Shannon May’s Westfield W-League teammates are determined to help her celebrate her 100th game for the club in style by downing Newcastle Jets on Saturday evening.
The 27-year-old, who is poised to become the first Glory player to hit triple figures after a decade in purple, has played a key role in the side’s unbeaten start to the current campaign.
And as his charges look to chalk up a third consecutive home win, Head Coach Bobby Despotovski feels that the midfielder’s colleagues will be extra motivated to ensure she ends up a winner in her milestone match.
“It’s a little extra motivation for us,” he said, “because Shannon is a hugely popular player who has obviously made a massive contribution to the club. She deserves to be able to celebrate her fantastic achievement with a win.
“We are looking to put in a good performance and get all three points. We have been putting in the hard yards during our training sessions this week and are expecting everyone to be fit and firing on Saturday.”
Glory will head into the Dorrien Gardens clash off the back of a 2-2 draw at Adelaide, a game Despotovski feels his side could have won despite having the in-form Alyssa Mautz controversially sent off in the second half.
“I think it was a case of two points dropped against Adelaide,” he said, “but it depends how you look at the game and there is a danger of over-analyzing it.
“We travelled over there and played in 40 degrees and came back with a point, so we’re happy, but we’re not happy if you see what I mean and now we are focused on improving and winning all of our home games.”
Despotovski went on to emphasise the important role that the Dorrien Gardens faithful will have in helping Glory maintain their 100% home record this term
“Our members and fans will make a big difference because the team love playing in front of them and I hope they turn out in big numbers again,” he said.
“The Jets have had an inconsistent season so far, but they possess many players that will pose a threat to us, with Emily van Egmond being the prime example.
“They will be a tough opponent, but if we perform to 100% of our ability, I don’t think we’ll have a problem.”
Newcastle have won two and lost three of their five games to date and were downed 3-1 at home by reigning champions Melbourne City last time out.
And the historical omens certainly point in the direction of a Glory victory as the WA side have never lost in this fixture and, indeed, boast an unbeaten run against the Jets that stretches back to 2011.
Kick-off time at Dorrien Gardens is at 7pm and you can grab your tickets HERE.
Match Details
Saturday, 15 December 2018
Perth Glory v Newcastle Jets
Venue: Dorrien Gardens, Perth
Kick-Off: 7:00PM (Local) (10:00PM (AEDT))
Referee: Lara Lee
Assistant Referee 1: Joanna Charaktis
Assistant Referee 2: Matthew Southern
Fourth Official: Josh Mannella
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Perth Glory squad: 1.Eliza CAMPBELL (gk), 3.Kim CARROLL, 5.Shannon MAY, 6.Abbey MEAKINS, 7.Nicole STANTON , 9.Rachel HILL, 10.Jacynta GALABADAARACHCHI, 11.Leticia MCKENNA , 12.Jenna ONIONS, 13.Jamie-Lee GALE , 14.Caitlin DOEGLAS, 18. Isabella FOLETTA, 20.Sam KERR (c), 22.Abbey GREEN, 23.Stacey CAVILL (gk), 24.Natasha RIGBY, 25.Katie NAUGHTON
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 10.Jacynta GALABADAARACHCHI (returns from injury), 14.Caitlin DOEGLAS (promoted), 18. Isabella FOLETTA (promoted),
Outs: 4.Alyssa MAUTZ (suspended)
Unavailable: 21.Morgan AQUINO (gk) (hip injury – 2-3 weeks)
Newcastle Jets FC squad: 2.Hannah BREWER, 4.Libby COPUS-BROWN, 5.Arin WRIGHT, 6.Cassidy DAVIS, 7.Gema SIMON, 9.Katie STENGEL, 10.Emily VAN EGMOND, 11.Cortnee VINE, 14.Taylor SMITH, 15.Renee POUNTNEY, 17.Jenna KINGSLEY, 18.Clare WHEELER, 19.Pana PETRATOS, 20.Claire COELHO (gk), 22.Larissa CRUMMER, 25.Teigan COLLISTER, 28.Britt ECKERSTROM (gk)
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 5. Arin WRIGHT (return from injury), 15.Renee POUNTNEY (promoted)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 12.Tara ANDREWS (ankle – 3 weeks)
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