It certainly wasn’t the start they hoped for or imagined, but for Perth Glory their 4 – 0 defeat to Sydney FC was bad as it would get.  Outscored, outmuscled and outplayed, the Glory ladies dusted themselves off and gradually worked their way into the season with an improved second half.

WAIS coach John Gibson takes the reigns at Glory.  Perth has lost tough defender Stacey Learmont but Gibson has bolstered the defence with Matildas goalkeeper Emma Wirkus, Washington Freedom’s Alex Singer and local Sadie Lawrence.  With Mariana Tabain and Lisa De Vanna scoring regularly, the only addition to the attack has been local Ellis Glanfield.



Although young, Glory’s midfield brigade is quick, skilled and creative.  Ably led by Matildas Collette McCallum, Samantha Kerr and Ella Mastrantonio, they not only provide forward ball but also crucial goals.

The speed in the centre is equalled by the speed up front with Mariana Tabain and Lisa De Vanna proving a potent strike force.  De Vanna’s ability is undeniable but with 4 goals, it was Tabain who announced her arrival in style. 



From their first match against Sydney FC, Perth Glory’s biggest weakness was evident.   

To get to the finals in season two Glory will need to shore up a defence that conceded 16 goals in the first half of the season.  Glory struggled to find stability in the back half.  After initial goalkeeper Kate Stewart went down early, captain Tanya Oxtoby and fellow defender Carys Hawkins worked hard to hold a defence continually under pressure.

To address their defensive woes Perth has taken steps in the right direction in recruiting Wirkus and Singer.  As Glory's second half defensive performance demonstrated, the Perth side is more rock solid when backed up by sure hands. 



In racing terms, Samantha Kerr is a sporting thoroughbred. 


Sam Kerr

With her national team debut against Italy, the younger Kerr is taking the family name onto the international stage.   ??

Samantha Kerr didn’t exactly burst onto the scene.  That’s not her way.  An almost laconic footballer, the winger has a surprising burst of speed to back up the technical skill. 

“My strengths are dribbling with the ball, running at players, attacking the goals, my skills and touch on the ball.”??

On the attack, Sam Kerr is an exciting and disconcerting player.  Not afraid to face defenders head on, Kerr’s wing runs and ball carry set up goals aplenty for the Glory.  But the teenager is well aware that she is not yet the complete footballer.   ??

“I can improve on defending because I am a bit lazy when it comes to defending.  It's not what I like doing so I tend to not do it.”

Part of a talented Perth Glory midfield, the 17 year old will be all the better for her first season in the W-League and her caps with the Matildas.  ??“I learnt a lot about myself, my strengths and my weaknesses.

”??“I also experienced just how quickly things can change in a match.  For instance the game against Brisbane, I learned how quickly the game can turn around and you can be on the wrong side.”

Photo Credit: Getty Images