Head Coach David Zdrilic is expecting another high-intensity battle to unfold when Glory face Newcastle Jets for a second time in four days at Albany’s Retravision Stadium on Wednesday (kick-off at 4pm, tickets available HERE).
The men in purple were edged out 3-2 at Hay Park in Bunbury on Sunday as both sides went full tilt in a fiercely-contested pre-season outing.
And in what will be Glory’s final hit-out before the start of the 2024/25 Isuzu UTE A-League season, Zdrilic is targeting a similarly high-octane 90 minutes in game two.
“That’s the way we want to play the game,” he said.
“It’s another good opportunity against a very good team who like to build up, who are very comfortable on the ball and want to play through high pressure which is what we’re trying to apply.
“So it’s a good match-up, good for us and good for them.
“I thought the first game was very even and I think tomorrow is going to be another step up from that.”
Squad-wise, Zdrilic will have more options at his disposal as a number of players who were involved in the Inter-Divisional Play Off victory over Dianella White Eagles have headed south to link up with the rest of the travelling party.
“It was great to have the Academy guys get the result to stay in the NPL,” he said, “and that’s why we were juggling things around, to make sure that we had enough players for both teams.
”Now we have had those guys that are part of the [A-League] first team squad come down and join us for this second game.
“I think it’s the first time we’ve had everyone together and we’re going to try and get everyone minutes in the game.
“It’s very important for us to get a look at everyone, as much as we can and that’s what we’re planning to do.”
The Head Coach went on to acknowledge the warm reception the club’s players and staff have received in Albany.
“It’s like Bunbury; everyone in the local community has been very welcoming,” he said.
“It’s the perfect preparation for us to get the group together and do some team bonding and also have a high-quality game.”
#ONEGlory
