31.10.2006

ZABICA ADDED TO NATIONAL HALL OF FAME

One-time Socceroo Robert Zabica was amongst nine inductees into the Australian Football Hall of Fame announced in Sydney this morning. The former Adelaide City and Perth Glory goalkeeper was entered into the Medal of Excellence category for distinguished service or contributions to football in Australia. Zabica is the sixth West Australia to be recognised by the national Hall of Fame, joining players Ron Adair, Robbie Dunn and Gary Marocchi along with administrators Julius Re and Bob McShane.

Born in Spearwood in 1964, Zabica mark his mark on the local scene through spells with Dalmatinac and Macedonia. He stepped up to national league ranks in 1988 and over the seven seasons which followed would play 195 games for Adelaide. Along the way he helped the Zebra's to two National Soccer League crowns and one national Cup as well as taking out the Goalkeeper of the Year award in 1991/92.

Zabica made his 'A' international debut for Australia in August 1990 against Indonesia. He played in the 1994 World Cup qualifiers, which Australia lost narrowly to Argentina, and was also between the posts for the Socceroos meetings with Russia, New Zealand, England, Sweden, Croatia and Canada. His final appearance in national colours was against Japan in May 1994 after which a persistent knee injury forced him into retirement. In total Zabica played 42 times for Australia, 27 of those being 'A' internationals.

After a year on the sidelines Zabica began his comeback by helping Dalmatinac to Cup victory in 1995, and that same year made the first of six appearances for the State. His career tally was elevated to 202 national league games with seven outings with Perth Glory in early 1997. A brief stay with English side Bradford City followed before Zabica saw out his playing days with Bayswater City, Inglewood United and Fremantle City.

Inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame along with Zabica were former long-serving Socceroo David Mitchell, 1974 World Cup player Ernie Campbell, winger Peter Sharne and Charlie Stewart, goal scoring ace of the 1940s and 1950s. Added to the non-playing category are long-serving administrator and journalist Fred Villiers, one-time Socceroo coach Raul Blanco, referee Ray Sandell and football historian Andre Kruger.

30.10.2006

DALMATINAC TO DEFEND AMATEUR TITLE

Spearwood Dalmatinac have declined the opportunity to take their place in next seasons' State League First Division. The Amateur champions earned the right to join the semi-professional ranks after defeating Stirling Panthers earlier this month. However, the club notified Football West last week of their decision to remain in the Amateur Premier League for the 2007 season. Football West will announce in the next few weeks which club fills the bye position in the State League Division One.

30.10.2006

SMITH CALLS FOR VIDEO REPLAYS

Ron Smith renewed the issue of video replay in the A-League after a contentious offside call cost his side victory over Sydney F.C. The Glory coach was upset a seemingly legitimate goal to veteran Bobby Despotovski was disallowed early in the second half. "I thought it was a perfectly good goal to be honest with you because Bob ran ten yards to get on the end of it so I don't see how he could possibly been offside," he said. "Mistakes happen in football ... but that's why I'm a big advocate of having the replay. Whenever the goal's scored I would advocate using technology to get the right decision. I always have done, and I always will do."

Glory were also unhappy they weren't awarded a 43rd minute penalty when Naum Sekulovski went down inside the area under pressure from Nikolai Topor-Stanley. But after two tough losses, Smith admitted he was pleased to bring home a point and stay within striking distance of fourth-placed Sydney. "Under the circumstances, yes I'm happy to get a point," Smith said. "The boys are adamant we should have had a penalty in the first half, Naum said he could hear one of their players telling his own teammate get your hands off him so that was a pretty good clue. But when you're battling a little bit in football everything seems to go against you."

29.10.2006

GLAVAS SNATCHES GLORY A POINT

Luka Glavas' first A-League goal earned Perth Glory a hard fought 1-1 draw with Sydney F.C. at Aussie Stadium this afternoon. The young striker brought the teams level with fifteen minutes remaining but it could have easily been the winner for Glory who were earlier denied a goal when Bobby Despotovski's effort early in the second half was disallowed for offside.

It was a defensive start by Glory who were happy to sit back and frustrate the home side over the opening exchanges. Sydney were finding it difficult to find any rhythm although a long-range shot from Robbie Middleby did bring goalkeeper Aleks Vrteski into the action. However, with 15 minutes gone, Sydney were gifted the lead after an error by Naum Sekulovski allowed Sasho Petrovski to get down the right and send in a cross which an unmarked David Zdrilic headed past Aleks Vrteski from inside the 6-yard box.

The goal lifted Sydney and Zdrilic fired high from 16-metres after he was again set up by Petrovski. And Alex Brosque's effort from 20-metres was comfortably held by Vrteski after good lead-up play between Ufuk Talay and Iain Fyfe. Glory's best chance of the period came just before half-time when Glavas' volley was parried by Clint Bolton and both Bobby Despotovski and Jamie Harnwell were denied at close-range before Sydney cleared the danger.

Despotovski thought he'd equalised just three minutes after the restart but the veteran striker's tap-in was controversially ruled out for offside. Sydney responded through Petrovski who shot narrowly wide, while Vrteski was called upon to tip Ruben Zadkovich header over the crossbar. The unmarked Topor-Stanley headed wide from the resultant corner, and in the 61st minute Zadkovich's stinging drive was palmed away by Vrteski in the 61st minute.

Glory, too, looked dangerous and on 74 minutes Despotovski had clear sight of goal only to shoot straight at Clint Bolton. Despotovski made amends a minute later by making his way past several defenders before placing the ball into the path of Glavas who fired it across Bolton and inside the far post. Zadkovich and Petrovski had late chances to win it for Sydney but were unable to get a clear shot on goal thanks to come stubborn defending. At the conclusion of round ten Glory are placed seventh but just three points behind fourth-placed Sydney.

29.10.2006

HARNWELL CONFIDENT OF GETTING RESULT A IN SYDNEY

Perth Glory captain Jamie Harnwell believes the three points are there for the taking from this afternoon's encounter with a Sydney F.C. side in turmoil. Sydney officials have failed to guarantee the tenure of coach Terry Butcher beyond today's game and is believed to have lost the support of many of his players. Butcher's plight is almost a carbon copy of last year's situation at Glory which led to the sacking of Steve McMahon.

"Usually a draw away from home against Sydney wouldn't be a bad thing, but we think we're a good chance to take the three points this weekend," said Harnwell. "You'd think we're a pretty good chance as there's a lot going on at Sydney. But I don't think Butcher's done too much wrong. They've had lot of injuries and Socceroos missing from the team but, regardless, the events of the past week won't help their cohesion as a team."

Harnwell remains confident a top four spot is still within Glory's reach. "We're not far out of it at all and our performances haven't been too bad, so if we can string a couple of wins together we could jump into the four because finals is still the aim. We've just got to stop giving up cheap mistakes. Teams make us work hard for our goals and at times we let teams off the hook with mistakes. If we can cut that out we'll be alright."

27.10.2006

COOKE “DELIGHTED AND HONOURED” WITH MEDAL WIN

It was difficult to find a man happier that Paul Cooke on Friday night. The 27-year old was a popular winner of the 2006 Gold Medal and was not surprisingly swamped by well wishers after collecting the State’s most prestigious individual award. "I'm absolutely delighted and honoured to win the Gold Medal," he commented. "It was nice to string a full season together because over the past three or four years I've been dogged by injuries. Getting a good pre-season helped me, I put the runs on the board and to win the Gold Medal is amazing."

Cooke provided a lot of the forward momentum for a young and, at times, inexperienced Knights side that completed the home and away series in fifth position. "It's been a tough year at the Knights with some of the senior boys suffering serious injuries, " explained Cooke. "But full credit to the young boys who stepped up and performed well on the park, and they helped the club hold a pretty reasonable position on the ladder this year."

After accepting the award Cooke was quick to pay tribute to his clubs long-serving and successful coaching team of Ronnie Campbell and Willie Kelly. "Ronnie and Willie have stood by me despite the injuries and gave given me the chance to prove myself," he said. "They do a job at our club, they're fantastic coaches and have held the club together under tough conditions this year. They are form a terrific partnership and I hope they stay around the Knights for a while."

Campbell, who recruited Cooke from Cockburn City in 2003, was over the moon when the midfielder's name was read from the podium. "I'm really pleased for Paul, he's been at the club a while now and has had a number of injuries and over the years has missed a lot of games," said Campbell, who won the Gold Medal in 1985 while playing for West Perth Macedonia. "He has been very consistent this season and has shown what he can do and I'm so pleased for him winning this award."

Stuart Montgomery, the Knights leading goal scorer for the past four seasons, had nothing but praise for his Gold Medal winning team mate. "It's unreal for Paul," said Montgomery. "This was his first full season in about four years, and it's a great credit to him to put it all together and win the Gold Medal. We (the Knights) thought he had a chance but in our last four games Paul played up front due to injuries and didn't have the best of times. We thought he might struggle as a result but in the end he came through with flying colours."

27.10.2006

ZOLA IN GLORY’S SIGHTS

Perth Glory are targeting former Italian international Gianfranco Zola for a guest player role that could send the club's flagging attendances through the roof. Coach Ron Smith revealed yesterday he was keen to sign Zola, whose glittering career included spells at Napoli, Parma and Chelsea, after Glory's interest in Duncan Ferguson fizzled out. But Glory must act quickly if they are to sign the diminutive 40-year old who is also attracting interest from Melbourne Victory and Malaysia. "All I can say is we've been made aware of his availability and I would be extremely keen to see someone of his calibre and quality in Perth," Smith said. Ideally for Glory, Zola would sign for a three-match period commencing 28th December to make the most of home games against Adelaide United, Victory and Newcastle Jets.

27.10.2006

MRDJA'S LONG WAIT IS ALMOST OVER

Nick Mrdja will finally make his A-League debut in Central Coast Mariners' away clash with Queensland Roar this Saturday. The strongly built striker's last competitive match was on 20th August, 2005, when the Mariners defeated Perth Glory in the pre-season Cup final. Mrdja was replaced by fellow striker Stewart Petrie 17 minutes into the match after suffering an ultimately season ending injury. Bone bruising to his right knee kept Mrdja out of the inaugural A-League season in which he was expected to shine after wowing audiences with some dominant pre-season performances highlighted by a pair of hat-tricks.

Although expected to be used only sparingly from the bench by Lawrie McKinna, the presence of Mrdja amongst the Mariners' frontline has provided the club a timely boost. "Nik has been through a lot the last fourteen months and I'm as delighted as he is to see him back and available for selection," said McKinna. "I have no doubt that if Nik was fit last season, he would have been one of the top goal scorers in the Hyundai A-League. His finishing and nose for goal is among the best in the Hyundai A-League and, although we can’t expect him to be firing from his first minute tomorrow, we know that in time he will recapture the form that made him such a tough opponent in our first pre-season."

26.10.2006

GLORY SNAP UP TOMICH

Perth Glory have recruited Tommi Tomich as replacement for regular goalkeeper Jason Petkovic whose season was brought to a premature end last weekend by a broken leg. Tomich, fresh from playing the winter at Western Knights, has signed an initial four-week contract and goes straight into the squad for Saturday’s away game with Sydney F.C. 26-year old Tomich is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished ‘keepers in the State League and has already experienced life at national league level through spells at Glory and Melbourne Knights. Australian youth international Aleks Vrtseski, who was between the posts for Glory’s opening five games of the A-League season, is expected to remain coach Ron Smith’s first choice ‘keeper.

26.10.2006

‘THE FAME GAME’ GOLDEN OLDIES : BERT ROBERTSON

‘The Fame Game’ is the newly launched official newsletter of the Football Hall of Fame Western Australia. Each issue profiles a player from the State’s glorious past and in ‘The Fame Game’, Issue One (pdf, 680kb) that spotlight is turned on Bert Robertson, the oldest of the living Hall of Fame inductees. The amazing Robertson has led a varied and exciting life, experienced World War Two action and played football in many places around the world. He will be 89 on 7th October - and is still as sharp as a tack.

Born in Dundee in Scotland in 1917, Robertson was a forward with Dundee United before the outbreak of war in 1939 interrupted what had been regarded as a promising football career. He served in the navy during the war and spent some time in submarines. “We had a naval representative team and I got the chance to play in places like Newfoundland, Ceylon and in Perth when we came to WA in 1944,” he recalled. “I met my future wife Betty in WA and when she came to Scotland after the war we got married in Dundee. We recently celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary.”

Robertson returned to WA in 1947, got a job as a fitter at Fremantle Power Station and played for a string of clubs, including Spearwood Rovers, North Perth and Fremantle City before joining Perth City. He was the league’s top scorer with twenty goals in 1954 when one of his Perth City team mates was inside forward Stan Eastham, who had played for Great Britain in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin and also had a spell with Liverpool.

Robertson went on to coach Perth Azzurri, leading them to a League and Cup double success in 1960. His son Graham, a Rhodes Scholar who is now a university professor, once played for East Fremantle Tricolore. Bert doesn’t get to many games these days after injuring a hip when he fell while on holidays in Albany. “I had to give up playing golf, so the only exercise I get is when the wife chases me around,” he joked. Robertson was inducted into the Hall of Champions in 1996 and was included in the Century of Champions line-up in 2004.

27.10.2006

RODGERS AT THE DOUBLE

No one was more surprised on Friday evening than David Rodgers when the winner of the 2006 First Division Player of the Year was announced. A best on ground performance in Fremantle Spirit’s final game of the season took Rodgers to one vote ahead of Ashfield attacker Andy O’Neill and added the Player of the Year to the Golden Boot award he collected earlier in the evening. “The referee’s must like strikers,” joked a stunned Rodgers minutes after returning from the podium. “I had a good season and scored a lot of goals but I never thought I’d be going home as the Player of the Year.”

