As the 2024/25 A-League Men’s season approaches, there is growing intrigue surrounding the Perth Glory, not only among Glory fans but across the league.
After several tumultuous years, marked by inconsistency on the pitch and turbulence off it, the question on everyone’s mind is: can the Glory begin to reclaim their former status as a powerhouse in Australian football?
The last few seasons have been challenging for anyone connected to the club. In the last four years, the Perth Glory have endured two wooden spoons and the departure of three managers, while the squad has seen a revolving door of players.
Last July, long-time owner Tony Sage relinquished his license to run the club, marking the end of an era. These struggles stand in stark contrast to the club’s glory days not that long ago, particularly the highs of winning the Premiers’ Plate and hosting a grand final in front of 56,000 passionate fans at Optus Stadium in 2019.
Amid these challenges, the question remains: how do the Glory rise again?
Historically, Perth Glory was synonymous with success – boasting packed stadiums, excellent players, and extensive trophies won. The club was a force to be reckoned with. Restoring that dominance won’t be a straightforward process, but with new owner Ross Pelligra at the helm, it’s clear the building blocks are being put in place. Pelligra’s arrival marks a significant reset for the club, both on and off the pitch.
One of Pelligra’s first major moves was appointing former Socceroo Stan Lazaridis as Director of Football. Alongside fellow ex-Socceroo and club director Vince Grella, Lazaridis conducted a thorough review of the club’s operations, identifying areas that required improvement. This strategic approach has set the foundation for what is being described as a new era for Perth Glory.
A key storyline from the end of last season was the future of head coach Alen Stajcic. Speculation swirled about his departure, and in late June, it was confirmed that the club and Stajcic would part ways. To lead the club into this new chapter, the Glory appointed David Zdrilic—a name more familiar to many from his roles on TV than his coaching background. However, upon closer examination, it’s pretty clear why Zdrilic was the club’s top choice.
A criticism often levelled at the Glory in recent seasons was the absence of a clear playing philosophy. What style of football did they want to play? What type of players fit that vision? These were questions that Zdrilic, with his coaching journey deeply influenced by the revolutionary football mind of Ralf Rangnick, was well-equipped to answer.
Glory’s new manager spent several years learning under Rangnick, one of the architects of modern pressing football. Coaches like Jürgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel, and Julian Nagelsmann have all credited Rangnick’s high-intensity, forward-thinking style as foundational to their own approaches.
Zdrilic, who was exposed to these principles as both a player and a coach, has brought that same pressing philosophy to Perth Glory. Speaking on Optus Sport’s The GegenPod last year, he reflected on Rangnick’s influence: “All this pressing, counter-pressing, started with Rangnick…I got to see it right at the start and profit from it as a player but now I am learning as a coach.”
This pressing, high-intensity style has already been evident in Glory’s pre-season performances, particularly during their Australia Cup campaign. The players have embraced Zdrilic’s vision, showing a belief in the system that translated into impressive victories against Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City.
During this transitional period, Perth Glory has also seen several young players make their presence felt, with players like Zach Lisolajski anchoring the defence, Taras Gomulka impressing in the midfield and Abdul Faisal and Nathaneal Blair energising the frontline.
These players in particular embody the club’s commitment to youth development—an approach strongly influenced by David Zdrilic’s experience in the Red Bull football system, where youth is nurtured alongside more established senior players. It’s clear that this season, Glory is prioritising a blend of young talent and experienced signings in its recruitment strategy.
The club’s visa signings reflect this philosophy, with dynamic young Colombian winger Cristian Caicedo adding flair and pace to the attack, and seasoned Ecuadorian centre-back Luis Cangá providing stability and leadership in defence.
In addition, the return of fan favourites like Josh Risdon and Brandon O’Neill brings not only quality but a deep connection to the club, which will be important in maintaining a cohesive team culture. This mix of youth and experience suggests a well-rounded squad, capable of pushing for a return to the finals.
When evaluating their chances for finals football for the first time since the 2019/20 season, several key factors come into play. First and foremost is consistency. To make a serious push, the Glory will need to perform consistently both home and away. In the last few seasons, their form has been underwhelming, particularly on the road. Securing vital points away from home, while turning HBF Park into a fortress, will be critical.
However, it’s not just about grinding out results. This season must be about fully integrating and executing Zdrilic’s high-pressing, aggressive style of play. The team’s success will depend on whether they can consistently implement this identity on the pitch. A clear tactical philosophy gives the players something to rely on when results are tough, providing structure and purpose beyond individual matches.
Another essential factor is shoring up the defence. Glory’s leaky backline has been an Achilles’ heel in the last few seasons, often undermining their chances even when their attack has looked promising. With the additions of Cangá and Risdon as well as a greater level of intensity and aggression out of possession, tightening up at the back could make all the difference in their journey for finals football.
If the Glory can improve their defensive record, maintain consistency across the season, and fully embrace David Zdrilic’s new philosophy, there’s every chance they could return to the finals and begin writing a new chapter in the club’s storied history.
All images courtesy of Tom McCarthy.
