Similar to its A-League team, Perth Glory’s Westfield W-League side had a strong finish to the season after a slow start and coach Nicola Williams is confident of carrying that on in season two.
The Glory began the season with three heavy losses to Sydney, Central Coast and Melbourne, but then recorded its first win against Adelaide, and recorded further wins over Sydney and Adelaide.
Perth finished in seventh spot with three wins and two draws and unearthed some exciting talents for the future including 15-year-old Sam Kerr, and fellow teenagers Shannon May, Ella Mastrantonio, Emily Dunn and Elisa D’Ovidio.
The Glory finished their season with a goalless draw against Newcastle at Members Equity Stadium on Saturday; with Lisa de Vanna having several good chances to score, but in the end Williams was happy with her team’s efforts.
“It was tough conditions with it being so hot and they are second on the table so we knew they would be strong and it was unfortunate that we didn-t get too many shots on target, one-on-ones or at least make them save some. It cost us that fifth spot in the end,” Williams said.
“Being one point away shows how we needed to get points from those home games that we didn-t and that now has proven to be the difference in making the finals or not. The girls knew that, but still had a few things to fight for and did well.”
Perth’s fortunes began to turnaround with de Vanna and Collette McCallum returning mid-season and Williams was happy with them, and her young troops who she hopes will be involved again next season.
“After losing our ‘keeper and getting a new one, and with Lisa and Collette coming back it made a huge impact and with that we were able to have the best second half of the season. It was a slow start and that gives us something to plan for in the future,” she said.
“Most of the players will be involved in our programs in WA and it’s just a matter of recalling some of our internationals and taking it from there. They will all play elsewhere now, many in America, but be back in time for our league.”
Williams has enjoyed the first year of the W-League and takes plenty of positives from her team’s finish, but still needs to iron out whether or not she’s on board for next season.
“It has been fantastic. It’s professionally run and it’s really good for the girls to be involved and to give coaches like myself experience. It’s a great way to start for us finishing so close to finals, and next year we know that we need a good start and we can do even better,” she said.
“That all has to be signed up for next year, as it’s year by year at the moment. I’m keen to stay, but we have wrap up this season first and then find out what’s happening.”
As for the finals, which sees top-of-the-table Queensland playing Sydney, and Newcastle playing Canberra in the semi-finals to determine the grand finalists, Williams finds it hard to see the Roar being beaten.
“Canberra isn-t doing too bad, otherwise it will be Queensland because of their depth and experience with all their midfielders. It will be coming from one of those two.”
