By now, the Perth Glory story has been repeated over and over in the media, so people are probably a bit sick of hearing it.
But that is because the story is so good. It feels like it could have been written by Hollywood, the A-League’s own ultimate redemption stories. If it had not been for Adelaide enjoying a slightly more spectacular revival, Perth’s transformation would surely be garnering even more headlines.
Credit must go to Kenny Lowe, not just for his motivational skills, but also tweaking his tactics over the course of the season to suit his team’s strengths. Heading into the finals as the A-League’s most in-form side, a team capable of scoring for fun, the Glory is one side nobody wants to face this April.
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Strengths
There is quality all over the park for Perth, starting in defence. Shane Lowry has been rock solid since his move from Birmingham City in January, while his partner in crime, youngster Alex Grant, has been a revelation this season. Both are physical players who can bully opposing strikers with their size and are strong in the air. To their right, Josh Risdon has been the league’s best full-back, strong defensively and dangerous going forward.
In the middle of the park, the Hungarian duo of Krisztian Vadocz and Gyorgy Sandor has the capacity to control games with vision and passing, while Chris Harold has enjoyed his best season yet on the wing, finding the net seven times.
Up front, the deadly duo of Andy Keogh and Diego Castro are a handful for any defence; watching Castro glide past players like they are mannequins and setting up team mates is the most fun you can have watching the A-League. Keogh’s ability to be in the right place at the right time and find the net ensures he must always be watched closely.
Key Player – Diego Castro
Who else? Perth’s marquee man started the season with a slight thing strain, but once he overcame it, he helped propel the Glory up the table. When he’s on his game, Castro is a joy to watch. Every time he touches the ball, Perth fans get excited. His vision and technique is up there with the best in the league (key example: THAT goal against Melbourne City) and his ability to draw defenders in and then go past them in unmatched.
He was sorely missed in the Glory’s 4-0 loss to Sydney to end the regular season. Without him in the side, Perth’s attack faded. Keogh was left isolated with no Castro to play off and without the Spaniard’s clever movement off the ball which allows space to open up for his team mates, the Glory looked devoid of imagination in the final third. Lowe will be praying to the football gods Castro can overcome his recent hamstring strain to be fighting fit come finals time.
Recent Form
Ten out of 12 wins heading into the finals would normally have a team riding high, but a last-day thrashing to Sydney has raised question marks. Perth showed in late December and early January they were a dangerous team on the rise, but no one could have predicted what happened next.
Starting with a 6-1 thrashing of the Jets in Newcastle, once Perth got going, it seemed nothing could stop them. Perth showed they can turn on the style against the big teams too, as Melbourne City found out in the penultimate round of the season. Going into the game top of the table, City were torn to shreds in the second half as goals from Keogh, Sandor and Castro gave Perth a 3-2 win which did not reflect the Glory’s dominance. A late 2-1 loss away to the Western Sydney Wanderers, a game they arguably deserved at least a point from, was the only blemish on an otherwise perfect run home, until Sunday. Without Castro and Harold, Perth were well and truly beaten 4-0 by a spirited Sydney, costing them a home final. Will it affect them against Melbourne City?
Finals Prediction
Before the Sydney FC debacle, Perth were among the favourites for the finals, off the back of their stellar run of form this side of New Year’s. But the manner in which they were put to the sword by Sydney, coupled with concerns over Castro’s fitness, has seen them drop in people’s estimation. If Castro is fit, a grand final appearance is more than possible.
Without him in the lineup, they are favourites to depart in the first round, unless last week was just a blip. They outplayed Melbourne City at home two weeks ago, but now they have been dealt a blow themselves, they have to put it behind them or they will be on holidays earlier than expected. They might just knock off City, but lose in the second week.
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