Andrews helps put the fun back in Perth’s football… and she is eyeing a return next season

Late-blooming Perth Glory have rediscovered the fun of football after a challenging season says Morgan Andrews – and it might be enough to lure the talented American back to Australian shores next year.

Andrews signed for the 2018/19 Grand Finalists on loan from National Women’s Soccer League outfit Reign FC pre-season as coach Bobby Despotovski reshaped his side following the departure of Westfield Matildas star Sam Kerr.

It was a tough introduction to life in the Westfield W-League for the midfielder born in Milford, New Hampshire as Glory struggled to replicate the form that saw Perth one step away from lifting silverware last year.

But Glory have hit their stride at the tail end of the season – and Andrews has been a driving force behind this late-season resurgence.

Andrews hit a brilliant brace to sink reigning Champions Sydney FC 2-1 last time out, having notched a double in her side’s 4-2 win over Brisbane Roar the week previous.

She says the good times are well and truly rolling in WA.

“The vibe in the locker-room is really positive and exciting and we’re all dancing and having fun,” she told the club’s website.

“We’re all playing soccer for a reason and part of that is that we enjoy it and want to have fun.

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“Of course we’re here to do a job and in the beginning [of the season] it wasn’t really working out the way we wanted it to, but we’ve consistently worked hard throughout the season and it’s finally starting to show, which is exciting.

“We had a short pre-season and some of us were late for the season itself and in the end, sometimes it just doesn’t click.

“But it feels like it’s starting to now and that comes down to the work ethic that the girls put in. It’s been really positive lately.

Although making the Finals Series has long been out of the question for Perth, Andrews and co. still have a crucial part to play in the composition of this season’s final standings.

A battered and bruised Western Sydney Wanderers arrive in Perth on Saturday night clinging on to their position in the top four and a victory for Perth, their fourth consecutive, could prove to be a knockout blow for the side that entered 2020 on top of the ladder.

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READ: Despotovski delighted as Glory steam toward the finish line
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If Glory defeat or draw with the Red and Black, it would leave the door open for fifth-placed Brisbane Roar to sneak into the Finals Series.

Andrews, however, is just enjoying the moment.

“Everyone is adding something of their own to the team which is really special and that’s making it a unique experience,” she said.

“It’s been wonderful. The girls have been super-great and the league is competitive.

“It’s really exciting, I’m enjoying playing and I feel like I’m adding more and more passion to my game.

“I’d love to come back next season.”

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“It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn’t use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like, ‘What about lunch?’” -Winnie

A post shared by Morgan Andrews (@mo_andrews3) on Feb 20, 2020 at 5:53am PST