On this week’s episode of The Official Liberty A-League Podcast, host Campbell Johnson is joined by Teresa Polias and Rhali Dobson to discuss the long-term plan for Adelaide United and Perth Glory, and more. Listen below.
It was a contrasting weekend for Adelaide United and Perth Glory, yet they are both in the same boat – pushing against a tide that is sending them away from the Liberty A-League finals.
Yes, Adelaide snapped a nine-game drought at the expense of Perth in Round 18 but last season’s semi-finalists are all but out of the finals picture heading into the remaining three matches, with the Reds eighth in the standings and nine points adrift of the top four.
The Glory seventh and two points better off than Adelaide with a game in hand, however, Perth face an uphill battle to reach the play-offs as they trail defending champions Melbourne Victory by seven points.
Many had tipped Adelaide to be among the title contenders this season after they qualified for the finals for tor the first time in their history in 2021-22, but the Reds have been a shadow of that historic side.
Joining KEEPUP’s Campbell Johnson on this week’s episode of The Official Liberty A-League Podcast were Teresa Polias and Rhali Dobson, who started off by analysing Adelaide’s plight.
“They’ve had a tough season,” former Central Coast Mariners and Sydney FC midfielder Polias reflected. “They’ve performed well, well below expectations. I don’t know what’s going on there. Whether it’s internal stuff or things haven’t happened the way they wanted to.
“The squad they have is really good. I had tipped them to be at the top somewhere at the start of the season.”
Ex-Melbourne City and Newcastle Jets striker Dobson added: “When we did the preview for the Dub, I actually tipped Adelaide to be basically in the top two.
“I had really high hopes looking at their squad and just their performance last season. It’s been so underwhelming and really disheartening for what I’ve witnessed. Whether it hasn’t clicked, whether there’s internal things going on we’re not privy to.
“It was almost a sigh of relief for them getting these points… (Fiona) Worts has made a difference. She’s had a very unusual season. We’re not sure what’s going on there. I hope she gets a lot of confidence with it.”
It then prompted a more forward-thinking discussion around Adelaide and Perth, who are on the outside looking in when it comes to this season’s finals.
With fourth-placed Victory solidifying their hold on the remaining play-off spot, the Reds and Glory – who have not featured in the finals since 2018-19 – need somewhat of a miracle to sneak into the top four.
So what is next for both Adelaide and Perth, with an eye on 2023-24?
“We don’t know what coaches have sat and spoken about. Is it a long-term plan? This season didn’t go according to plan for Adelaide,” Polias said.
“Does that mean (Adrian) Stenta’s job is on the line? I hope not. I think he has done enough in the past to show he deserves that gig.
“Whether they have internal issues or not, you’d hope he’d be spending that off-season rectifying those issues.
“As for (Alex) Epakis, the same thing. You’d hope he’d have a long-term plan. Perth were okay this season. They were okay. Circumstances didn’t go there way and they seem to cop the short end of the stick. There is a lot of positives there.
“If he has a long-term plan, he deserves to get another shot. If things don’t go right again next season, different story. But I don’t think things have been that terrible that you need coaching changes.”
Dobson concluded the discussion by adding: “The biggest things for these two clubs is stability.
“The coaches haven’t done anything that warrants a sacking. The win for Adelaide would’ve helped Stenta. Based off the season he had last season and what he’s endured this season, the same over in Perth… they both warrant the opportunity from a long-term perspective to give next season a go.
“If things aren’t working almost halfway through, okay, it’s fine to look towards a replacement, which is normal in any competition across the world.
“But these girls, particularly at Perth, they have a really great foundation there. They are building. They just need to get some bigger international signings I feel, and solidify a few positions so they can use the calibre they have and the youth that are progressing so they can bloom a little bit bitter with age and experience around them.”
City’s rigid system?
Melbourne City had nothing to celebrate in the Derby after reigning champions Melbourne Victory claimed bragging rights in a 2-0 Labour Day triumph at AAMI Park on Monday afternoon.
It was not just derby honours for Victory but the fact the titleholders moved a step closer to a cementing a finals berth.
Third-placed City, who base their game on playing out from the back, are now just two points clear of Victory as they endure a downturn in form.
They have lost three of their past four matches – going down to reigning premiers Sydney FC (3-0) and title hopefuls Western United (2-1) in a run that raised questions about Dario Vidosic’s side.
As Dobson provided an insight into her own experiences of the Melbourne Derby under both Patrick Kisnorbo and current City men’s boss Rado Vidosic, she did touch on the present philosophy.
“PK was very passionate, it was almost like war. If you break someone’s leg winning (the ball) and you’re winning it for the team, then good you have done your job,” said the 30-year-old, who spent four years at City.
“That comes from the Premier League aspect and that’s what I love and thrive on.
“With Rado, it was very much like effort and you need to stick to the plan. There wasn’t the flexibility.
“That’s what you see with City. There’s this ethos and brand. look., the girls still play beautifully it’s just they didn’t take their chances and Victory did.”
