Risdon’s rise to the top

In a season that saw Perth Glory climb to the heights of the FFA Cup Final and A-League Finals series, the 2015-2016 campaign also saw the continued rise of Josh Risdon.

The 23-year-old, who was named Most Glorious Player in the 2011-2012 season when Perth made the Grand Final, had yet another memorable campaign this term. 

Risdon enjoyed a stellar season characterised by his athleticism, with the defender creating 25 chances and five assists, whilst also boasting an impressive 70.7% passing accuracy. 

Risdon’s tireless overlapping runs and outstanding composure on the ball on either flank have now become a signature part of his game, something that has now been recognised at an international level. 

National coach Ange Postecoglu rewarded the fullback’s consistency over the past few years, in the starting line-up for the 2018 World Cup qualifying victories against Bangladesh and Jordan. 

The defender’s solid performances in the respective 4-0 and 5-1 Socceroos wins reiterated his status as one of the nation’s most promising young players.

The accolades didn’t stop there for the Bunbury born junior, as his standout campaign saw him earn a place at right-back in the Professional Footballer’s Association A-League team of the year alongside fellow teammate and Johnny Warren Medal winner Diego Castro. He was also recognised twice as the QBE Supporters’ Man-of-the-Match in home matches this season.

However, it wasn’t just the awards and international caps that stood out for the South-West local, as his maturity and leadership saw Kenny Lowe entrust him with the captain’s armband for a vast majority of the season. Risdon proved a leader by example at the back, consistently standing up as one of the Glory’s top performers throughout the season and was an integral part of the formidable young defence line that included fellow Australians Shane Lowry, Alex Grant and Marc Warren in the second half of the season.

Risdon’s exploits played a pivotal role in Glory’s 5th placed finish, and the defender will undoubtedly be in the race to become the Perth Glory QBE Most Glorious Player in 2016.