Ask Perth Glory FC full back Scott Jamieson whether Sydney is home and he’ll comfortably answer with a ‘ýes’ adding that “home is where the heart is and my family is here”.
The ties don’t end there. The harbour city was also home to his former club Sydney FC where he spent two seasons.
But there won’t be any time for nostalgia when table topping Glory take on an undefeated Sky Blues outfit, at Allianz Stadium tomorrow night in round nine of the Hyundai A-League.
Perth heads into the match with its best start to a season on record. Six wins, one draw and one loss and has so far ammassed 19 points.
Sydney on the other hand, sits in fourth spot having won four and drawn four.
This year Jamieson has returned with a spring in his step after a nasty achilles injury ruled him out action last year. He isn’t only stopping goals, last month he added his name to the scorers’ sheet with a breathtaking free-kick against the Wanderers.
So why the change in form for Glory? Jamieson says the answer isn’t quite that simple but a shift in attitude and values from within have played a key role.
A different set of standards have been implemented from the start, be it the way we carry ourselves during training, before training, after training in the dressing room, around games during games, I think that’s got a massive part to play” he said.
“And even the players who haven’t been here in the past are hurt there hasn’t been that success at the club and we are using it as fuel to try and better our performances, for the club’s benefit but also for the fans”.
Jamieson’s good form has also been praised by sharp shooter Andy Keogh who believes the lively full back should be in Ange Postecoglou’s Socceroos outfit in time for the Asian Cup.
“I was grateful for his comments, I didn’t put him up to it (jokes) but I think it’s too late for a run for any player who’s pretty much out of the frame at the moment. I don’t think about it “he said.
Jamieson says he feels stronger and fitter this year especially after returning from injury. And feels his best, is yet to come.
“Defensively I’ve been quite better but no it’s not the best season …I’m only 8 games in from an Achilles injury” he said.
“I’m 26… I’d like to think the next 3-4 years will be the best of my footballing life, injury free touch wood and I’m looking forward to meeting my full potential”.
As far as playing his old club Sydney this week, Jamieson said he was embracing the moment.
“They’re in good form, they’re undefeated they’re a tough stubborn team, they set up from the back to go forward”.
“We’re very similar teams we’re tough teams so it’ll be a game that will be interesting but in saying that i am very confident in our form and we’re as good as anyone in this league.”
Perth clash against Sydney tomorrow night at Allianz Stadium.
Kick-off is at 4.30 p.m. WST
Glory returns to nib Stadium on December 12 when it hosts Newcastle Jets
Click here to get your tickets to the game.
Hyundai A-League Fact 1
Glory have taken 19 points from eight matches this term, their best ever start to a season.
Hyundai A-League Fact 2
Last week’s game at Brisbane marked Perth’s first draw since a trip to Wellington on 9th March.
Hyundai A-League Fact 3
It is the sky blues’ longest unbeaten run since also going eight without defeat from January to February 2011.
Hyundai A-League Fact 4
The last four meetings between the sides have seen two wins apiece, with each of these games being settled by a one-goal margins.
Perth Glory squad: 1.Danny VUKOVIC (gk), 2. Jack CLISBY, 3.Brandon ONEIL, 5.Rostyn GRIFFITHS, 6.Dino DJULBIC, 8. Ruben ZadkovichI, 9.Andy KEOGH, 10.Nebosja MARINKOVIC, 11.Richard GARCIA, 13.Diogo Alves FERREIRA, 14.Chris HAROLD, 15.Jamie MACLAREN, 17.Mitch NICHOLS, 18.Jack DUNCAN.19.Joshua RISDON, 20.Daniel DE SILVA, 21.Scott JAMIESON, 23.Michael THWAITE (c)
