Attacking midfielder Steven McGarry admits he had moments where he doubted Perth could make the Grand Final but now says he’s hugely confident going into Sunday’s game against Brisbane.
Attacking midfielder Steven McGarry admits he had moments where he doubted Perth could make the Grand Final but now says he’s hugely confident going into Sunday’s game against Brisbane.
Glory overcame a lean patch midseason where they won just one of 11 games to ensure their place in the Hyundai A-League decider for the first time with a thrilling penalty shootout win against Central Coast.
While McGarry had to watch that game from the bench, he said it was a wonderful feeling to be part of Glory history and that the players were now determined to take it one step further and win Perth their first title since their 2004 National Soccer League (NSL) triumph.
The Scotsman said Glory have nothing to fear after a run which has seen them lose just three of their past 18 matches and could fancy their chances of continuing a remarkable turnaround.
“It’s an incredible belief the guys have had and it’s amazing what we’ve achieved, from what we’ve come from,” McGarry said.
“It was going along the lines of last season when we got a good start and then the trend started happening again where we started losing games even though we were playing reasonably well. But then we turned the corner.
“We go over (to Brisbane) now with major belief … We’re not going over there just to be part of what they’re calling Orange Sunday, we’re going to make it, hopefully, a Purple Sunday.
“They’re not unbeatable and the way we’re playing now we think we can go over there and clinch the win … If we go up there and play to our game plan we can definitely do it.”
McGarry played a huge role in Perth’s turnaround, starting 16 games in a row until a knee injury forced him to the bench in the minor semi-final win against Wellington.
The 32-year-old said that injury, picked up on the eve of that game against the Phoenix, also played a part in him not coming on against the Mariners.
But he said he was ready to play the full game on Sunday if he could win back his place behind marquee striker Shane Smeltz from in-form attacker Billy Mehmet.
“There’s still a little bit of soreness but I’ve done a training session this morning and I’m feeling good to go … I’m going to put my hand up and say I’m available for selection ” McGarry said.
“I wouldn’t have any complaints if I wasn’t playing because the two up front have done well in the past two weeks.
“But I know what I can do and I’m pretty confident I can come in and do a job if I’m called upon.”
