Ironically, my last piece on this platform covered the Perth Glory’s previous win – before Saturday night’s emphatic victory over Adelaide. It’s fair to say this latest result was one of the Glory’s best home performances in recent memory, not just for the scoreline, but for the commanding manner in which they dismantled the Reds.
The members and fans haven’t had much to cheer about this season. Heading into this game, many would’ve assumed Adelaide, still fighting for a spot in the finals, would turn up with a statement performance. Instead, it was the Glory, powered by a strong WA core, who took centre stage and got the job done.
Seven West Australians started the match, and all three goal scorers – Adam Taggart, Trent Ostler, and Jaylan Pearman – are academy products. That’s a significant achievement in itself and one that added to the emotion and meaning of the win.
Pre-game, news filtered through that owner Ross Pelligra would be in attendance. At the Chairman’s function, he confirmed that the board is fully backing David Zdrilic as head coach, effectively quashing any speculation around a coaching change. To his credit, Zdrilic got the game plan spot-on against Carl Veart’s side.
Perth Glory played their cards really well. Adelaide, as they often do, commit numbers forward when in possession – but that left them exposed. It became obvious early on that their approach was a ticking time bomb. The Glory exploited it with slingshot-style counterattacks, especially through the pace and directness of Nikola Mileusnic, who tormented Javi López all night down the right flank.
All four goals were impressively taken: a sharp front-post flick from Taggart; slick build-up play capped by Ostler’s composed finish; Pearman’s excellent control of Pennington’s long ball before slotting home with poise; and another counter-attacking move that saw Pearman notch his second with similar confidence.
It was the kind of attacking play that’s been sorely missing all season – speed, cohesion, and dare. Over the past decade, the Glory’s most successful attacking moments have come on the counter, and Saturday night’s transitions were both frequent and effective. It was a throwback to the Glory at their most dangerous.
Does this mean Glory are “back”? No, of course not. The reality is that this season has been deeply disappointing. But what this result showed is that this team can play well. The challenge now for David Zdrilic is to build consistency, both in performance and in results.
With the board’s full backing now public, Zdrilic is the man entrusted with this project. While it’s completely valid for fans to be sceptical that he’s “the one,” this win, as enjoyable as it was, isn’t definitive proof either way.
What is clear, however, is that the Glory have struggled with cohesion and quality all season. Recruitment has been inconsistent, squad balance has been questionable, and David Zdrilic himself has frequently noted the team’s lack of chemistry and sharpness.
If next season ends in failure, Zdrilic will almost certainly be gone. But for me, the pressure is now firmly on the club – owner Ross Pelligra, new vice chairman Jason Bontempo, and football director Stan Lazaridis – to ensure next season is a success. Fans won’t stomach another year of low standards and lacklustre performances.
On a brighter note, the fan base is desperate for something to believe in. They want a Glory side they want to watch every week – a team they’ll proudly turn up for, not one that makes them want to microwave their membership card.
Saturday night’s win was fantastic. It deserves to be celebrated. But eyes are already turning to next season. There can be no excuses now. The room for failure is gone.