It’s the second time in three years that Rodgers has made a clean sweep of the First Division awards. “To win the Player of the Year once is an achievement in itself, so to win it twice is just incredible,” said the quietly spoken 28-year old. Rodgers took out the best and fairest trophy along with the leading goalscorer award while with South West Phoenix in 2004. Rodgers found the back of the net twenty times during the winter months, once more than Ray Rose of Morley Windmills, to spearhead Fremantle’s return to top flight football next season.

Rodgers first taste of State League football came as a teenager at Ashfield/Bunbury in 1998. When that alliance came to an end he represented South West Phoenix in their debut season before a year at Fremantle. Rodgers headed back to Phoenix for the winter of 2003 and the following year wrote himself into West Australian football history with his first Player of the Year/Leading Goalscorer ‘double’. He made a promising start on his return to Fremantle last season but, unable to rediscover his goalscoring touch, ended the campaign on loan to Dianella Whites Eagles.

24.10.2006

COOKE SIZZLES TO GOLD MEDAL VICTORY

Paul Cooke assured himself of a spot in the history books on Friday evening by taking out this years' Gold Medal. The Western Knights midfielder edged out Sorrento's Glen Thomas in being named the Premier League's best and fairest player for 2006. It was a full house at Grand Ballroom of the Burswood International Resort Casino where in excess of 500 people celebrated the achievements of the recent State League season. "Tonight was a fantastic way to end the 2006 season," said Garry Chandler, chief executive officer of Football West. "All award winners were worthy recipients and the night was enjoyed by all involved."

With four games remaining Thomas, who’d just returned from a month in England, was in poll position with 18 votes. Cooke was just one behind, and gathered on 14 votes were Gary Faria (Perth S.C.), Darryl Platten (Armadale) and Jason Godfrey (Cockburn City). A best on ground performance in the Knights Round Nineteen draw with Sorrento took Cooke to the top of the leader board by one, while Branimir Mikulic (Floreat Athena) came into contention by upping his tally to 15 votes. The stage was set for a tense finale as Platten moved to 17 votes and Scott Bulloch (Perth) to 16 votes at the completion of Round Twenty. Three players were in contention for the prestigious award going into the final round but, with all failing to poll, it was Cooke who was invited up on to the stage.

In the end twenty votes was enough to secure Cooke the 2006 Gold Medal and pip Thomas by just two votes. Mikulic, Godfrey and Platten shared third place with 17 votes each. One more off the pace in joint sixth were Sorrento striker Simon Harland, hard-working midfielder Bulloch and last years Gold Medalist Mark Lee (E.C.U. Joondalup). Perth teamates Faria and Barry Wood were grouped together on 14 votes alongside strikers David Foster (Swan I.C.) and David Dugdale (Stirling Lions). Download all the Premier League Gold Medal votes (pdf, 31kb).

Sorrento's Neil Young was the recipient of the Goalkeeper of the Year award. The long-serving Gulls custodian was a key figure for the northern suburbs club who sat atop the Premier League table for the duration of the 2006 season. English import David Dugdale won the Golden Boot with a remarkable nineteen goals from just twelve games for Stirling Lions. Association Cup final referee Angelo Nardi went home with the Golden Whistle Award for the second time in three years.

Swan I.C. striker Geoff Mason collected the trophy as the Youth Best and Fairest player. The 18-year old settled quickly at Swan following his mid-season arrival from Bayswater City and best on ground performances against Wanneroo City, Bayswater City and Cockburn City in the final month of the season took him to first place. Mason ended the year with 20 votes, two more than runner-up Darren Lawler of Perth S.C. 17 votes earned Matt Italiano (Stirling Lions) third place, and one behind him was Ryan McDarby (E.C.U. Joondalup). Download all the Premier League Youth Best and Fairest votes (pdf, 29kb). The Youth Golden Boot award went home with Western Knights' sharp-shooter Anthony Skoric whose winter tally stood at seventeen goals, one more than Mason.

It was a night to remember for David Rodgers who made a clean sweep of the First Division awards. The 28-year old Fremantle Spirit attacker collected the competition's Player of the Year and Golden Boot trophies. A best on ground performance in the final game of the season saw Rodgers overtake Andy O’Neill for the Player of the Year award. Rodgers' winning tally was 21 votes, one more that O'Neill. Third was shared by Christian Pascherwitz (Mandurah City), Jason Barerra (Fremantle) and Phil Bell (Forrestfield United) who each tallied 18 votes. Download all the First Division Player of the Year votes (pdf, 29kb). Rodgers' twenty goal winter earned him the Golden Boot by a single strike from Morley Windmills' attacker Ray Rose.

Forrestfield United's Trent Wood will also look back on 2006 with great fondness after taking home the First Division Youth Fairest and Best, and Golden Boot awards. The diminutive attacker was the runaway winner of the Fairest and Best with an astonishing seven best on ground performances. Thirty votes earned Wood top honours with Rockingham City's Darren Mathurine a distant second on 17 votes. David Gee (Morley Windmills) picked up 14 votes and was followed by Balcatta pair Julian Colletta (12 votes) and Anthony Mirabile (11 votes). Download all the First Division Youth Best and Fairest votes (pdf, 25kb). A twenty-one goal winter saw Wood take out the the Golden Boot by five over Gee.

23.10.2006

SMITH COOL IN FACE OF CRISIS

Ron Smith will resist the temptation to rush David Tarka and Naum Sekulovski back into Perth Glory's line-up for this weekend's crucial A-League meeting with Sydney FC, despite a mounting injury list. Tarka (calf) and Sekulovski (hamstring) missed Friday's loss at Central Coast Mariners in which goalkeeper Jason Petkovic suffered a broken leg and influential midfielder Simon Colosimo pulled a hamstring.

But the Glory coach said he would not risk bringing Tarka or Sekulovski back unless they were 100% fit. "With a bit of luck over the next week, Tarks and Naum will be back in the frame. But what we don't want is to be trying to bring them in at the last minute," Smith said. "The important thing is they are working and training with the team (in the build-up to the Sydney match)."

One player who may benefit from the current situation is budding Olympian David Micevski. The 20-year old was a revelation when he signed for Glory from local side Perth S.C. last season but has so far made only five substitute appearances and one start this term. "Obviously, when a new coach comes in you have to impress again," said the midfielder. "I've just got to keep working at my game and hopefully I'll get my chance again."

23.10.2006

2006 IN REVIEW : SWAN, PERTH, JOONDALUP AND THE KNIGHTS

The last nine months produced plenty of thrills and spills as the twelve Premier League clubs pitted themselves against each other. While some clubs battled it out for the three trophies on offer, others fought tooth and nail for their top flight survival. Last week footballwa.net cast a watchful eye over the fortunes of the Premier League’s bottom four clubs in 2006. Our review continues today with the quartet of club’s which finished mid-table - Swan I.C., Perth S.C., E.C.U. Joondalup and Western Knights.

If it wasn't for a good run of mid-season results Swan I.C. would have found themselves in the mix for relegation. The black and whites tentative start to the year earned them just a single win from six starts. By Round Seven they'd got into gear and a 4-1 win over Wanneroo City heralded the start of a six week run that produced thirteen points and back-to-back defeats of traditional rival Perth S.C. With a top four placing a very real possibility, Swan fell away with just one win from their final ten games to end the regular season in eighth place. Along the way the foundations for a bright future were laid with the likes of David Foster, Jon Mathers, Rob Monterosso and Brendan Knox now firmly entrenched in the starting line-up. Swan's season was probably best summed up by their appearance in a dramatic Cup final which ended in heartbreak as Stirling Lions claimed the trophy on a penalty shoot-out.

'Frustrating' best describes how 2006 panned out for Perth S.C. Victory in the final of the Night Series gave the Blues a dream start to the year, however, their title ambitions would soon come unstuck. One loss in ten regular season games is an impressive enough record, however, the fact five of those were draws reveals an inability to finish opponents off. Perth's season then took a turn for the worse with successive mid-season defeats at the hands of Swan I.C. and for the remaining months they seemed to lack confidence. Losses on the trot to Sorrento, Stirling Lions and Western Knights condemned Perth to a place in the lower half of the table - territory unfamiliar to a club who've lifted thirteen trophies since 2000. There were some terrific performances over the winter from Gianfranco Circati, Michael Icanovski, Scott Bulloch and Matt Danskin, however, there's no getting away from the fact Perth under achieved in 2006, and big time at that.

A late season surge salvaged E.C.U. Joondalup some pride from another winter that was over shadowed by off-field turmoil. It all started so well for the northern suburbs club who sat in poll position after a month of competition. However, their season took a dramatic turn for the worse with a shock loss to Wanneroo City sparked an eleven-week run which returned just a single win. In the midst of that coach Stuart Currie was relieved of duty and John Brown appointed his successor. Things looked on the up when they out-shot Floreat Athena 3-2, but that result was overturned when it was revealed Joondalup had fielded an ineligible player. This setback only galvanised the side and six wins from their last seven games elevated Joondalup to sixth on the final placings. Jamie Kuzmanovich, Scott Bushby, Garin Collins, Martin Ashworth and Mark Lee form the basis of a side who have the potential to be a top three proposition this time next year.

A poor Night Series coupled with a slow start to the regular season had some asking whether Western Knights days as a major force were over. But with the league’s longest serving coach, Ronnie Campbell, at the helm and the likes of Tommi Tomich, Ivan Zuvela, Paul Cooke and Stuart Montgomery amongst their number it was only ever going to be a matter of time before they found top gear. A Round Eight defeat of Stirling Lions kicked off a twelve-game unbeaten run which included back-to-back wins over the high-flying Floreat Athena. With four games remaining they'd moved within striking distance of the leaders. However, it was at this stage that a lengthening injury list and the absence of key players due to work commitments took its toll and brought to an end their push for top honours and a final day win at Armadale ensured them of fifth position.

22.10.2006

GAMBLERS DEFEND THEIR FIVE-A-SIDE TITLE

For the second successive year Johnny Casino and the Gamblers have taken out the West Australian leg of the 2005 Vodafone Shield. The all-star team, which featured players from Perth S.C., Swan I.C., Balcatta and Stirling Panthers, booked their place in the national finals by winning a tough qualifying series at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday. The Gamblers - Damien Catalano, Tony Cumace, Michael Di Fulvio, Michael Icanovski, Perry Ielati, Nick Paone and Gianni Papalia - fly to Sydney to represent the State at the national finals on 25th November.

Icanovski, voted the teams’ player of the tournament Gamblers was thrilled with the Gamblers success. “The feeling is amazing. To win any competition is great but to do so with such a close group of friends makes it more special.” Those sentiments were echoed by Ielati, who said, “Winning back-to-back competitions is the most unforgettable thing for me. But sharing something like this with good mates is what it’s all about.”

Sixty-four teams took part in the local qualifying series of the 2006 Vodafone Shield. The Gamblers campaign opened with a confident 2-0 win over the Seven Stars which came about through goals from Paone and Catalano. In a tight second round fixture the Gamblers edged out Brasil 1-0 with Cumace bagging the games’ solitary goal. Paone (2), Cumace, Di Fulvio and Icanovski were on target in the 5-0 win over Futbol Stars.

The Gamblers were given a major scare in the quarter-finals by Resies Finest. With the game scoreless at full-time, goalkeeper Papalia emerged hero of the penalty shoot-out with the Gamblers triumphing 3-0. The semi-finals pitted them against North Beach Boys and Catalano, Paone and Cumace found the target in a 3-0 win. Papalia and Icanovski were outstanding in the series finale against Woftam which was decided by a strike from Ielati.

Di Fulvio was over the moon with the sides win. “It was a really great feeling winning the tournament two years in a row. We went in without too many expectations and were lucky enough to play consistent enough throughout the whole competition.” Catalano is already looking forward to the national play-offs. “It was a tremendous effort by the boys to go back- to-back. To go through without conceding is extraordinary, especially in a five-a-side tournament … and hopefully we can take that form to Sydney.”

22.10.2006

NTC COACHES ANNOUNCED

Football West have appointed an experienced quartet of coaches to lead their National Training Centre program. Heading up the team is Paul Wozny who’ll be assisted by former Perth Glory captain Gareth Naven, Kenny Lowe and goalkeeper coach Paul Turvill. “I am confident the combination of increased financial support from Football Federation Australia and the Department of Sport and Recreation, together with the expertise of the team being appointed will have a great impact on the quality of the NTC program moving forwards and will stand us in good stead for inclusion as a WAIS program in 2008,” said Garry Chandler, chief executive officer of Football West.

Wozny is no stranger to youth development in Western Australia through his work with the Junior Soccer Association and Football West. He holds a UEFA ‘A’ Licence, the FFA National Licence and a FA Academy Manager’s Licence. Naven, holder of an FFA State Licence, brings a wealth of playing experience to the table as a former Australian youth international and national league player. Lowe has played and coached at professional levels in England and is working towards his UEFA ‘A’ Licence. Turvill also holds the FFA Senior Goalkeeper Licence and is an FFA Goalkeeper Instructor for Football West.

21.10.2006

PETKOVIC’S CAREER HANGS IN THE BALANCE

The playing career of goalkeeper Jason Petkovic may be over after breaking his left leg in Perth Glory’s loss to Central Coast Mariners on Friday night. Petkovic had surgery yesterday to insert a pin into his tibia and is expected to miss around nine months after a sickening collision with close friend Damien Mori and team mate Simon Colosimo. Glory officials have concerns as to whether the former Socceroo will be able to honour the final year of his A-League contract in 2007/08. Petkovic, who turns 34 in December, was plagued by hip and back problems last season and only recently returned to duty after six weeks out with an ankle complaint.

