Doubts remain if they have what it takes to go all the way, but on current form, Perth Glory could still go through the finals like a wrecking ball.
Perth Glory
Regular season position: 3rd
Points: 43
Finals Opponent: Melbourne Heart
Head to head: Perth 2 wins, Melbourne 1, three draws
Last five: LWWLW
The story so far v Melbourne Heart
It-s a close thing but this season Perth have just had the edge of Melbourne Heart. First blood came in a 2-1 win at AAMI Park as Glory made a blistering start to the season.
This was the first time in more than a year that Perth had won away from home and it was two goals from Shane Smeltz, including his 50th Hyundai A-League strike that made the difference.
Heart got their revenge with a 2-1 turnover in WA in week 11, as Mate Dugandzic grabbed the points with a late winner, despite Perth-s dominance of the fixture.
But Glory did it again in Melbourne in week 51, another 2-1 win that took them into the top six for the first time. And who scored? Shane Smeltz, of course.
Key Player: Shane Smeltz – The Kiwi striker has hit his best form just at the right time, much to the chagrin of both Melbourne teams. Four goals against Victory set Glory up perfectly for their home final again Heart, who will be exceedingly wary of a striker high on confidence.
The All Whites star has struggled with injury this season, costing him is almost traditional annual Golden Boot award. But none of that will matter if he can fire Glory past Heart and closer to the grand final.
X-Factor: Liam Miller – The Scotsman has had a huge influence on Perth this season, with his vision and ability to bring his teammates into the game.
Question marks hang over his fitness, and while Perth will be confident without him, it would make the world of difference to their chances to have Miller in the starting line-up.
Key Stats: Goals certainly haven-t been a problem for Glory; 40 scored this season puts them second only to Brisbane Roar (whose early demolition of Adelaide leaves the stats somewhat unbalanced). But they are a little creaky at the back, having conceded 35 goals, second again, this time to Sydney FC-s 42.
Bunnies: Glory haven-t exactly owned any of their top six rivals this season, but they have the edge over Wellington – just, with two wins to one, and all were 1-0 victories.
Bogey side: With two losses and a draw, Glory might be hoping that Sydney FC don-t get past Phoenix on Friday night.
Straight Shooting: The force is strong with Perth Glory. They started the season brightly, then struggled as injuries to key players took effect, only to come good on the home straight.
The turning point appears to have been the epic week 13 3-3 draw with Brisbane Roar. That result stoked belief within the team, and they won nine of their next 13 games, taking 27 points from a possible 39, scoring 25 goals in the process.
Doubts remain if they have what it takes to go all the way, but on current form, Perth Glory could still go through the finals like a wrecking ball.
