WestSydneyFootball.Com Season 2012/13 A-League Team Preview – Perth Glory

The 2011/12 season for Perth Glory was a major success for the club. On the back of many impressive signings, and a tactically effective style of play the Glory turned in a 3^rd placed league finish. They qualified for the Grand Final by beating Melbourne Heart 3-0, Wellington 3-2 in an extra time thriller, and a penalty shootout victory after a 1-1 draw with Central Coast. The Grand Final was a bitter climax to their season. After a Franjic own goal put the Glory in front on 53 minutes, Besart Berisha scoring a glancing header to restore parity in the 84^th, then scored a match winning penalty in the 97^th minute following a rash challenge from Liam Miller as Berisha attempted to shoot a game winning goal.

With Tony Sage overcoming his emotions to withdraw his threat to return his license, the club has had a stable pre-season on the pitch.

Manager Ian Ferguson released several of his tertiary players. Adam Taggart, Josh Mitchell, Chris Coyne, Tommy Amphlett, Todd Howarth, Scott Neville and Andrezinho were all released. Victor Sikora retired.

Having had major success with his long ball style, Ferguson will be loathe to change his philosophy. With Shane Smeltz playing off target man Billy Mehmet, the Glory have one of the most effective striking partnerships in the league. Liam Miller and Travis Dodd provide ample quality in midfield. Jacob Burns gives the spine of the team a lot of steel and passion. Vukovic in goals behind a back four that will include Bas van den Brink and Thwaite ensures the Glory will be one of the hardest teams to score against.

Perth Glory have the chance to put their stamp on this season early. The Grand Final match up in the first week against the Ange-less Brisbane Roar side should be a cracking match. Fellow title rivals Central Coast are their hosts for Round 2. Given the relative strength of the two sides, Melbourne Heart should provide no trouble at all in Round 3. Sydney FC will be coming off their round 3 Sydney Derby match and could be caught flat footed by Perth in Round 4. Round 5 has the Glory away to the Newcastle Jets.

With the addition of Thwaite to the line-up, the Glory have assembled one of, if not the best, squad in the competition. Their tactics may be crude by comparison to the styles played by the likes of Brisbane Roar, but they are effective.

Central Coast look to not have solved their goal scoring issues. Rado Vidosic is perhaps out of his depth at Brisbane. Ange Postecoglu has a lot of work to do at Melbourne Victory. The Perth Glory squad, owner Tony Sage and their fans will be believing that this is their year. I wouldn't bet against it.

I predict that Perth Glory will finish the season in 1st position. They will contest and win the Grand Final.

1. Perth Glory
   
2. Central Coast Mariners
   
3. Brisbane Roar
   
4. Melbourne Victory
   
5. Wellington Phoenix
   
6. Sydney FC
   
7. Western Sydney Wanderers
   
8. Newcastle Jets
   
9. Adelaide United
   
10. Melbourne Heart