship and then onto the EPL, the towering centre-back has watched on from the bench in all three of his clubs’ first games.
Unsurprisingly, the Scottish-born, Perth-raised defender is already feeling the itch. “It’s bittersweet. It would have been really nice to play in those games - but on the other side, that’s part and parcel of football, every player goes through that a little bit,” Burgess told thewest.com.au
“It was, on one hand, a crazy experience to share the stage with those guys and the caliber of player, the world class players, to see them up close is a bit of a pinch yourself moment. On the other side, it’d be nice to have been playing.”
But when he does finally get his chance, Burgess, who played a full 90 for the Socceroos against Indonesia mid-week, is determined to make the most of it. “It’d be a dream come true; that’s what we all dreamed of as kids, and hopefully when my chance comes, hopefully soon, I grab it with two hands and enjoy the experience,” he commented.
The 28-year old’s’ eventual Premier League debut will be rich reward for a man who has walked the less-travelled path. Burgess’ first serious foray into first-team football was eight years ago, in the National League with Cheltenham Town.
Stops at Oldham Athletic, Bury and Scunthorpe United followed, before a loan move to League Two outfit Salford City in 2019, then two seasons with Accrington Stanley. Ipswich came calling when they were still in League One in 2021, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Despite his lack of game time so far this season - just the solitary League Cup start - Burgess has still had a sideline seat to the glitz and glamour of one of the world’s biggest sporting leagues. Ipswich’s first game back in the top flight was against Liverpool at a sold-out Portman Road.
“It was electric. It is every game; the fans come in their numbers. You hear all the time how difficult it is to get a ticket these days, because everyone wants to be there,” Burgess said. “The media attention that comes with the EPL is crazy; on game-day there’s media everywhere, you can’t move on the pitch warming up, especially on that first day against Liverpool.”
Next up was an even tough opponent in the form of a Manchester City side seeking a fifth consecutive league title. “The whole team is stacked full of big players, and it was their first home game the season as well, so it was a bit of a showing for them and a real big experience for us to go there and play against those guys,” Burgess said.
For an Ipswich side who lost just 10 times across 92 matches in the preceding two seasons as they rocketed up the English football pyramid, it may seem like a seismic blow to lose two of their first three games this season. But Burgess said the group as a whole were made of sterner stuff and there was no semblance of panic stations just yet.
“We have a real humble group, so those challenges are something we’ll take head on,” he said. “It’s not a case of getting disheartened if you lose games; you are going to lose games, we spoke about it as a team, and that’s just the reality of the league you’re in.”
“We’ve stepped up a huge amount to this level. Even if there’s not as many games in a month, you could go a full calendar month without getting a result, and that’s a pretty normal thing for a team that gets promoted. We’re under no illusions how difficult it’s going to be, but we’re definitely the right group of people to deal with that when it comes.”
14.9.2024
NPL-WA TOP FOUR FINALS SERIES - REVIEW
NPL champions Olympic Kingsway are into the Top Four Series Final, after a dramatic penalty shoot-out win against Perth RedStar in the Major Semi-Final at the Kingsway Sporting Complex on Saturday afternoon. The hosts missed a penalty early, but it was the visitors who hit the front in the first half of extra time, with Joel Chianese scoring. It looked like that would be the winner but in the final minute Joe Knowles levelled to take it to penalties, where the hosts prevailed 6-5. It means Olympics will go straight into next week’s Final, while RedStar will meet Stirling Macedonia in the preliminary Final on Tuesday evening, venue to be confirmed.
“Another thrilling tie against RedStar, although it was a frustrating day for us in front of goal,” Olympic coach David Tough said. “We missed a number of good chances and a penalty. With Liam Reddy making some big saves over the 120 minutes. Even when we went 1-0 down, and the players were out on their feet, we found a way to win the game. We’ll use this week to rest, recoup and prepare for the final.” The hosts should have taken the lead on ten minutes, after referee Shane Skinner pointed to the spot after Ollie Annis was brought down in the box by Ryan Finnie. Joe Hobson stepped up to take the resulting penalty, but Liam Reddy guessed the right way to save.
Both sides cancelled each other out, but there were chances, that weren’t taken, with Reddy and Adrian Sinagra making some telling saves, so it was off to extra time. It was RedStar who found the opener in the first period of extra time, a quick break by substitute Jack Connolly, saw him combine with Oliver Leeming, who slipped Chianese into the penalty area and he finished clinically past Sinagra. That looked like being the winner, but Olympic had other ideas, and levelled in the final minute, substitute Knowles’ corner from the left going in at the near post to send the tie to penalties. In the shootout it was 5-5, before Reddy saved Calum O’Connell’s penalty, but Sinagra responded saving Blair Govan’s. Aryn Willimas then converted the sixth, but Dennis Galan’s attempted Panenka went over the top, meaning Olympic won 6-5.
“Proud is the first thing that comes to my mind about yesterday’s win. Our mentality and attitude of never giving up really showed yesterday. We give everything till the final whistle and it’s a big part of the reason we have been so successful this year,” Olympic skipper Mitch Oxborrow explained. “We had more than enough chances to win during the 90 minutes, but I thought RedStar dug deep so credit to them for making it hard for us. We can look forward to watching RedStar v Stirling on Tuesday and prepare for next week’s final.”
In the minor semifinal, last season’s NPL Top Four Finals Series winners Stirling Macedonia have kept their hopes of regaining their crown alive, after a 3-2 win against Fremantle City at Hilton Park on Saturday afternoon. It was all square at the break, with Charles Chechlacz cancelling out Joshua Bilaloski’s earlier opener. But the visitors took control after half time, with a brace from Alex Tanevski, and although Taj Bingwa did reduce the margin late, it was Stirling going through to the midweek elimination final, while Fremantle’s season is over.
“It was great day for both clubs down at Hilton Park and you could tell how big game it was and both teams were fighting for every ball,” Stirling coach Ago Mujic said. “I thought we played well and boys performed great again and executed everything we asked them to do. But disappointing to concede two set plays goals after we dominated and controlled 90% of the game. We have already moved on and concentrating on the RedStar game on Tuesday night which will be another tough game against very good side.”
The visitors were ahead on 17 minutes, Brent Quick won possession on the right and found Bilaloski, who cut across the edge box and fired low past Luke Radonich. He went close to a second ten minutes later, sent in on goal, but Anthony Topini got back with a great last-ditch tackle. Fremantle ended the half the better and levelled two minutes from the break, Chechlacz’s free kick hit the underside of the bar and bounced down over the line, despite keeper James Bosdet’s attempted clearance.
Stirling regained the lead early in the second half, with Tanevski on target, and they added a third moments later. Asher Nelson found Bilaloski in acres of room on the edge of the box, and his cross picked out the Tanevski, who lost his marker and headed into the corner of the net. The hosts did pull one back late, Chechlacz’s free kick from the right was fired home by Riley Woodcock, but it was too little too late for Fremantle. “We’re quite happy with the result, we had a lot of possession and really it could have been five or six goals if we had taken some more chances,” Stirling defender Brent Quick said. “We made some late changes and got pressed a little bit toward the end but it did feel comfortable. We are looking forward to playing RedStar and pushing to retain our cup.”
In the other Top Finals on the day, Perth Glory under 18’s are into the final after a 3-1 win against Perth SC at Hilton Park, while the Azzurri will take on Perth RedStar in next weeks preliminary Final, after a brace from Jack Bennie and another from Travis Davis saw them eliminate Bayswater City 3-0 at Kingsway Reserve. Perth Glory have also made the Under 20’s final after 3-1 win against Perth SC at Hilton Park. Goals from Alexander Bolton, Louis Sollitt and Maxim Uvarov sealed the win, while Jacob Rossi scored for the Azzurri, who had Luke Sprigg and Rossi sent off late. Perth will now take on Bayswater City in the Preliminary Final, after they eliminated Olympic Kingsway 2-1 at Kingsway Reserve. Dele Olowookere gave Olympic the lead early, but Scotlan Morrison levelled 13 minutes from time. City found the winner in the final minute, with substitute Samuel Badiashile on target.
14.9.2024
NPL-WA - INTER DIVISIONAL PLAY OFFS - REVIEW
Mandurah City have one foot in the Inter-divisional play-off final, while Perth Glory’s NPL spot is hanging by a thread, after the hosts won 3-1 at the Poolmart Mandurah Stadium, Peelwood Parade on Saturday afternoon. Jordan Callaghan gave the Dolphins the lead early, before Jaylan Pearman levelled after the break. Then step yup Leigh Griffiths with a brace to give the Dolphins a huge buffer going into next week’s return leg at the Sam Kerr Football Centre. “Really pleased with the lads today, we were on our game from the first whistle and deservedly took the lead,” Mandurah coach John Baird explained. “They are a skilful and pacey side and we knew they would come out after the break all guns blazing, and they levelled. But the lads’ heads never dropped and the character of the whole squad shone through late and a brace from Leigh secured the win, and I would like to thank our supporters, who backed the team in numbers today, see you all next week in the second leg.”
The hosts made the best possible start, ahead on six minutes. Harry Collins’ free kick was headed back across goal by Graham Tough, and Jordan Callaghan bundled the ball home at the back post, and they held that lead at the break. Glory were level seven minutes into the second half, Christian Pullella sent Khoa Ngo down the left, he eased his way into the box and crossed to Jaylan Pearman at the back post to score. But they weren’t level for long, with Mandurah regaining the lead two minutes later, quick feet from Leigh Griffiths in the box saw the former Celtic striker finish superbly past Cameron Cook. Mandurah added a third on 68 minutes, Griffiths smashing home a penalty to give Mandurah a huge advantage for next weeks second leg. "A big win for the lads but we know the job is far from finished, we had a game plan and stuck to it," Griffiths said. "The boys were outstanding but we need to finish the job on Sunday. They’ll fancy themselves so it’s up to us to do the same performance."
Dianella White Eagles are also in the box seat to move into the Final, after they beat Murdoch University Melville 2-0 at Besteam Stadium on Saturday afternoon. A first half goal from Andy Keogh set them on their way, before a late goal from substitute Marcus Seydel has given them a two-goal buffer to take into the second leg on Friday evening at Dianella Reserve. “We’re delighted to go to Murdoch and come away with a 2-0 win, it’s a hard ground to go to,” Dianella’s assistant coach John Lavery said. “We’ve given ourselves a good advantage going into the second leg at home.”
Dianella opened the scoring just after the half hour mark. Mitchell Byrne’s deep cross from the right picked out Keogh, and the former Perth Glory striker finished with aplomb at the back post. The hosts were reduced to ten in the shadows of half time, after Alan Carroll was shown a second yellow card. The visitors found the important second goal three minutes from time, Seydel pouncing on a under hit back pass by Adam Fields, and firing past Paul Leask to seal the 2-0 win. “I thought we were shaky in the first 15 minutes but after we composed ourselves, we controlled the majority of the game,” Dianella keeper Peter Pilkadaris explained. “Their red card allowed us to play the way we like to and could’ve had three or four by the end. We aren’t taking the win yet and will be going into our home leg with the thought that it is still 0-0.”
14.9.2024
DIVISION ONE - INTER DIVISIONAL PLAY OFFS – REVIEW
Curtin University have taken a huge step towards the Inter-divisional play-off final, after a 2-0 win against Cockburn City at Dalmatinac Park on Saturday afternoon. The hosts, who finished second bottom in Division One, struggled to break down a hard-working Curtin side, and a first half goal from Rowan Steed sent the visitors on their way. The Cockerel’s cause wasn’t helped when skipper Euen Grant was sent off late, before Mighael Muller added a vital second goal to seal the win. “I’m happy with the result, although in the end I think we could have had more,” Curtin coach Troy Reid said. “The job is only half done, and we still need to go out there next week and beat Cockburn at home.” Curtin opened the scoring on 16 minutes. A long throw down the line by Aaron Hinshelwood was well controlled by Kieran Witt, who found Jai Coker in the middle of the park, his well-timed through ball sent Steed in on goal, and he finished nearly past Michael Craggs.
Cockburn pressed looking for the equaliser, but they couldn’t find a way past a tight Curtin defence. Any hopes of a Cockburn comeback were dented when skipper Grant was shown a second yellow card six minutes from time, then to rub salt into the wounds Curtin grabbed a second five minutes later. A quick break by Muller saw him play Witt down the right channel, before squaring the ball back to Muller who made no mistake. “Very tight tough game with neither team giving an inch as you’d expect,” Curtin’s Nathan Smith explained. “We really had to dig in there and absorb pressure for periods but the boys did really well. Big week of training to prepare us for the second leg and get the result we need.”
In the other game, Joondalup City are in the driving seat going into next week’s second leg against East Perth, after a 3-1 win at Iluka District Open Space. Eddie Wilcock had given the hosts the lead, before Ryan McCready levelled. But two second half goals from Harry Edwards gave City the edge going into the second leg. “It was a typical big game with a few momentum swings either way especially in the first half,” Joondalup coach Guy McDonald said. “The second half was a solid performance from our boys, but it’s only halftime and we certainly aren’t getting carried away. We will recover well, get back on the grass this week and prepare properly for another battle.” It was a tight opening to this one, with both sides having their chances, but it was the hosts who hit the front on 27 minutes. A poor clearance from Mitchell Papas fell to Eddie Wilcock, whose shot from distance flew into the top corner of the net.
But East Perth were level ten minutes later, the league’s top goalscorer Ryan McCready losing his marker to head home Gavin Dillon cross from the left. Joondalup hit the front again on the hour mark, a ball into the box wasn’t dealt with and Edwards was on hand to score from close-range. Then four minutes from time, Joondalup found a third, a ball into the box was dropped by Papas under pressure, and Edwards swept the ball home into an empty net. “It was a great performance from the lads, and we’ve put ourselves in a strong position going into the second leg,” Joondalup’s Liam Peacock said. “However, this is only the halfway point, and we know there’s still work to be done to get the job done. We’ll stay focused and give it everything in the return leg.”
14.9.2024
GLORY ADD MORE SOUTH AMERICAN FLAIR TO SQUAD
Perth Glory have added more South American flair to the squad for next season, after bringing in Colombian winger Cristian Caicedo Castillo on a one-year deal with the club. The 22-year-old arrives following a successful spell with Orsomarso SC in his native Colombia, during which time he made 30 appearances and scored five goals.
He played for Portuguese Campeonato sides GS Loures and Oriental before moving on to FC Serpa for whom he opened his senior goalscoring account by finding the net twice in as many Portuguese Cup games in 2022, and he was on target in his final game for the club on Monday evening, scoring the equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Leones.
The pacey winger is now looking forward to the new challenge in the A-League. “I’m very happy to have signed with the club and am excited to arrive in Perth,” he told the Glory website. “My ambition is to help my teammates as much as possible and do my best to make the club have a great A-League season. At an individual level, I just want to score as many goals and provide as many assists as I can.”
Head Coach David Zdrilic believes that the winger has the potential to play a key role for Glory this season. “Cristian’s strength is attacking with pace in wide areas and he therefore fits perfectly into our playing style and philosophy,” he said. “He’s gained some important experience playing at a good level in both Colombia and Portugal and looks like an excellent fit for our squad. We look forward to seeing him provide a major threat in the final third this year.”
Football Director, Stan Lazaridis, also believes that the club’s members and fans will enjoy watching Caicedo in action. “Cristian’s the kind of livewire player who puts bums on seats,” he said. He’s versatile enough to play anywhere in the front four, he’s got pace and flair, loves to take players on and I can see him being a big hit with our supporters. Having another quality option like Cristian in the final third is a huge plus for us.”
14.9.2024
GLORY SNAP UP TWO WA KEEPERS
After the departure of goalkeepers Morgan Aquino (DC Power FC) and Sally James (Canberra United) from last season’s squad, new Perth Glory Women’s coach Stephen Peters has acted quickly to fill the void, bringing in Perth duo Miranda Templeman and Young Matildas custodian Jessica Skinner for season 2024/25.
Templeton returns to Perth after three seasons at Adelaide United, Melbourne Victory. The 21-year-old was a former member of the Future Matildas program and Australia Under-16 representative, she made her ALW debut for Adelaide United in February 2022 and added a further four appearances to her tally during a two-season spell with Melbourne Victory. Meanwhile Skinner has featured in a number of Young Matildas squads, after 17-year-old rose to prominence in the NPLW WA with Hyundai NTC.