21.10.2006

NEW PLAYER IN GLORY FIELD

Football Federation Australia has revealed a Melbourne-based party is showing fresh interest in taking on Perth Glory’s A-League license. FFA operations chief Matt Carroll will next week meet with the group, one of three parties interested in taking up the challenge of revitalising the club. WA mining entrepreneur Tony Sage said he and property developer John Spence would expedite their formal joint application, while FFA are also in the early stages of discussions with a multinational sports marketing company.

20.10.2006

GLORY LEFT COUNTING THE COST

Serious injuries to Jason Petkovic and Simon Colosimo have compounded Perth Glory’s 1-2 loss to Central Coast Mariners at Bluetongue Stadium this evening. The disappointment of missing out on the three points was overshadowed by news Petkovic would miss the rest of the season after breaking his leg, while a hamstring injury is likely to sideline Colosimo for up to two months. Petkovic and Colosimo collided with Damien Mori as they contested possession on 75 minutes and it was immediately apparent that both Glory players were in real trouble. The pair were carried the ground on stretchers with Petkovic taken to a Gosford hospital where x-rays confirmed that he has broken his left tibia.

A vocal crowd of 8,496 braved an overcast evening to watch an open, end-to-end encounter. The game was just 90 seconds old when Adam Kwasnik made an incisive run down the right and delivered an inch perfect pass to the front post where an unmarked Tom Pondeljak deftly flicked the ball between goalkeeper and post to put the Mariners one up. After recovering from the initial shock, Glory started to find their rhythm and Bobby Despotovski forced a good save from Danny Vukovic. There was plenty of ammunition coming in from the flanks where Jamie Coyne and Stan Lazaridis operated with menace, however, solid defending meant the Mariners took the advantage into half-time.

The second half opened brightly for Glory who were rewarded with an equaliser on 58 minutes as Colosimo's goalbound smash was parried by Vukovic and Despotovski tapped in the loose ball. Two minutes later Despotovski could have given his side the lead but his header was well saved by the goalkeeper. Stuart Young was presented with a golden chance in the 65th minute but his volley went high and wide after a great cross from the right by Coyne, who clearly relished the opportunity of playing a more attacking role for the side.

Play was held up for nine minutes as Petkovic and Colisimo received treatment. The Mariners regrouped the better and regained the lead when Wayne O'Sullivan's cross into the area deflected off Leo bertos and Pondeljak swept the ball into the net from 5-metres. Young should have equalised just a minute later but he fired his point-blank shot straight at Vukovic. The visitors went on a late attacking blitz but were unable to find the back of the net as Adrian Webster put the ball over the crossbar and Despotovski twice fired wide allowing the Mariners to hold on to take maximum points.

20.10.2006

COOKE TAKES HOME GOLD MEDAL

Western Knights midfielder Paul Cooke has been awarded the state's highest individual honour - the Gold Medal - at a gala event held at the Burswood International Resort Casino this evening. Cooke collected the Premier League's best and fairest award with 20 votes, two ahead of runner-up Glen Thomas from Sorrento. Third place was shared by Branimir Mikulic (Floreat Athena), Jason Godfrey (Cockburn City) and Darryl Platten (Armadale) who each tallied 17 votes.

Neil Young (Sorrento) went home as Goalkeeper of the Year, and the Golden Boot as the Premier League's highest goalscorer was awarded to David Dugdale (Stirling Lions). Cup final referee Angelo Nardi was a popular choice for the Golden Whistle Award. Geoff Mason (Swan I.C.) was named the Youth Fairest and Best, with the Youth Golden Boot going to Anthony Skoric (Western Knights).

It was a night to remember for Fremantle Spirit striker David Rodgers who scooped the First Division's Fairest and Best, and Golden Boot awards. Rodgers' double celebration was a repeat of his 2004 wins when wearing South West Phoenix colours. There was also double the reason for Trent Wood (Forrestfield United) to celebrate after receiving the Youth Fairest and Best, and Golden Boot trophies. We hope to carry a more comprehensive round-up of all the awards next Friday.

20.10.2006

YEARS BEST HONOURED ON FOOTBALLS NIGHT OF NIGHTS

The 2006 season officially comes to a close this evening with the 45th Gold Medal Awards ceremony. Early indications are there'll be a bumper turnout for the gala event which is being held in the Grand Ballroom of the Burswood International Resort Casino. The centrepiece of the evening will be the local games' top individual honour, the Gold Medal.

Amongst the favourites for top honours are Paul Cooke (Western Knights), David Foster (Swan I.C.), Branimir Mikulic (Floreat Athena) and English import Robbie Miller who played the winter months at Stirling Lions. Simon Harland (Sorrento), Scott Bulloch (Perth S.C.) and Darryl Platten (Armadale) are also tipped to poll strongly with Glen Thomas (Sorrento) and Jason Godfrey (Cockburn City) considered outside chances.

And it's not only the Gold Medal that's being awarded this evening. Phil Straker of Cup winners Stirling is favoured to land the Goalkeeper of the Year but in order to do so will need to fend off Alan Dunlop (Cockburn), State custodian Cory Hugo (Swan), Peter Stewart (E.C.U. Joondalup) and Neil Young (Sorrento). The Golden Whistle Award is likely to go home with Ton Klaver, Steve Muldoon, Cup Final referee Angelo Nardi or Jeremy Oliphant.

The Youth Best and Fairest features a field brimming full of talent. The highly sought after award is expected to be taken out by either Stirling's goalscoring midfielder Matthew Italiano or Knights striker Anthony Skorich. Former State junior representative Darren Lawler of champions Perth is also in the running along with Jeff Mason, who joined Swan mid-season from Bayswater City, and Joondalup attacker Ryan McDarby.

There should be little separating the leaders when the final round of votes are counted in the First Division Best and Fairest. Fremantle Spirit team mates David Rodgers and Jason Barrera are expected to the amongst the leaders in a highly competitive field which includes Andy O'Neill (Ashfield), Christian Paschkewitz (Mandurah City) and Phil Bell (Forrestfield United).

The First Division Youth Best and Fairest Player award is expected to be fought out by Darren Mathurine (Rockingham City), David Gee (Morley Windmills), Balcatta pair Julian Colletta and Anthony Mirabile and Trent Wood of runaway champion Forrestfield. We hope to carry a complete review of the awards ceremony as part of next Friday's update.

19.10.2006

IS THERE A CHANGE IN THE WINDS FOR GLORY?

Perth Glory may be consigned to history following a radical suggestion by Football Federation Australia to attract the club a new owner. FFA operations chief Matt Carroll confirmed the association might allow potential Glory owners to change the club's name and colours. Carroll said FFA would insist on the word 'Perth' being retained but otherwise would listen to name change suggestions. "New owners have new ideas and we would welcome new innovations," he said. "If they wanted to vary the colours then we'd look at it." It's understood FFA would be favourable to incorporating the State colours into Glory's playing strip. "It's not about disenfranchising the existing support, but we'd like to broaden the support base," Carroll said. Such a move is likely to be unpopular with Glory's long-time supporter base who last weekend celebrated the club's tenth anniversary.

19.10.2006

FOSTER AMONGST GOLD MEDAL FAVOURITES

A sensational season in front of goal has made David Foster one of the frontrunners for the 2006 Gold Medal. The 22-year old was a key figure in the Swan I.C. forward line over the winter months and his return of 22 goals makes Foster the years highest 'all competitions' goalscorer. The Gold Medal, which goes to the Premier League's best and fairest player, will be awarded at a gala function on Friday night and Foster is sure to finish high in the count.

Foster, a former State Schoolboys and Under-19 representative, is pleased with how his fourth year at Swan panned out. "I've had a consistent season not missing a game and keeping injury free," said Foster. "It's always good when you're scoring and 22 goals is quite an achievement, but it would have been nice to have got all 22 goals in only the League. Congratulations to David Dugdale for winning the Golden Boot, he's been very consistent for the Lions this year."

While happy with his performances, Foster is quick to play down his chances of taking out the prestigious award. "Not missing a game will undoubtedly help, and to win the Gold Medal would be a great honour," he said. "There are a few players which have to be up there this year such as Jason Dos Santos from Cockburn, David Annall from the Knights and Sorrento pair Simon Harland and Todd Harnwell. There are some quality players in the Premier League this season and I'd be happy just to finish amongst the top ten."

18.10.2006

2006 IN REVIEW : BAYSWATER, ARMADALE, WANNEROO AND INGLEWOOD

The last nine months produced plenty of thrills and spills as the twelve Premier League clubs pitted themselves against each other. While some clubs battled it out for the three trophies on offer, others fought tooth and nail for their top flight survival. Over the next three weeks footballwa.net will look back on the season that was by casting a watchful eye each club's fortunes during the winter. Our review begins today with the bottom four - Bayswater City, Armadale, Wanneroo City and Inglewood United.

The season began full of optimism for Bayswater who had Frank Farone at the helm and 2005 Gold Medalist Mark Lee lending his experience to the side. But it didn't take long for the cracks to start appearing with Farone resigning after the first game of the home and away series and Lee moving on in search of greener pastures shortly after. Eric Bambaci took over but he lasted just eight games, and it wasn't until the appointment of Petar Drca that things started to go right for Bayswater. Their first win came in Round Ten against Inglewood United and was backed up a week later with victory over fellow struggler Armadale. Paul Natale was outstanding in the middle of defence for a Bayswater side that featured the attacking impetus of Daniel Micevski and Jared Smith. A late season attempt to avoid the drop saw Bayswater defeat Wanneroo City and Western Knights but in the end the hurdle was too great and a final day thrashing by Inglewood sealed their fate.

The relief was audible as news filtered through to Armadale that they'd escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth on the final day of the season. Peter Murphy's side made an awful start to the season with their biggest problem being an inability for anyone to find the net on a regular basis. It wasn't until Round Ten that the Reds registered their first point of the campaign, and following that they embarked on a six game unbeaten run which coincided with the arrival of Scotsman Alex Williams. The talented striker bagged six goals in as many outings and, in combination with Nick Stone, Darryl Platten, Jason Goodwin and James Isaia, the Reds slowly clawed away from the drop zone. However, Williams return to Scotland saw the wobbles return and it's only through sheer luck that they'll remain in the top flight next year.

It was with great optimism and confidence that Wanneroo City began their inaugural season as a Premier League club. But it took just ninety minutes and an 8-1 thrashing from Stirling Lions for the reality of how cut-throat life in the top flight is. Their first win came against Armadale in Round Three and a fortnight later they dumped local rival E.C.U. Joondalup 4-0. However, it was too late to save coach Gerry McEwan who was shown the door after eight games, and precocious talent Phil O'Callaghan walked out shortly after. Jamie Goodman was handed the reigns and although Kevin Miller, Morgan Dendle, Danny Taylor and Craig Bowman performed admirably, Wanneroo failed to win in their last thirteen games. If the club is serious about staying in the Premier League they have a mountain of work to do over the summer.

Season 2006 is one best forgotten by those at Inglewood United who, despite a squad brimming with talent, remainder in the relegation mix until very late in the year. They looked to have shrugged aside a poor start with successive wins over Western Knights, Armadale and Wanneroo City. However, it was then all downhill and a nine game winless streak resulted in the departure of Eddie Hodgkinson. The arrival of former Perth Glory coach Alan Vest reversed their fortunes and Inglewood scrambled their way clear of the drop zone over the final month of competition. Louis Parkinson, Shane Pryce, Danny Kovacevic and Jason Colli were the stand out quartet in a season of indifference for Inglewood. And it has to be said the appointment of an untried coach in Bobby Despotovski for next season is a risky move.

18.10.2006

FERGUSON LINKED WITH GLORY MOVE

Perth Glory are set to relaunch the career of one-time Scottish international Duncan Ferguson. The 'Daily Mirror' newspaper reports the Everton striker has been offered a move to the Western Australian outfit and could sign as early as next month. The 34-year old has rejected offers from English and Scottish sides since quitting Everton at the end of last season and is reportedly prepared to sign for Glory when the transfer window opens in November. It's is understood Ferguson is happy to bring his family to Perth to start a new life, or split the year between bases in England and Australia.

Glory coach Ron Smith confirmed he's spoken to Ferguson's management about a possible short-term move to Perth for their run of home games in December and January. "I was asked whether we'd be interested in looking at Duncan as a guest player and I said 'yes I would' if it was right for both parties," Smith said, who was quick to point out a deal has not yet been made. "All of a sudden that has turned into him being signed, sealed and delivered - someone has got it wrong somewhere." Asked if he may be a longer-term proposition Smith commented "Only time will tell." Smith said Football Federation Australia, which currently runs Glory, was not aware of the negotiations.

If the signing comes to fruition Glory will be hoping Ferguson proves a greater success than their last import, Brian Deane, who arrived to much fanfare only to leave after just a handful of games. Not considered a prolific goalscorer, Ferguson's strength is his ability to hold the ball up and bring team mates into the attack. Ferguson began his professional career in 1990 at Dundee United and spent time with Glasgow Rangers before heading south of the border where he turned out for Newcastle United and Everton. In total he's made in well excess of 400 senior appearances, won an FA Cup winners medal with Everton in 1995, and was been capped on seven occasions by Scotland.

