Dozens of Perth Glory Shed supporters will be crossing ‘The Ditch’ this weekend, for the annual “Tour of Duty” (TOD) to see Perth face New Zealand rivals Wellington Phoenix on Sunday.
The pilgrimage, now in its 15th year, started against Sydney Olympic and has grown year after year.
“It’s our way of being an extra man on the pitch, when the boys are playing away” said Glory Shed President Sharon Tyson.
“It’s a lot of fun for us, and it’s an excuse to get out of the shed, and show our support for the boys when they’re on the road.”
The tour will be marked over two legs, ROUND 18 in Wellington and ROUND 19 in Sydney. More than 20 passionate Shed fans will make their way to New Zealand while almost 50 Shed supporters will head to the clash against Sydney FC.
Inaugural Glory Shed President and CEO of Parkerville Children and Youth Care Basil Hanna, said the TOD was steeped in tradition amongst the Glory faithful.
“So far we’ve not been on a tour in the A-League where the boys have won, so we’re hoping this year they’ll break their duck”.
The trip will be marked with a football game between the Glory Shed Supporters against the Wellington supporters, known as the “Yellow Fever” fans.
The match will take place on Saturday February 6 at 10.30am at Boyd Wilson Field.
The winning team will receive a boot, as a tribute to former Glory player Kasey Wehrman, who threw a boot into the crowd one time after a match.
Perth’s clash against Wellington will also be the second leg of the Long Distance Derby Cup.
The Nix drew first blood in ROUND 2, when they beat a 10-man Glory 2-1 at nib Stadium.
Glory returns to nib Stadium for an important clash against Brisbane Roar on February 20.