Peters believes that the WA duo will provide strong competition for the number one spot next season. “Along with another goalkeeper that we have coming in, Miranda and Jessica will form an exciting goalkeeping unit and drive each other to be the best versions of themselves each and every day,” he told the Glory website.
“The fact that they have both represented Australia at junior level demonstrates their undoubted potential and we look forward to seeing them continue to develop in the coming months. It is fantastic to bring two such talented local players into our squad.” Further ALW squad announcements will be made shortly.
13.9.2024
BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND TWENTY ONE PREVIEW
With two weeks to go in the Belt-Up Amateur Premier Division, it’s tight for the playoff and relegation spots, and in our week 21 ‘Match of the Round’ we concentrate on the battle to stay in the league, as tenth placed South Perth United host eleventh placed Peel United in a real six pointer at Challenge Reserve. (All games kick off at 3.00pm, unless stated) Joondalup United are already relegated, and the other relegation place will be between these two clubs, so three points will be vital. The last time they met at the venue was in round one last season, with the hosts winning 4-0. South Perth took the lead on 22 minutes, with Cedric Chauveau converting from the penalty spot. Ben Godfrey then doubled their lead seven minutes later, turning his man close to the half way line before driving in on goal and finishing well. It was 3-0 ten minutes before half time, George Stephens on target, after good work by Ben Greaves. They sealed the points early in the second half, with Greaves adding the fourth.
South Perth secured a vital three points last week at Kingsley, and assistant coach Willson Kene said it was a great game to be involved in. “It was fantastic game very entertaining from both teams, and it could have gone either way but our boys held on from the one goal from Ayela. We knew we needed to get the three points coming into the game to give us a better chance of staying up, knowing Peel was going to beat Joondalup,” he explained. “This weekend against Peel is going to be another tough game, if we win, we secure our status in the league but anything less it goes down to last game of the season. We definitely don’t want to put that pressure on ourselves, so this weekend we going for the three points.”
Defender Chris Nolan said coach Richard Mante got the game plan right against Kingsley, and they will be looking for more of the same on Sunday. “It was great to get a big win on the road against a tough, well organised Kingsley side. We’ve felt this sort of result has been a long time coming, and Richard set a pretty clear game plan and we managed to stick to it well,” he said. “We know it’s going to be a super close game against Peel, the previous encounter had some great football from both sides. The last few weeks we’ve been able to put out a similar starting line-up, for what feels like the first time all season, so hopefully we can continue to build and push for a massive three points.”
Peel United coach Daryl Willmott said both sides have had difficult seasons, but have both found form at the right end of the campaign, and it sets up three vital points for either of them. “Yes, it’s been a very challenging season for both clubs and with us particularly the struggle we have had with injuries, but both are fighting to stay in the league,” he said. “The lads have been working extremely hard during the week to prepare accordingly for this game. With South Perth we always expect a physical game and it will likely be amplified given the importance for both clubs. The story is quite simple now that we must get a result to keep our fate in our own hands.”
At the other end of the table, it’s second v fourth, as Kelmscott Roos host Emerald at Frye Park. It’s a vital game for the hosts, who sit four points behind Emerald, and who were beaten at home by Morley last week, so a win is a must for the Roos. “Last week was a tough loss against Morley, as it was a massive game for our season just as this weekend is too,” Kelmscott’s Benn Lewis said. “We’ve had some good games against Emerald in the past and I’m sure this one will be no different. The loss last week has only driven us more and the levels at training this week have been high with the boys are raring to get back to winning ways in another crucial game for our season.”
Emerald, who have a game in hand, are coming off a 0-0 draw at Wembley, and coach Paul Curran said it was a good point, and they now need to get three points on Sunday. “We were quite happy with the draw last week against the newly crowned champions. We lost a couple of lads including our keeper before the kick off, but the lads showed brilliant character and just got on with the job. We felt we had the clearer of the chances but on the game as a whole a draw was probably a fair result,” he explained. “Kelmscott this week doesn’t get any easier. We’ve both been pretty close on the table all year and we know going down to their place and with their boisterous supporters getting right behind them, it’s going to be a huge challenge, but one we’re really looking forward to.”
Third placed Morley Windmills welcome North Perth United to Wotton Reserve. The visitors have had a midseason surge seeing them sitting sixth, while Morley have won their last nine games, to see them push up the table. Coach Dan Evans said the win at Kelmscott last week was hard fought, but he thought they deserved the three points. “I thought we shaded it, certainly when you consider the chances, the first half was a real struggle and probably didn’t make for the best spectacle. Second half I thought we controlled but obviously conceding late was a real disappointment,” Evans explained.
“Fortunately, we created another chance and were able to get the winner so away from home against a good side we were able to pick up three points which were obviously pleased with “North Perth will be a different proposition at home so we’ve prepared appropriately. There will likely be a few changes and for us it’s another game we’ve got to win. There is no doubt they will be competitive and they have had a good run of form themselves so we’re expecting a challenging game and it’s a big day for the club off the field so hopefully it’s good one for the spectators and the right result for us.” The round starts tonight when North Beach host Joondalup United at Charles Riley Memorial Reserve (7.30pm). Champions Wembley Downs, will be presented with their league trophy on Sunday at Butlers Reserve, after their game against Maccabi, while in the final game Jaguar welcome Kingsley Westside to the Herb Graham Recreation Centre.
13.9.2024
NPL-WA WOMENS TOP FOUR FINALS SERIES - PREVIEW
We head into the NPL- Womens Top Four Final Series on Sunday, and champions Perth RedStar will continue their rivalry with Perth SC, when they meet at the RedStar Arena. (2.30pm) The two sides met last week in the State Cup final, with Perth running out 4-1 winners, so they head into the game full of confidence, while the RedStar’s will be looking for some revenge, but like all their games this season it will be a tight affair.
RedStar skipper Sarah Carroll said it’s been a great season for the club, and they will be looking to bounce back from their defeat in the cup final last week. “I’m so proud of everyone for the season we’ve had so far, to win the league three years in a row is an amazing achievement and a credit to the club, staff and players for their hard work and commitment,” Carroll said. “I also want to acknowledge the individual achievements of some of our players this season, milestone games and first team debuts are special, and it’s important we celebrate those moments too.
Carroll said the end of season finals is another opportunity to get some silverware back to the club, and they expecting another tough battle against Perth. “We’re looking forward to Sunday, it’s a huge game, and it’s an opportunity for us to bounce back and respond after last weekend’s defeat,” the midfielder said. “As I’ve mentioned previously, we really enjoy the battle with Perth, they push us to be at our best and have been our biggest challenger this season. We look forward to continuing that battle again this weekend. We have one more trophy to fight for and we will do everything we can to finish the season strong.”
Perth’s Daisy McAllister said last week’s win against RedStar has given the squad a huge boost, heading into the first leg of the final’s series. “I think after last week it’s really important that we build on the momentum we have created. At times throughout the season, we struggled to remain consistent after big wins, such as the round nine game where we conceded points to Balcatta the following week after the 4-3 win against RedStar,” the striker said.
“I think if we remain focused and disciplined with our game plan, then we have a team that’s able to bring home another trophy. The season started off with a lot of unknowns, we had eight players at the beginning of preseason and with all that tradition it was hard to think we would be in the position we are in now. All credit to the girls and Brogan, we worked so hard throughout the year with a new team, so to finish on a high note would be the perfect end to the season.”
In the other first leg game, fourth placed Fremantle City host third placed Balcatta Etna at the Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve. (3.00pm) They have played each other three times in the league this season, in round two Balcatta secured a 3-1 win at home, and in round nine they cam home from Hilton Park, also with a 3-1 win. Then in round 16 Fremantle won for the first time, beating Balcatta on the road 4-2, but all games have been tight, and Sunday will be no different.
Balcatta coach Peter Rakic said it’s been a season of ups and downs for them, but they have hit form at the right time of the season, and he’s looking forward to the final’s series. "There's a level of contentment about our finishing place this season overall but if I look back on our consistency it shows a different narrative, which is a little disappointing if I'm honest,” he explained. “We've done well to pick ourselves back up from our mid-season slump but really that's what shaped our season and took us out of the title race with RedStar and Perth. It definitely paints a picture for our goals for next year and perhaps gives some insight on our squad continuity and what I'll be preparing for in 2025.
"We couldn't have asked for a better run of form to take into this clash with Fremantle, but we are fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead. Our last encounter was a very physical one and I believe that's how Fremantle like to get on top of their opponents in the contest which makes it difficult to find rhythm with the ball, but we've trained for opponents like this over the past few weeks and our girls have learnt a lot from each result, and I think we've done all we can up until now to be ready for a finals showdown."
13.9.2024
NPL-WA TOP FOUR FINALS SERIES - PREVIEW
After another exciting NPLWA – Men’s season, we congratulate Olympic Kingsway on winning the title, and this weekend we move into the Top Four Finals Series first legs. First in the minor semi-final, third placed Fremantle City host Stirling Macedonia at Hilton Park. (2.30pm) Both games between them this season in the league were tight affairs, in round five Stirling ran out 4-2 winners at Macedonia Park. The visitors were ahead early, Oliver La Galia scoring, but Kade Fernall levelled for the hosts eight minutes into the second half. They were ahead five minutes later, Calvin Whitney heading home, but Fremantle levelled just after the break, with Alex Mclean also heading home. But the hosts regained the lead seven minutes from time, Louis Hadfield finishing clinically and they sealed the points three minutes later, Fernall adding his second.
Then in the return game at Hilton Park the points were shared in a 2-2 draw. Fremantle found the opener early, Charles Chechlacz scoring from close-range. But in the shadows of half time the visitors levelled, Whitney curling home from the left of the penalty area. Stirling were ahead early in the second half, Alex Tanevski slipping in Ciaran Byrne, who made no mistake. But Fremantle restored parity to earn a point, with Shubham Mokala on target.
Stirling are the current Top Four Final Series winners, beating Perth RedStar 2-0 in last season’s final. In the game at the Sam Kerr Football Centre, a penalty early in the second half from Calvin Whitney set Ian Ferguson’s side on their way, before Alex Tanevski added a second 12 minutes later. Whitney was sent off moments later, after receiving a second yellow card, while RedStar also finished the game with ten men after Sonny O’Shea was also given his marching orders, but at the final whistle Stirling were celebrating their first win in the top flight of WA football since 2010.
The tenure of Stirling coach Ago Mujic has been impressive, only three defeats and two of them was when they had already qualified for the finals, but the coach said he has been delighted with the players attitude to the change of coach. “Yes, you are right, the last two defeats came when we switched off a bit and it is something we working on, and trying to fix it for next season that we need approach every game in same way,” he explained. “But overall, the boys have been excellent from the first training session that I took at the club and we started playing some good football and second half of season has been very good despite all changes that happened at the club. So, to finish season with trophy would be very good and that’s our aim but we need to concentrate and take it game by game.”
Ago said the game against Fremantle late in the season was a tough game, and he is expecting Saturday to more of the same. “I can’t comment for the first game when the boys beat Fremantle at home as I was not involved, but when we played them at their ground was very tight game which finished as a draw, but it was a difficult game,” he said. “We been working hard at training as we prepare ourselves for Saturday, but it’s business as usual and that’s what we done every week/game this season and it won’t been any different on Saturday. It’s very exciting time of football NPL season that’s for sure and I expect to be good day of football down at Hilton Park and I’m sure crowd will enjoy two good sides competing to progress to next round of finals football.”
For Fremantle, it’s the first time they have played in top four finals in the NPL, and coach Matthew Sparrow said all the hard work from everyone at the club has been rewarded. “Yes, it’s been a fantastic season, the club, players and coaching staff have all worked incredibly hard to be where we are right now and that’s a great achievement for everyone involved,” he said. “We’ve had to use the entire squad all season due to long term injuries, players going away etc and every player has played a crucial part to securing a top four finish and creating history for the club.”
Sparrow said Stirling have been tough opponents down the years, and he said the two games in the league showed that. He said they have prepared well and looking forward to the two legs. “As always facing a team like Stirling is always a difficult fixture, they are always a fit competitive team down the years and this year has been pretty much the same when we’ve played them home and away,” he explained. “The away game changed our rhythm once our two 9’s in La Galia and Petkov went off injured in the first half and we never really reacted positively after that but saying that it was 2-2 with eight minutes to go but two late goals eventually killed us off.
“The home game was probably the worst we’ve played all season and we came away with an important point sometimes you have to dig in deep, stay compact and be hard to beat and that’s exactly what we had to do that day as Stirling controlled the game for large parts of it but credit to the boys for working ever so hard on the day, looking back now that point was huge to securing third spot in the table. We’re very excited for the game Saturday, it’s a massive fixture for the club, players and supporters down at Hilton Park which I’m sure will attract a big crowd as no doubt they will bring a good following as well. The players will need to be ready and everyone will have to be on top of their game individually and collectively as a group but we are quietly confident going into it as I’m sure they will be too.”
In the major semi-final it’s repeat of last weekend’s State League Cup Final, with champions Olympic Kingsway entertaining runners-up Perth RedStar at the Kingsway Sporting Comple. (3.00pm) Olympic prevailed 3-2 in the cup final, and in their two meetings in the league, both ended in draws. In round four at RedStar Arena it was 1-1, Liam Boland giving the visitors the lead early, but a penalty 12 minutes from time from Daryl Nicol earned the hosts a point. In the return game at Kingsway Sporting Complex in round 15, it ended 2-2. Joe Hobson gave the hosts the lead early, but goals either side of half time by Joel Chianese and Theo Leeming had RedStar heading for victory, but Aryn Williams levelled four minutes from time to give both sides a share of the spoils.
RedStar skipper Blair Govan said games against Olympic are always great encounters, and he thought they were unlucky last week in the cup final, with a couple of decisions going against them. “It’s always been a tight game with ourselves and Olympic since they came back into the league, and I think most have ended in a draw,” he said. “We were obviously disappointed after last week, we are 2-0 up ten minutes into the game and causing them a lot of problems, then a couple of referee decisions completely change the rest of the game. We gave it everything and even with ten men for such a long period and into extra time I thought we did really well.”
The club have unearthed some talented youngsters from their academy this season, the likes of Sonny O’Shea, Nyle Weale, Lewis Tucker, Matthew George and the Leeming brothers (Oliver and Theo) and Govan said it’s been a pleasure to watch these players improve each week, and become important players in the squad, and will play a big part in the final series. “Yes, it’s been probably the biggest highlight of the season for me, seeing some of the young boys come in and doing well, not just every now and then but some of them have been doing it week in week out,” the defender explained. “It’s massive for the club that we are bringing in these young talented boys and still competing for every trophy in WA. I’m sure it will be another entertaining game, and they get a decent crowd down there so that always makes things that more enjoyable, but nothing changes for us we treat it like every other game. We will take last week’s frustrations into this week and use it to come away with a win hopefully.”
Olympic sealed their first title since 1980, and midfielder Joshua Samson, who joined the club in David Tough’s first season, said the coach deserves a great deal of credit for the success. “We have come a long way since Toughy took over. I came during his first season and am the last one of that team. Since I arrived, I could see that it was a big club, from the way it is run behind the scenes and the quality on and off the park,” he explained. “It was just a matter of time before we got promoted and challenged for the title. It’s been an amazing journey so far and a lot of credit needs to go to Toughy and the coaching staff, as well as all the members behind the scene who run and support the club in a professional manner.”
Samson is expecting another battle against RedStar on Saturday, and he knows it will be business as usual. “RedStar are a great team who have quality all over the park. We know games against them are going to be tough and are a game of who can take their chances. Both teams are comfortable having sustained possession or sitting in and hitting on the break, which is why all our games have been so close,” he said. “We know it will be another tough game, and both teams will be giving it their all to arrive in the final. So, we will need to be ready, work hard and do what we have done all season. It should be another entertaining game and we will need all of our fans to support us and push us over the line, we are really looking forward to it.” In the Reserves Top Four Finals, Perth Glory takes on Perth SC at Hilton Park, while Bayswater City meet Olympic Kingsway at the Kingsway Sporting Complex (Both 12.15pm kick off) In the under 18’s Perth SC and Perth Glory meet at Hilton Park, while Perth RedStar takes on Bayswater City at the Kingsway Sporting Complex (Both
13.9.2024
NPL-WA - INTER DIVISIONAL PLAY OFFS - PREVIEW
The promotion/relegation playoffs begin this weekend, and first up Perth Glory will travel to the Poolmart Mandurah Stadium, Peelwood Parade, to take on Mandurah City, as they try and hold on to their NPL spot. (All games kick off at 3.00pm) Glory have struggled this season, only winning three games, but they avoided the automatic relegation spot, five points clear of the relegated Inglewood United. Mandurah City finished fourth in Division One, and after a mid-season blip, the new look side roared home late in the season, to reach the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
Perth Glory have played in the top flight of WA football since 2014, although they did play one season in 2002 as Future Glory. They were runners up in 2018, but will need to fight to stay in the league this season, and coach Ivan Zuvela said his young players have developed well, which will help them in their future football, and coming up against an experience Mandurah side is a huge challenge, but one they are looking forward too. “I think this year has certainly been challenging for the players, but we are looking at this as such an exciting opportunity because this is all part of their development,” he said. “Their experiences of being in the first team this year will definitely make them better players, and more importantly will develop them further on their journey. I have so much time for Mandurah as a club, the place is surrounded by wonderful people both on and off the field. We are genuinely exciting about playing them this week and we go there with such a positive mindset and we will give it everything.”
