Perth midfielder Adriano Pellegrino believes there’s still plenty at stake when the Glory take on Melbourne at Members Equity Stadium this Sunday.
Despite Perth only having a slim, mathematical opportunity to reach the finals, Pellegrino says the team is looking to farewell its home ground in style ahead of two away matches to finish the season.
And, with several players looking to impress coach Dave Mitchell and secure contracts for next year, Pellegrino says this week’s match will be as competitive as they come against a Victory outfit looking to consolidate its position atop the Hyundai A-League standings.
“The moods still high, we still want to end the season on a high,” said Pellegrino after training on Wednesday.
“We’ve had a better run to the second half of the season and I guess all the boys just want to finish it off on a good note.”
“Some boys are looking for contracts as well, so everyone’s fighting for positions and trainings been very intense.”
Described by his coach as one of the ‘finds of the season’ after scoring a cracking goal that saw Perth beat Melbourne 3-1 in December, Pellegrino has already been given a new two-year deal at the club.
But the 24-year-old is more than aware some of his team-mates will be heading elsewhere at the end of the season and although this is disappointing, he says the team’s morale remains high, the players determined to enjoy their last three matches together as a squad.
“You do become close with a lot of the boys and it is disappointing to know some boys have to leave,” Pellegrino said.
“(But) everyone that’s here at the Glory, will be putting on that shirt and representing it with passion as they’re still playing for the club.”
“People say that there’s nothing to play and you go in not caring but I don’t think that’s the case and it shows here at training.”
“Everyone’s wants to play and wants to win, so you want to go out and win every game, especially at home if you have a good record at home, you don’t want to throw it out the window now with the last game of the season.”
“So we’re definitely going out to look for three points,” he said.
