Head Coach Bobby Despotovski has confirmed that his new-look, youthful Westfield W-League squad are relishing the chance to test themselves against reigning champions Sydney FC at Dorrien Gardens on Sunday (kick-off at 1pm, tickets HERE).
Glory began their 2019/20 campaign with a 2-0 defeat away at Canberra United before enjoying the bye last weekend and Despotovski feels that the additional time on the training ground has been beneficial for his charges.
“It’s our first home game and the girls have been working very hard in preparation for it,” he said.
“They’re excited and ready to give it 100%.
“Three of our four internationals are here and will come into contention to play on Sunday.
“The bye has given them a bit more time to settle in to the time zone and the hot weather and all of that.”
Glory were, of course, downed by the Sky Blues in last season’s Grand Final, but Despotovski does not feel that avenging that defeat in Kogarah is a major motivating factor for most of his players.
“There will only be three or four players in the team on Sunday who actually played in the Grand Final,” he explained.
“It’s a completely different team and a completely different direction that we’ve taken this year.
“So for the players that played, there might be some extra spice in the game and their preparations for it, but for the rest of the players, it’s the same preparation as they’d have for any other game.
“Sydney are the reigning champions and have won two out of two this season.
“They have a strong squad full of internationals, Matildas and Young Matildas and are a quality team, so it will be a good challenge for us.”
Despotovski went on to urge the club’s members and fans to show some patience as what is a very young squad finds its feet this term.
“I’m looking for our members and fans to play their part, 100%,” he said.
“But I’m also looking for them to support what we’re trying to achieve and not be short-sighted.
“I want them to understand the direction that we have taken and where we’re heading and not to judge any players against someone like Sam Kerr. That is just totally unfair.
“If these local girls don’t have an opportunity to play, I don’t think that’s sustainable or the road to go down for Perth Glory.
“So I want them to get right behind the current playing group and give them all the support they can.”
In terms of early team news, Shannon May could return to the starting eleven having been introduced from the bench against Canberra and may be joined in midfield by new American recruit, Morgan Andrews.
Ari Romero, meanwhile, is likely to slot into the backline as she starts her second spell in purple and there could be a debut for U.S. forward, Crystal Thomas.
While beaten in the Grand Final, Glory won last season’s regular-season fixture 2-1 at Dorrien Gardens, the third time they have claimed all three points in their last four home meetings with the Sky Blues.
Westfield W-League memberships are still available at the bargain price of just $60 and can be purchased HERE.
Glory Hyundai A-League members, meanwhile, can grab tickets to the game for half-price as long as they book online in advance.
Match Details
Sunday 1 December 2019
Perth Glory v Sydney FC
Dorrien Gardens, Perth
Kick-Off: 1:00pm (Local)(4:00pm (AEDT))
Referee: Rachel Mitchenson
Assistant Referee 1: Janelle Sammut
Assistant Referee 2: Arvin Shanmuganathan
Fourth Official: Shane Skinner
Join the conversation on Twitter using the hash-tag #PERvSYD
Perth Glory Squad: 1.Eliza CAMPBELL (gk), 3.Kim CARROLL, 4.Ayesha NORRIE, 5.Shannon MAY, 6.Arianna ROMERO, 8.Morgan ANDREWS, 9.Crystal THOMAS, 10.Julia SARDO, 11.Leticia MCKENNA, 12.Jenna ONIONS, 13.Jamie-Lee GALE, 14.Caitlin DOEGLAS, 15.Alexia MORENO, 18.Isabella FOLETTA, 21.Morgan AQUINO (gk), 24.Natasha RIGBY (c), 28.Katarina JUKIC
** two to be omitted**
Ins: 6.Arianna ROMERO (new signing), 8.Morgan ANDREWS (new signing), 9.Crystal THOMAS (new signing)
Outs: 17.Liana COOK (omitted)
Unavailable: Nil
Sydney FC squad: 1.Aubrey BLEDSOE (gk), 2.Teresa POLIAS (c), 3.Shadeene EVANS, 5.Ally GREEN, 6.Chloe LOGARZO, 7.Ellie BRUSH, 9.Caitlin FOORD, 10.Remy SIEMSEN, 11.Sofia HUERTA, 12.Natalie TOBIN, 14.Alanna KENNEDY, 15.MacKenzie HAWKESBY, 16.Julia VIGNES, 17.Angelique HRISTODOULOU, 19.Amy SAYER, 20.Princess IBINI, 30.Trudy BURKE (gk)
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 14.Alanna KENNEDY (return from injury), 19.Amy SAYER (promoted)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 4.Elizabeth RALSTON (calf), 13.Veronica LATSKO (knee), 18.Taylor RAY (knee)
#OneGlory
