Perth Glory will attempt to put four miserable A-League seasons behind them with a win over Wellington Phoenix in Sunday’s knockout semi-final clash at Westpac Stadium.

The Glory were the kings of the National Soccer League, winning the last title in 2004 before the competition was disbanded.

The inception of the A-League in 2005/06 brought little joy for the Glory, who became the league’s cellar dwellers over the first four campaigns.

But a host of star signings for season five brought long-awaited success for Perth as the club secured fifth spot on the table and a maiden A-League finals appearance.

Midfielder Jamie Coyne, who skippered the club last season, experienced the highs of Perth’s NSL glory days and has been waiting more than half a decade for Sunday’s moment to arrive.

“It has been a long while,” Coyne said.

“Being a part of the last Championship you wouldn’t think it would be another five, six years before you had the opportunity again to play in another final.

“For the big picture hopefully we can win this weekend and go again the week after.”

Defender Naum Sekulovski jumped at the chance to join Perth when the A-League began and admitted he was surprised he had to wait this long to play finals football.

“The club had a great history in the old NSL and that was one of the attractions and finally we are here after five years of busting a gut,” Sekulovski said.

“I’ve had a great season, played the majority of the games and finally finals football has come to Perth Glory, better late than never.”

Wellington are also embarking on their maiden finals campaign and enter the match full of confidence on the back of three straight wins and the knowledge they haven’t been beaten at Westpac Stadium since October 2008.

But Glory skipper Jacob Burns felt the pressure would be on the home side.

“They’ve got a fantastic record over there and I think the pressure’s on them,” Burns said.

“They’ve been in good form, they’ll have a hell of a crowd out there and we are going to go about our game the same way we have all year.

“I honestly believe everyone in finals football has to be careful of anyone.

“They’re one-off games.

“OK there is home advantage but you saw how even the league was, you had bottom teams beating top teams.

“Competition across the board is pretty tough and evenly matched.

“So it’s whoever turns up on the day and really wants it bad enough.”

Marquee man Mile Sterjovski (back), Burns (hamstring) and defender Chris Coyne (corked thigh) all made the trip to New Zealand but coach Dave Mitchell said he would make a late call on the trio’s fitness.

© AAP 2012

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