For a team that found itself propping up the rest of the league at the beginning of December, it seems strange Perth Glory would be disappointed with their first round finals exit.
However, over the course of the season, Perth became the second best comeback story in the league (only behind eventual champions Adelaide) as they stormed into the finals off the back of a remarkable run of form in the final two months.
The story
Entering the season with the cloud of the salary cap scandal still hanging firmly over them, Perth started the season in disappointing fashion. Their off-season recruits were unable to make the impact desired and the Glory looked devoid of confidence for the first part of the season.
While an FFA Cup final appearance for the second consecutive year saved some face, they were outplayed in the final and hit rock bottom soon afterwards following a 5-1 loss to Melbourne City. Some encouraging performances in December lifted them off the foot of the table and gave them some hope for the rest of the season, but no one could have predicted what happened next.
Perth won 10 of their final 12 games to charge into fifth place, winning a reputation as the league’s entertainers. But a 4-0 defeat on the last day of the season ruined their chances of a home final, and they bowed out in a 2-0 loss to Melbourne City in the first round of the finals.
Key player
It could not be anyone else other than the Johnny Warren Medalist himself, Diego Castro. Signed from Getafe in the off-season, the Spaniard had a subdued start to life in Perth, battling a calf injury for the first month.
However, as the season progressed and Perth turned into an unstoppable force, Castro became their most influential player. Josh Risdon, Andy Keogh, Chris Harold and Gyorgy Sandor all enjoyed strong seasons, but none of them were as influential as Castro. He was at the heart of Perth’s unlikely revival, dazzling fans and bemusing defenders with ease. With his blend of intelligence, trickery and killer instinct, the marquee man scored 13 goals in 26 games and created 57 chances for team mates.
With his contract up, there is a big chance he will leave in the off-season. Whether he stays or goes, Perth fans will not forget his impact in a hurry.
MORE: A-League season report cards
The manager
Kenny Lowe found himself under pressure early in the season after just one win from the club’s opening nine league games, although he did buy himself some time by guiding Perth to a second consecutive FFA Cup final.
When the January transfer window opened, the affable coach was quick to strengthen the team and shore up several areas of weakness. In came Shane Lowry and Krisztian Vadocz, who made immediate impacts, and Kosta Petratos and Adam Taggart, who will surely make their mark in the future. While it would be easy to attribute the Glory’s success solely to the playing group, the signs were there in December that Perth had the potential to be a strong team. Ultimately Lowe, who has had his share of detractors during his time at the helm, proved his worth again as a master motivator, while also finding a formation and strategy which suited the team and stuck with it.
Off-season recruitment
Perth have moved quickly to strengthen their squad ahead of a likely title challenge next season. Fringe Socceroos and West Australian natives Rhys Williams and Chris Herd have already signed on for next season, while Taggart will finally be able to take the field and bolster an already frightening attack.
However, a number of their core squad’s futures are up in the air. Castro has still not decided whether to accept Perth’s offer as he chases more money following his outstanding season, and if he goes, Perth must act quickly to replace him. Custodian Ante Covic is expected to leave, with the likes of Brad Jones and Mark Birighitti rumoured to be among potential replacements. Young centre-back Alex Grant and anchorman Vadocz have not yet been re-signed and the arrival of Herd and Williams may be a sign they are not needed by the club, despite both impressing this season.
Grade – B+
A season of two halves, with the latter offering Perth fans encouragement and hope for for next season.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