It’s a new look Mandurah City side this season, to the one that just missed out in the playoffs last year, and coach John Baird said the coaching staff have been delighted with the way they have jelled, and knows they are four games away from promotion, but all their concentration is on Glory first up. “We’ve been really pleased how well our group of boys have come together, especially in the second half of the season we’re the form has been exceptional, we always knew it would take time considering the turnaround in players but to get into the playoffs is the least this group deserve,” Baird explained. “These ties are over 180 minutes so nothing is won in the first leg, we know what we’re about and know what we can bring to the tie, we have everything to gain and nothing to lose in this semifinal. All the pressure is on Perth Glory no doubt about that, my players have been in cup finals, playoffs and league decider games over the three seasons I’ve been in charge so it’s nothing different to us we’ve experienced it all before.”
In the other playoff game, second placed Dianella White Eagles will make the trip to Besteam Stadium, to take on third placed Murdoch University Melville. The Eagles have had the wood on MUMFC in their games in the league this season, goals from Andy Keogh, Paul Zimarino and Alen Patarov secured a 3-1 win at Dianella Reserve in round five. The return game at Besteam, in round 16 was another tight game, Keogh and Zimarino gave the visitors a 2-0 lead, Declan Tanna pulled one back for the hosts, but the Eagles held firm to take the points.
MUMFC skipper Pat Sara said it’s been good season at the club, and they head into the playoffs in a confident mood. “Yes, we are happy with the season so far and proud of what we’ve achieved. But we are fully focused on what’s ahead and first stop is Dianella at home,” the midfielder said. “We go into the game with lots of confidence from our recent form and know we are good enough to beat anyone on our day. Dianella obviously finished above us in the league, so we know we are somewhat underdogs. But in no way does that affect the way we play or prepare for these games. We’ll look to play the way we have been, and I think we’re good enough to do the job.”
Dianella White Eagles defender Josh Kuser said their push to the NPL has been a long journey, but they are within touching distance now, and they will be doing everything they can to succeed for their loyal supporters. “It’s been nearly four seasons in the making where the club has really pushed to get into the NPL, I’m hoping in a few weeks’ time after all the blood sweat and tears we make that dream possible,” he explained. “The players deserve that reward after a long gruelling season and to share that celebration with the forever faithful committee/volunteers/family/fans would be something special, and would make a lot of people proud. For us nothing changes come Saturday, we go out to their play our brand of football and the rest will take care of itself. Will be a competitive match, Murdoch are no push over, I wish them all the best.”
13.9.2024
DIVISION ONE - INTER DIVISIONAL PLAY OFFS – PREVIEW
A place in the State League Division One is on line on Saturday, for Division Two sides East Perth, Joondalup City and Curtin University, who will be joined by Division One second bottom team Cockburn City in the first leg of the promotion/relegation playoffs. (All games kick off at 3.00pm) In the opening game, second placed East Perth travel to Iluka District Open Space to take on third placed Joondalup City. The sides have met twice this season in the league and both sides won their home games 2-1. First in round nine, Ryan McCready gave the visitors the lead early, but the hosts hit back with a brace from Mason Gallagher securing the points. In the round 20 game, East Perth prevailed at home. Gallagher gave the visitors the lead early in the second half, but late goals from McCready and Daniel Whelan-Dempsey won it for East Perth.
It's been a meteoric rise for East Perth, and in their first season in the state league, a spot in the playoffs is a great achievement and coach Colm Costello said all the hard work on and off the pitch has been rewarded. “Yes, it’s been a brilliant first year from the boys and everyone involved. The club have grown massively in ten years and for the lads to be knocking on the door all season in a very competitive league is a serious credit to them, if anything we have over achieved in our first season at this level,” he explained. “The recent performances have been really good and hopefully we continue the good form for next few weeks.”
“The boys have come together, worked very hard and deservedly are in this position now, although we were so close to the title. So, it’s important the boys go out and enjoy the next few games, and it will be a cup final feel for next few weeks, but we can play without pressure and see we’re it takes us. Saturday’s game will be a belter and I personally have big respect for Guy and Richie and the job they have done this season, it will be two proper battles over next few weeks. Joondalup city have spent much of the season above us so it’s another challenge to go there on Saturday. Both games against City were cracking close encounters and I reckon the next two games will be as competitive as any in the league so far so we are looking forward to them both.”
Joondalup have also improved under the guidance of Guy McDonald, and in his first season as coach at the northern suburbs club they will be looking to get back to Division One for the first time since 2018. “Considering where the club was when I took over, yes, we have to be happy with the way we have performed and where we have finished. The boys have bought into everything we have tried to implement from day dot and I’m proud of them as a group for that. But I’m a winner and I certainly know this group of boys are as well. We had opportunities to win the league and lost it in moments which we have learnt from and is only going to make us stronger moving forward,” McDonald explained. “We’ve had two great games against East Perth this year with both teams willing to take the game to one another. I think the league from the outside looking in is underrated, but the big games that we have been involved in have been high quality and I’m excited to see what this weekend produces. I guarantee it will be two teams giving everything to win a football match.”
In the other playoff, Cockburn City will need to put a disappointing season behind them, when they host Curtin University at Dalmatinac Park. It looked like the Cockerels would slip out of the league, but a good end to the season, saw them pull clear of Rockingham, and with the experience they have in their squad, the likes of Harry O’Brien, Euen Grant, Angel Andres and Anthony Skorich to name a few, they will be hoping they can come through the playoffs and re-set for 2025. Standing in their way in the first leg is Curtin University, Troy Reid’s side finished fourth, and they just missed out on promotion last season, losing to Subiaco AFC in the Playoff Final.
Curtin’s Nathan Smith said it’s another opportunity for the club to gain promotion, and they will be doing all they can to achieve it. “I think this is why we play football, so we can play and make an impact in the race for promotion. I’m pleased to be involved in back-to-back playoffs for Curtin and well deserved for the club,” he said. “Will be an exceptionally tough battle against a Cockburn side giving everything to maintain their place in Division One. There will be moments in the game on Saturday that we have to make sure we come out on top and that will be key to getting a good result.”
13.9.2024
HARNWELL BACKS NEW ACADEMY DESPITE CLUB UPROAR
Football West chief executive Jamie Harnwell has defended Football Australia-backed plans for youth development and is adamant the pipeline is “not about stealing kids”. The state governing body announced the roll-out of the Football Australia Academy for 2025 two days ago amid a flurry of objections from local clubs.
The academy will see boys from age 12-15 competing against local clubs under the Football West banner in the top junior competitions, operating side by side with Football West’s girls’ National Training Centre program. But the Alliance of WA Football Clubs have said the decision was rushed through and raised questions of Football West’s corporate governance.
Harnwell confirmed the National Premier Leagues standing committee voted against the proposal, which will see the best juniors in their age group competing against the top club sides one year older than them. Football Australia view the pathway as an important part of identifying future national teams players at youth level and beyond.
“We would be the only state without a full-time program next year, without the introduction of this academy model,” Harnwell told thewest.com.au. “It’s not about winning leagues or anything like that; we want the players to be tested, getting beaten and learning how to deal with that as well, there’s no intent to put these teams in to try and win leagues or cups.”
Harnwell is adamant the new academy was not aimed at depriving local clubs of their best young talent. “This is about football development; it’s not about stealing from clubs or trying to win games. It’s about what’s best for the young boys and girls in WA who have dreamed of playing for their national team,” Harnwell said.
“This is a football decision that’s been led by Football Australia’s chief football officer Ernie Merrick. I understand there’s concern by the clubs. This (academy) is based on what’s best for these kids and we want to work with the clubs to do this, we want to help identify players and give them opportunities.”
“We’ve had to work to a very tight timeframe. There’s no doubt about that. That has been pushed by FA somewhat in terms of what they wanted us to do, especially with the change in direction of Perth Glory’s Academy.”
Glory are moving towards a district-zoned academy, setting up a senior female academy and withdrawing their 13-16 age group teams from the NPL next season. It means there will be two separate elite talent development pathways in WA, but Harnwell believed the two could coexist and they had been open with Glory.
“There’s a room for everybody and Perth Glory want to cast their net wide across Perth to find the next talented players, and Football Australia’s intensive proposal is to try and identify those who will benefit best from an environment where they’re training and playing with each other three or four times a week.”
In their statement on Facebook, the AWAFC vowed to continue their fight against the plans. “We will now have duplication, confusion and unnecessary competition between Football West, local clubs and Perth Glory,” the statement read.
“We support an academy structure which is complementary and works collaboratively with local clubs, allowing talented players to access development opportunities while still being able to play with their local clubs on a Sunday morning.”
13.9.2024
GLORY SIGN LITTLE-KNOWN COLOMBIAN CAICEDO
Perth Glory have filled another overseas slot for the coming season with the recruitment of little-known Colombian winger Cristian Caicedo a one-year deal. Caicedo joins Ecuadorian Luis Canga, Japanese midfielder Hiroaki Aoyama and Belgian left-back Anas Hamzaoui as the clubs’ international players.
Caicedo, 22, arrives off the back of a two-season, 30-game stint with Orsomarso in Colombia’s second tier, where he found the net seven times. The versatile left-footer has turned out for Portugese sides FC Serpa, Oriental and GS Loures.
“I’m very happy to have signed with the club and am excited to arrive in Perth,” Caicedo said. “My ambition is to help my teammates as much as possible and do my best to make the club have a great A-League season. At an individual level, I just want to score as many goals and provide as many assists as I can.”
Coach David Zdrilic said his newest recruit had the potential to play a key role for Glory this season. “Cristian’s strength is attacking with pace in wide areas and he therefore fits perfectly into our playing style and philosophy,” he said. “We look forward to seeing him provide a major threat in the final third this year.”
12.9.2024
FOOTBALL WEST FACE BACKLASH TO NEW ACADEMY
A civil war is brewing between Football West and its constituents after the governing body’s plans for a new elite development pathway were met with widespread backlash from clubs. Local clubs - including Perth Glory and most National Premier Leagues sides - have formed the Alliance of WA Football Clubs in opposition to a joint Football Australia-Football West proposal to pilot a new academy structure in 2025.
The new pathway, backed by Football Australia and called the FA Academy, will see boys from age 12-15 competing against local clubs under the Football West banner in the top junior competition and operate side by side with Football West’s girls’ NTC program. However, it comes as Glory plan to peel back their own academy set-up after long-running skirmishes with local clubs.
The Alliance has argued the new pathway has been sprung on them with limited consultation, with some members finding out of the plan only last week. In a letter addressed to Minister for Sport and Recreation David Templeman, Alliance spokesman and Perth SC president Jason Marocchi said Football West were “throwing corporate governance out the window and rushing the introduction of this pilot”.
The letter also stated Football West ignored a unanimous decision of the NPL Standing Committee against the introduction of the academy, said a coaches standing committee voted on the proposal via WhatsApp and stated a junior standing committee were given just 24 hours to endorse the academy over email.
“The Football Australia Academy will not only compete with local clubs, but it will also compete against Perth Glory’s new academy model as well,” Marocchi said in the letter. “We need to be united as a game in WA and work together to develop the state’s best talent. At the very least, Football West should delay the roll-out of any proposed full-time academy by at least 12 months, allowing proper and meaningful consultation with the clubs and other stakeholders.”
In a statement, Football West chief executive Jamie Harnwell said they were thrilled to work directly with Football Australia in developing the next generations of WA talent. “This wasn’t a decision made lightly but made with the best interests of the game as a whole, both for WA and Australia,” he said.
“The Football Australia Academy will operate to enhance the technical skills, tactical understanding and high-performance behaviours of players in WA. There is a clear development focus throughout the program. The Football Australia Academy also allows for the identification and progression of coaches, both those in the program and those with the local clubs.”
“The Football Australia Academy will expand opportunities for young players across metropolitan, regional and rural areas, ensuring a broader and more inclusive pathway for talent. This approach is designed to complement, not compete with, local club programs. Regional players in particular will have a unique opportunity to be able to play games in the metropolitan competitions, whilst still being able to play for their local club in their home association.”
The proposed academy structure, which the clubs liken to a WA state team competing against local clubs in the junior competition, is similar to Glory’s academy set-up. However, after consultation with local clubs, the A-League Men’s side will strip back their academy next season, which previously featured a Glory side in the top NPL divison for each age group.
While Glory’s academy allowed them access to the best kids in the state at an early age, it led to friction within the local community, with the club scooping the best players from other clubs and proceeding to dominate the junior competitions, in turn leading to kids and parents being less willing to support their A-League side.
But following a review by Glory, they will withdraw their 13-16 age-group teams from the NPL and transition to a district model for male and female players aged from 8-15 and importantly, the club will establish a senior academy for female players. The district model will allow junior players to register and play for their chosen local club, while also training and playing for their Glory district zone.
12.9.2024
GLORY WOMEN TO KICK-OFF AGAINST REIGNING PREMIERS
Stephen Peters era as Perth Glory Women coach will begin away to Melbourne City, while an all-twilight fixture run is on the menu for fans at their new home of the State Football Centre. But Glory will have to wait until round five to properly bed in their new home ground, with three out of their opening four games over east.
Peters’ new-look side will launch their campaign away to reigning premiers City on Sunday, November 3, before heading west for their first home game against Newcastle Jets a week later, part of a men’s and women’s double-header at Perth Oval. After that they are on the road to Brisbane Roar and Canberra United.
The majority of Glory’s State Football Centre fixtures are 5:00pm kick-offs, starting with the Sunday December 8 clash with Melbourne Victory. Mid-summer will test the side with four out of five games in January and February away from home, however, that is counter-balanced with four of their final six games at home.
As per the 2023/24 season, the top six sides will qualify for the finals, which will kick-off in late April with the Grand Final scheduled for mid-May. All games will be made available live and free on the 10 Play app and live on Paramount+, while the league will also broadcast 10 matches live on 10 Bold.
11.9.2024
TEMPLEMAN AND SKINNER CALLED IN TO STOP THE SHOTS
Perth Glory have shored up their women’s goalkeeping department with the recruitment of young West Australian talent Miranda Templeman and Jessica Skinner. The pair have signed on for the 2024/25 A-League season following the departure of breakout star Morgan Aquino (DC Power FC) and deputy Sally James (Canberra United).
Templeman returns to her hometwon after spending the past three seasons with Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory. The 21-year old started out with Melville City and was part of the Future Matildas program as a teenager, when she represented Australia at Under-16 level. Templeman made her A-League debut with Adelaide and going on to serve as Matildas veteran Lydia Williams’ back-up at Melbourne Victory.
17-year-old Skinner has been part of a number of Young Matildas squads after several strong performances in the National Premier Leagues for the National Training Centre.
Templeman and Skinner are expected to compete for the number one jersey, however, coach Stephen Peters says Glory are not yet done in their transfer dealings. “Along with another goalkeeper that we have coming in, Miranda and Jessica will form an exciting goalkeeping unit and drive each other to be the best versions of themselves each and every day,” Peters said.
“The fact that they have both represented Australia at junior level demonstrates their undoubted potential and we look forward to seeing them continue to develop in the coming months.” The 2024/25 A-League Women season is scheduled to kick-off on the first weekend of November.
10.9.2024
GANGA ADDS TO GLORY BACKLINE
Perth Glory have secured a much-needed addition to their defensive stocks in the form of imposing centre-back Luis Canga. Glory have brought in the three-time Ecuadorian international to provide reinforcement to a defence that has been rebuilt after last year’s horror showing.
