With only five games remaining in the Hyundai A-League, Australian sporting hero Dawn Fraser has urged all Perth Glory FC players, not to lose focus on the record breaking prospects that lie ahead.
The national icon is Perth Glory’s number one, season ticket holder and dropped in at training recenlty to spur the boys on ahead of this week’s game against the Asian Champions, Western Sydney Wanderers.
The four time Olympic gold medallist and former Australian of the Year got involved with Glory, after a chance meeting last year with club chairman, Tony Sage, who asked her to come on board.
Fraser obliged immediately.
“He asked me if I’d like to come out and watch a game of football. Then the following time I came over he made me the No. 1 Ticket Holder” she said.
While her achievements in the swimming pool are well documented, Fraser is no stranger to the world game.
Her first taste of the round ball goes back to her childhood in New South Wales, when her father, who played football in Scotland, took her and her family regularly to local games.
“It was very good. I’ve always had an interest in football. It wasn’t very big in Australia when I was growing up but it’s certainly taken off in the last five years” she said.
Glory isn’t the first football team Fraser has been involved with.
During Australia’s bicentennial year (1988), she mentored the Socceroos, who went on to win a number of significant games, including a shock victory against then World Champions, Argentina in a friendly.
After a record-breaking 17-week at the top of the Hyundai A-League ladder, Glory sit in fourth spot.
Fraser’s visit came as the club looks to build on momentum going into the finals.
“I love their wins, I hate their losses, but I know the boys are all trying very hard” she said.
And her message to the team this week was simple.
“Play well and enjoy it”.
The clash between Glory and the Wanderers kicks-off at 6.30pm WST at nib Stadium.
You can get your tickets at the gate or CLICK HERE now.