Perth Glory recruits Rhys Williams and Andrew Taggart are confident the strong home-grown talent within the squad will resonate with fans and members as the club aims to win its third championship in its 20-year history.
Taggart and Williams have been the faces of the club’s new Westfield FFA Cup and Hyundai A-League Away kit (pre order the new away jersey here) launch as the team prepares for a blockbuster clash against Sydney FC at Dorrien Gardens in North Perth on Tuesday night.
A win will see the Western Australians advance to the quarter final stage of the knockout cup competition.
“These are the ones that we’ve come back to play. We want to play these big sides. We want them to come here on our turf” Williams said.
“They’ve recruited well obviously with a great manager as well. We all look forward to it. It’s going to be a statement if we can come out with something from the game.”
Glory is unbeaten in six pre-season matches, including the big win over Brisbane Roar in the RD32 of the FFA Cup, but Williams knows that form needs to keep translating into more wins on the board.
“To be undefeated after six games is nice but that will mean nothing if we don’t pick up anything tomorrow night. We need to keep this run going; we need to be a bit more ruthless in front of goal and in front of our own goal but we all look forward to it and it’s a test and we can’t wait to get going.”
Taggart, who won the Hyundai A-League Golden Boot in the 2013-2014 season, recognises the stakes on the line.
“It’s definitely going to be a tough game and I think that’s what our preseason has been about so far we’ve had quite a few tough games and I think that’s vital to our preparation going into the season so going into tomorrow, it’s a massive game for us, another A-league team and we’re going to go in all guns blazing being at home.”
“For me personally, it will be great, I’ll be available for selection so I’m really looking forward to it.”
Taggart said he was itching to return to the pitch after a spell in the United Kingdom.
FIFA regulations rendered him ineligible to play last season as he had already played for two clubs in one year.
“I’m always hungry to get on the park even if it’s only been a week since I last played. Even more now since having time off the playing field so I’m really looking forward to it and great to get out there with a lot of people I grew up playing with and it’s important to me and to all of us that we’re sticking together as WA boys and trying to do something big at the club here.”
The pair is part of fourteen Western Australian players on the Perth Glory roster this season and both feel that the new kit can help give them an extra edge when playing away from home this campaign.
“It’s such a nice feeling to come home and play for the team I supported as a kid,” Williams added. This is my team and I went to watch them when we were younger. It’s great to wear these colours and also the purple of Glory.”
Taggart echoed Williams’ sentiments.
“It’s obviously the club I grew up supporting so it’s always extra special when you are playing for the club that you went to weekly with your old man so I’m really looking forward to it (the season) and it means a lot to me to be back here.”
Tickets to the match between Perth Glory and Sydney FC can be purchased HERE and at the gate
Gates open at 5.30.