Canga, 29, has made more than 200 appearances in Ecuador’s top flight, played for Brazilian giants Vasco de Gama and featured in the Copa Libertadores, arguably the world’s biggest continental club tournament after the UEFA Champions League. He was capped at both Under-17 and Under-20 levels before earning his first senior cap for Ecuador against Bolivia as a 19-year old.
“I am very happy to be joining a great club like Perth Glory and am looking forward to linking up with my teammates and working under head coach David Zdrilic,” he said. “I’m totally committed and motivated to helping the club achieve its objectives this season and will be giving everything in each and every training session and game. I’m very excited to work hard and help bring success to the club.”
Standing at an imposing 1.9-metres, Canga has been recruited to stabilise a defence which shipped a staggering 69 goals last season — the second-most in A-League history. Centre-backs Mark Beevers, Darryl Lachman and Aleksandar Susnjar all departed in the off-season, as did right-back Johnny Koutroumbis.
Former Socceroo Josh Risdon has returned to Perth to play right-back, while on the opposite side, Belgian import Anas Hamzaoui is an unknown quantity, having not played yet in pre-season. Glory academy graduate Kaelen Majekodunmi has been retained, while there are big raps on the young defender and fellow new signing Zach Lisolajski.
10.9.2024
GOAL-SHY SOCCEROOS DRAW WITH INDONESIA (Photo by Getty Images: Robertus Pudyanto)
The Socceroos have struggled to find the net in their second Group C AFC World Cup qualifier, slumping to a frustrating 0-0 draw with Indonesia at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta on Tuesday night. This result came hot on the heels of the loss against Bahrain last week, with many regarding the two games as certain three points, but how wrong we were. It now means Australia have an uphill battle to reach the finals in Canada, Mexico and USA in 2026, and they now sit fifth in their group of six, needing to finish top two to automatically qualify. With the Socceroos stumbling against Indonesia, piling pressure on coach Graham Arnold, Saudi Arabia came from a goal down, with 10 men, to beat China 2-1 then Japan thrashed Bahrain 5-0, who top the group with two wins with Saudi Arabia in second on four points.
"We should have won and won comfortably. We had the chances, we missed chances — again," Arnold said post-match. "Look, I can only do so much, I can't play the game for them, and at the end of the day, we should have beaten Bahrain — we missed chances — and today we should have won comfortably and we missed chances. So, I'm as disappointed probably as every other Australian is. But there's another eight games to go and the goal is always to qualify direct but you have those extra play-off spots. For me at this moment, I'm just frustrated and I just need to go home to Australia and have a really good think about things."
Arnold made five changes to the side that lost to Bahrain, with former ECU Joondalup junior Cameron Burgess, Sammy Silvera, Keanu Baccus, Nestory Irankunda and Mitch Duke all coming into the starting eleven. Kye Rowles, Aiden O’Neill and Martin Boyle made way, along with the suspended Kusini Yengi and Connor Metcalfe, who missed with injury. It was the hosts who made the better start, and Mat Ryan was called into action in the opening minute, making smart saves to deny Mechelen defender Sandy Walsh and ADO Den Haag striker Rafael Stuick. Arnold’s side steadied, and went close themselves on 19 minutes, Baccus long-range shot was deflected wide for a corner. Moments later good work from Mitch Duke and Jackson Irvine, saw the ball fall to Harry Souttar, but the Sheffield United defender fired straight at Indonesian keeper Maarten Paes.
The Socceroos were dominating, and it only looked a matter of time before they would find the opener, Paes again thwarted Souttar, after he was picked out by Craig Goodwin’s corner, but the FC Dallas keeper saved well. There best chances came on 34 minutes, the lively Nestory Irankunda found space and the Bayern Munich winger’s shot beat Paes, but the post came to the rescue of the Indonesian custodian. He was at it again moments later this time Goodwin was sent down the flank by Baccus, but Paes stood tall to save from the angle.
It was more of the same after the break, with Arnold showing his frustration on the bench, Goodwin’s free kick was saved by Paes early, before second half substitute Adam Taggart fired straight at Paes. Indonesia sat back and hit Australia on the counter attack, much like Bahrain did on Thursday, and as time went on the Socceroos seemed to rush their passes, and the clear-cut chances dried up. Another substitute, Awer Mabil, was next to go close, getting on the end of an inch-perfect cross from Aziz Behich, but the Grasshoppers striker head wide. Former Perth Glory defender Alessandro Circati then went close late, but the desperate Indonesian defence blocked.
Ultimately, it wasn’t to be for the green and gold, who leave Jakarta with a share of the spoils. Its time to take stock, and not panic, with eight games to go, there is a lot of football to be played, but there needs to be a huge improvement in the final third. They will next be in action on Thursday 10 October when they host China PR at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide. "It was our game all along. We should have won it," Irankunda said post-match. “We had our chances in the first half and second half but we should have put them away in the first half. We just got unlucky. But we still had the fight and we tried our best to try and win the game still, we were dominating the whole game."
Indonesia: GK Maarten Paes, 2 Calvin Verdonk, 3 Jay Idzes, 5 Rizky Ridho, 6 Sandy Walsh (4 Wahyu Prasetyo 86’), 7 Marselino Ferdinan (12 Pratama Arhan 80’), 9 Rafael Struick (8 Witan Sulaeman 46’), 11 Ragnar Oratmangoen, 18. Ivar Jenner (19 Thom Haye 70’), 22 Nathan Tjoe-A-On, 23 Justin Hubner – Subs not used: RGK Nadeo Argawinata, RGK Ernando Ari, 10 Egy Maulana Vikri, 13 Muhammad Ferarri, 14 Asnawi Mangkualam, 15 Ricky Kambuaya, 17 Hokky Caraka, 20 Shayne Pattynama
Socceroos: GK Maty Ryan, 7 Sammy Silvera, 13 Alessandro Circati, 15 Mitch Duke (9 Adam Taggart 66’), 16 Aziz Behich (4 Kye Rowles 86’), 17 Keanu Baccus, 19 Harry Souttar, 20 Nestory Irankunda (10 Awer Mabil 59’), 21 Cameron Burgess, 22 Jackson Irvine, 23 Craig Goodwin (11 Josh Nisbet 66’) – Subs not used: RGK Paul Izzo, RGK Joe Gauci, 2 Thomas Deng, 3 Lewis Miller, 5 Aiden O’Neill, 6 Martin Boyle, 8 John Iredale, 14 Cameron Devlin - Venue: Venue: Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta – Referee: Salman Ahmad Falahi (Qatar) – Attendance: 70,059
10.9.2024
GLORY BRING IN SOUTH AMERICAN DEFENDER
Perth Glory have bolstered their defensive stocks with the signing of Ecuador defender Luis Canga on a one-year deal. The 29-year-old centre back has made more than 200 appearances in the LigaPro Serie A, Ecuador’s top-flight, and he has also played for Brazilian clubs Vasco de Gama and featured in South America’s premier club tournament, the Copa Libertadores. He was capped by Ecuador at both Under-17 and Under-20 level, and has gone on to play three times for his country, making his debut for the La Tricolor in 2014 against Bolivia. Glory’s latest recruit was just 19 when he won his first senior cap in a 2014 victory over Bolivia.
Canga is now relishing the challenge of establishing himself in Glory’s defence, under new coach David Zdrilic. “I am very happy to be joining a great club like Perth Glory and am looking forward to linking up with my teammates and working under Head Coach David Zdrilic,” he told the clubs website. “I’m totally committed and motivated to helping the club achieve its objectives this season and will be giving everything in each and every training session and game. I’m very excited to work hard and help bring success to the club.”
The defender began his football career in the junior ranks at LDU Quito and made his senior debut for the club in 2014, by which time he had already featured for Ecuador’s Under-17 and Under-20 sides. That same year he won three full international caps, following his debut against Bolivia by starting against both Brazil and the USA. In 2018 he joined another leading Ecuadorian club, Delfin SC, whom he helped claim the LigaPro Serie A title a year later.
He went on to play more than 120 games for Delfin SC, eventually earning a move to Brazilian top-flight outfit Vasco de Gama where he spent one season before returning to Ecuador, this time signing for Aucas. It was with Aucas that he claimed another LigaPro Serie A championship medal as the club claimed its first ever title in 2022 and subsequently featured in the Copa Libertadores.
Glory Head Coach David Zdrilic said the signing of the defender is a huge for the club. “Luis is a physically imposing defender who is also comfortable on the ball,” the Glory coach said. “He’s played against some of the best players in South American football and that experience and know-how will be absolutely invaluable for us. We’re confident that he has the quality to make a major impression during the upcoming A-League campaign.”
Glory Football Director, Stan Lazaridis, echoed the thoughts of Zdrilic. “Luis is someone who adds a huge level of experience and physicality to our defence,” he said. “He’s played international football, won titles at club level, is fierce and strong and is a good age at 29. His presence will help bring the best out of our younger defenders.”
8.9.2024
BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND TWENTY REVIEW
The promotion playoff spot in the Belt Up Amateur Premier Division is down to three, after an action-packed week 20 fixtures on Sunday. In our ‘Match of the Round’, two of the sides met, with Morley Windmills jumping above Kelmscott Roos into third after a hard-fought 2-1 win at Frye Park. “Happy to come away from the very entertaining game, with the points,” Morley coach John O’Reilly said. “I would have thought it would be a cracker of a game for the neutrals to watch, but a roller coaster for the coaches on the bench. Kelmscott played very well, but I thought on the whole we deserved the win for the effort and work rate the lads put in today.”
Both sides knew the importance of this game, and it was a tight affair with chances coming at both ends, but the deadlock wasn’t broken until 16 minutes from time, with Morley scoring the vital goal. Travis Taylor beat the highline, raced one-on-one with Kelmscott keeper Taylor Warwick, kept his composer, went around him and slotted home. But Kelmscott hit back and levelled four minutes later, a missed clearance was pounced on and the ball was squared to Isaac Koomson, who made no mistake from close range. It looked like the points would be shared, but four minutes from time Morley won it. Substitute Mehdi Gholami beat the offside trap, and raced in on goal, Warwick came out but his clearance hit Mehdi, the striker racing into goal, held off his marker and scored into an empty net.
Emerald remain two points clear in second, and they have a game in hand, this after a 0-0 draw against champions Wembley Downs at Fraser Park. We are getting mixed messages from the club regarding their application for promotion, but if they are looking at playing state league football, they are in pole position for the playoffs. “First of all, I want to congratulate Wembley on a fully deserved title,” Emerald coach Shane Dineen said. “I felt the game overall was a competitive and evenly matched. We had a couple of chances to win it, on another day they might have gone in. I couldn’t have asked anymore from the players, the work rate, attitude and overall performance was exactly what we wanted. We take the point and look forward to this weekend down in Kelmscott.”
The visitors had the best chance in the first half, Tom Bish was sent clear after a great through ball from Alessandro Morabito, but he failed to find the target. The hosts almost won it after the break, Andrew Wood’s effort looked like it was heading in, but Wembley keeper Jeff Cornez produced a stunning save to deny him. “Having been crowned champions last week and with Emerald still having plenty to play for, we had to show character to match them,” Wembley skipper Jack Mellor said. “The game was physical and the lads did well, there were few chances really, but Jeff’s save was outstanding late in the game. But to remain undefeated against our closest rivals is a good achievement and shows the progress we’ve made this season.”
Maccabi’s hopes of a playoff spot ended after they were beaten 5-0 by cup finalists North Beach at Maccabean Memorial Oval. “Best performance of the season so far which was so enjoyable to be a part of,” North Beach coach Nick Di Carlo said. “We felt we dominated across all aspects of the pitch, took our chances very well today and actually got reward for effort after some really upsetting last minute losses the few weeks prior. We're full of confidence heading into some final home games and we're enjoying the way we are playing.” The visitors raced to a 4-0 lead at the break. First on 12 minutes, Clayton Arnez received the ball 20 meters out, cut in with a sharp turn and curled the ball into the top corner of the net.
They doubled their lead 13 minutes later, Alex Kretowicz received the ball from a Luke Jones, before driving into the box and slotted past Steven Kaye. It was 3-0 on the half hour, Jack Tozawa was on hand after a corner was flicked to the back post to convert from close range. Then in the shadows of half time it was four, Dan Yelland-Hunter raced forward, received a first-time flick from Jones and finished clinically from outside the box. They found the fifth in the final minute, Kretowicz made a deep run, to get behind the defence and convert one on one calmly.
North Perth United’s good form has continued, with a 3-1 win against the cup finalists Jaguar at Woodville Reserve. “It was a great result for us in our final home game. We haven’t had much look against Jags this year losing to them at their ground and in the cup, so we wanted that win this time around and the lads showed some great fight to get an impressive win,” North Perth coach Kevin Flavin explained. “Once again, this week we were short a lot of players, so a few of the reserve boys got called up and they were excellent, with Bryan Neal putting in a MOTM performance at left back. Overall, it was a brilliant team performance from the lads, and we’re now looking forward to next week now against an in-form Morley, and hopefully we can get another good result.”
The hosts found the opener after some great build up play from the midfield which got spread to Dean O’Meara on the left, he took on and beat the full back and his cross looped in over Jags keeper Michael Dudek’s head into the top corner. It was 2-0, when some great one touch football in the attacking third of the pitch, which sent Joshua Cortes down the right, and he crossed first time for Oscar Kelly who came running into the box from midfield to tuck it away. They had a third before half time, a cross from the left by O’Meara and Kyle Jackson got to the front post before the defender and slotted in the bottom corner. Jaguar scored a late consolation goal with Abraham Taona converting from the spot.
In the other games South Perth United and Peel United have boosted their survival hopes, with wins. South Perth travelled to Chichester Park, and returned with a 1-0 win, with Ayela Santa scoring early in the game. Meanwhile Peel have improved their goal difference after a 10-0 win against the already relegated Joondalup United at Bortolo Park. Doubles from Alec Smith and Tristan Sullivan, and singles to Bradley Mallinder, Evan Richards, Jordan Rhodes, Mitchell Kelman, Scott Martin and Buddy Van Peer, secured the big win for the hosts. “Yes, it is a boost we need as we've had a very hard season with injuries. All credit to the Joondalup players as they're still hanging in there and playing games with a hard situation in front of them,” Peel coach Daryl Willmott explained. “As for the current battle it's definitely the result we needed heading into such an important game against South Perth, the lads are going to be working hard and to try and keep our fate in our own hands.”
7.9.2024
GREEN MACHINE CUP WINNERS 2024
Olympic Kingsway have completed the league and cup double after a dramatic 3-2 extra time win against a ten-man Perth RedStar in the State League Cup Final at Sam Kerr Football Centre on Saturday evening. RedStar raced to a two-goal lead after only seven minutes, with goals from Bryce Bafford and Daryl Nicol. Joe Knowles reduced the margin from the spot midway through the first half, but three minutes from half time RedStar defender Nick Walsh was sent off. Luke Hewings levelled the tie early in the second half, and 12 minutes into extra time David Tough’s side won it, with defender Calum O’Connell scoring the winner, to seal the first ever cup success for the Green Machine.
“We started very slow out of the blocks credit to RedStar, they put the pressure on from the first whistle and that pressure created the first two goals in quick succession, but like we have shown all season, our character and mentality is extremely strong, and we know not to panic which we didn’t,” O’Connell said. “We started to get control of the game again and once we got that penalty that was the catalyst to put the foot on the pedal and go for them. It’s always a great feeling scoring in such a big occasion like the cup final, and we had a lot of set pieces in the game and it was just instinct to be there at the back post to finish, and create history for the club again.”
It was a perfect start for Callum Salmon’s RedStar side, and they were ahead in the first minute, a Nicol ‘s header fell to Bafford, who took a good first touch before finishing clinically past Adrian Sinagra for the edge of the box. It was 2-0 six minutes later, Bafford won possession on the half way line and found Matthew George, who slipped Nicol into the penalty area, and he got the better of his former teammate Ryan Lowry, before finishing low past Sinagra from the angle.
But Olympic settled and they were back in the game on 25 minutes, when Aryn Williams was brought down by Liam Reddy, and Knowles stepped up and sent the RedStar custodian the wrong way from the resulting penalty. It was a great cup tie, which had the big crowd on the edge of their seats, but Olympic suffered a blow on the half hour, when Knowles limped off, and was replaced by Hewings. Then a huge turning point of the tie came in the shadows of half time, when Nick Walsh was shown a straight red card by referee Josh Mannella after he pulled back Joe Hobson, as the striker pounced on a poor back pass.
