Glory suffer early blow

Perth Glory have suffered an early blow to their hopes of claiming a grand final win with star striker Shane Smeltz suffering a suspected broken nose.

Perth Glory have suffered an early blow to their hopes of claiming a grand final win with star striker Shane Smeltz suffering a suspected broken nose.

Smeltz ran head on into Brisbane Roar captain Matt Smith in the 15th minute of the match, Smith-s elbow colliding with the head of the Glory striker, whose nose then spewed blood for a good five minutes.

If Smeltz were to play a diminished role it would mean two of their major stars in Smeltz and Andrezinho could have a lessened impact on the game.

Smeltz will receive stitches to a large gash between his nose and mouth at halftime.