Trent Ostler is one of Perth Glory’s most exciting young prospects – and after an arduous journey to the Isuzu UTE A-League, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for head coach Ruben Zadkovich to keep the up-and-coming talent under wraps.
Ostler, 20, made his second start of the season in a win over Macarthur FC on Saturday night. It came almost a year to the day after his A-League Men debut for Perth, and it was arguably his best performance in purple to date.
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It was a major milestone in the career of a player whose development was hindered at the age of 17 by two Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tears in the space of 10 months. Ostler, who represented Australia at the U17 FIFA World Cup in 2019, admitted he was unsure if he’d ever make it back from the recurring knee troubles – but was nursed through his recovery at the Glory academy, where he first worked under Zadkovich.
“Trent I thought was fantastic tonight,” Zadkovich told Paramount+ post-game. The creative midfielder played 76 minutes from the start against the Bulls, and was a key contributor to his side’s best attacking play in a comeback 2-1 triumph at Macedonia Park.
Ostler has been carefully integrated to Zadkovich’s Glory squad since his takeover as head coach last season; he debuted against Newcastle Jets in March of 2022, but dislocated his shoulder less than six weeks later.
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Only now is Zadkovich trusting Ostler’s body to get through regular starts – and should his body withstand the rigours of regular minutes in the squad, he’s a player who could play a major role for Perth in their push for finals toward the backend of the season.
“We’ve got eight or nine guys in that squad of 18 under 22,” Zadkovich added. “(Ostler) is one that I’ve really slow-played. He’s had a couple of ACL’s and came in at the back of last year and did really well. Then he dislocated his shoulder.
“He’s had an up-and-down season but he’s trained himself into form. He’s one I’m definitely trying to hold back – but I think he’s at that point now where you have to unleash him. To be honest, he’s doing really well.”
MATCHDAY AGENDA
KEEPUP followed along LIVE to bring you all the goals, highlights, up-to-date scores and biggest talking points from four massive Isuzu UTE A-League fixtures on Saturday, April 1.
Wellington Phoenix 1-2 Melbourne Victory
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Central Coast Mariners 4-1 Brisbane Roar
MATCH REPORT: Mariners up to third in Isuzu UTE A-league with win over Roar
Sydney FC 3-3 Western United
MATCH REPORT: Drama at Allianz! Sky Blues come back from the brink in six-goal thriller
Perth Glory 2-1 Macarthur FC
MATCH REPORT: Manic five minutes at Macedonia Park as Glory flip the script to beat Bulls