Olympic were on the front foot after half time, and six minutes in they levelled. Neat interchange between Tyler Garner and Liam Boland saw the former race into the box and squared the ball to Hewings, whose shot looped up over Reddy and into the net, much to the delight of the Olympic supporters in the crowd. Olympic created a number of chances to seal the game in normal time, but RedStar held firm to send it to extra time. Olympic were not to be denied, and early in the second half of extra time, they found the winner. Jonathon Leithead sent Lebib Lebib down the right, his cross was flicked on by Joshua Samson to O’Connell at the back post who made no mistake.
The trophy presentation was emotional for Olympic coach David Tough. It's been a difficult two weeks for him, only arriving back from Scotland on Friday after being home following the sudden death of his mother. At the presentation, he pointed skywards as he lifted the cup, with co-captains Mitch Oxborrow and Aryn Williams, while Williams was voted player of the match, receiving the Stan Lazaridis Medal. “We’re delighted to win the State Cup for the first time in the club’s history, but we obviously started very slowly, but I knew we had been 2-0 down before and had come back and won,” Tough explained. “After the first 15 minutes when we calmed down, I thought we were very good. The sending off changed the dynamic of the game, but credit to RedStar as I thought they defended excellently with ten men and looked dangerous on the break, but we kept pushing and eventually we got the winner.”
Olympic Kingsway: GK Adrian SINAGRA, 3 Daniel WALSH (8 Mitchell OXBORROW 64’), 5 Calum O’CONNELL, 6 Aryn WILLIAMS, 7 Tyler GARNER, 9 Joe KNOWLES (20 Luke HEWINGS 31’), 10 Liam BOLAND, 13 Ryan LOWRY, 17 Joshua SAMSON, 18 Joe HOBSON (2 Jonathon LEITHEAD 90’), 19 Lebib LEBIB – Subs not used: RGK Seb MEDICA, 11 Thomas SALLIS, 12 Jacob EVANS, 14 Ronan DOWLING
Perth RedStar: GK Liam REDDY, 2 Nick WALSH, 3 Blair GOVAN, 4 Declan HUGHES, 6 Matthew GEORGE (18 Daniel KATZ 90’), 9 Daryl NICOL, 11 Dennis GALAN, 14 Oliver LEEMING, 15 Theo LEEMING (13 Nyle WEALE 43’) (77 Joel CHIANESE 90’), 20 Andrew PALMER (27 Lewis TUCKER 90’), 21 Bryce BAFFORD (31 Jack CONNOLLY 77’) – Subs not used: RGK Marino GOJAK, 24 Reece BANTLEMAN – Referee: Josh MANNELLA
7.9.2024
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO, ROUND TWENTY TWO REVIEW
The State league Division Two title and relegation went down to the final game of the season, with Kalamunda City edging out East Perth to be champions, while Wanneroo City will be relegated to the Amateurs, after a dramatic day. Kalamunda knew a win would secure a spot in Division One, and they had to come from behind to do it, beating Quinns 3-1 at Stylish Park, Gumblossom Park on Saturday afternoon. “It was probably one of our better performances of the year,” Kalamunda keeper Rain Blauberg said. “I thought we dominated possession and limited them to very few shots. Jose scored two crucial goals and Farruh sealed the win for us. It’s a big win for the club and big thanks to everyone involved in that.”
Going into the game City’s fate was in their own hands, but 12 minutes in, Quinns hit the front, with A Wheeler converting from the spot. With news filtering through that East Perth were ahead, German Montealegre’s side were struggling to break down the home defence, but in the shadows of half time they found the equaliser with skipper Jose Zuniga scoring. They hit the front eight minutes into the second half with Zuniga adding his second, and just after the hour mark the title was decided, with winger Farruh Mavlonov adding a third, and at the final whistle the visiting supporters were celebrating promotion. “We conceded an early penalty, and Quinns parked the bus making it hard for us. But I thought we controlled the game and Jose got the crucial equaliser late in the first half,” Mavlonov explained. “We were confident in the second half we could get the result, and when Jose scored from the penalty spot, and I got the third, the title was ours. The crowd at the game was unreal and it helped the team come back from behind to seal the win, like they have been all season for us.”
East Perth will join Joondalup City and Curtin University in the promotion play offs next week, along with Division One side Cockburn City. They ended the season with a 6-0 win at Wanneroo Reserve, a result which relegated Wanneroo City. “A brilliant end to our league campaign today from the lads, and Sully and I could not be prouder of every one of the players, but well done to Kalamunda for getting the job done today,” East Perth coach Colm Costello said. “Huge efforts after promotion last season and they have worked so hard since January and set up a brilliant few weeks for us and a chance for the lads to test themselves again with tough games coming up. I wish Wanneroo all the best, Dean Bell is a genuine football man, and I really hope they bounce back straight away.”
Both sides started well and it was an even enough contest for 20 minutes, but the visitors then hit the front. A brilliant ball from Ryan Murray found top scorer Ryan McGready who found space and rifled the ball home from 18 meters. They doubled their lead 15 minutes later, again Murray the orchestrator with a brilliant ball into Ryan McCormack who finished brilliantly after a great run. Murray got himself on the scoresheet after the break, with a brilliant left foot finish to make it 3-0, before a swift move down the right found Gavin Dillon who crossed and McGready for his second of the day. Substitute Cian Tuite made it five when he scored with his first touch after coming on, and fellow substitute Mossy Hehir finished added to the sixth to complete the scoring.
Joondalup City finished third after a 6-0 win against Forrestfield United at Iluka District Open Space. “A nice way to finish the regular season. The boys were excellent today and implemented a few things we worked on during the week well,” Joondalup coach Guy McDonald explained. “We spoke about the game being important in preparing for the playoffs next week and not treating it like a dead rubber, and the boys certainly did that.” The home side were ahead on 25 minutes, Harry Edwards ran onto a ball from Jayden Rowels and finished calmly into the bottom corner
They held that lead at the break, but doubled their advantage ten minutes into the second half, Rowles pouncing after Noel Disha’s penalty. It was 3-0 moments Disha making amends for his penalty miss, followed in on Sam Rawlings shot and scored from the rebound. It was four when Lucas Reid disposed of the Forrestfield defender on 75 minutes and finished calmly, before Rawlings added the fifth on 83 minutes. The scoring was wrapped up in the final minute, when Chris Gorry volleyed home Tom Hunt’s cross into the roof of the net
In other games Curtin University travelled to Princess Road Reserve and returned with a 3-0 win against Balga. Kieran Witt opened the scoring from the spot midway through the first half, before Rowan Steed made it 2-0 just after the hour. The points were wrapped up five minutes from time with substitute Anas Mahmoud adding the third. At the other end of the table Swan United finished second bottom and will go into the playoffs with Amateur Premier Division sides Emerald, Kelmscott Roos or Morley Windmills, but will have to wait three weeks for the one off game to go ahead.
Swan did all they could to avoid this, beating Canning City 2-0 at Burrendah Park. “A good performance from the team, in a game we knew we had to win and had to win by a couple of goals. I think the lads dealt with the pressure of the situation well, which we didn’t do on Wednesday against Wanneroo,” Swan coach Niall Hughes said. “We banged on the door for the last 30 minutes and spent a lot of time in their half but they defended well and their keeper has pulled off a huge save from Jordy Lyall, which ends up being the difference in us finishing 10th and 11th. Now we wait and see what happens with the play off. It’s not good having to wait three weeks to play again, although after having played so many games in the last two weeks, a break will help a few sore bodies. We will be ready for whoever and determined to keep this club in the state league.”
It looked like another one those days for Swan, having a number of chances, but they finally opened the scoring 17 minutes from time. A cross from the left by Liam Merigan, was only half cleared and chipped back into the back post by Sachin Bhandari, Albert Amankwaa headed back across goal and the ball bundled over the line by a Canning defender. It was 2-0 moments later, the referee spotting a handball in the box and Jordy Lyall stepped up to smash home the penalty. They pressed for more goals, but couldn’t find them, and they now must go through the playoffs.
In the final game Carramar Shamrock Rovers avoided the playoffs by just one goal, after they were beaten 1-0 by Ashfield at Grandis Park. “Glad to get the three points and finish the season with a win,” Ashfield coach James Sammut said. “We were poor in a lot of areas last week, so it was pleasing to see how the lads responded today.” The only goal of the game early in the second half, the ball falling to Gareth Hamilton who fired the ball first time into the top right-hand corner of the net from distance. The visitors were reduced to ten men on the hour with Conor McCann receiving a second yellow card. The promotion play-offs start next week. Joondalup City will meet East Perth, while Cockburn City from Division One are up against Curtin University. Both ties will be over two legs, with the winners playing off in a one game final at the Sam Kerr Football Centre.
7.9.2024
AZZURRI STUN CHAMPIONS TO WIN STATE LEAGUE CUP
Perth SC have won the 2024 Hyundai Womens State Cup Final, after coming from behind to beat league champions Perth RedStar 4-1 at Sam Kerr Football Centre on Saturday afternoon. Olivia Wood had given RedStar the perfect start scoring after only 16 minutes, but the Azzurri levelled moments later with Ruby Marshall on target. But a three-goal blitz in the second half, from the league's top goalscorer Ella Lincoln, Sam Mathers and Charli Wainwright wrapped up the scoring, with Perth SC defender Baxter Thew receiving the Sandra Brentnall medal for Player of the Match.
“We are absolutely thrilled to win the State Cup. It was an intense game and credit to RedStar who are a quality side and really pushed us. That first half felt quite frantic but I'm really proud of how we absorbed the pressure they put on us, stayed in it and got back into the game after conceding early. I think we dominated the second half and we knew the game would settle and we knew if we went out there and played our football, we could get the job done,” Thew said. “I was very surprised to win the Sandra Brentall medal as there were a lot of standout performers across both teams. I was very grateful and honoured to be recognised in such a big game however, I do recognise this is a team sport, all the girls put in a huge shift and there is just no way you can perform without quality players around you so big credit to my team.”
This competition was one that RedStar didn’t win last season, and they looked like they would make amends when they hit the front, Reina Kagami found Olivia Wood, who raced to the edge of the box before volleying over Stacey Cavill. But Perth had other ideas and levelled two minutes later, Ruby Marshall playing a neat give and go with Daisy McAllister, before racing into the penalty area and finishing low past Gabby Dal Busco. The game was in the balance with chances at both ends, but it was all square at the break.
The Azzurri hit the front on 68 minutes, Tijan Mckenna found Wainwright, who eased past her marker on the left and crossed to Lincoln, who finished from close-range, before celebrating with a back flip. Perth had all the momentum now, and they added a third eight minutes later, Mathers’ corner from the left beat everyone and nestled in the corner of the net, before being mobbed by her teammates. The icing was added to the cake in stoppage time, when they added a fourth, Wainwright firing low past Dal Busco, to seal the 4-1 win.
“It was a great performance from the girls, if anything our second half was one of our best performances yet this season, and I thought it was a very well-deserved win from us,” Perth striker Ella Lincoln explained. “RedStar have been superb all year and are such a hard side to come up against. Although it was a huge achievement for the club and for the girls, it isn’t over just yet as we go again next week and look to break them again. Also, a huge congratulations to Baxter on winning MVP, so well deserved for the season you’ve had.”
Perth SC: GK Stacey CAVILL, 3 Tijan MCKENNA, 4 Baxter THEW, 5 Epril NOSSENT, 6 Daisy MCALLISTER, 7 Ruby MARSHALL, 9 Ella LINCOLN, 10 Charli WAINWRIGHT, 11 Matilda BOEHM, 13 Sam MATHERS, 17 Kimberly MCCARTNEY – Subs: RGK Amber ATKINSON 2 Nadia HARVEY, 12 Georgia CASSIDY, 14 Hannah INSCH, 15 Alanna OTTOBRINO, 16 JOHNSTON, 18 Tamstn HANNAN,
Perth RedStar: GK Gabby DAL BUSCO, 2 Sarah CARROLL, 3 Andreia TEIXEIRA, 5 Abbey WOOLLEY, 8 Reina KAGAMI, 9 RIDLEY, 10 Olivia WOOD, 13 Mischa ANDERSON, 18 Quyen DOAN, 19 Caitlin DOEGLAS, 20 Momoko SAKAIRI – Subs: RGK Jayde O’DONOHOE, 7 Kaitlyn BELLANCA, 14 Reina LEOTA, 15 Lauren CONTINBALI, 16 Katie RITCHIE, 17 Manami ARAI
7.9.2024
UWA DOWN PERTH TO TAKE OUT RESERVES CUP FINAL
State League Division One UWA Nedlands has caused a huge upset to take out the State League Reserves Cup, beating NPL Perth SC 1-0 in the final at Sam Kerr Football Centre on Saturday afternoon. Vinaya Kapur’s side had beaten NPL sides Inglewood United and champions Perth Glory to reach Saturday’s showpiece, and an early goal from Toby Roberston sealed the win. “We came into the game with a good idea of what Perth were going to do, but also how we would try to mitigate it,” Robertson said. “I was fortunate to take the first chance we got, but we were defensively strong throughout the whole game and when they got the red card I knew it was going to take something special for them to get back into it. It was a tough game though and we definitely were made to earn the win.”
The only goal of the game came in the first minute, a defensive header from Jack Frew was flicked on by Lewis Robinson to Gaspar Becerra, whose first time ball sent Toby Robertson racing clear, and he held off his marker before firing low past Rocco Liberti. “It wasn't the prettiest performance, but it's a great win for the boys and the club,” UWA’s Matthew Lenzo said.
“We knew Perth were going to come out, knock the ball around and really control the game, so we did our best to make it as uncomfortable for them as possible. Vinny and Ted gave us our instructions to sit in a block, stay compact and really highlighted the importance of keeping the clean sheet, so credit to the boys, we scored very early and managed the game well. Big thanks to Perth for the battle, they're a great group of young lads and I wouldn't be surprised to see a few stepping up for the first team next season.”
UWA Nedlands: GK Sam ASSUMPTION, 4 Jake PULLELLA, 19 Jason MILLIMACI (29 Louis CARLISH 46’), 22 Henry WYLDE, 24 Jack FREW (21 Brok BINDEL 69’), 25 Rhys KAPUR (33 Robbie CROFTS 46’), 45 Toby ROBERTSON (51 Kieran ABRAMS 90’), 49 Lewis ROBINSON, 50 Gasper BECERRA (17 Michael DEFILIPPIS 86’), 56 Rory HANNON, 60 Matthew LENZO – Subs not used: RGK Brendon RINTOUL, 23 Jake CAULFIELD
Perth SC: GK Rocco LIBERTI. 2 Tyler FITCH, 3 Luke SPRIGG (4 Alex STEVENSON 88’), 6 Nicolas ECHEVERRIA, 8 Taylor-Phoenix WRIGHT, 9 Jacob ROSSI, 10 Harley ZORIC (18 Jon RICUPERO 54’), 11 Jamie MCNELIS, 12 Solomon POLETTI (7 Jack SPRIGG 72’), 14 Luka HIRNINGER, 15 Luke DAVIES – Subs not used: RGK Kaveen WARAN, 5 Marley REDDY, 13 Ethan PANGILINAN, 19 Zach CRAWFORD – Red Card: ECHEVERRIA 54’
7.9.2024
PERTH EDGE OUT REDSTAR TO WIN 18S CUP FINAL
Perth SC were crowned State League Under 18’s Cup winners, after a hard fought 2-1 win against Perth RedStar at Sam Kerr Football Centre on Saturday morning. Evan Moorhouse opened the scoring for the champions early, and he added a second just before the half hour. RedStar pulled one back before half time with Seth McGillivray scoring, but they couldn’t find the equaliser after half time, the win for the Azzurri completed a league and cup double, and made it back-to-back cup wins for Basil Lenzo’s side.
“Extremely happy for the players, parents and support staff on this team doing the double this year,” Lenzo said. “It was a solid effort all round with a strong defensive display and an electric attacking display. Winning forms part of our development plans and the last few weeks these players have really taken the challenges on, to beat the best in the u18s competition and played some good football, which is really pleasing. Finally, a big congratulations to ECU for another highly competitive game and for making the Cup Final.” Perth found the opener after only eight minutes, Clarence Musa won possession on the half way line and raced down the left, his shot on the run crashed off the far post, but Moorhouse was on hand to fire home the rebound.
