The Roar's A-League Men tips and predictions: Round 26 - the jostle for finals positions is on in earnest
Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
A series of “grenades” have dragged Perth Glory through the mud this A-League season, but skipper Jacob Burns is confident people will view things differently once the truth comes out.
The Glory have endured a season from hell both on and off the field.
Not only are Perth last on the table, but they have also been beset by a number of feuds behind the scenes.
Coach Alistair Edwards was sacked mid-season following his highly-publicised rift with a swag of players, while last month’s training bust-up between Burns and teammate Ryan Edwards showed tensions were still high.
Burns is out of contract at the end of the season, but he’s desperate to earn a new deal in order to help the club rebuild.
And he’s looking forward to the day when the full truth about this season’s controversies comes out.
“I must say there’s been quite a few hand grenades thrown in there that will be interesting in time when things come out and the truth and a lot of honesty is said,” Burns said on Wednesday.
“A lot of people around the game have voiced their opinion. I don’t know if they’re well informed opinions.
“But in good time some things may come out that may change people’s ideas of the goings on about the club.”
Burns wouldn’t elaborate on what the issues were, saying it’s important for the club to focus its energy on the remaining five rounds of the season.
Glory’s eight-game winless run has left them a daunting eight points adrift of sixth spot.
Perth face a tough task to turn around their fortunes against third-placed Melbourne Victory at nib Stadium on Saturday night.
Burns is likely to wait until the end of the season before starting contract talks with the club.
The 35-year-old is confident he can add value both on and off the field if the club choose to re-sign him.
“I love this club,” Burns said.
“This is very much my club – a club that I’ve enjoyed coming back to.
“I’ll tell you one thing, I won’t be playing anywhere else.”
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Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
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The loser of the Sydney Derby will be under immense pressure entering the final three matches of the season.
A good performance from Michael Ruhs, scoring twice to beat Macarthur and doubling his season goal tally in the process.
Sydney moved into fourth with their point but Glory's finals hopes are now officially extinguished.
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