Mother and daughter, Jemma and Nellie Lucich were the lucky winners of Perth Glory’s Principal Partner QBE’s “Live the Glory” competition where they got the ultimate money can’t buy opportunity to travel away with the team
Mother and daughter, Jemma and Nellie Lucich were the lucky winners of Perth Glory-s Principal Partner QBE-s “Live the Glory” competition where they got the ultimate money can-t buy opportunity to travel away with the team.
And, the lucky ladies couldn-t have chosen a better game than last weekend-s 3-2 thriller against Melbourne Victory!
Read their Match Day Diary below:
I had the wonderful opportunity courtesy of QBE and Perth Glory Football Club to join Perth Glory on their trip to Melbourne for round 26 of the A league Series. They were to play Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park on Saturday evening. I was given a behind the scenes view of how the team prepare for their big match. I was welcomed by coaching staff and players.
On Friday the 22nd I arrived at the Airport with my mother and joined them on their flight to Melbourne. On arrival In Melbourne we joined the team on their bus to the hotel. Coach Alistair Edwards introduced himself and then us to all the players. I told them I was their good luck charm on the bus on the way to the hotel from the airport. But it was just my way of explaining why I was gate crashing their routine and trip:-) I do have a nickname of “Lady Luck”.
So maybe I did give out a few good vibes ? Just after arrival at their hotel we were invited to join the team for dinner. The players had a lovely meal prepared containing plenty of carbohydrates in preparation for their match the following day. They players were so nice to have saved us some food. So we were well fed also. Just in case we were needed on the field the following day ?
On Saturday the 23rd of March. It was Game Day. They boys met for a walk around 1:30pm in preparation for their match. The players were picked up and taken to AAMI Park at 4pm. We arrived at the ground around 4:30pm. It was a remarkable venue and great weather. I watched as the team as they warmed up and to me they look they had a real chance in this must win match to still be in contention for Finals.
At 5:30pm the game kicked off. Melbourne Victory scored soon after the match began. So it was a relief when Chris Harold scored to even the match at 1-1. To watch Travis Dodd kick Glory-s second goal in the first half was terrific. It seemed as though the match may have been decided at 2-1. But then late in the second half Victory scored to draw the game at 2-2. It seemed like a draw would be the result, however I knew how focused and talented these boys were and thought that they could get a third. So I was completely ecstatic when Josh Risdon came through with a late goal that gave glory a 3-2 lead with only minutes left on the clock. The atmosphere in the Glory supporters Camp and on the ground was incredible. We were shaking with excitement !
Perth Glory played at such a high standard throughout the match and deserved the win. I felt privileged to be a part of this experience.
We arrived back at the hotel before the team bus and there was such a good mood within the team. Unfortunately Travis Dodd was injured and was awaiting scans to know the extent of his injury. I-d heard word that Shane Smeltz had been injured during his International duties and was out for the following week-s match. Another unfortunate blow to the side was Liam Miller was out due to suspension but he was still in his good Irish spirits with their win.
We were asked to join them for dinner and once again did so. Alistair was kind enough to allow me take some photos with the team. It was a much more relaxed atmosphere, as they-d come to Melbourne and achieved what they set out to do.
On Sunday the 24th of March. The boys started the day with a recovery session. Then prepared to leave Melbourne. Once again they were kind enough to let us join them on the bus back to the airport for their flight home to Perth.
I must say we were both exhausted by the end of the trip. It-s quite a quick turn around from leaving Perth to returning home and these boys did remarkably well. Despite time spent at the airports, flying, travelling to hotels and from hotels not to mention playing in front of a crowd of 16,839 and probably over 16,000 of those Melbourne Victory supporters. They did extremely well. Perth Glory played an outstanding game. The skill and sportsmanship on and off the field were brilliant. A big thank you to Anthony Radich (Corporate and Sponsorship Manager) for working with QBE and giving us this wonderful opportunity and making sure we were well taken care of.
Alistair Edwards (Coach), Gareth Naven (Assistant Coach), Neil Young, Brett Lambert (Kit Manger), Ante Kovacevic ( Football Operations Manager ) , Chris Hutchinson (Physio) and all the Perth Glory Squad welcomed us and made us feel at home. They-re a great bunch of people and I wish them all the success they deserve.
I would urge all those Perth Soccer fans out there in Perth to get behind Perth Glory in the 2013/2014 Season. Get down there and cheer them on. I know we certainly will. Even this weekend is a great opportunity to catch them in action in their effort to secure a spot in the finals.
All the best guys!