18.10.2006

OWLS FORCED TO GIVE UP JONES

Goalkeeper Brad Jones will return to Middlesbrough at the end of this month. The Australian youth international played ten of Sheffield Wednesday's eleven League Championship games during his three-month loan which finishes at the end of October. And new loan rules mean the Owls are unable to extend Jones' time with the club, leaving them with just one first team goalkeeper. Jones, who played junior football at Armadale, joined Middlesbrough as a trainee in mid-2000 and, although understudy to Mark Schwarzer, has made 23 first team appearances. He's played an additional 30 games through loans at Blackpool, Rotherham United, Stockport County and Wednesday.

18.10.2006

POINTS HUNT BEGINS FOR GLORY

Perth Glory will be desperate to take all three points from their visit to Central Coast Mariners on Friday evening. Last Sunday's loss to Queensland Roar left Glory two points outside the top four and faced with the daunting prospects of four consecutive away games. "We play four away and there are a possible twelve points, so if we can get eight or nine points out of those twelve it will be extremely good for the club," club veteran Bobby Despotovski said.

Despotovski is yet to register a goal his four A-League appearances this season, however, the 35-year old says he's under no pressure to end his scoring drought. "I'm happy to play and I never relied on my goals to get me where I am," he said. "I think I have something else to offer the team and that's to set up goals and things like that. If I can get on the scoresheet it's a bonus but at the end of the day if we get a good result and we can play well as a team then I'm happy with that."

17.10.2006

MADASCHI POPS UP AT PORTOSUMMAGA

Former Perth S.C. junior Adrian Madaschi is working at getting his career back on track with Italian Serie C2 outfit Portosummaga. The strongly built 24-year old has put behind an injury interrupted year by starting six of Portosummaga's opening seven games of the new season. It's Madaschi's second spell in Italy having served his apprenticeship with Atalanta, and tasted first team football at Monza and Pistoiese. He played regularly for Partick Thistle during a 19-month spell with the Scottish club, but an Achilles injury suffered while at Dundee this time last year brought his career to a sudden halt. Madaschi represented Australia at youth and Olympic levels and stepped up to senior international ranks in mid-2004.

16.10.2006

VELAPHI NAMED IN YOUNG SOCCEROOS SQUAD

Former State youth goalkeeper Tando Velaphi will represent Australia in the upcoming FIFA World Youth Cup Asian qualifying tournament. The 19-year old goalkeeper, a product of the fertile Perth S.C. youth system, is part of Ange Postecoglou's twenty player Young Socceroo squad for the tournament in India at the end of this month. Perth Glory shot-stopper Aleksander Vrteski has been named amongst a group of nine stand-by players. Australia will meet China, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates in the group stage of the tournament from which the top four nations qualify for the 2007 FIFA World Youth Cup in Canada.

The twenty player Australian squad is Nathan Burns, Bruce Djite (Adelaide United), Evan Berger, Jimmy Downey, Peter Eleftherakis, Greg King, Mitchell Langerak, Michael Marrone, Steven O'Dor, Shaun Ontong, Matthew Spiranovic, Tando Velaphi (Australian Institute of Sport), Kaz Patafta (Benfica), David Williams (Brondby), Brad Porter (Central Coast Mariners), Sebastian Ryall (New South Wales Institute of Sport), Tarek Elrich (Newcastle Jets), Dario Vidosic (Queensland Roar) and uncontracted pair Chris Grossman and Troy Hearfield.

16.10.2006

GARCIA CHASING NATIONAL CALL-UP

Richard Garcia of hopeful a good season with Colchester United will bring him into contention for a senior international call-up. The 25-year old striker has represented Australia at youth level but is yet to make his senior international debut. "At the moment I want to get my club career back on track and if that's all going well then internationals could come with it," he told BBC Essex. "I've probably got a better chance of being noticed now I'm playing at Championship level."

15.10.2006

ROAR SPOILS GLORY'S PARTY

Queensland Roar gatecrashed Perth Glory's tenth anniversary celebrations by taking out this evenings' A-League clash 2-1 at Members Equity Stadium. Glory made an ideal start by going ahead inside a minute as goalkeeper Tom Willis failed to hold a low shot from Bobby Despotovski and Stuart Young pounced to fire the rebound into the net from close-range. Parity was restored on 14 minutes when Matthew MacKay's superb pass sent Ante Milicic down the right from where he cut inside Jamie Coyne and coolly fired across Jason Petkovic and inside the far post. A corner Dario Vidosic provided the visitors a great chance to go ahead three minutes later but Reinaldo's shot was cleared off the line by Simon Colosimo and with the follow-up Milicic hit the outside of the post from only a few metres. Glory had a great chance to reclaim the lead just before the break but Colosimo's effort was parried by Willis and Josh McCloughlan thwarted Despotovski at the follow-up.

Early in the second half referee Ben Williams dismissed strong claims for a Glory penalty when Stan Lazaridis' cross struck the arm of Stuart McLaren. On 53 minutes Roar went ahead as Reinaldo's cross from the right was met by Vidosic whose instinctive flick caught the hand of Petkovic before making its' way into the net. Willis ensured the visitors remained ahead by tipping a Despotovski free-kick around the post on 65 minutes. Glory then had another strong penalty appeal dismissed as Lazaridis' shot was blocked by the arm of Andrew Packer and the vocal Shed let referee Williams know exactly what they thought. Hyuk-Su-Seo almost secured an away victory via a speculative long-range strike that cannoned off the crossbar with Petkovic flat-footed. In the final minute Glory opened up the opposing defence one last time through Coyne whose cross found Harnwell but his close-range header was narrowly high. A great victory for the Roar who close the gap on Melbourne Victory at the top, while the Glory remain in fifth place.

15.10.2006

MORE SURGERY FOR COYNE

Luton Town captain Chris Coyne is likely to remained sidelined for another month after being forced to undergo further knee surgery. The 27-year old centre back had operations on both knees during the off-season but, with the problem flaring up again, has been restricted to just four League appearances so far this season. "Chris has had to have another operation," confirmed Hatters boss Mike Newell. "We were hoping he wouldn't need it, but the knee had to be cleaned out. It will probably be another three or four weeks before he is back."

14.10.2006

SPEARWOOD ARE AMATEUR CHAMPIONS

Spearwood Dalmatinac have been crowned amateur Premier League Champions for 2006 after brushing side Stirling Panthers 6-0 this evening. A crowd in excess of 500 converged on Litis Stadium to watch Spearwood take out the finale to the amateur Premier League season and earn the right to be promoted to the State League First Division. The Championship was the icing on the cake of a superb season by Spearwood who ended top of Conference A losing just twice in twenty-two home and away games.

Spearwood dominated the match from start to finish and rarely allowed Stirling to create any fluent attacking moves. The opening goal arrived on 28 minutes when David Palin converted from the penalty spot after a handball decision against a Stirling defender after fine exchange down the right between Damien Pescud and Morgan Fielding. Fourteen minutes later Stirling goalkeeper Carlo Stavaggi failed to claim a high ball pumped into the area and Palin was placed nicely to put goal number two in the net.

The second half was seven minutes old when Pescud but put the result beyond doubt by tapping in Spearwood's third after the opposing defence failed to deal with a long ball into the area from Spearwood's defensive midfielder Robbie Santich. Any faint hopes Stirling held of fighting their way back into the game were extinguished in the 58th minute when Simon Da San Martino was sent off for a second yellow card after bringing down Pescud on the edge of the 18-yard box.

The floodgates opened up in the final ten minutes as Spearwood added three more unanswered goals, starting with a fantastic low finish from Chris Piotrowski who ran on to a delicate through ball from by Jason Faria. Five minutes later Spearwood's attackers were queuing up as the Stirling defence were all at sea and Faria capped off a superb counter-attacking move. Goal number six arrived a minute later as Glenn Pesich set-up Andrew Santich who made no mistake in spearing the ball into the bottom corner.

"The boys proved tonight what they can achieve," said Spearwood coach Steven Mirco following the final whistle. "We did finish on top of the league and under normal circumstances we would have won the league, but we've had to it the hard way but it was great all-round team performance tonight." Stirling coach Bruno Serra was gracious in defeat. "Spearwood were on top all game," he said. "The scoreline was a little a bit far fetched for us, the sending off didn't help, but they deserved victory tonight. We thought we put on a show, and tonight were beaten by a far better team."

14.10.2006

GLORY KICK-OFF AN INSTANT HIT (by Jonathon Cook)

Perth Glory will parade some of the club's pioneering star at half-time tomorrow. A decade after the club's inaugural match, the memories haven't faded. For Glory's inaugural captain Gareth Naven, who epitomised the character and spirit of the fledgling team, the day he led his teammates on to Perth Oval to an unexpected and exuberant reception of 9,639 fans is a distant but vivid memory. "It seems like forever ago. It was a hot day and in the end we were outclassed but we had a lot to learn," Naven said of Glory's 4-1 loss to Sydney Olympic in their first game ten years ago.

Aside from the result, though, this team of semi-professionals was an instant hit. These were men who juggled work with the demands of five training sessions a week, and who relied on their employers to be sympathetic to their plight. Back then, the players received an average $250 a match, and though they also received bonuses for winning, they were not the sums of money to make the difference between driving a BMW and a Barina. These days, A-League clubs are restricted to splashing out $1.6 million on the salaries of their twenty players.

Inaugural coach Gary Marocchi, who was ably assisted by Micky Brennan, said the team was as competitive and determined as any he had seen, despite the hurdles it had to clear. "That original team, made up of a lot of locals, played some good football and they played with a lot of passion," Marocchi said. "I still don't think the players from that first year got the credit they deserved. They made a lot of sacrifices to play for that team."

Marocchi believes that even the first game, in which Alan MacKenzie headed home Glory's historic first goal - a late consolation that had the crowd in a spin - had been there for the taking. "On reflection, I think we could've got something out of the game. We missed a penalty and hit a post at 1-0, then they scored three quick goals," Marocchi said. "But I was proud as a West Australian to take the team out there."

The general manager in those days, Roger Lefort, remembers the sense of anticipation leading up to that first game. "We were all down there, sweeping and cleaning. It was so exciting seeing it all come to fruition," he told the
'West Australian' newspaper. "Even now, ten years later, you still feel you were part of something that was very special."

Paul Afkos, then a co-owner of the club, described the turnout and atmosphere of the first game as "an achievement beyond our wildest expectations." "When I looked in our grandstand at the old Perth Oval, there were people from so many different ethnic backgrounds," he said. "We managed to unite the ethnic groups. We had the formula."

Former Socceroo Alistair Edwards, who was raised in Perth, had mixed feelings of that day after playing his part in Olympic's success. "It was a massive buzz," Edwards said. "You could sense it was the dawning of a new era. But it was bittersweet for me." Naven said the old East Perth ground, complete with weathered wooden benches, helped generate a match-day experience unlike anything else in the country. "There was a makeshift Shed, and old bench seats around the ground," he said. "The fans were right there; they could see you sweat and hear you swear. That's what made the atmosphere."

Despite the odds stacked against them, Glory fell agonisingly short of a finals appearance in their first season, losing to Melbourne Knights on the final day of the season when a draw would have been enough to create another piece of history. What was left, though, were some wonderful memories - such as Scott Miller's dramatic late winner against the Knights earlier in the season - and the foundation of a club that was to become the benchmark of the Australian game.

Though Glory would later suffer the agony of losing the 2000 grand final, when a 3-0 half-time lead slipped away and Wollongong won on penalties, they also hit many highs. Charismatic coach Bernd Stange worked wonders for the club's profile before Mich d'Avray and Alan Vest found the formula for success on the field, with grand final victories in 2003 and 2004.

Naven believes the glory days will return to the club, which has been forced to make major adjustments since the A-League was formed last season - though he concedes there will be no quick fix. "The A-League is getting there but for Glory it's going to take time," Naven said. "I think they need to recognise some more home-grown players, not just because they are locals but because they recognise they are good enough." Just like the old days.

14.10.2006

PEZOS JOINS GLORY

Perth Glory have drafted in Paul Pezos as a four-week replacement for injured midfielder Mark Robertson. The 27-year old defender comes on the recommendation of former Glory striker Damian Mori who has coached Pezos for the past two seasons at Adelaide City. "I was pretty rapt to be given the opportunity with Perth," said Pezos, who played more than 50 games for West Adelaide in the old national league. "I've worked hard for a couple of years to get into the A-League and it's good to get a chance." Pezos will be available for tomorrow's A-league clash with Queensland Roar at Member Equity Stadium.

Ron Smith, coach of Glory, defended the decision to sign a short-term replacement player from outside the WA State League, saying he had had limited time to look at local players. "I haven't had an opportunity to watch many State League games because the first month I was here I was away almost every weekend," Smith said. "But at the start of next season, I'll have quite a bit of an opportunity to see (local) people play. But Paul has been one of the outstanding players in the South Australian State League for some time."

Glory has boosted their training numbers in recent weeks with the inclusion of players from around the country. Jimmy Downey and Greg King from the Australian Institute of Sport, Western Knights pair Tommi Tomich and Ivan Zuvela along with local products Robbie Gaspar and Igor Arsovski, who've both returned to Perth after playing in Indonesia and Victoria, respectively, have all trained with Glory under Smith.

13.10.2006

ON THIS DAY ... 1996

It was a true baptism of fire for a fledgling Perth Glory side which crashed 1-4 to UTS Olympic on its National Soccer League debut at Perth Oval on this day in 1996. Despite the result, the bumper crowd of 9,639 gave the new kids on the block a standing ovation following the final whistle. "It was first class support," said Alan MacKenzie, Glory's first ever goalscorer. "Even when we were three or four down, the crowd kept singing and kept trying to lift us."

