Perth Glory football fans will kick-off the club’s 20th anniversary with two consecutive home matches for the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 season culminating in a total of 14 matches at nib Stadium.
The draw means Glory will play one extra home match compared to last year, and will end its campaign with two back-to-back games at nib Stadium, as the Western Australians eye off a maiden Hyundai A–League championship.
To view the full fixtures download the Perth Glory FC 2016/17 Season Draw
The extra home fixture will allow fans and members to cheer on the team and its 12 WA born or raised players, including new Socceroos signings Adam Taggart, Rhys Williams, Chris Herd, favourite son Josh Risdon and Irish star striker Andy Keogh.
Of the 14 home games, eight (8) will be played on Saturday night, four (4) will be played on Sunday and there’ll also be a Thursday and Friday night clash at nib Stadium.
Glory CEO Peter Filopoulos said despite a few setbacks regarding venue availability, he was pleased with the outcome.
“We have worked very hard and closely with Venues West and the FFA to ensure we get the best possible draw for our team and our fans this season.”
“To be able to kick-off the year with two consecutive home games and to end the season with two in a row, gives our members and fan base some continuity and allows us to celebrate our 20 year history with a strong sense of purpose and intent” he said.
“We have aimed for the most family friendly schedule available and having the bulk of our home games on Saturday night will hopefully allow mums and dads to bring their kids along to see a new look Perth Glory, ready to give the A-League title a good shake”.
While the opening and closing fixtures are favourable, Glory coach Kenny Lowe and his men won’t escape the rigours of long distance travel.
Of the three matches to be played within eleven (11) days during November (13-24), two will be away.
Glory will also play three games within ten days between December 27 and January 5, two of which will also be on the road.
“That is a tough schedule, there’s no denying it, but it’s the best of a bad situation really. Ideally we’d love to have games a bit more spaced out but we’re at the mercy of other venues and clubs around the league” he said.
Perth Glory’s first blockbuster clash at home will be the Round Five fixture against last season’s Grand Finalists, Western Sydney Wanders whom Glory will host twice this season. Glory is also investigating the possibility of using the Round as a double header, whereby Glory Women could play a W-League match as a curtain raiser.
Glory will also host Graham Arnold and his slick Sydney FC outfit and the Brisbane Roar twice.
Perth will open its 20-year anniversary campaign wearing its heritage jersey against the Central Coast Mariners at nib Stadium on Saturday, October 8.
Perth Glory 2016/17 season memberships are now on sale. Details HERE.
