Perth Glory is delighted to confirm that Brandon O’Neill and Natasha Rigby will captain its respective Isuzu Ute A-League Men’s and A-League Women’s teams during the 2021/22 Season.
Midfielder O’Neill will wear the Glory armband for the first time having returned for a second spell at his hometown club during the off-season, while fellow-West Australian Rigby will lead the club’s women into a new campaign for a third time.
Both players are understandably thrilled to have been handed the captaincy role.
“Being a Perth boyand being able to represent your hometown club is a very special feeling,” said O’Neill, “but being named captain on top is something that I’m extremely honoured by.
“This role doesn’t define me as a person or a player.
“We have some amazing leaders at this football club, people that I’m learning from every day, but I think it’s important for me to try and help people become the best versions of themselves and to allow all the lads to be vulnerable enough to say “this is me and I’m ready to have a crack”.
“If we have an environment where people feel safe to be themselves, then I feel that us as a group will only benefit on the pitch.
“I honestly can’t wait to see where this group of individuals can go and I’m excited to be a part of the journey.”
“It’s an absolute honour to captain this team and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to do it again this year,” said Rigby.
“We have an incredibly exciting squad lined up this season and [Head Coach] Alex Epakis and the club have been working so hard to ensure we are set to succeed in our upcoming campaign.
“We are building a specific environment where players feel safe to be themselves and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead.
“We have a lot to prove this year and the players have certainly started pre-season with a bang.”
Respective Head Coaches Richard Garcia and Alex Epakis, meanwhile, were quick to outline the qualities which O’Neill and Rigby will bring to the captaincy role.
“Brandon is a proud Perth boy who understands exactly what the DNA of this club is all about and how much it means to our Members and fans,” said Garcia.
“He will lead by example and play a key role in helping drive home the philosophy we want to instil into the playing group.
“I know he is deeply honoured to be named Glory skipper and will do himself, his family and the club proud.”
“Tash is a standout person and leader,” said Epakis.
“Her energy is infectious and she has a deep desire to win whilst always leading by example.
“I know she deeply values her leadership role and position within the team and each day she represents the club and our values with the highest of standards.
“Tash is a great character and the perfect person to drive the team into what is shaping up to be a very exciting season for us.
“I look forward to working closely with her this year.”
Glory CEO Tony Pignata is similarly confident that the two skippers will help propel the club to success in the 2021/22 campaign.
“Brandon and Natasha are both superb ambassadors for Perth Glory on and off the field and will do a fantastic job of leading their respective teams this season,” he said.
“As players and as people, they truly reflect the core values of the club and I know our Members and fans will be thrilled to see them wearing the armband this year.
“We are really looking forward to watching them lead from the front in what we are confident will be a successful season for both our A-League Men and Women.”
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