Glory made a strong start to life in the national league with Olympic goalkeeper George Bouhoutsos moving smartly to block a shot at the feet of Bobby Despotovski after 9 minutes. And not long after Paul Strudwick rattled the crossbar with a cracking strike from 16-metres. However, slack marking on 22 minutes allowed Socceroo's striker Kris Trajanovski to put the visitors ahead. The Sydney siders then underlined the difference in class, strength and finesse between the sides by dominating the remainder of the half.

A goal down at the break, Glory threw everything at their opponent in the second half. Strudwick shoting just wide of the target, Gareth Naven was denied by a spectacular save from Bouhoutsos and Despotovski hit the post from the penalty spot. Olympic's response was to pile on three goals in a match-turning nine minute burst. Norman Tome increased the visitors' advantage and Trajanovski added his second before Doug Ithier had the misfortune of deflecting a shot from Tome past his own 'keeper on 72 minutes.

The hometown fans were finally given reason for celebration two minutes into stoppage time when a cross from Dale Wingell was brilliantly header into the net by a diving MacKenzie. Although the scoreline wasn't in their favour there were still plenty of positives to come out of the game for Glory, in particular the performances of attackers MacKenzie and Despotovski as well as team captain Gareth Naven.

Perth Glory: Tommy Maras, Craig Naven, Gavin Wilkinson (Dale Wingell 67), Vinko Buljubasic, Doug Ithier, Scott Miller, Gareth Naven, Paul McVittie, Paul Strudwick (Vlad Beretovac 70), Alan MacKenzie, Bobby Despotovski
UTS Olympic: George Bouhoutsos, David Barrett, Adam Ciantar, Scott Baillie, Peter Tsekenis, Norman Tome (George Sorras 64), Alistair Edwards (Elias Augerinos 84), Walter Ardone, Kris Trajanovski, Derek Poimer (Nick Meredith 57), Milan Blagojevic

13.10.2006

FALL OF FAME SALUTE HISTORY MAKING QUARTET

A tribute to four West Australian history-makers will take place when the Football Hall of Fame Western Australia holds its 10h Anniversary celebration on Friday, 17th November. The quartet Stan Lazaridis, Tony Franken, Alistair Edwards and Con Purser will all be honoured on the night for achievements that have added significant chapters to the rich history of the game in the State.

Special presentations will be made to Lazaridis and Franken, who became the first West Australians to be involved in a World Cup finals tournament in Germany this year. Lazaridis recently retired from international duty after 60 'A' appearances for the Socceroos, a record for a West Australian. Franken, a former international, was Australia's goalkeeper coach in Germany.

Edwards became the first West Australian to coach a team into world championship finals by leading the Young Matildas into the Women's Under-19 World Cup titles in Russia. And 2006 marks the 50th anniversary of Purser's selection in an Olympic Games football squad when he was called up by Australia for the 1956 Games in Melbourne.

It will be anniversary time also on the night for the members of the State teams who won the Marah Halim Cup tournament in Indonesia in 1975 and 1976. Their double success was the first time a team from Western Australia had won an overseas tournament.

Tributes will be paid to Lazaridis, Franken, Edwards, Purser and the State teams of 1975 and 1976 at what promises to be a memorable Hall of Fame birthday bash at Dorrien Gardens, home of Perth S.C., next month. Tickets, which cost $60 and include a three-course meal and beer, wine, soft drinks and entertainment, are available by contacting John O'Connell (0413 973 846), Bob Brown (9446 3338) or Barbara Gibson (9526 0330).

13.10.2006

SUPER SUB ARNOLD TURNS CUP FINAL

The turning point in last weekend's association Cup Final came on the hour when Mike Lyons brought teenager striker Phil Arnold off the bench. With the match tied up at one each, the 17-year old lashed the ball into the net with is first touch to sent Stirling Lions into the lead, and four minutes later set-up team mate Jordan Rhodes for the sides third goal. Swan clawed their way back into the game and with only minutes left in extra-time went ahead. But Arnold was having none of it and equalised in the 120th minute to send the game to penalties where he held his nerve in putting away the decisive spot kick.

Every player dreams of scoring the winning goal in a Cup Final and for Arnold, a former State junior representative, that is now a reality. "I felt very relieved and I was very excited all at the same time," he said of walking up to take Stirling's match winning penalty. "As a striker you always love scoring goals but that night was extra special. It was the best feeling in the world when the third penalty went in it earned us the Cup. I got the chance to do that because our goalkeeper, Phil Straker, is unbelievable at saving penalties."

Arnold feels Stirling's Cup Final success is a justified reward for season of hard work. "I thought the game was ours after we were 3-1 up and we were dominating play at that stage, but Swan hit back and scored late on in normal time," he said. "At extra time the coaches said that this is where all the hard work we have put into training will pay off. They said our fitness will get us over the line, but it looked like it wasn't going to be our night when Swan went 4-3 up. But I was luckily enough to score late on and sent the game to penalties, and the rest is history."

His man of the match Cup Final performance was the perfect way for Arnold to complete a memorable debut season at Stirling. The teenager set the Night Series alight before suffering an ankle injury that threatened to curtail his season. "I had a good, strong pre-season and was confident I could do well this year," he said. "I was just enjoying my football at the time and that was the main thing. The injury was a major setback as not only did I not get to play in the Night Series final, but I had to do everything again. I lost all my fitness and confidence too."

Upon recovering from injury and regaining his fitness, Arnold headed overseas for trials and was unlucky not to land a contract. "I got asked to go over and trial with Cardiff City and Birmingham City," he explained. "The trials went great; I played a game for each club and did alright. I scored in the game for Birmingham but nothing came of it. It's difficult to get a contract overseas, I was told I was as good as what they had got at the club but not better." Arnold returned home from trials determined more than ever to make his mark on the local scene. "I want to play at the highest possible level that I can and I'll train hard to achieve that goal."

12.10.2006

WOODARD FOLLOWS HIS DREAM

It's been an eventful season for 17-year old Luke Woodard. The young defender began the year as part of Cockburn City's youth team, was quickly promoted to the reserves and by seasons' end was part of the senior list. Woodard, a key member of his club's reserve team which ended the League season in third place, this week followed his dream of playing professionally in England by heading abroad for trials.

"It's going to be hard over there, but hopefully they will see something in me and offer me a contract, which would be great," said Woodard who'll try out with Premier League club Middlesborough and League Two outfit Accrington Stanley. "I'd like to thank Kenny Lowe for teeing up a few trials for me. I've got two clubs lined up and there are a couple more which will be arranged when I get over to England. It's a dream of mine to play football at the highest level and I'm determined to go as far as I can in the game. I'll just try my best and see what happens."

Frank Da Silva, Cockburn's vice president, wished Woodard all the best on behalf of the club. "Luke has been at our club for a few years and last year he was introduced to the Under-18 side as a 15-year old and performed very well. At the beginning of this year he was given the opportunity to be part of our first team squad and remained there all year, making his debit off the bench in mid-season. Luke is a very dedicated and hardworking player who can play defence or midfield and is capable of playing first team football for a number of years."

11.10.2006

SOCCEROOS OF THE FUTURE IN OUR MIDST?

A staggering seventeen West Australian's have been identified as potential future national team players following last weeks National Youth Championship in Coffs Harbour. Ten members of the State Under-15 squad have been tagged for Young Socceroos duty with seven players from the Under-14 side lined-up for possible Joey's selection.

"This is a fantastic achievement for our boys and we wish them the best of luck for future trials and in their endeavour to be selected in their respective teams," said Garry Chandler, chief executive officer of Football West. The players were identified by the directors of coaching from the State Institutes of sport, the director of coaching from the AIS, and the Under-17 and Under-20 national team coaches.

The ten Under-15 players who've been short-listed for the 2008/09 Australian Institute of Sport intake, and are working towards selection for the 2011 Young Socceroos, are Liam Harvey (Armadale), Dejan Aleksic (Cockburn City), Jake Geddes (Inglewood United), Jarrad Bracewell, Michael Currie, Lewis Hall (E.C.U. Joondalup), Mark Birighitti, Paul Rechichi, Oliver Swords (Perth S.C.), Reece Vittiglia (Sorrento).

The seven members of the Under-14's who've been selected for possible inclusion in the Australian Under-17 squad for the 2009 World Cup are Cameron Edwards, Ryan Edwards (Cockburn City), Emmanuel Linga (Floreat Athena), Eli Babalj, Milljon Butshire (Perth S.C.), Jack Clisby (Sorrento) and Josh Risdon (E.C.U. Joondalup).

11.10.2006

BAHRAIN NO MATCH FOR AUSTRALIA

The Socceroos concluded their Asian Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over Bahrain at Aussie Stadium this evening. But while Australia domintaed from the outset there were clear signs there is room for significant improvement prior to next year's Asian Cup finals tournament. The Socceroos went ahead on 17 minutes when Scott Chipperfield and Mark Bresciano combined to set-up John Aloisi who poked a low shot past goalkeeper S.Mohamed. Al Chuben went down the right for Bahrain but his shot from an acute angle was pushed away by Mark Schwarzer. A raking pass by Chipperfield on 24 minutes found Mile Sterjovski whose cross into the box was spectacularly volleyed in by Bresicinao. Aloisi thought he'd added a third to Australia's tally six minutes later but a lineball offside decision disallowed his effort.

The second half continued in much the same fashion with Australia well on top of their young opponent. Tim Cahill headed narrowly high from a Bresciano cross, and Chipperfield squandered a golden opportunity after meeting a ball into the area by Sterjovski. A superb pass by Vince Grella on the hour was into the path of Sterjovski whose half-volley crashed off the underside of the crossbar with the goalkeeper well beaten. Play was very stop-start during the final half hour as both coaches looked to the bench for inspiration. Aloisi and Archie Thompson were presented with half chances to put away another Australian goal without success. For their part, Bahrain rarely looked like scoring with their best chance coming the way of Abdul Rahman who flashed a late shot across the face of goal.

10.10.2006

MCNALLY HANDED THE REIGNS AT JOONDALUP

One-time captain of the State, Willie McNally, has been appointed senior coach of E.C.U. Joondalup for 2007. McNally will be assisted in his new role by the club's veteran defender Gerry McEwan. Born in Northern Ireland, McNally enjoyed a successful career that included a seven year spell in the national league for Adelaide City and nineteen appearances for western Australia. On the local front he turned out for Olympic, Azzurri, Macedonia, Athena, Sorrento, Wanneroo, Swan I.C. and Bassendean Caledonian before retiring from State League football in 2003 at the age of 48.

10.10.2006

LAZARIDIS' EMOTIONAL GOODBYE

Speaking publicly for the first time as an ex-Socceroo, Stan Lazaridis has described his emotional farewell as akin to leaving a family. Lazaridis, replaced five minutes in to the second half of Saturday's friendly with Paraguay, was descended on by team-mates as he left the international stage for the final time to a deserved standing ovation from the Suncorp Stadium crowd.

"Fourteen years with the team - I've grown up with all these boys so they know me inside out," said a reflective Lazaridis following his 60th 'A' appearance for Australia. "You're leaving a family and that's difficult but the team's got to move forward. From my point of view, I've done my time and I'll sit back and watch the new guys now."

Lazaridis made his full international debut for Australia against Kuwait in 1993. In the years that followed he's be part of three World Cup campaigns (1998, 2002, and 2006), feature in two Confederations Cups (1997 and 2005) and represent Australia at the 2000 Olympic Games. Lazaridis first stepped on to the international arena for Australia in 1989 when part of the Under-17 World Youth Championship squad.

9.10.2006

MEDAL JUST OUT OF REACH FOR UNDER-15'S

The West Australian Under-15 squad went within a hairs width of qualifying for the medal round at last weeks National Youth Championship in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales. The State team earned themselves fifth place after being edged out of the semi-finals by New South Wales Metropolitan. "We played very well and with great discipline throughout the week," said coach Peter Bliss. "Our defence were never troubled and we deserved better than fifth place." The Under-15's event was taken out by New South Wales Metropolitan who defeated South Australia 1-0 in Sunday's final.

Day One of the Under-15's tournament saw Western Australia draw 0-0 with a strong Capital Football (Australian Capital Territory) side, who would go on to top the Group A standings. "Both sides were very organised and a draw was a fitting result," said Bliss. "We got behind their defence on numerous occasions and made plenty of chance's but failed to score." New South Wales Metropolitan went down 0-1 to Queensland Metropolitan, and New South Wales Country announced themselves by thrashing the Northern Territory 4-0.

The boys from the west were still searching for their first goal at the completion of Day Two which produced a 0-0 draw with New South Wales Metropolitan. "It was a similar game to the previous day with both teams cancelling each other out in all areas," commented Bliss. "It was a personal success for me as I'd never got so much as a point off New South Wales in my past five years as coach!" Queensland Metropolitan made it back-to-back wins by downing the Northern Territory 3-0, while Capital Football picked up maximum points by out-scoring New South Wales Country 1-0.

A goal after two minutes earned New South Wales Country a 1-0 win over Western Australia on Monday. "We made our first defensive mistake of the tournament and it cost us," said the State coach. "The next 58 minutes we hammered them, creating over twenty-two chances in and around the box but failed to put any of them away." New South Wales Metropolitan registered the weeks' biggest win by hammering the Northern Territory 10-0, while the day came to a close with Capital Football edging out Queensland Metropolitan 1-0.

