A team that seem to be flying under the radar and could surprise many with their blend of youth and experience in the ranks.
What happened last season
Perth Glory secured a finals berth in the final match of the season after a draw against Adelaide United was enough to see them finish sixth.
They lost their elimination final away to Melbourne Victory in dramatic circumstances.
Alistair Edwards replaced Ian Ferguson in early February and did a credible job that saw him rewarded with a permanent deal with the club.
The Glory lacked firepower last season, scoring the lowest amount of goals in the competition (29), but did boast a relatively solid defence.
In the end the resulting loss to the Victory typified where they were at as a club five months ago; a team full of character but lacking quality and maturity in certain areas.
What happened in the off-season
There’s been a lot to like about the Glory and their youthful squad.
Young Socceroos star Daniel De Silva has courted much media focus for his exploits at the U/20 World Cup in the off-season.
The 16-year-old is a hugely promising prospect and must be nurtured properly by the Perth coaching staff, but it’s hard not to be excited by the young starlet’s capabilities, especially with the likes of England heavyweights Manchester United reportedly monitoring his services.
Another youngster who’s caught people’s attention during the pre-season is striker Jamie Maclaren, who returns from Blackburn Rovers.
He will be asked to take the burden off the likes of Smeltz and Travis Dodd, and with a deadly eye for goal, expect the 19-year-old to make his mark this season.
As always the aforementioned Dodd has been a consistent performer during pre-season friendlies and the Glory will call upon his experience to help mould the immature squad.
Agonisingly, the former Socceroos defender Ljubo Milicevic decided to part company with the club just a week before the beginning of the season.
By all reports the 32-year-old was forming a strong partnership with fellow centre-back Michael Thwaite, which poses structural issues for the coaching staff.
Aside from those dramas, there will be significant interest surrounding Edwards’ decision to draft in his sons Ryan on loan from Reading and Cameron from the Melbourne Heart.
In the Glory’s final pre-season outing they registered an emphatic 3-0 result against Sydney FC, with Brazilian recruit Sidnei Scoiola adding the third goal of the match.
Amazingly, he paid for his own trip to Perth for a trial and earned a contract for his efforts, it’s determination like this that looks set to turn a few heads this upcoming campaign.
The departures of influential midfielder Liam Miller and defender Dean Heffernan will hurt the club in terms of maturity and leadership.
Miller in particular will be big loss, but it’s not out of the question to see an exuberant De Silva stepping into his role and performing a creative midfield role with aplomb.
Why fans should be excited for season 2013-14
Edwards has spoken about his desire to play a possession-based style of football and has continued to evolve with the 4-3-3 formation, which should endear itself to the fan base.
There will a strong emphasis on an attacking impetus from the Glory in the wide areas, especially with ex-Melbourne Heart wide man Adrian Zahra rediscovering his fine form of a couple of seasons ago.
From the defence right through to the forwards there’s a host of talented players, and if the team quickly adapt to Edwards’ vision then there’s no reason to suggest why they can’t be a team that competes with the more highly fancied opponents.
The veterans can help lead the way and endear themselves to their youthful teammates and rouse them for a competitive season ahead.
Success won’t be instant but the club is building a strong nucleus that can lead them towards a memorable season that could springboard future titles.
The main man that can carry 2013-14 hopes – Shane Smeltz
The New Zealand international is rejuvenated after a distressing 2012-13 saw the leading forward diagnosed with melanoma, and suffering from a series of injuries.
The A-League’s record top-scorer still remains the most deadly striker in the division when in form.
With the injection of youth in the ranks, the 32-year-old will be buoyed by the new optimism that Edwards has brought to the club.
Hip surgery means that Smeltz will be sidelined for the start of the campaign, but once he returns he’ll be raring to show his class and help propel the Glory to a successful season.
Verdict – finals contenders
Perth have a strong supporter base and it’s tough for any team to travel across to the West and pick up the three points.
The new NIB Stadium will be ready for the club’s passionate supporter base for their first home match and the support of the loyal faithful could be a key ingredient to the side’s chances of success this season.
While there is a host of young players in the squad, Edwards will be looking to captain Jacob Burns to help galvanise the Glory and produce his football, as well as 32-year-old Steven McGarry.
The pair, along with Thwaite, will be vital to ensuring that the team are focused and prepared for the rigours of a full A-League season.
If the kids can hit their straps early and Smeltz replicates his best form then the
Glory can look towards the future with genuine promise and a finals appearance at the end of the campaign.
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