It was 2-0 on 27 minutes, Braydon Nicolaou squared the ball across the edge of the box, and quick feet from Moorhouse took him clear of three RedStar defenders, before finishing low past Samuel Dobson. RedStar were back in the game eight minutes later, Aaron Mukundu found McGillivray, whose long-range shot flew into the top corner of the net past Andres Zavarce. Both sides had chances after the break, but RedStar couldn’t find an equaliser, and it was Perth celebrating at the final whistle.
Perth SC: GK Andres ZAVARCE 2 Lucas MUCCIARONE, 3 Majio JELASKA, 4 Liam EVANS, 6 Massimo PAIANO (5 Gianni IELATI 86’), 9 Clarence MUSA (7 Leonardo VICOLI 89’), 10 Sabastian FARAONE, 11 Braydon NICOLAOU, 15 Matthew PULLELLA, 18 Evan MOORHOUSE (12 Hudson WRIGHT 90’), 19 Matheus MAYOR – Subs not used: RGK Kaveen WARAN, 8 Jamie BILALOSKI, 13 Mason RICCI, 14 James PHILIP
Perth RedStar: GK Aaron MUKUNDU, 29 Will CARTER, 34 Cooper MAIDEN (26 Senna LENO 78’), 35 Jack BENNIE, 37 Harry MOFFITT (44 Travis DAVIS 70’), 39 Oliver HODGSON, 45 Teddy HENNESSEY-O’SHEA (40 Michael BRENNAN 86’), 46 Rohan PATEL (53 Dylan O’LONE 46’), 50 Seth McGillivray, 54 Finn WENSLEY, 66 Samuel DOBSON – Subs not used: RGK Jayden ISPIROGLU, 47 Kai ROUSE, 48 Archie RUSSELL
8.9.2024
CIRCATI ON LIVING OUT HIS DREAM (courtesy thewest.com.au)
The first thing you notice about Alessandro Circati, whether he is striding forward out of defence with the ball at his feet or confronting an attacking threat, is the calmness. An unerring air of composure accompanies the 20-year old Perth-raised Parma centre-back on the pitch, and it follows him off it too.
It would be misguided to mistake this relaxed nature for carelessness, as it is simply how Circati carries himself: in control at all times. But beyond the cool demeanour and laid-back nature is a young man who, despite having already hit heights in his burgeoning career many could only dream of, has an appetite for more.
Circati has just three international caps to his name, but the Perth SC and Glory product already looms as the Socceroos’ starting centre-back for the next decade. After starting nearly every game for Parma last season to help the Italian club climb back into Serie A, Circati has played every minute of their first three games back in the top flight.
There was a noble opening day draw with Fiorentina, followed by a morale-boosting 2-1 win over a star-studded AC Milan side, before a narrow loss to Napoli which saw Circati go head-to-head with former English Premier League goal machine Romelu Lukaku. But Circati, the son of former professional and ex-Glory player Gianfranco, feels he is not even close to peak.
“I’m not content with where I am now; I’d like to even go further,” he told Ben Smith of the ‘the West Australian’ newspaper. “I don’t look too much in the future. I don’t set specific goals. I’d like to play in a top division for top clubs, whether that’s Parma if Parma becomes a top club, whether it’s whoever it may be.”
One goal which is specific, however, is the small matter of the 2026 World Cup, now less than two years away. “That would be a dream of mine come true. It’s every person’s dream, but not everyone can achieve it,” he added. “But for me, I can achieve it, and I want to grab that opportunity with two hands once it comes.”
Circati has gone about it the right way upon his introduction to Serie A and has already had a taste of taking on some of the world’s best players in Parma’s victory over AC Milan, a win the defender labelled a career highlight and he is already relishing the return fixture at the San Siro.
You would think most 20-year olds, when facing the prospect of taking on stars Rafael Leao, Theo Hernandez, Tijjani Rejnders, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Fikayo Tomori, might be reaching for a brown paper bag pre-game, but not Circati. “I don’t get too nervous at all. I try to play to the best of my abilities, and that’s what I’ve always done from being a young kid,” he said.
Obviously, AC Milan was the best team that I’ve faced to date, but at the end of the day, the other players have two arms, two legs and one brain, just like I do. “You have to see it like that; they’re human. They’re good at what they do, and that’s due to their hard work and dedication to the sport - but I think we matched that and we did exactly that, and did what we had to do.”
It is easy to see why Socceroos Graham Arnold is such a fan of Circati, playing him in a slightly unconventional right-back against Bahrain on Thursday night just so he could squeeze him into the starting eleven. He is especially fond of the raking, cross-field diagonal balls Circati has in his arsenal, and the assured nature in the way he plays.
Parma had little hesitation last season about throwing the then-teenage Circati into the fray in the heart of defence - one of the mentally strenuous positions on the pitch, where mistakes do not tend to go on unpunished. It was a baptism of fire for a kid who was playing for the Glory’s youth team four years ago, but the Circati repaid the faith by helping Parma back into the top flight.
“Last year playing so many games, only losing three or four games in the whole season was incredible and the confidence has carried on to this year,” he said. “Confidence is very important for an athlete, especially for a young athlete to play; it can transform your game into a new level.” If Circati stays confident, who is to say how high that level is?
6.9.2024
GLORY AND NEWCASTLE HEAD TO THE COUNTRY
Albany will play host to Perth Glory’s men’s team for the very first time when the club to play a pre-season friendly against Newcastle Jets on October 2nd. The fixture will be part of a two-leg tour with the two teams meeting again in the second game in Bunbury on September 29th.
The fixtures will cap off a program of football events in each of the regional locations, including a children’s holiday clinic run by Glory’s community department, opportunities for the local football community to attend open training sessions and meet the Glory and Jets players, media and tourism engagements, plus a civic reception.
Glory’s women’s team played games in Bunbury in 2017 and 2019, with the men’s team then following suit by taking on Melbourne Victory at Hay Park last year. “We saw last year just how much passion for football and for Perth Glory there is in Bunbury,” commented Glory chief executive Anthony Radich. “We’re thrilled to be both returning there and visiting Albany with our ALM squad for the first time.”
“This trip provides us with a unique opportunity to expand our brand presence and raise our profile in regional WA and simultaneously help to strengthen the football community in both cities and the surrounding areas. On the pitch, meanwhile, taking on Newcastle Jets will provide exactly the kind of invaluable pre-season conditioning our new-look squad needs as they ramp up their preparations for the upcoming UTE A-League campaign.”
“This exciting, two-game series and associated program of events would not have been possible without the fantastic support provided by the City of Bunbury, the City of Albany and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and we would like to thank them sincerely for all their assistance, along with the local football communities and Newcastle Jets. We look forward to welcoming our members and fans from across WA to what will be a fantastic week of football in the south-west.”
6.9.2024
BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND TWENTY PREVIEW
Sunday is a huge round in the Belt Up Premier Division, with the top four sides playing each other. Wembley Downs have already won the league, and they travel to Fraser Park to take on second placed Emerald, who have not applied for promotion this season, while a place in the play off will be on the line when Kelmscott Roos welcome Morley Windmills to Frye Park in our ‘Match of the Round’. (All games kick off at 3.00pm, unless stated)
Only one point separates the two sides on the table, with Kelmscott sitting in third, with Morley in fourth. Their meeting earlier in the season saw Kelmscott come home from Wotton Reserve with a 2-1 win. Isaac Koomson's stunning free kick gave the visitors the lead early, before Vaughan Audrain doubled their advantage on 25 minutes from the spot. Travis Taylor pulled one back for the hosts, also from the spot on the hour, but Morley couldn’t find the equaliser.
Morley are coming off a hard-fought win against Jaguar to consolidate their spot in fourth, and striker Gavin Knight said they hope to continue their good form on Sunday. “Last week was a massive win for us, as we have been on a good roll over the last five weeks and it gives us more of a boost to get into the playoff spot. It was a tough game, but we battled from the kick off, and deserved the three points,” he explained. “Sunday is another cup final for us, as if we can beat Kelmscott that puts us in a good place to finish in third place, and have that chance to go for playoffs.”
Kelmscott were beaten at champions Wembley Downs last week, and keeper Taylor Warwick said it was a great game to be involved in, but not the right result. “First of all, I want to congratulate Wembley on the league title, they were the benchmark this season and thoroughly deserved it,” Warwick said. “It was a tough game as always; they were up for it from the outset. We controlled the game in important parts, but couldn’t get past their solid backline. It was a tough loss to take as we felt like we deserved at least something from the game but that’s football.”
Warwick said Morley are the form team in the league in recent weeks, and is looking forward to the challenge, and they know they have the playoff spot in their own hands. “Morley are coming off a great run of games and we know they are going to be up for this game. It will be a battle from the outset and we expect nothing less,” he explained. “We’ve trained well this week and are ready for anything they throw at us. It’s completely up to us where we want to finish the season and this game is the first of three grand finals to take place. Our ultimate goal is and was to get promoted and with that still firmly in our hands, we will give it everything we got until the final minute.”
Maccabi are also still in the mix to take the playoff spot, and this week they entertain North Beach at Maccabean Memorial Oval. The visitors sit eighth on the table, but are in the Amateur Cup Final next month, and are coming off a loss to Emerald, while Maccabi boosted their goal difference with a big win at Peel. Maccabi striker Dion Berman bagged a brace in the win, and he said Sunday is going to be another tight contest. “Yes, it was a good performance at Peel, especially in the first half. It’s never an easy place to go, and we knew we had to be at our absolute best to take the points. I thought we were clinical in comparison to the previous weeks and that ended up being the difference,” the striker said.
“Congratulations to North Beach. With the players they have, and the squad they have assembled, I am not surprised to see them in the cup final. So, it will be another huge test for us this weekend. We are just focusing on one game at a time, and trying to end as high as possible. We’ve had a lot of disruptions throughout the season, and to the boy’s credit, we have kept fighting, and are starting to build a solid foundation.” In other games North Perth United welcomes the other cup finalists Jaguar to Woodville Reserve, for the early game. (1.00pm), Kingsley Westside entertain South Perth United at Chichester Park, while Peel United host Joondalup United at Bortolo Park.
6.9.2024
SOCCEROOS STUNNED BY BAHRAIN
A 10-man Socceroos has suffered a shock 1-0 loss to Bahrain at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast on Thursday evening, in a disastrous setback to their hopes of direct World Cup qualification. It was the first international on the Gold Coast, and things didn’t go to plan for Graham Arnold’s side, and Portsmouth striker Kusini Yengi was sent off on 77 minutes, and 12 minutes later Sheffield United defender Harry Souttar put the ball in his own net to seal the game, in which a well organised Bahrain side frustrated the Socceroos and celebrated their famous victory on mass at the final whistle.
“Defensively, the goal we conceded after the red card is not good enough but those things happen if you’re not doing the other things well enough and you put yourself in that scenario,” Socceroos skipper Mat Ryan said. “We were too naive in the way we played the game. I don’t think it’s a case of needing to work harder but needing to work smarter. We didn’t ask enough of the right questions in the right areas, and we gave the goalkeeper a pretty quiet night and didn’t test him and didn’t test the defence well enough in the final third. When you come up against this (type of) opposition, if you don’t get that first goal and they stay compact, they’ve got strengths and they’re hard to break down. We’ve got to show personality and character now to respond in the strongest possible way. It’s down to us now.”
The Socceroos dominated possession, but failed to create any clear-cut chances, much to the frustration of the 24,644 crowd. Former Perth Glory defender Alessandro Circati saw his deflected shot from distance, easily saved by Ebrahim Lutfallah, but they failed to test the Bahrain custodian again in a lacklustre first 45 minutes. They had half chances, Aiden O’Neill volleying over from a Craig Goodwin cross on the half hour, while Goodwin was again the provider in the moments later, this time for Harry Souttar, whose header was well blocked. Goodwin had the best opportunity late on, the former Adelaide United winger made space down the left and his low cross found Yengi, but couldn’t get a clean striker on the ball and it flashed wide of the post.
Bahrain grew in confidence after the break, but their antics of throwing themselves on the floor at the drop of hat, and delaying tactics frustrated the Socceroos, and Circati was shown a yellow card on the hour for a foul on Mohamed Marhoon, although replays showed there was minimal contact on the winger. Then on 77 minutes the game took a huge twist, after a high boot by Yengi on Bahrain defender Sayed Baqer, saw the striker shown a straight red card by referee Omar Mohamed Ahmed Hassan Al Ali.
It looked like being one of those nights for the Socceroos, and it looked like they would have to settle for a point, but in the final minute. Abdulla Al Khalassy’s cross deflected off Souttar and beat Ryan at his near post. The Socceroos threw caution to the wind, as they pressed for the equaliser and they should have levelled in the sixth minute of stoppage time. Awer Mabil found fellow substitute Mitch Duke, who lost his marker and with the goal at his mercy he headed wide. The Socceroos will look to bounce back immediately when they travel to Jakarta to face Indonesia next Tuesday.
Socceroos: GK Maty RYAN, 4 Kye ROWLES, 5 Aiden O’NEILL, 6 Martin BOYLE (20 Nestory IRANKUNDA 58’), 8 Connor METCALFE (10 Awer MABIL 82’), 11 Kusini YENGI, 13 Alessandro CIRCATI, 16 Aziz BEHICH, 19 Harry Souttar 22 Jackson IRVINE, 23 Craig GOODWIN (15 Mitch Duke 72’) – Subs not used: RGK Joe GAUCI, RGK Paul Izzo, 2 Thomas DENG, 7 Sammy SILVERA, 9 Adam TAGGART, 14. Cameron DEVLIN, 17 Josh NISBET, 21 Cameron Burgess – Red Card: Yengi (78’)
Bahrain: GK Ebrahim LUTFALLAH, 2 Amine BENADDI, 4 Abbas AL ASFOOR, 7 Ali MADAN (11 Al KHATAL 67’), 8 Mohamed MARHOON (20 Al HUMAIDAN 83’), 12 Mahdi ABDUJABBAR (9 Husain ABDULKARIM 67’), 14 Ali HARAM, 16. Sayed BAQER (3 Al HAYAM 88’), 17 Vincent Ani EMMANUEL, 19 Komail AL ASWAD, 23 Abdulla AL KHALASSY – Subs not used: RGK Ammar AHMED, RGK Sayed JAAFAR, 5 Hamad AL SHAMSAN, 6 Ahmed NABEEL, 10 Abdulwahab AL MALOOD, 13 Moses ATEDE, 15 Jassim AL SHAIKH, 18. Hazza ALI – Referee: Omar Mohamed Ahmed Hassan Al Ali (UAE) – Attendance: 24,644
6.9.2024
STATE LEAGUE CUP FINAL – OLYMPIC KINGSWAY V PERTH REDSTAR – PREVIEW
The two best teams in 2024, NPL champions Olympic Kingsway and runners-up Perth RedStar will play in the 2024 State League Cup Final at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Saturday evening. (6.30pm) Tickets are on sale for the four cup games on the day, adults $15, concessions $10, free entry for children under the age of 18. There is limited parking at the venue at $10 per vehicle, as well as street parking nearby. The two teams have played twice in the league this season, both being draws. In round four at RedStar Arena it was 1-1, Liam Boland giving the visitors the lead early, but a penalty 12 minutes from time from Daryl Nicol earned the hosts a point. In the return game at Kingsway Sporting Complex in round 15, it ended 2-2. Joe Hobson gave the hosts the lead early, but goals either side of half time by Joel Chianese and Theo Leeming had RedStar heading for victory, but Aryn Williams levelled four minutes from time to give both sides a share of the spoils.
Olympic began their cup run with a tricky tie at then Division One leaders Dianella White Eagles, but goals from Nicol, Williams, Shane Cassidy and an own goal, saw them ease through 4-0. That set up another tough tie at Mandurah City, but Knowles grabbed a hat-trick with Hobson scoring a brace to seal a 5-1 win, but Hobson was sent off later. In the quarter final they hosted Western Knights, and ran out 3-2 winners, goals from Knowles and a brace from Hobson, including a last-minute winner, saw them progress to the semi-final, and a home tie against Perth SC. Luke Hewings gave them a great start scoring on eight minutes, but Gordon Perkins levelled for the Azzurri. Williams regained the lead moments later, and it turned out to be the winner.
