On Tuesday December 16 2014, Perth Glory FC will have the chance to leave its footprint on Australian Football and create a pivotal moment in club history.
It not only has the chance to break a 10-year silverware drought and be crowned the first Westfield FFA Cup winners, but also has the chance to breathe new life into the sport in Western Australia.
However,  win or lose against fellow Cup finalists Adelaide United, Glory will have capped off several milestones this season, quickly lifting itself from the shadows of what was a tumultuous 2013/14.
That torrid time was well documented but it must be said, at the end of  last year the club amassed a total of 28 points. This week after ten rounds, it sits top of the table with 25 points, three clear of second placed Melbourne Victory and is in the FFA Cup final.Â
The reason? Perhaps it’s been the strong off-season recruitment, a tough pre-season schedule coupled with a winning mentality. And perhaps it’s Kenny Lowe’s ability to connect with his players and bring the best out of them. Â
The players will tell you he’s the “type of manager you want to play for” but in the same breath they’ll tell you not to get too excited just yet “We haven’t won anything yet”.
Which is why the fire in their belly burns strong according to assistant coach Andy Ord.
“Training’s been top notch the past month” he said.
“There’s a real hunger amongst the group, the competition for spots is heating up and there are no passengers. Each player spurs the other on and that’s a sign of a strong will to win” he said.
Glory has, like most other West Australian sporting clubs, had to do it the tough way, flying every second week to the eastern seaboard, play its match and then fly home and regroup. This week alone, Perth faces a hectic schedule of three games, including the Cup final in eight days.
But Lowe says it’s no excuse.
“We just get on with it. It is what it is. We’re going to Adelaide to win. We’re not going to make up the numbers. We’ll give it our best, the players are honest, have been since pre-season and we’ll do it for Perth and the state“ he said
Lowe’s remark about state pride couldn’t be any further from the truth.
The team has worn the black and gold state colours throughout the Cup campaign.
On Tuesday night the team will once again be flying the flag for WA as the players are adorned by the state coloured kit.
While Glory will be playing in a cauldron filled with 17-thousand Reds fans, Perth will be bouyed by the fact that 500 vocal die-hard fans have made the journey across the nullarbor.
It’s a show of force that may be the vital pillar of strength, Perth needs in its quest for glory.
Kick-off is at 4.30pm WST.
The match will be broadcast on Fox Sports 505.
Glory return to nib Stadium on December 20 when they host the Central Coast Mariners.
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