What better way to begin the build-up to Friday evening’s clash with Adelaide United than by revisiting one of our most famous victories over our friends from across the border?
March 28th 2004 was the date, Subiaco Oval the venue and there was tension in the air.
Having finished the regular season six points clear of Parramatta Power at the top of the ladder, Glory had been turned over by the NSW side in the Major Semi-Final, meaning that they found themselves in a do-or-die Preliminary Final against the Reds.
John Kosmina had led United to an impressive third-place finish in what was their inaugural NSL campaign and although Glory had beaten them twice in the regular season, the visitors had travelled west quietly confident of springing a surprise.
But Mich d’Avray’s men had other ideas and after Bobby Despotovski opened the scoring with ten minutes on the clock, the second half became a purple procession.
Damian Mori helped himself to two, Despotovski added another and Nik Mrdja bagged a late one [a feat he would subsequently repeat in the Grand Final] to round out an emphatic 5-0 scoreline.
17,524 were there to see it and many of those supporters were also present a week later when the WA side secured back-to-back titles with a dramatic, extra-time win in the pouring rain at Parramatta.
In terms of the picture itself, we’re not quite sure why Jade North thought a hand gesture was the go, or who had upset Jamie Harnwell, but as iconic Glory team line-ups go, this one takes some beating.
#CREATEDESTINY
