Perth Glory’s success barometer now extends beyond the football pitch

Many of Perth Glory’s supporters are, by definition, insane. They show up year-on-year, expecting a different outcome than the campaign before, only to be left disappointed by performances, results, and off field dramas.

Since the successes of the National Soccer League (NSL) era, the club has won a solitary piece of silverware – the 2019 Premiers Plate*. There have been two A-Leagues Grand Final appearances, both ending in heartbreaking defeats, and two Australia Cup Final losses. Throw in multiple well-documented fiascos at board level and you couldn’t begrudge anyone who put supporting the club in the too hard basket.

Former Owner and Chairman Tony Sage’s decision to step away from the club in July 2023 was long overdue but even replacing him was a convoluted process that included a false start when the Primeland Group-led consortium from Melbourne were unable to satisfy conditions required for the sale to proceed. Eventually, the Pelligra Group, fronted by Ross Pelligra, took the reins as the team limped to a second wooden spoon in three seasons.

In June, head coach Alen Stajcic was replaced by David Zdrilic, a bold and exciting decision based on the philosophy presented by the former Australian international upon taking over. Another ex-Socceroo, Stan Lazaridis, has talked a big game since joining as the Football Director. The squad has been freshened up with plenty of young prospects, while experience has returned to Western Australia in the form of Josh Risdon and Brandon O’Neill. The latter is now in his third spell at the club, and, by his own admission, the former captain has work to do to build the trust of supporters following his departure to the Newcastle Jets in 2022.

Preseason has been a mixed bag with some good signs and performances in the Australia Cup before Glory slumped to defeat against NPL Queensland opposition in the form of Moreton City Excelsior. Regional friendlies against the Jets produced a win and a loss as recent overseas additions to the squad find their feet. Question marks remain around a defence that conceded nine goals in three Australia Cup games; however, they have been brilliant to watch in attack.

The results and on field product are of short-term importance, though, and Perth Glory’s biggest battles remain off it. The club has made the most of sharing facilities with South Fremantle Football Club at Fremantle Oval, a significant improvement on their previous setup. That arrangement is likely to come to an end due to a Fremantle City Council endorsed upgrade of the venue that will see it serve as the WA hub of women’s Australian Rules Football, and as a second-tier stadium for the sport. Construction is slated to begin in 2026, with completion in 2029, and that doesn’t give Glory very long to pursue alternatives.

The club has mended some bridges with Football West in recent seasons, with both A-Leagues women’s games and those played by the three National Premier League (NPL) teams now hosted at the Sam Kerr Football Centre. However, including HBF Park, the Glory do not have a home to call their own. A professional football club needs its own facilities, and it is imperative that Pelligra and his team relocate to a purpose built complex.

In terms of fan involvement, Glory extended something of an olive branch last season when the Fan Representative Group (FRG) kicked off, a medium between the club and the wider supporter base. There were also some green shoots in the active supporter base with plenty of young fans getting amongst the action in front of The Shed. Admittedly, there are some teething issues with the group, but it is important for Glory to foster the relationship and support a match going culture for the next generation.

For much of the last decade, Perth Glory has felt directionless, chopping and changing coaches and operating with a revolving door of senior players while sucking the life out of those who pay a pretty penny to turn up week in, week out. Improved results, while important, only carry so much weight, and Pelligra has an opportunity to deliver something that Sage could not – a stable and sustainable football club that the supporter base and wider football community can be proud of.

The 2024/25 season offers a huge opportunity to reset, rebuild, and reward those who have stuck it out through the period of insanity.

*Apologies to the Long Distance Derby Cup and the Iron Ore Cup, both prestigious honours in their own right.

All images courtesy of Tom McCarthy.