Perth Glory will be looking to end a five-year absence from the Australia Cup Round of 32 when they take on Brisbane Roar in Tuesday evening’s Play Off clash at the Darwin Football Stadium (kick-off at 5:30pm WST (7pm local time), watch live and FREE on 10Play).
The men in purple did, of course, famously reach the first two Finals of what was then known as the FFA Cup in 2014 and 2015, but have seen their fortunes in the competition dip in more recent years.
And while noting that he will not have a full squad at his disposal for what will be his first competitive game in charge, Glory Head Coach David Zdrilic is keen to get down to business.
“The lads have put in a lot of good work during the three weeks of training that we’ve had and we’re really looking forward to the game,” he said.
“There have been many changes in such a short timeframe, with new coaching staff, many new players and a new football philosophy.
“While we won’t have many key players available on Tuesday night, there will be a good mix of exciting youngsters and experienced professionals on show.
“Although we haven’t had too much time to work together, we will give it our best to book a place in the Round of 32.”
Glory return to Darwin hoping to avoid a repeat of last year when the club’s participation in the Australia Cup ended at the same stage and the same venue as Macarthur FC prevailed to secure their spot in the Round of 32.
Zdrilic’s men have made the trip north with just one pre-season friendly under their belts, namely the 4-2 victory over Armadale SC last midweek and the bulk of the players who featured at Alfred Skeet Reserve are expected to be involved again against Roar.
The Queenslanders, meanwhile, reached the Australia Cup Final for the first time in their history last year, eventually losing out to Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium.
Former Glory Head Coach Ruben Zadkovich has brought a host of new players to Suncorp Stadium during the off-season, including a trio of former Adelaide United men in Ben Halloran, Harry Van Der Saag and Ben Warland, along with Lebanese international midfielder Walid Shour.
There has also been direct movement between the two clubs this year, with Adam Zimarino heading east and Taras Gomulka and Nikola Mileusnic arriving here in the west.
Should Glory prevail on Tuesday evening, they will host 2016 Cup winners Melbourne City at the Sam Kerr Football Centre in the Round of 32 on Saturday 3 August (kick-off time and ticketing details TBC).
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