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.
Rugby league legend Benny Elias has been appointed to the board of A-League club Perth Glory.
Elias played 234 games for Balmain, 22 State of Origin games for New South Wales and 14 internationals for Australia and in 2005 was named one of the 25 greatest ever NSW players.
“Benny Elias brings a winning culture and attitude to Perth Glory,” Glory owner Tony Sage said.
“Also he gives Glory a strong presence on the east coast.
“He has strong business credentials and board experience and this will compliment the directors we currently have.”
Meanwhile, prized recruit Robbie Fowler put in an impressive first-half performance as Perth completed their pre-season with a 3-1 win over the WA state team on Wednesday night.
Goals from Mile Sterjovski, Reece Vittiglia and Scott Neville made it six wins from six games for the Glory ahead of next week’s season opener against North Queensland in Perth.
Fowler, who missed last week’s win over Adelaide, looked sharp in his 45 minutes on the pitch and coach Dave Mitchell was pleased with the team’s performance.
“It was a good hit-out,” Mitchell said.
“For us it’s all about fitness and not the result but obviously it’s always nice to win.
“I’ve trained the team hard over the last few days so I know it started to take its toll.”
Sterjovski opened the scoring just before half-time but scores were level when Andreas Oliveira put one past Glory’s defence on 73 minutes.
But an 18-yard thunderbolt from youth team forward Vittiglia and a powerful strike from Neville sealed the points for Perth.
Captain Jacob Burns and striker Branko Jelic were rested from the match, while imports Andy Todd (knee) and Victor Sikora (hip) couldn’t be considered for selection.
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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.
Mathew Leckie played a pivotal part in Melbourne City claiming an 8-nil win; playing a role in several of his team's goals.
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.
Anthony Caceres is a player with immense talent and has a fantastic work rate, broke the deadlock against the Mariners in the 74th minute.