Western Australia picked up all three points courtesy of a 1-0 defeat of Queensland Metropolitan. "We changed things a little against Queenland by playing a five man midfield and dominated from the start," said Bliss. "A spectacular goal from David Screaigh late in the first half earned us our first win." Elsewhere, New South Wales Metropolitan beat their Country counterparts 3-1, and Capital Football eased their way to a 5-0 win over the Northern Territory.

Goals from Reece Vittiglia (3) and Karl Breen earned Western Australia a 4-0 win over the Northern Territory in their final group fixture. "We had to score twelve goals to make the semi-finals and had four after 15 minutes," explained Bliss. "We then got carried away and I've never seen a more disappointed group of players after a 4-0 win." The west were pipped for a semi-finals berth by New South Wales Metropolitan who drew 0-0 with Capital Football. The points were also shared between New South Wales Country and Queensland Metropolitan at 1-1.

Western Australia finished in fifth position courtesy of a 1-0 win over Queensland Country 1-0 in the minor place play-off on Friday. "Queensland never looked like scoring and we got a deserved goal after sustained pressure with Lewis Hall being in the right place to tap in our winner," Bliss said. Capital Football suffered their first loss of the week when they went down 0-2 to South Australia in the semi-finals. New South Wales Metropolitan booked their place in the age group decider by easing past Victoria Metropolitan 3-0.

9.10.2006

UNDER-14'S TAKE SEVENTH AT NATIONALS

The State Under-14's have claimed seventh place at last weeks National Youth Championship in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales. It was a tremendous effort from the West Australian junior team who were in competition for a semi-final berth heading into the final round of group games. South Australia was crowned Under-14 champions after defeating Northern New South Wales 1-0 in Sunday's final.

The State Under-14's went down 1-3 to Queensland Metropolitan in their opening Group B fixture. The west we brought level midway through the first half by Eli Babalj but a couple of goals in quick succession early in the second half earned Queensland the points. New South Wales Country beat Tasmania 1-0, and South Australia drew 2-2 with Northern New South Wales.

Western Australia were out-scored 3-4 by New South Wales Country on Day Two of competition. Babalj bagged all three goals for the west who gallantly fought their way back into the match after being three down at the break. In other games, South Australia defeated Queensland Metropolitan 2-1, and Tasmania bowed 0-2 to Northern New South Wales.

Maximum points came the way of Western Australia for the first time when they thumped Tasmania 5-1 on Monday. All six goals came in the first half with Emmanuel Linga and Babalj each scoring twice and Andrew Emsavana once for the west. Northern New South Wales accounted for Queensland Metropolitan 1-0, and the day came to a close with South Australia's 3-1 win over New South Wales Country.

The Under-14's put themselves in the running for a semi-finals berth by defeating South Australia 3-2 on Day Five. Babalj added two more goals to his tournament tally with the deciding goal coming from Samuel Mitchison midway through the second half. Queensland Metropolitan beat Tasmania 2-0, and Northern New South Wales accounted for New South Wales Country by the same scoreline.

A final round 2-2 draw with group winner Northern New South Wales ended Western Australia's hopes of progressing to the medal play-offs. Jack Cattrall and Milljon Butshiire found the back of the net for the west. South Australia claimed second spot courtesy of a 4-0 win over Tasmania, and New South Wales took third place after beating Queensland Metropolitan 2-0.

Western Australia ended the tournament on a high and a 4-0 thrashing of Victoria Country in the play-off for seventh and eighth. Another hat-trick from Bablj took his haul to eleven goals from six games while Butshiire also got himself on the scoresheet. In the semi-finals, South Australia defeated New South Wales Metropolitan 3-2, and Northern New South Wales toppled Victoria Metropolitan 2-0.

8.10.2006

GLORY TRIO IN SOCCEROOS FRAME

Three Perth Glory players are on the verge of breaking into the Socceroos. Local products David Tarka and Jamie Coyne along with 'import' Simon Colosimo are on the radar of national coach Graham Arnold as the Socceroos head into a new era. Socceroo stalwart Stan Lazaridis, who retired from international football on the weekend along with fellow veterans Zelkjo Kalac, Tony Popovic and Tony Vidmar, says the Glory trio are well and truly in the mix for national team honours.

Tarka has played every minute of Glory's opening seven games of the new A-League campaign and only recently returned to his preferred position in the centre of defence. "I've been seriously impressed with David Tarka in defence this season," commented Lazaridis. "He was in the mix a few years ago and speaking to Arnold 'Tarks' is back in his sights after overcoming chronic hamstring problems. If he keeps his performances up he's in line for a recall."

Coyne has been one of the most consistent national league players over the past few years. "Coyne isn't all that well known on the east coast but he's as good as any right-back in Australia," Lazaridis said of the 25-year old. "He's been making waves since coming into the side and Australian officials can't help but notice. Uncapped at Socceroo level, he's a good size, works hard and gives us a good attacking weapon down the right side."

Melbourne born Colosimo has worked hard to get himself back in the national team frame. "Colosimo's performances have also been outstanding this season," added Lazaridis. "He was disappointed with his own form last season, and with the whole Socceroo mess-up last season with him trying to ger overseas, mentally, he was all over the place. His application has been superb, likewise his performances and if he keeps going it'll be no time at all before he gets called up again."

Lazaridis says a bright future also awaits attack-minded midfielder David Micevski who has so far this season been used sparingly off the bench. "Another player I expect to be knocking on the Socceroo door once he establishes himself is David Micevski," said Lazaridis of his 20-year old teammate. "He's a player fans haven't seen the best of. He's been on an A-League list for less than twelve months and once he gets a run at it I'm sure he'll be pushing for a Socceroo call-up."

7.10.2006

STIRLING WIN EPIC CUP FINAL IN PENALTY SHOOT-OUT (by Brett Klucznik)

Stirling Lions lifted their first major trophy in a decade by out-shooting Swan I.C. from the penalty spot in this evenings' association Cup Final. At the completion of regulation time the teams were deadlocked at 3-3, and with each netting once more during the additional thirty minutes the game was sent to penalties where Stirling emerged victorious by 3-0. But while the game produced eight goals and a bucket load of drama, the football itself was far from impressive with both teams struggling to adapt to the unfamiliar surrounds of Members Equity Stadium.

Swan made a dream start by going ahead in the 4th minute as Miki Vujacic swung a corner into a crowded area where David Foster arrowed a precision header across the goalkeeper and into the far top corner. Stunned at behind behind so early, Stirling slowly regained their composure and confidently went about the task of getting back on level terms. The equaliser arrived on the quarter hour when Cory Hugo, under pressure from Andy Brown, spilled Steven Hesketh's cross and the ball bounced over the line despite Rob Monterosso's desperate attempt to clear. Unperturbed, Swan went straight back into attack where Thomas Shepheard nodded just over the crossbar from a Damien Catalano cross.

Alert defending at both ends of the park prevented any further addition to the score as Stirling and Swan wrestled for control. Damien Scali deflected wide Kevin Henderson's shot from 7-metres following a corner in the 24th minute. Next it was Monterosso's turn to come to Swan's rescue by intercepting Jordan Rhodes' low centring pass into the path of Andy Brown. Rory Mouttet twisted and turned his way inside the 18-yard box before rifling off a shot which Darko Ilmanoski blocked. And the final opportunity of the period had Andy Brown go down the left and cut the ball back into the area where the only player in sight was Scali who was in no hurry to defuse what should have been a dangerous situation.

The second half got underway with Mouttet finding Shepheard whose angled shot was touched around the post by Phil Straker. As the minutes went by Stirling began to display greater conviction and only a last gasp tackle by Monterosso thwarted Andy Brown and at the follow-up Hesketh shot disappointingly high. With an hour played Stirling brought teenager Phil Arnold off the bench with devastating effect. Just moments after stepping on to the park Arnold received a pass from Keith Brown and from just outside the 18-yard box lashed the ball beyond Cory Hugo and into the net. Four minutes later the gap was widened as Rhodes' shot from 22-metres bounced awkwardly in front of the 'keeper and crept inside the far post.

It was now Swan's turn to be shell-shocked but with the clock against them there was no time for complacency. Shepheard should have done better than shoot weakly at the 'keeper in a one-on-one, and a viciously swinging free-kick by Vujacic was kept out of the top corner by Straker. Cory Hugo produced similar heroics with reflex saves at close-range from Rob Miller and Andy Brown within seconds of each other. Swan were back in the game with ten minutes left when Shepheard rammed the ball in from a couple of metres after Foster's shot had the pace taken off of it by an opponent. The black and whites were on a roll and in the 88th minute Vujacic sent in a corner which Stirling failed to deal with and Shepheard headed in to make it three each.

Extra-time opened with Stirling searching relentlessly for a golden goal. Appeals for a penalty was rightly dismissed after Andy Brown went down when contesting possession with Cory Hugo. Swan came back into the game towards end of the first period when Foster tore down the right but his poor finish failed to test Straker. The game opened up more in the second period and on 112 minutes Catalano fed a short pass to his right where Knox rifled low past the 'keeper and substitute Michael Pugliese was unable to prevent it from crossing the line. With the very last play of the game Arnold latched on to a hopeful long ball that he touched past the defence and slotted under Hugo to sent the game into penalties.

Having already been runner-up twice this season, Stirling were determined to make this trophy theirs. And that is exactly what they did as Henderson, then Andy Brown then Arnold successfully scored from the spot as Swan's three takers - Mouttet, Knox and Foster - failed to net. "Tonight was a great game for W.A. football," said Stirling coach Mike Lyons amid the post-match celebrations. "When we were 3-1 up and I thought we were home. Swan made a fantastic come back, and when they scored in extra-time I had a feeling it wasn't going to be our night. But we showed great character to score late and go on to win on penalties."

Stirling Lions: Phil Straker, Riste Stefoski, Darko Ilmanoski (Michael Pugliese 62), Kevin Henderson, Luke Pavlos, Steven Hesketh (Phil Arnold 59), Keith Brown, Rob Miller, Ludovic Boi (Peter Koidis 98 ), Jordan Rhodes, Andy Brown
Swan I.C.: Cory Hugo, Damien Scali, Paul Baczynski, Robert Monterosso (Jonathon Mathers 68), Rory Mouttet, Miki Vujacic (Justin Hugo 119), Anthony McStea, Brendan Knox, Thomas Shepheard (David Perich 119), David Foster, Damien Catalano
Referee: Angelo Nardi

7.10.2006

INGLEWOOD SECURE RESERVES 'DOUBLE' (by Peter Simcox)

Inglewood United put the icing on the memorable season by defeating Swan I.C. 5-2 in the Reserves Cup Final to complete the League and Cup double. It was a tight opening as both sides found their feet on the wide expanses of Members Equity Stadium. The first shot in anger came on 16 minutes when Michael Baczynski's long-range strike hit the post, much to the relief of goalkeeper Daniel Agudelo. It was a warning Swan failed to heed and two minutes later untidy defending was punished by an unmarked Ryan Frisina who fired in Inglewood's opener. Frisina very nearly increased the gap with a close-range volley that went over the crossbar. Swan eventually settled and Scott Campbell's through ball sent John Monterosso clear but the striker's low shot was too close to Jason Razmovski who made the save. Further sloppiness at the back by Swan produced allowed Mladen Kovacevic to clinically beat Agudelo on 37 minutes. Just before the break Alex Stamatiadis was unlucky not to add to the tally by firing just past the post from a Baczynski cross.

With the address of Paul Lincoln still ringing in their ears, Swan made a positive start to the second half as Michael Tronchin's long-range shot forced a response from Razmovski. Their reward arrived ten minutes in through a terrific strike by Campbell who curled the ball into the top corner from the edge of the 18-yard box. The momentum was now with Swan and an alert Razmovski brilliantly tipped away a shot from Monterosso, from the resulting corner John Mansaray somehow headed wide from point blank range. That miss would prove costly as Inglewood immediately streamed forward and Stephen Worthy powered the ball past Agudelo for goal number three. Not long after David Paone brought Joseph Davis down inside the area and referee Michael Divers pointed straight to the spot from where Kovacevic converted to put the result beyond doubt. Inglewood were going forward in waves and with ten minutes remaining on the clock Davis put away their fifth and final goal. To their credit Swan continued to pushed forward and Tronchin bagged a deserved late consolation goal.

Inglewood United: Jason Razmovski, David Whiteside (Shaun Kilkelly 80), James Duncan, Simon Woolley, Alex Stamatiadis, Michael Baczynski, Aaron Colli, James Sammut, Stephen Worthy (David Taneski 73), Mladen Kovacevic, Ryan Frisina (Joseph Davis 73)
Swan I.C.: Daniel Agudelo, David Paone, Chris Marshall, Justin Hugo (John Mansaray 55), David McNally, Michael Tronchin, John Monterosso, Daniel Grosso, Marco Taglioretti (Paul Lincoln 61), Scott Campbell (Andrea Terni 77), David Perich
Referee: Michael Divers

7.10.2006

PEARSON STARS AS ARMADALE CLAIM YOUTH CUP (by Steve McGregor)

A Ryan Pearson hat-trick has guided Armadale to victory by 4-1 over Stirling Lions in this mornings Youth Cup Final at Members Equity Stadium. The quicker team to settle was Stirling who were within inches of going ahead through Cameron Caruthers whose lob of the goalkeeper came back off the underside of the crossbar. However, the Lions dominance was rewarded on 8 minutes when Carruthers robbed Ben Harvey of possession and sent a low cross into the area which Mathew Italiano pushed past Matthew Johnson from 7-metres. After weathering the early storm Armadale started to have greater influence with Pearson and Kodi Madeley pressuring the opposing defence. Armadale went close to equalising twice in the space of a few seconds as Pearson's header was parried by Tristan Scott and Jamie De Abreu's follow-up shot was blocked by a defender. Pearson looked increasingly dangerous in attack and seven minutes from the break justly brought the teams level by running on to wonderful pass played through the defence by Joel Baptist and expertly firing past the on-coming 'keeper.