It's been a huge season for the ‘Green Machine’ winning the league title and having a good run in the Australia Cup national stage, and assistant coach Ross Edwards said all their hard work has been rewarded. “The club, players and coaching staff have worked extremely hard, and we’ve all earned the title, and our success this season,” he explained. “The people who work behind the scenes at the club are amazing, and we’re delighted to bring success back for them. We have been looking forward to this final, another opportunity to bring silverware to the club, although the league was what we wanted the most and now that has been ticked off our focus is to win the state league cup for Kingsway.”
Edwards said the semifinal win against Perth was tough, even though it was a while ago, and he is well aware RedStar will be another stern test, but one they are looking forward to. “Your right mate, that game seems such a long time ago, and so much has happened since then. I remember it being tense with early goals then us managing to see the game out, and to reach the cup final for the first time since 1998, we’re hoping to win our first state league cup after three failed attempts in our history,” he said. “We know the final is going to be a tight game, and the last four times we have played the result has been a draw so I think we can expect another close, but exciting game. They have some dangerous players, but so do we, so it will be a thrilling final, and it is a final, so anything can happen and it will probably take a bit of magic on the day to seal it.”
RedStar opened their cup run with a bang, thrashing Baldivis 13-0 at the RedStar Arena, with Daryl Nicol bagging five, and Joel Chianese a hat-trick. They were on the road in round five, and trip to the Croatian Sporting Complex to take on Gwelup Croatia, and a brace from Nicol and another from Bryce Bafford gave them a 3-0 win. They were drawn at home again in the quarterfinal, hosting Rockingham City, and Bafford and an own goal secured a 2-0 win. In the semi-final they travelled to Percy Doyle Reserve, to take on local rivals, and Division One leaders Sorrento.
They found the opener on the half hour, with Andrew Maranta scoring an own goal, but the Gulls levelled just after the hour mark, with striker Connor Simpson scoring at the second attempt, after his first was well saved by Liam Reddy. They found the winner deep into extra time, Nicol racing into goal and firing home via the post. His celebrations were cut short with the flag up for offside, but after a chat to his assistant, referee Steven Greogory awarded the goal. The drama wasn’t over there, and in the final minute Sorrento won a penalty. Dario Ramella stepped up to take the resulting penalty, but Reddy saved with his legs to seal their final place.
RedStar head coach Callum Salmon said it’s been a huge season for the club, and to have so many youngsters, who have come through the ranks at the club, to play a part in that, is something the whole club is proud of. “We’ve had an excellent season to date and I think this is a record points total for us in the league. We’ve had many performances to be proud of and also provided many homegrown players their debuts as well as regular game time,” Salmon explained. “I think when you look across the whole club the academy is thriving, the academy graduates are some of our best players and we’re also fortunate to have some fantastic seasoned pros providing a great education and leading by example. Winning games with local players is something special and I’m proud to say, and stats are the evidence that no one in the league does performance and development as well as Perth RedStar.”
Salmon said the cup run has given them new challengers, but the night at Sorrento was a great occasion, where the senior players stood up, and led from the front. He is looking forward to taking on Olympic in the final, a team they have a friendly rivalry with, having played them three times this season. “Enjoying every game of the cup and every game brings new challenges for us. The semifinal was a typical cup tie, and Daryl, who has been a star of the NPL for many years, so it was no surprise he came up with the winning goal and also that Rocket (Liam Reddy) makes a huge save from the penalty in the last seconds,” he said.” We are looking forward to the final and hopefully we’ll keep our winning run going. We’ve played Kingsway three times already if you count the night series and the three draws show how close every game has been. It’ll be an arm wrestle on Saturday and football will no doubt be the winner, with two teams who love to play football.”
6.9.2024
WOMENS STATE CUP FINAL – PERTH SC V PERTH REDSTAR – PREVIEW
Like in the men’s cup final, the two best teams will meet in the Womens’ State Cup Final, with champions Perth RedStar and runners up Perth SC going head-to-head at Sam Kerr Football Centre on Saturday afternoon. (4.00pm) Before then we had two NPLWA – Womens catch-up games in midweek, firstly at Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve, a brace from Lucy Jerram (2), and singles to Monique Prinsloo and Isabella Foletta has seen Balcatta Etna beat Hyundai NTC 4-1 in their round 18 clash, the visitors goal was scored by Ischia Brooking from the spot. The other game took place at Dorrien Gardens, where Fremantle City beat UWA Nedlands F.C. 4-0. A double from Mia Yeo and one for Mikayla Lyons gave Fremantle a 3-0 lead at the break, and substitute Phetchara Anne Mayoe added the fourth in their round 20 catch up game.
Back to the cup final, and the two sides have met three times this season in the league, with RedStar winning two, and Perth one, and all of them were close games. In round two at Dorrien Gardens, RedStar prevailed 2-1. Ella Lincoln gave the hosts the lead in the first minute, but Caitlin Doeglas levelled before the break. But it was Doeglas who won it, with a second goal on the hour mark. Then in round nine, it was the Azzurri who travelled to the RedStar Arena, and returned with a 4-3 win. Lincoln was on the board early again to give the visitors the lead, but Doeglas levelled. But goals from Ruby Marshall and Daisy McAllister put the visitors in control at the break. Doeglas reduced the margin early in the second half, but Kimberley McCartney added a fourth just after the hour. Reina Kagami did pull one back late, but Perth held firm to take home the points. They met again in round 16, at the RedStar Arena, and the home side won a thriller 2-1. Jayna Ridley gave the hosts the lead midway through the first half, but a penalty on the hour from Tijan McKenna drew Perth level. Both sides had chances to win it, but 17 from time Olivia Wood scored the winner for RedStar.
RedStar were given a forfeit in round one against Hammersley United, and in the quarter final welcomed Murdoch University Melville to the Arena, and they ran out 5-0 winners. In the semifinal they travelled to the Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve to take on Balcatta Etna, and returned with a 3-0 win. Reina Kagami scored the opener after only two minutes, pouncing after Rebecca Bennett had saved Katie Ritchie’s shot. They doubled their lead 20 minutes from time, with Janelle St Pierre put the ball into her own net, and a late goal from Manami Arai sealed the tie. RedStar head coach Carlos Vega Mena, said the win at Balcatta showed what his side is all about. “The match against Balcatta in the semifinal demonstrated the team's determination to perform and showcased their ability to deliver in high-pressure situations,” he explained. “Overall, it was a fantastic result for the team and I am proud of their strength and commitment to each other on the pitch to secure their place in the final.”
Vega Mena said games against Perth over the past few seasons have been competitive, and games are won and lost on fine margins. “It’s been a season of closely contested matches against Perth SC, with each game highlighting the competitive nature of our encounters. Winning two out of the three games is a solid achievement and shows our ability to perform consistently under pressure,’ he said. “The tightness of the matches also reflects the high level of competition and the fine margins that often define these games. It’s clear that both teams are closely matched, and every encounter has been a test of skill and strategy.
“Looking ahead, it will be important to focus on the details and capitalise on any opportunities to ensure we come out on top. Saturday’s game promises to be an entertaining encounter, both teams have attacking prowess, so it should be an exciting match full of quality play. It’s true that cup finals often come down to who wants it more and who can seize the crucial moments. The players have shown incredible resilience and skill throughout the season, and I’m confident they’ll bring their best to the final. It’s all about maintaining focus, executing our game plan, and giving it everything on the day.”
Perth SC were given a bye in round one, and then they hosted Subiaco AFC at Dorrien Gardens in the quarterfinal, running out convincing 6-0 winners. In the semi-final they hosted Fremantle City, and advanced to the final with a 4-1 win. Ella Lincoln opened the scoring for the hosts, but Fremantle hit back with Annabelle Leek scoring. Sam Mathers regained the lead for the hosts just before half time, and second half goals from Epril Nossent and an own goal from Dayle Schroeder made sure of the win.
Perth assistant coach Federico Achilli said the win against Fremantle was excellent, despite a waterlogged pitch. “Yes, it was a fantastic win for the girls, despite the pitch being a bit flooded they played some amazing football and maintained very good standards,’ he said. “Every player did their job perfectly and the girls up front were very clinical. If it wasn't for that, along with our strong defensive work, the result could have gone differently, but we are glad it didn't and very happy with what the girls produced.”
Federico said games against RedStar are always intense, and Saturday will be no different. “It has and always will be tough when we face RedStar, but we have competed with them in every game and getting that win over them tells us we have what it takes to beat them next time we face them,” he said. “I thought we were unfortunate with the first game, taking the early lead, but two mistakes cost us two goals, which we learned from for the second game as we managed to get one over them at their ground.
“However, in the third game, we knew RedStar is a team that has been together for some time and knows how to handle the pressure in big games and I think that was the difference on the day but again we learn from that experience and move forward. Everyone is excited for the final, it should be a lot of fun. It is never easy making it all the way to the cup final but we have made it and we are ready for it. I think our biggest drive is that we have come second to RedStar all year and that we no longer want to be in that position so that has definitely motivated the girls for Saturday's final.”
6.9.2024
STATE LEAGUE FINAL ROUND PREVIEW
We head into the final week of the State League Division Two season, and it will be a tense Saturday afternoon, with promotion, relegation and playoff spots all still up for grabs. (All games kick off at 3pm) The title and relegation spots are on the line at Wanneroo Reserve, where East Perth take on bottom of the table Wanneroo City, with a win vital for both teams. The hosts gave their relegation survival hopes a huge boost on Wednesday, when they beat Swan United 4-1 in a round 20 catch-up game at Paintseal Arena, Ashfield Reserve to move within one point of Swan. City made a great start, with Jordan Rowe finding the opener on three minutes, but Swan were level at the break with Albert Amankwaa on target. But a second-half brace from Danyel Dos Santos De Souza, and a late Guillermo Luna goal, secured the win for Howard Tweats side.
Wanneroo skipper Aaron Louttit said it was a huge win for the club, and it sets up a tough game against East Perth who also need the points in their promotion push. “Last night was massive for us, we needed to make a statement going into the last game of the season where everything is on the line, so it was a great result for the club," the midfielder said. “This Saturday will be a highly anticipated game, both teams know what’s at stake. We have to win and hope Swan don't win to survive and East Perth has to win for a chance at the league title, it’ll be another war for sure but we’re ready for it, and we’re hoping we can build on Wednesday night's performance.”
East Perth need a win and hope Kalamunda slip up at Quinns, and striker Ryan McCready, who leads the golden boot with 23 goals, said the win at Curtin last week showed they are doing all they can to get promotion. “It was a great result for us last week and an even better performance, against a good Curtin side. The boys were at it from the first whistle and went out to kill the game early which gives us momentum going into the last game of the season off the back of a couple of strong wins against two top four sides,” he explained. “It’s been a terrific first season in the state league for East Perth and it’s a reflection on how much hard work has gone into this season from players, coaches and everyone behind the scenes that go unnoticed. To be top of the goal scoring charts is obviously something to be proud of, but it’s made a lot easier with the quality of players we have and the way our team is set up by the coaches.”
McCready knows the stakes are high for both sides on Saturday, and they need to stay focused on their game, and what happens in the Kalamunda game happens. “We’re all looking forward to the final round of the season which should be a cracker. No one expected us to be in with a chance of winning the league on the final day and whilst we’re disappointed with a few results and performances we’ve put in this year; we should be very proud of our season regardless of what happens,” the striker said. “We’ve had two brilliant games against Kalamunda this season and whoever ends up winning the league will be deserved winners. It’s not an easy place to go away at Quinn’s for them, but equally we have a tough game at Wanneroo who will be fighting for their lives and we’ll just have to do our job and focus on getting three points and see where it takes us at the end.”
Kalamunda are in pole position, and can win promotion for the first time in their own right with the three points, and they have one hand on the title after a big win against Canning last week, and keeper Rain Blauberg said they need another strong performance on Saturday with Wanneroo desperately fighting to stay in the state league. “We played a good game against Canning, and I thought we controlled the game and managed to limit giving up chances to them,” he said. “Saturday is a huge game for the club, but we are ready for it. Quinns is always a tough place to visit, but we know what we need to do to reach our goal and we are ready for the challenge.”
In other games Swan United need to equal or better Wanneroo’s score when they travel to Burrendah Park to take on Canning City to avoid relegation, while Carramar Shamrock Rovers need a point when they host Ashfield at Grandis Park to make sure they survive. Curtin University and Joondalup City are both secure in the top four, and City host Forrestfield United at Iluka District Open Space, while Curtin make the trip to Princess Road Reserve to take on Balga, as they prepare for the playoffs.
6.9.2024
STATE LEAGUE RESERVES CUP FINAL – UWA NEDLANDS V PERTH SC – PREVIEW
State League Division One side UWA Nedlands have been the giant-killers in the State League Reserves Cup, beating NPL sides Inglewood United and champions Perth Glory along the way to Saturday’s final, where they take on Perth SC at the Sam Kerr Football Centre. (1.30pm) The Azzurri finished the NPL in second spot, while UWA just missed out on a top four spot in Division One, but they have shown already they can’t be underestimated, so this should be a hard-fought game.
Perth SC took on Cockburn City in round two at Dorrien Gardens, and goals from Jack Sprigg, Jonathan Ricupero, Taylor-Phoenix Wright and Jacob Rossi saw them run out 4-0 winners. In round three they headed to Wanneroo Reserve to meet Kalamunda City and came away with a 4-0 win, with Sprigg bagging a brace, with others to Rossi and Jamie Bilaloski. That set up an all-NPL tie against Armadale in the quarter finals, and goals from Rossi, Luka Hirninger and Jonathan Ricupero secured a 3-1 win. In the semifinals they met Dianella White Eagles at Dianella Reserve, and a second half double from Rossi saw them run out 2-0 winners.
Perth SC coach Gianluca Murray, said the win at Dianella was tough, but he was really proud how his side played to reach the final, and he can’t wait for the final, and knows his players are ready for the challenge. “What a night it was in the semi-final, Dianella were fantastic hosts and played a tough and disciplined style of football, a style that we’re not used to in the NPL. We played our way, kept moving the ball, and stood up to the physicality. Our lads were excellent and it was really a performance to be proud of,” he explained. “UWA have had a fantastic run and for good reason. Coach Vinny has them playing a great brand of football and has many experienced heads in the squad. It will be a great test for us, but one we’re looking forward too.
UWA Nedlands started their run to the final in round one, beating Joondalup City 6-0 at home, with Gaspar Becerra scoring a hat-trick. They then travelled to NPL side Inglewood United, and Louis Carlish’s goal gave them a 1-0 win. They were on the road again in round three, and came home with a win, with Toby Robertson brace helping them to a 3-2 win. In the quarter final they took on NPL leaders Perth Glory at Dalmatinac Park, and goals from Jake Pullella, Samuel Ince, Robertson and Jason Millimaci gave them a 4-2 upset win. In the semi-final they met Canning City at Dorrien Gardens, and won 4-3 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 at full time. Robertson gave UWA the lead, but Ben Godfrey levelled nine minutes from time for City, but UWA prevailed in the shootout
6.9.2024
STATE LEAGUE UNDER 18’S CUP – PERTH SC V PERTH REDSTAR – PREVIEW
The State League Under 18’s Cup Final, sees champions Perth SC taking on Perth RedStar at the Sam Kerr Football on Saturday at 11.00am. The Azzurri topped the table by three points, while RedStar finished third, so it should be a tight encounter. They have played twice this season in the league, first in round ten Perth ran out 4-1 winners at Dorrien Gardens, while in round 21 Perth fought back from conceding early, Seth McGillivray on target for RedStar, with goals from Matheus Major and Clarence Musa giving Perth a 2-1 win at the RedStar Arena
Perth eased into the third round after a 9-0 home win against Cockburn City, with Jamie Bilaloski and Matthew Pullella both scoring hat-tricks. The goals kept flowing in the next round, Musa scoring a hat-trick, as they beat Wanneroo City on the road. They met fellow NPL side Balcatta Etna in the quarter-final, and Liam Evans’ brace helped them to a 7-0 win. That set up a semi-final at Frank Drago Reserve against Bayswater City. Leonardo Vicoli and Musa gave the Azzurri a 2-0 lead at the break, but the hosts hit back and reduced the margin on the hour with Gabe Leo on target. But six minutes later the visitors added a third, with Liam Evans scoring to seal the tie.
Perth SC will be looking to go back-to-back in the cup final, and coach Basil Lenzo said the players have been magnificent this season, and he knows game in the past between the teams (ECU / RedStar) have been entertaining, and he is expecting more of the same on Saturday. “Extremely pleased for the players who have a real resolve and grit about them. Whilst many want to look at the technical aspects, this team is about the team, hard work and discipline. Defending with resolve and playing great football with a physical edge has underpinned the season,” he explained.
