Perth Glory

Last Match Paid

A-League

Round 2

Western United 1 - 0 Perth Glory

2021-11-26 08:45 More Reports

Next Match Paid

A-League

Round 3

Melbourne Victoryvs. Perth Glory

2021-12-05 07:45:00 More Previews

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Season Guide

2021/2022

Perth Glory

In

Sardinero (att, OFI Crete), Jones (gk, Al-Nassr FC), Oxborrow (mid, Broadmeadow), O'Neill (mid, Buriram United), Niyongabire (mid, Adelaide United), Burke-Gilroy (def, Brisbane Roar), Clisby (def, Central Coast Mariners), Calver (def, Western United), Farah (def, promoted), Sturridge (att, free), Cook (gk, promoted), Walsh (def, promoted)

Out

Castro (mid, released), Velaphi (gk, released), Warland (def, Newcastle Jets), Chianese (mid, Hyderabad FC - end of loan), Sullivan (mid, released), Langkamp (def, released), Ingham (def, Newcastle Jets), Geria (def, Melbourne Victory), Kilkenny (mid, Western United), Ikonomidis (att, Melbourne Victory), Wilson (mid, SJK), D'Agostino (att, Melbourne Victory)

Despite a promising setup, last season ended up going badly for Perth Glory. Keogh forgot how to score, Fornaroli didn't get enough service, Castro was less effective, Ikonomidis was injured for most of the campaign. They only livened up after loaning Chianese. Defence was a disaster from start to finish. The season ahead doesn't look much better. Club legend Castro left the club. The club claimed to have offered him a new contract but they didn't hear back in weeks. Dynamic attacker Ikonomidis was reunited with Popovic at Melbourne Victory. Vital defensive midfielder Kilkenny left under a cloud. Lots of defenders left but none of note. Some signings were good. Clisby was excellent last season, he should be very good. Sturridge caught all the headlines because he's too good for this level, could be an amazing signing. O'Neill is an underrated midfield terrier, the likes of which Perth Glory have lacked since Kilkenny's omission. Calver brings height and experience to their defence. Strengths - two brilliant forwards in Fornaroli and Sturridge. Keogh decent backup. Should be very good from set pieces in general. Two really solid shot stoppers in Reddy and Jones. Won't lose many physical duels in general. Weaknesses - Sardinero signed to be the new Castro, doesn't look good enough. No natural playmakers. Lack of natural width. Will struggle to defend against speed. Will struggle to create chances, especially if opponents sit back. Irreplaceable players - Sturridge, O'Neill, Lachman

Target

Despite the signing of Sturridge, a top 6 finish is the best they can hope for - and they'll most likely fail in pursuit of it. They should focus on avoiding the wooden spoon. Not nearly enough balance to this squad.

Season Review

2019/2020

№6: Perth Glory

Glory took a step back this term. After winning the regular season a year earlier and then dramatically losing the Grand Final the Violets had much bumpier ride in 2019/20 and they only just made the play-offs, finished 1 point ahead of Adelaide, before losing the semi-final vs. Sydney FC 0:2. Slow start (W1 D3 L3) made Glory play catch up straight away and only thanks to 2-month unbeaten run between December and February (W7 D3) top 6 finish was secured. The form of the team after the COVID-break was not good, with this directly related to the fact that their captain and most creative player Diego Castro refused to play in the bubble due to COVID-fears. Star striker Fornaroli played his part during the 10-game unbeaten run that generated most of the points, scored 9 goals in those 10 games, but the problem was that his contributions outside those 2 months were sparse (just 4 goals in other 18 games). Kilkenny was the most consistent performer throughout the season, with 39-year-old goalkeeper Reddy also solid between the posts for most games. Glory’s defending was problematic all campaign and the Violets never really looked comfortable with the 3-man back line, but coach Popovic never changed it anyway. Despite the setback season Glory had been contenders in both seasons under Popovic and it won’t take much improving for the team to be amongst the main favourites again. For starters Castro need to be back on the pitch and Fornaroli needs more support up front.