Alex Preece took over between the posts for Armadale in the second half and had the post to thanks after John Walmsley's shot slipped from his grip. Another half-time addition, Ben Howe, was linking up well with Pearson to create no end of trouble for the Stirling defence. So it came as no surprise when Armadale went ahead in the 50th minute when Stirling failed to clear a corner and Pearson crashed his shot into the top corner from 13-metres. Shortly after Sean Doyle made his way down the right and crossed into the area where the ball deflected off defender Mathew Italiano and looped over the 'keeper and into the net for Armadale's third. Realising the game was slipping away, Stirling took things up a notch but found few ways to prise open a well organised defence. The sealer arrived on 72 minutes when a charging run by Pearson ended in him being brought down inside the box, and the lively youngster picked himself up to complete his hat-trick from the penalty spot.

Armadale: Matthew Johnson (Alex Preece 40), Joel Baptist, Kurt De Souza, Gareth Chellin, Nicki Ions, Sam Keary, Ryan Pearson, Sean Doyle, Ben Harvey (Max Elliott 70), Kodi Madeley, Jamie De Abreu (Ben Howe 40)
Stirling Lions: Tristan Scott, Goce Spiroski, Dean Evans, Chris Rutherford, Ramon Amorganda, Mathew Italiano, Patrick Le (Adam Luca 72), Ricky Filocamo, John Walmsley (Keith Clevenger 70), Dannie Richman, Cameron Carruthers
Referee: Leon Markich

7.10.2006

SOCCEROOS QUARTET FAREWELLED WITH DRAW

A bumper crowd of 47,609 gave Zelkjo Kalac, Stan Lazaridis, Tony Popovic and Tony Vidmar an international send off to remember as Australia drew 1-1 with Paraguay at Suncorp Stadium this evening. It was almost a perfect farewell for the retiring quartet, and in particular Popovic who headed Australia into the lead with two minutes remaining, but an unfortunate own goal by Michael Beauchamp in stoppage time allowed Paraguay end level. No matter the result, the match proved a fitting finale to the international careers of Kalac, Lazaridis, Popovic and Vidmar who each received a rousing ovation from the crowd and an embrace from team mates as they walked off the field for the last time.

The game opened dramatically as Vidmar's neat pass put Josip Skoko inside the penalty area where he was shoved off the ball by an opponnent and referee Joji Kashihara turned away appeals for a spot kick. John Aloisi burst into the box but his first touch put the ball too close to goalkeeper Justo Villar who gathered. Tim Cahill made a late run into the box to meet a Lazaridis' cross which he headed over the crossbar. The best opportunity of the half came the way of Paraguay on 41 minutes when Carlos Bonet's cross was misjudged by Kalac and Oscar Cardozo's header sailed high. A minute later Brett Emerton had a shot from close range blocked and scrambled away by the defence.

Paraguay came out with more urgency in the second half and inside a minute Nelson Cuevas shot across the face of goal. With chances at a premium, Marco Bresciano had a good chance to break the deadlock with an open shot at goal but hit his shot straight at the 'keeper. As the corner count for Australia climbed so did the chances and Jason Culina forced a save from Villar, while Grella hit a drive past teh far post. A foul on Archie Thompson in the 88th minute resulted in an Australian free-kick which was sent into the area by Bresciano for Popovic to guide the ball in from 5-metres. Four minutes later Salvador Cabanas delivered a dangerous cross which Beauchamp, under pressure from Cardozo, diverted past a stranded Mark Schwarzer.

7.10.2006

KNIGHTS LACK FIREPOWER AS YOUNG WINS IT FOR GLORY (by Peter Simcox)

Perth Glory overcame a gallant New Zealand Knights in recording a 1-0 victory at Members Equity Stadium this evening. It was an exciting opening in which Bobby Despotovski's long-range strike was tipped away by Michael Turnbull, then at the other end a back post header by Noah Hickey was cleared by an alert Jamie Harnwell. The game was being run from midfield with clear-cut opportunities hard to come by for both teams. A mix-up between Neil Emblen and his 'keeper almost provided Glory the lead but Simon Colosimo's long pass into the box came back off the base of the upright. The breakthrough came on 37 minutes when a foul by Despotovski on Frank van Eijs was ignored by referee Craig Zetter and the veteran striker's cross was headed in by Young. This lifted the home side as Mimi Saric combined with Naum Sekolovski but the latter's shot was saved by Turnbull at full stretch.

The second half opened brightly for the Knights with Emblen driving forward to set up Dani Rodrigues who fired over the crossbar. Moments later Despotovski was brought down insdie the box by Sime Kovacevic but Zetter dismissed strong claims for a penalty. The Knights were dominating and Richard Johnson's curling free-kick was kept out of the bottom corner by Jason Petkovic. Jonti Richter and Hickey were causing Glory problems down the right and left respectively, and by the time Bertos left the park with an ankle injury on 72 minutes Glory had lost their way. Sensing this, the visitors increasingly pushed forward and Petkovic saved from Gemmill, while Colosimo cleared off the line after Johnson's corner came off defender David Tarka. Glory could have made the points safe in injury time but Colosimo was denied in a one-on-one with the 'keeper and Despotovski blazed high with the rebound.

7.10.2006

WEEKEND IN SUMMARY

Stirling Lions won the 2006 association Cup Final by defeating Swan I.C. in a penalty shoot-out this evening at Members Equity Stadium. The game was deadlocked at 3-3 at the completion of ninety minutes, each side found the net once in extra-time before Stirling emerged victorious by 3-0 on spot kicks. The Reserves Cup Final was won by Inglewood United 5-2 over Swan. Armadale claimed the Youth Cup courtesy of a commanding 4-1 scoreline against Stirling Lions.

Swan made a dream start to the afternoon as David Foster headed them in front after just 4 minutes. That lead lasted only nine minutes before Andy Brown bundled the ball over the line after Cory Hugo spilt a cross. The game swung in Stirling's midway through the second half with goals within minutes of each other from Phil Arnold and Jordan Rhodes made it 3-1. Thomas Shepheard reduced the deficit with ten minutes remaining, then struck again on 88 minutes to force the match into extra-time.

Although the additional period provided some terrific end-to-end football, rock solid defending from both teams meant there were few genuine goalscoring opportunities. Brendan Knox put Swan back in front on 112 minutes with a powerful low shot. And with the final touch of the period the teams were brought level as Arnold fired in from 15-metres. Kevin Henderson, Andy Brown and Arnold were successful from the spot to earn Stirling a 3-0 win and the club's first major trophy in over a decade.

6.10.2006

WEEKEND IN PREVIEW

The showcase event of the local season takes place tomorrow, Saturday 7th October, with Stirling Lions and Swan I.C. meeting in the 2006 association Cup Final. Stirling are the form side heading in the game with eleven wins from their past twelve starts and not surprisingly they've been installed as pre-match favourite. And while Swan's recent form has been patchy, they are known to save their best for when it counts most and should not be underestimated. For a full and comprehensive preview of the 2006 Cup Final visit the footballwa.net Match of the Week.

The main game is just one of five being played at Members Equity Stadium tomorrow. The day opens with the Youth Cup Final between Armadale and Stirling at 9.30am. Shamrock Rovers and the University of WA square off in the amateur Reserves Cup Final from 11.45am. This is followed at 2.00pm by the Reserves showdown in which regular season champion Inglewood United pit skills against runner-up Swan I.C. Next on the agenda is Stirling and Swan at 4.15pm. And rounding out the entertainment at 7.00pm is the decider of the amateurs Cup between Spearwood Dalmatinac and Fremantle United.

6.10.2006

RESERVES CUP FINAL PROMISES TO BE A CRACKER

The Reserves Cup Final brings together the home and away series’ top two sides. League champion Inglewood United go face-to-face with runner-up Swan I.C. in what promises to be a fiercely competitive and highly entertaining encounter between a couple of very evenly match opponents. Members Equity Stadium is the venue for the showdown tomorrow commencing at 2.00pm.

The cornerstone of Inglewood’s regular season success was a watertight defence that conceded just sixteen goals in twenty-two games. At the heart of that record is the central pairing of team captain James Duncan and Simon Woolley who, along with goalkeeper Jason Razmovski, made life incredibly difficult for opposition forwards. David Tanevski anchored the centre of midfield with aplomb, while Michael Baczynski showed his versatility by occupying almost every position with the exception of ‘keeper.

Granted a first round bye, Inglewood kicked their Cup campaign off at Floreat Athena where they snatched victory by 2-1. Stirling Lions were brushed aside 3-1 in Round Three to set up a semi-final meeting with the giant killers of Ashfield. Despite having Maladen Kovacevic sent off early in the second half, Inglewood accounted for Ashfield 2-0 thanks to goals either side of the break from Steve Worthy and Ryan Frisina.

After all the hard work they’ve out in this year Swan are determined not to end it without a trophy. Daniel Agudelo has been in superb form between the sticks and his recent inclusion in the Australia Schoolboys squad show just how highly he’s rated. Defensive partners David Paone and Daniel Grosso consistently produced the goods throughout the winter months, while pulling the strings from the middle of the park are John Mansarey and Michael Tronchin. John Monterosso hasn’t missed a game this season only needs a sniff of goal to get on the scoresheet.

Swan’s quest for Cup glory commenced at Wotton Reserve and a comfortable 4-0 defeat of Morley Windmills. The Black and Whites were again on the round in Round Two when they knocked over Mandurah City 3-1, then qualified for the round of four by beating E.C.U. Joondalup 2-0. Swan’s place in the final was booked by a 3-1 win over Perth S.C. courtesy of first half goals from John Monterosso, Marco Taglieretti and Mansaray.

6.10.2006

TEAMS GO FOR BROKE IN YOUTH CUP FINAL

Armadale and Stirling Lions will be giving their all tomorrow when the Youth Cup Final takes place from 9.30am at Members Equity Stadium. The youngsters of Armadale ended the regular season in third place and are determined to bring home the trophy from the club’s first ever Cup Final appearance. Although they completed the home and away series in seventh position, Stirling go into the game as favourite on the back of a 4-0 walloping of the Reds only a few weeks back.

Armadale's includes a number of players who have the ability to become household names. In centre back Ben Harvey they have one of the local scenes best young defenders, while thoughtful use of the ball by central partners Steven Skilandis and Joel Baptist is sure to lead to a rash of goalscoring opportunities. Ryan Pearson made a number of first team appearances this year and that experience will serve him well in unlocking what is a very tight Stirling defence.

Armadale were gifted a free pass into Round Two where they defeated league leader and eventual Under-18 champion Perth S.C. 2-0. A month later they travelled to Wanneroo City to book a spot in the last four with a hard fought 2-1 win. Armadale regrouped following the early dismissal of Kodi Madeley to defeat Balcatta 2-1 in the semi-finals. Goals either side of the break from Jamie De Abreu and Sean Doyle sent the Reds youngsters into their club’s first ever appearance in a Cup Final.

Stirling's strength this season has been one of the meanest defensive combinations in the youth game, and at the heart of that are team captain Dean Evans and Chris Rutherford. Dannie Richman and Matthew Italiano provide the drive coming out of midfield and between them have scored some important goals for the side. Their attack is spearheaded by Keith Clevenger whose goal tally for the year currently stands at fifteen.

An 8-0 thrashing of Bayswater City opened Stirling's Cup campaign. Fremantle Spirit provided the opposition in Round Two and the First Division side pushed Stirling all the way only to go down 2-1. A 4-3 penalty shoot-out victory over Inglewood United took them into the last four and a date with Cockburn City. Although reduced to ten men in the first half, Stirling prevailed 3-2 on an afternoon when Ricky Filicamo, John Walmsley and Rutherford found the net.

5.10.2006

RHODES CONFIDENT OF STIRLING VICTORY

There is little doubt that Jordan Rhodes has been one of Stirling Lions' stand-out players in 2006, and victory in this weekend's Cup Final would be the icing on the cake. A graduate of Charlton Athletic's youth academy, Rhodes played a number of seasons at Mandurah City before embarking on a sensational and thoroughly enjoyable top flight debut. "They are a great bunch of lads at Stirling and have made my first season with the club enjoyable both on and off the park," said the left-sided midfielder.

It's very much been business as usual in the Stirling camp since the regular season came to a close a fortnight ago. "The atmosphere leading up to the Cup Final has been brilliant and everyone is looking forward to Saturday," Rhodes explained. "Everyone has been working hard for each other and pulling together at training. Mick Lyons and Geordie definitely haven't let us take the foot of the pedal since the end of the regular season. The last two weeks of training have felt like pre-season all over again!"

With Stirling and Swan currently trophyless in 2006, Rhodes is confident Saturday's game will live up to it's 'biggest game of the year' tag. "I expect the game to be very free flowing with a lot of end to end football," he said. "Both times we played Swan this year there were plenty of chances created and goals scored. Playing at Members Equity Stadium will also give both teams plenty of space to exploit on a nice surface, so I think it will be a high quality and exciting game of football."

Although well aware Swan can create and score, Rhodes remains firm in his belief that the ribbons hanging from the trophy on Saturday evening will be the red and gold of Stirling. "Swan are a very creative side and always pose a threat on goal," he said. "Their players have a never say die attitude and run tirelessly for the full ninety minutes which makes for a competitive game. We know if we work hard and play our brand of football then we will come away with the result, and we'll be giving our all to bring home the trophy."

