A sharp, intensive workout is what Head Coach David Zdrilic is targeting from Sunday’s Tri Series fixtures against Perth SC and Balcatta Etna at Dorrien Gardens (kick-off v Perth SC at 2pm, v Balcatta Etna at 3pm, admission $5 for all with proceeds going to Danny Hodgson).
Glory’s pre-season campaign continues with back-to-back 45-minute games against the two NPLWA sides who will then face each other in a third fixture to round off a full afternoon of football.
And facing two fresh sides in each game is vital according to Zdrilic.
“We’re very appreciative that we’ve been able to organise these two games and that the clubs have agreed to play and structure the games in a way that is beneficial for us,” he said.
“The thinking behind it is that we keep an intense level for the whole 90 minutes.
“We’re two months in and we’re training at a very intense level.
“These teams are finishing off their season, so their fitness levels are also high.
“Having the interest of multiple clubs makes it an attractive outing for fans, but also hopefully keeps that high-intensity atmosphere within the actual game that will benefit everybody.
“We’re looking forward to another hit-out.
“It’s not always easy here in the West as we can’t play A-League opposition too often in pre-season if we’re not in the Cup and also the NPL teams are still playing in their own competition and having finals.
“So we’re very appreciative of this game and looking forward to it.”
In terms of early team news for Glory, Oli Sail, Adam Taggart, Kaelan Majekodunmi and Nathanael Blair will all miss the game as they remain away on international duty with New Zealand, the Socceroos and the Young Socceroos respectively, but Hiroaki Aoyama may feature having been Cup-tied during the club’s Australia Cup campaign.
Balcatta Etna and Perth SC finished ninth and tenth respectively in the NPL WA this season, with the latter drawing 1-1 against the PGFC Academy First Team in last week’s final round of the regular season.
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