“We’ve had some excellent performances in the cup, and as has been the last few, it was a tough semifinal win. It was a great outcome, and the boys are spurred on to do not only the double this year also back-to-back in the 18s cup. ECU/RedStar and Perth SC youth games have gone back for years; they are always an opponent we look forward to playing. We will be expecting a tough and attacking encounter and we are ready to keep firing on all cylinders.”
RedStar also eased into the third round, beating Canning City 12-0 at Dianella Reserve, with Finn Wensley and Rohan Patel both with hat-tricks. In the next round they took on local rivals Joondalup United at the Croatian Sporting Complex, and four goals from Matthew Bowen helped them to a 6-2 win. In the quarter-final they took on Murdoch University Melville, and doubles from Jack Connolly and Bowen secured a 5-3 win at Percy Doyle Reserve. In the semi-final they played Perth Glory at the Sam Kerr Football Centre, and were beaten 3-2, but it was later established Glory had played an ineligible squad member, meaning RedStar progressed via forfeit.
RedStar finished third on the table, and had two tough games against Perth in the league, and coach Ben Connolly said both games were very competitive and the race for the title was exciting going into the last couple of games of the season. “All credit to Perth for winning the U18s league they have been very strong throughout the season with Glory, RedStar and Bayswater a deserving top four,” he said. “In the first it could have gone either way and 4-1 perhaps wasn’t a fair reflection. I think we hit the woodwork twice at 2-1 down. They got a third against the run of play midway through the second half, and grabbed a fourth in the last minute when we were pushing to get back into the game. In the second game a couple of weeks ago both teams had chances to win the game. We took the lead; they responded well and missed a penalty to secure the win and we had chances to draw the game. So, whilst we were disappointed to lose both of those games, we took away a lot of positives from our performances.”
Connolly said Saturday will be another tight encounter, and with the pair being the two highest scorers in the league, there should be plenty of goals. “As you say the two top scorers in the league, but equally two of the best defences in the league too, so it could potentially be an absolute goal fest or a 0-0 draw with both teams cancelling each other out - but there will be chances at both ends for sure,” he explained. “Perth has a talented squad that are well drilled and play some fantastic football. We’ve got a very young squad of players who are all under 16s and 17s which bodes well for the future of the youth and senior game in Perth and Western Australia. Both games between the two clubs this season have been played in an excellent spirit too. I’d just encourage any neutrals considering coming down to watch that they’ll see a great game of football either way. But yes, we are hoping we’ve got enough attacking quality in the squad to take our chances against them this time and grab a win to stop Perth from winning the ‘double’ on Saturday.”
1.9.2024
PSG CLAIM PERTH INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL CUP BY DEFEATING MANCHESTER CITY
Paris Saint-Germain have snared the Perth International Football Cup with a 1-0 triumph over Manchester City. The game at Perth Oval seemed destined for a shoot-out when the Parisians were awarded an 88th minute penalty, which Jennifer Echegini converted to secure the win.
City started strongly with Jess Park forcing a diving save from goalkeeper Katarzyna Kiedrzynek. And they should have had a penalty mid0way through the half after Bunny Shaw was bundled over by Eva Gaetino. But the best chance of the period came at the opposite end where Paulina Dudek stabbed wide from a corner.
The game slowed down after the break with chances at a premium. Echegini found the sidenetting before Kiedzyrnek again denied Shaw. The decider arrived Tara Elimbi-Gilbert drew contact from Casparij and Echegini converted from the spot. Chloe Kelly almost conjured a stoppage-time equaliser but her fizzing strike whistled wide.
Leicester City thumped West Ham United 5-2 in the third versus fourth play-off, which was played earlier at the same venue. Yuka Momiki tapped in after 10 minutes, Sam Tierney netted just after the half hour and Missy Goodwin netted three minutes from the break to give Leicesster a three-goal lead.
The goals continued for Leicester with Noemie Mouchon finished off a fast break in the 50th minute and substitute Saori Takarada chipping in on 76 minutes. Viviane Asseyi came off the bench to grab West Ham a couple of later consolation goals in the 90th and 96th minutes.
1.9.2024
DEFENDER IREDALE JOINS HIBERNIAN ON TWO-YEAR DEAL
Scottish Premier League club Hibernian have signed defender Jack Iredale on a two-year deal from Bolton Wanderers. The 28-year old former Greenock Morton and Queen's Park centre-half has amassed over 250 appearances in Australia, Scotland and England.
"Jack is an experienced centre-half and knows the Scottish game well from his time at Greenock Morton and Queen's Park," said Hibernian coach David Gray. "We've wanted to add a left-footed defender to the squad and he adds extra flexibility and competition for places being comfortable at both centre-half and left-back."
Iredale, an Australia Under-17 international, was a regular for Bolton when they reached the English League One Play-Off Final in season 2023/24. He started out in the National Premier Leagues with Perth Glory and ECU Joondalup before spells with Greenock, Queen's Park, Carlisle United, Cambridge United and Bolton.
1.9.2024
BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND NINETEEN REVIEW
Wembley Downs are the 2024 Belt Up Amateur Premier Division champions, and will be promoted to the state league, after an entertaining 2-1 win against Kelmscott Roos at Butlers Reserve on Sunday afternoon. “Huge congratulations to all the players on a fantastic achievement, and I hope they take great pride in being Amateur Premier champions,” Wembley coach Rob Jackson said. “For a team that were tipped to finish in the bottom half this season, they’ve done pretty well. Myself and Gary have enjoyed every minute of coaching both squads this season, and the celebrations start tonight and they’ll be going on for a while that’s for sure.” It was a huge game for both teams, the hosts needing a win to seal the title, while Kelmscott needed the win to keep them in the playoff position, but it was Wembley who scored the opener on 22 minutes. A great through ball from Alessandro Morabito sent Halil Russo clear, he lobbed Roos custodian Taylor Warwick, the ball hitting the crossbar, but Harry Browne was quickest to the rebound and bravely headed home.
They doubled their lead nine minutes later, a ball down the line by Taye Thistlethwaite, sent Russo in on goal, and he tucked it away neatly at the near post. Kelmscott were back in the game two minutes before half time, a teasing free kick from Brian Mashingaidze was headed into his own net by the unfortunate Cameron Chambers, after Wembley failed to clear. Kelmscott chances of getting back into the game took a hit just after the hour, when Kingsley Nteng was shown a straight red card, and Wembley held firm to take out the win, which crowned them champions. “Finally clinching the league title feels fantastic especially after a disappointing couple of games last week,” Wembley skipper Jack Mellor said. “The lads have been brilliant all season and the standards we’ve set really is a credit to the entire squad, and I’m sure they’ll be a few more celebrations to come.”
Morley Windmills have closed the gap to Kelmscott to just one point, as the pair chase the one playoff spot, after a 2-0 win against Jaguar at Wotton Reserve. “Jags were a very stiff challenge, and they battled hard all game,” Morley coach John O’Reilly said. “We needed to be resilient and believe in our game plan and this helped us achieve our win today, and keep our playoff hopes well and truly alive.” Morley have been one of the form teams in the last month, and they were ahead in this one eight minutes before the break. Ali Gholami’s free kick picked out Ollie Simpson at the back post, and he headed past Michael Dudek. They doubled their lead early in the second half, Travis Taylor cutting in from the left and firing past Dudek, to seal the points.
Emerald remains in second spot, but have not applied for promotion, but they continue to keep winning, and came home from Charles Riley Memorial Reserve with a hard fought 2-1 win against North Beach. “I don’t feel like we really were anywhere near our best today but did enough to get out with the three points,” Emerald skipper Stephen Kinsella said. “Credit to North Beach, they made it a battle, but we want to keep up the winning habit and finish the end of the season strong.” It was the hosts who opened the scoring on 19 minutes, Alex Kretowicz converting from the spot. The hosts were on top and had Emerald penned in, but the visitors pounced on a turnover, and levelled nine minutes before the break, with Conor Hogan on target. It was an even second half, and both sides had their chances, but in the final minute Emerald found the winner, a cross to the back post was turned home by Mark Bailey.
In other games, Maccabi sit fifth after a 6-1 win against Peel United at Bortolo Park. The visitors were on fire in the first half, heading to the sheds with a 6-0 win, with Dion Berman bagging a brace, with others to Abel Thomas-Hy, Jared Dimbleby, Aamon Zothner and Liam Fyfe. Peel scored a late consolation goal with Bradley Mallinder on target. “I was very happy with how the lads started and how clinical we were, putting the game to bed early and reacting perfectly in terms of performance after a couple of disappointing weeks,” Maccabi coach Ricky Berelowitz said. “It was nice to see the goals shared around and how we created from a lot of different routes to goal.”
New Kingsley Westside coach Sam Ellis has got off to a winning start, also winning 6-1 against Joondalup United at Forrest Park. “Great to get a first win as coach, the lads played well for the majority of the game,” he said. “We can still improve, with some winnable games coming up.” Ellis replaced Brad Hayward, who left the club last week, and they raced to a four-goal lead early. It was 1-0 on 23 minutes, after a Bailey Salmon’s cross was turned home by Craig Richards. Bailee Yeomans added a second seven minutes later, seeing his half volley find the back of the net, and Richards added another five minutes later. Yeomans, bagged his second moments later, to send them into the break well in control. Reece Lane added the fifth 12 minutes from time, and Yeomans completed his hat-trick three minutes from time. Richards should have added his third also, but he headed over the top with the goal at his mercy. Jack Nunn scored a late consolation goal for the hosts.
In the final game North Perth United beat South Perth United 3-2 at Challenger Reserve. “Couldn’t be happier with both teams today as we were really short on numbers due to a number of long-term injuries, we have got over the last month in both teams,” North Perth coach Kevin Flavin said. “But to come out with two great wins in those circumstances is a massive effort and to dominate possession in the firsts game going 3-0 up and the two late goals took away a bit of how well we played and dominated the game.” The visitors were ahead on three minutes, a corner from Joshua Cortez was headed home at the back post by Kyle Jackson.
They doubled their lead just after the half hour, some great football through the middle of the park which was spread to the left where Dean O’Meara crossed and was cleared to the edge of the box where Oscar Kelly smashed it to the roof of the net. The game looked over on 72 minutes when the visitors added third, Cortez crossing to O’Meara, who brought the ball down well and smashed it into the bottom corner. But South Perth had other ideas, and Isaac Gwolo pulled one back moments later, and three minutes from time Jack Johnson added a second. It set up a tense finish, but North Perth held firm to take the points.
1.9.2024
NPLWA – WOMEN’S – ROUND TWENTY ONE REVIEW
The final round of the NPLWA Women’s competition was completed this weekend, with the top four and relegation spots sorted out, and the round started on Friday evening, with Murdoch University drawing 0-0 with Fremantle City at Besteam Stadium. The point for each side had consequences at either end of the table, the point for the hosts, moves them four points clear of UWA Nedlands at the foot of the table, while Fremantle have secured a top four spot. “The girls were absolutely amazing tonight, and considering we lost 9-0 to them last time, it’s a massive turnaround,” MUMFC coach Steve Atkins said.
MUMFC had the first real opportunity on the half hour mark, Sophie Patience was played in by Isabella Baldin, but Fremantle keeper Dayle Schroeder was out quick to save. Moments later former Perth Glory midfielder Ella Mastrantonio shot from the edge of the box was parried by Schroeder, and Taylor Reid couldn’t turn the rebound home. Fremantle ended the half the better, Sophie Meaden’s shot flashed wide, before Olivia Trueman’s shot was turned around the post by the alert Annabel Cook.
The hosts were on the front foot after the break, Reid thought she had opened the scoring on the hour, lobbing Schroeder, but Fremantle skipper Annabelle Leek got back to the goalbound effort away. She was in again moments later, but this time her on the run whistled just wide of the post. Both sides pressed late, but the deadlock couldn’t be broken, with both sides sharing the spoils. “We knew heading into the game that it would be a close contest. Both us and MUM needed points from the game to secure our positions in the table, which made it a tough battle from the get go,’ Leek explained.
“It’s always a challenge playing on the turf and I felt like it took us a bit of time to get used to the surface, but once we did, we were able to create opportunities. We had a number of chances, as did MUM, and felt quite frustrated not to have scored, but ultimately, I think both teams did well to keep a clean sheet. We set out to get three points to confirm our top 4 finish, but a point proved to be enough, and now we have our eyes set on our catch-up game against UWA.”
UWA Nedlands need three points when they hosted Balcatta Etna, to keep their NPL hopes alive, but they were beaten 2-1 at the UWA Sports Park on Saturday afternoon. It was a tight first half, that burst into life on the hour, with Balcatta finding the opener. Olivia Cornall picked out Lucy Jerram on the left of the penalty area, Morgan Springer came racing out to save, but got nowhere near it, and Jerram fired home from the angle. The visitors wrapped up the points, eight minutes from time, Monique Prinsloo finding Liana Cook, whose long-range strike beat Springer into the top corner of the net, to condemn UWA to the bottom of the table.
The Hyundai NTC needed three points when they faced champions Perth RedStar at the RedStar Arena, to keep their top four hopes alive, but the hosts proved to strong running out 6-0 winners. An own goal early from the unfortunate Hannah Collins, put the visitors on the back foot, and it was 2-0 on 19 minutes. Reina Kagami sending Jayna Ridley in down the right channel and she finished low past Jessica Skinner. They added two more before the break, first on 32 minutes a poor clearance went straight to Ridley, who fed Kagami, and she curled home from distance. Then six minutes later, Manami Arai’s cross from the right wasn’t dealt with and Kagami pounced to lob over Skinner. It was 5-0 early in the second half, Caitlin Doeglas shot under the body of the NTC custodian. They wrapped up the scoring twenty minutes from time, great work from Renee Leota on the left of the penalty area, saw her roll the ball across the box and the unmarked Kagami made no mistake, to complete her hat-trick.
In the final game Perth SC have sealed the runners-up spot after a 3-0 win against Subiaco AFC at Percy Doyle Reserve on Saturday evening. The Azzurri were ahead on 21 minutes, Nadia Harvey raced down the right and crossed to the back post, where Daisy McAllister made no mistake. They found a second eight minutes into the second half, Sam Mathers won possession out on the left and crossed to Ella Lincon, and the quick feet from the striker took her clear, and she finished with aplomb past Isobel Robinson. They sealed the points nine minutes from time, Tamsyn Hanna slipped in Ruby Marshall clear and here shot squirmed under the body of Robinson.
1.9.2024
IREDALE HEADS BACK TO SCOTLAND
Jack Iredale will join Socceroos Martin Boyle and Lewis Miller at Scottish Premier League club Hibernian next season, after signing a two-year deal from Bolton Wanderers, for an undisclosed fee on transfer deadline day. Iredale, who played for Perth Glory and ECU Joondalup in his time in WA, made 68 appearances for the Trotters after signing from Cambridge United in the summer of 2022, and scored three goals. The defender featured on the opening day of the season against Leyton Orient, but has not been included in recent squads, with George Johnston’s return from injury pushing him down the pecking order at the Toughsheet Community Stadium,
Wanderers coach Ian Evatt said the Australian was going to struggle to get regular football. “With the size of the squad it was going to be difficult for Jack to get regular game time," he explained. “But he's a player who's had a really positive impact on what we've tried to do for the past couple of years. He’s a wonderful lad who’s been a pleasure to be around and a pleasure to coach and we wish him all the best moving forward.”
Iredale thanked Bolton for the opportunity, and is looking forward to the new challenge at Easter Road. “I had a great two years at Bolton, a club that’s really doing the right things and building itself back up to where it belongs,” he said. “I’ve made some great memories there, but now is the time for a new challenge, and I can’t wait to get started at Hibs.”
Hibernian coach David Gray said he can’t wait to work with the defender. “Jack is an experienced centre-half and knows the Scottish game well from his time at Greenock Morton and Queen’s Park,” he said. “We’ve wanted to add a left-footed defender to the First Team squad this window, and he adds extra flexibility and competition for places being comfortable at both centre-half and left-back. It’s great to be able to welcome Jack to Hibs and we look forward to working with him.”
Hibernian FC Sporting Director Malky Mackay added: “It was important that we added to our defensive options during this transfer window. Jack adds good experience to the dressing room and is an excellent character, which is important when we look at the dynamic of the squad. We’re delighted to bring him to the Club.”
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