5.10.2006

FIRST TROPHY WITHIN REACH FOR SWAN COACH

If there’s one person who embodies Swan I.C. then it has to be Carlo Scali. In a playing career that spanned eighteen seasons Scali made in excess of 450 senior appearances, won the Gold Medal in 2001, claimed back-to-back First Division Player of the Year awards, and twice helped the Black and Whites to Cup Final victory. Not even retirement could prise Scali away from his beloved club and in 2005 he opened a new chapter on a glittering career by becoming first team coach of Swan. This weekend he’ll be seeking his first piece as silverware as a coach when Swan take on Stirling Lions in the 2006 association Cup Final.

It was an odd season for Swan who began the year strongly only to slip off the pace over the latter stages of the winter to take eighth spot on the Premier League table. “We have performed well for most of the season although our points tally don’t show that,” Scali commented. “We drew too many games that we should have won, and lost games we should have got results in. As a team we are developing well with a number of younger players stepping up and performed extremely well this season, but we missed a lot of senior players through injuries. Overall we’re a bit disappointed at how we finished the season off but we know we’ve taken right steps as a club to build something for the next couple of years.”

Scali is the first to admit Swan lacked consistency during the second half of the season. “Our second half of the season did not go according to script,” Scali said. “It’s hard to know exactly why things turned out how they did but I feel injuries, work commitments and a few player departures reduced our depth and hurt our ability to put the same side out on the park two weeks in a row. I think we are a hard side to beat and going into the final we’ve lost only one of our last four games. Conceding goals is a concern but we have not been able to keep the same back four every week and this continual changing does come with a price.”

On Cup Final day it’ll be Stirling that go in as favourite and Scali has been doing his homework. “Stirling’s strength is their midfield and also their ability to score goals. They are a very mobile side that play an attacking brand of football and we will need to match them in the midfield and be disciplined at the back,” he said. “By all accounts young Ludovic Boi has hit some good form and has been supplying and scoring goals, so he will be one that we will keep a close eye on along with most of their midfield who are effective at getting forward and back. Andy Brown is a big target up front for them, he sets up a lot if their plays and has the ability to change a game.”

Swan may have been installed as underdogs but they’ve set their sights only on leaving Members Equity Stadium with the trophy decked out in black and white ribbons. “We would love to bring the cup back to the Valley,” he said. “We will go into the game knowing that the Lions were the form side during the second half of the Premier League season and that our record against them has not been great this year, we’ve drawn once and lost to them twice. But in Cup Finals form does not count and it comes down to the team who wants it the most and the team that produces the performance that is required. We are confident in our own abilities and will be prepared and ready for the challenge.”

4.10.2006

FINALISTS SET TO MAKE HISTORY

Neither of Saturday's association Cup finalists are strangers to the big occasion. Stirling, formed in 1958 and one of the State League's oldest clubs, have won the knock-out competition three times from seven final appearances. Swan have twice qualified for the Cup Final and on both occasions came away with the trophy, and victory this weekend would be the ideal way to celebrate their 21st birthday. History notes that of the six Cup Finals since 2000, five have been decided by a 2-1 scoreline.

Stirling's first Cup Final appearance ended in glory and a 6-1 thrashing of Perth Azzurri in 1980. West Perth Macedonia, as they were then known, were lead from the front that afternoon by Paul Middleton and Neil Blunt who each contributed two goals with Gordon McCulloch and man of the match Chris Proctor also on the scoresheet. The club next qualified for the decider of the knock-out competition in 1987 when they went down 2-3 to Floreat Athena.

In a six year period Stirling turned out in five Cup finals. In 1992 they thumped North Perth Croatia 4-0 through goals from Norrie Sutton, Trim Morgan, Alan Armstrong, Gerry Christie. This was followed by losses in 1992 and 1993 to Perth Italia and Spearwood Dalmatinac, respectively. Peter Murphy was the goalscoring hero in 1996 when his double produced a 2-1 victory over Sorrento and brought the Cup back to Macedonia Park for a third time. Unfortunately, they were unable to back this up and were defeated by Floreat the next year.

The 2003 Cup Final is widely considered one of the best ever with Swan claiming the silverware 2-1 over Premier League champion and traditional rival Perth S.C. Goals within thirteen minutes of each other by Paul Lincoln and Elton Holmes gave Swan a two-goal buffer at the break. The game was turned on its head early in the second half when Damien Scali was sent off, and although Gareth Naven reduced the deficit Swan held on for victory.

Twelve months later Swan were back to do it all again, this time by out-gunning Fremantle City 2-1. The match was just 6 minutes old when David Foster put the black and whites ahead. And when Miki Vujacic crashed the ball in from close-range midway through the half it looked as though Swan would run away with the game. However, Fremantle stemmed the tide and pulled a goal back on 58 minutes through Jeff Bright. This set up a tense final half hour but with neither side able to add to their tally Swan who lifted the trophy.

4.10.2006

PLAYERS TIP STIRLING …

The upcoming association Cup Final has been discussed all over town this week and everyone has an opinion on how the game will pan out. During the week footballwa.net caught up with several of the Premier League's star attractions to get their thoughts of the two finalists, Stirling Lions and Swan I.C. Sharing their impressions with us are Stuart Montgomery (Western Knights), Todd Harnwell (Sorrento), Michael Icanovski (Perth S.C.) and Daniel Micevski (Bayswater City) who, by three to one, are tipping Stirling to be covered in Cup victory.

Montgomery says the battle between Kevin Henderson and David Foster will decide the game. "Kevin Henderson is one of the best defenders in the State League, he's very strong in the air and just as comfortable with the ball on the deck. I'm looking forward to Henderson against David Foster who was one of the League's form strikers this year. The middle of the park is going to be tight and the supply provided by Rob Miller and Keith Brown will lead to Stirling creating more chances to score. I'm predicting a Stirling win by 3-2."

The performances of Rob Miller and David Foster are vital to their teams chances according to Harnwell. "The key player is Robbie Miller, if he's firing the whole Stirling team lifts. For Swan it's David Foster and if he can get them off to a good start then they'll be in with a real chance. Stirling are a solid all round unit, the boys work hard for each other and they have the capacity not only to score goals but also to make scoring very difficult for the opposition. I think they'll win comfortably, probably by a 3-1 scoreline."

Going against the tide is Icanovski who's tipping a Swan win. "Swan play well together as a team have a knack of taking it up a notch for big occasions, and it doesn't get much bigger than a Cup Final. The experience of Damien Scali and Rory Mouttet will be vital for Swan to succeed, and Dave Foster and Damien Catalano have agreat understanding which makes it difficult for opposing defenders. I'd say Paul Baczynski will play on Andy Brown in a battle of the giants and whoever wins that contest will win the game for their teams. I'm going for Swan 2-1."

Micevski considers Stirling's free-running midfield to be the key to the game. "Stirling play really well as a unit and are strong all the way across midfield. Keith Brown and Robbie Miller can open up defences with their passing, and the pace and skill of Ludovic Boi and Jordan Rhodes will cause Swan problems out wide. Swan need to be wary of Stirlings set pieces as they are well organised in that area and score a lot of goals from them. Based on current form Stirling will win the Cup Final 3-1, but Swan will give them a good fight."

4.10.2006

… AND COACHES FAVOUR SWAN

For seven months of the year football coaches across the state are plotting how to get the edge over next weekend's opposition. With season 2006 almost over, footballwa.net managed to pin down Floreat Athena's Michael Roki, Tom Kilkelly from Cockburn City and Western Knights' long-serving boss Ronnie Campbell to get 'the good oil' on Cup finalists Stirling Lions and Swan I.C. And between the consensus was in favour of Swan taking out the final trophy of the year by two to one.

Roki expects Swan will end an otherwise disappointing season on a high by claiming the knock-out trophy. "Stirling have fantastic determination and you can't write them off easily. But saying that, they are missing a few key players and that will make their job just that little bit more difficult. Swan have a great Cup record and I think will be the hungrier team that needs to add some credibility to an average season. The game will be won in the final third - Swan have the goalscorers on the park and the Lions may be a little toothless without David Dugdale and Ryan Jeans. 2-1 to Swan."

The key to the game is Stirling's midfield for Kilkelly. "You really can't go past Stirling's midfield, they work hard to create and also support both their forwards and defence. They will miss David Dugdale and Ryan Jeans but Andy Brown is more than capable of unsettling the defence. Swan are good going forward and the front two are quality finishers. Whoever wins the battle in midfield will take out the cup and on current form the Lions four of Rob Miller, Jordan Rhodes, Luovic Boi and Keith Brown already have one hand on the Cup. I'm going for the Lions by 3-1."

Campbell says Swan's stability will get them over the line. "Stirling are coming off a fantastic run of results, have an outstanding goalkeeper in Phil Straker and overall are very well balanced. But Swan know what it takes to win this Cup and have a great team and spirit. Corey Hugo is a tremendous 'keeper and in Miki Vujacic and David Foster they have two of the most talented players in the State. The absence of David Dugdale and Ryan Jeans will be great for Stirling and the difference will be Vujacic's class and Foster's ability to convert chances into goal. Swan to win 2-1."

3.10.2006

MONTEROSSO EYES MEDAL

Collecting a Cup winners' medal this weekend would be the perfect way for Rob Monterosso to end to a superb few months for Swan I.C. The tough tackling defender spent the early part of the season on the fringe of first team selection and since forcing his way into the starting eleven in early June hasn't put a foot wrong. "This is the first season I've stayed injury free and once I got my chance there was no way I was going to let it slip away," he said.

Swan are buzzing ahead of their third Cup Final appearance in the space of four years according to Monterosso. "There's been a very good feeling at Swan leading up to the Cup Final," explained the 23-year old. "Our confidence is high with all the boys putting in some very good training sessions in weeks gone by. The intensity has definitely gone up a notch with everyone staking a claim to be included in the line-up. Come kick-off I guarantee we'll be pumped and primed."

Monterosso feels the large playing surface at Members Equity Stadium will put to the test the stamina of both Swan and Stirling. "The pitch there is a lot bigger than most, if not all of those in the State League so fitness is going to be a determining factor in who wins," he commented. "There's not been a lot between Stirling and us this year, they beat us at our place and we drew the game at Macedonia Park, and I really can't see Saturday being that much different. Both teams like to attack and neither will be content to sit back and defend a lead."

The side which can assert more control over the centre of the park will lift the trophy. "The danger man for us is Andy Brown, he holds the ball up well and is also good in the air. It's likely Bazza (Paul Baczynski) will mark him and that would probably be the games most important match-up," Monterosso said. "That said, I think the game will be won in the midfield. Stirling are very strong and mobile across the middle, however, Swan also have a solid midfield and Miki Vujacic, Anthony McStea and Scott Campbell will create a lot of chances for us ... it should be a very good game to watch!"

3.10.2006

STIRLING REVIVAL ALMOST COMPLETE

Stirling Lions will be looking to confirm their re-emergence as a major force on the local scene tomorrow when the face Swan I.C. in the 2006 association Cup Final. The club dominated West Australian football in the early to mid 1990’s, winning four Night Series titles, two Premier League crowns, and two Cup Finals in the space of a few years, but since those glory days silverware has rarely graced the cabinet at Macedonia Park. Over the past few years there’s been a lot of hard work put in behind the scenes at Stirling and last summers appointment of Mike Lyons and Paul Simmons as coach and director of football, respectively, has renewed optimism around the club. And victory this weekend could spur the club on to bigger and better things in the years ahead.

Stirling go into tomorrow’s the Cup Final full of confidence after a barnstorming second half to the regular season. “To finish second in the League is a fantastic achievement,” commented Simmons. “We had hopes at the beginning of the year to finish in the top half and that was it. Mick and I spoke to the players early on and it soon became evident to both of us that what we had was a squad of not the best players, but a squad of the best characters in the League. We made the final of the Night Series but then seemed to drop off and draw too many games that we should of won. We picked up Dave Dugdale, who found the net with regularity for us, and I believe in Phil Straker we have the best ‘keeper in the League.”

Although Stirling have won eleven of their past twelve outings, Simmons says it’s Swan who should be considered favourites for the Cup. “They will be looking at the results and believing we, Stirling, are the form side,” said Simmons. “This may be true but Swan are the side to beat, they’ve won two out of the last three Cup finals and must be favourites to make it a hat-trick. Our run of results hasn’t gone to our heads, the lads really do enjoy every game they play in and even in small-sided games at training they’re all very competitive. Our biggest concern has been the week’s break. We’ll have a hard week on the track, not much in the way of ball work but just topping up fitness and hopefully this will keep their hunger for success.”

While well aware of the danger Swan pose as they attempt to win the knockout competition for a third time in four years, Simmons says it’s business as usual for Stirling. “Swan’s greatest danger has to be their never say die attitude and their persistence to keep plugging away. They are a very fit side and, as I said before, the motivation of winning the Cup for a third time will be great,” said Simmons. “We never worry about other teams we are totally focused on our game plan and our lads doing what we expect of them when we want it. If we play to or methodology then we will win the game, if we don’t then Swan will be one lifting the Cup at the end of the day.”

2006 has been Stirling’s most successful year in some time and, win or lose tomorrow, the foundations are now in place for the club to re-establish themselves as a major player on the local scene. “All credit to (club president) Don Evans and his team,” said Simmons. “It was hard for me going to Stirling and to a club with a different culture, so when the winning run started to have people come up to you and pat you on the back was tremendous. It was explained that some of these guys have followed Stirling since it’s inception, became despon