Perth Glory’s Dino thriving on semi-final pressure

After his man of the match display in Melbourne last week, Perth Glory’s man mountain Dino Djulbic says he’s full of energy and revelling in the prospect of stunning another big gun of the Hyundai A-League.

Glory beat the richest squad in the Hyundai A-League last weekend in the Elimination Final. 

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Now, after a flight back to WA in between, Perth have their sights set on overcoming the competition’s best team in Saturday’s semi final with Sydney FC at Allianz. 

Perth Glory players celebrate Joel Chianese's goal in their 2-0 win over Melbourne City.

And with a revitalising coffee on Saturday, Djulbic hopes to be back to his fearsome best again when he faces Bobo, Ninko and Co.  

BEATING THE BEST

And rather than being intimidated by the Sky Blues’ feats this season, Djulbic believes the opposite applies, at least to him.

“They’re good players and I love playing against big, good players.

“It brings the best out of me.

“They’ve got to come out. They’re playing at home and everyone expects them to win.

“We just do our own thing.

Perth Glory players celebrate Joel Chianese's goal in their 2-0 win over Melbourne City.

“No-one tipped us to win last week.

“We proved everyone wrong and we’ll keep proving everyone wrong and do it again.

“We showed last week what we can do and we’re just going to grow from there,” said Djulbic.

DINO DOESN’T DO DROWSY    

And the rugged centre-back laughed off suggestions of remaining calm ahead of the biggest match of the season.

“I thrive on energy,” he grinned.

Glory defender Dino Djulbic fights for the ball with City captain Bruno Fornaroli.

“As soon as I wake up, I thrive on energy – I have a few coffees and go from there!

“I love playing in the pressure [games].

“I think I’ve shown it this year and in previous years.

“The more pressure, the better,” he said.

WHY NOT AGAIN?

“I’m expecting us to go there and win,” Perth defender Dino Djulbic told reporters ahead of Saturday’s semi-final against Sydney FC.

“It’s as clear and simple as that.

“It’s one game – the loser goes home and winner goes to the Grand Final – and we want to go the Grand Final,” he declared.

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