Welcome to footballwa.net! Here you will find all the latest football news from Western Australia, current tables for the state's top four Leagues, archived tables and results dating back to 1950, the Western Australian Club Directory which includes honour lists and divisional movements for each club and much, much more.

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27.2.2026

SEASON SPOTLIGHT: NPL WA 2026 PREVIEW

It’s that time of year again as we cast our eye over the campaign ahead with our NPL-WA season preview

Can Bayswater City go back-to-back, or will Olympic Kingsway regain the title they won in 2024? Stirling Macedonia will be chasing championship glory for the first time since 1995 after lifting the Night Series, while Perth RedStar should once again be in the mix for honours.

All eyes will also be on Dianella White Eagles as they begin their first season back among WA’s elite since 1998.

The footballwa.net team takes a look at all 12 clubs, joined by footballwa’s very own “The Insider”, Murray Stevens from The World Football Programme radio show, footballwa.net founder Jacob Aufdemkampe, and for the first time, predictions from ChatGPT, offering their thoughts on how 2026 might unfold.

27.2.2026

NEW BALANCE NPLWA – MENS WEEK ONE PREVIEW

The 2026 New Balance NPLWA - Men’s season kicks off this weekend, and it opens up with two blockbusters on Friday evening, with champions Bayswater City hosting Italian rivals Balcatta Etna at Frank Drago Reserve, and Perth Azzurri welcoming Olympic Kingsway to Dorrien Gardens. (Both kick off at 7:00pm) City won the title by one point from Olympic, and both will look to start the new season with a win, but they come up against two sides who impressed in the night series, so both will be entertaining game.

But our Week One ‘Match of the Round’ takes us to Hilton Reserve on Saturday, when Fremantle City entertain Night series winners Stirling Macedonia. (3:00pm) It was a tough season for the port side in 2025, and they had to go in the relegation/promotion playoffs to stay in the top flight, but wins against Kingsley Westside in the semi-final, and Joondalup City in the final saw them survive. Stirling ended last season on a high as well, winning the State League Cup Final, with a come-from-behind win against Olympic Kingsway. But it’s a new season now, and both sides have recruited well, and it sets up a great first game of the season.

The last time the teams played in the league at the venue was in week 15, with Stirling running out 2-1 winners. Substitute Brent Quick scored six minutes from time to seal the win, turning home fellow substitute Alex Tanevski’s header across goal. A curling effort from Scottish striker Callum McKenzie had given the visitors the lead just after the hour mark, before Charlie Betts levelled shortly after, but Quick’s goal secured the points.

It was a successful night series for Striling, and defender Aston Montgomery, who bagged three consecutive goals, and he said it’s something he would like to bring to his game this season. “it’s always great to win a trophy, and play in them sort of games especially against Kingsway, it’s always a battle against them. After we went 1-0 up, I thought we defended well, and we’re under pressure for parts of the game, so to keep a clean sheet and end up with the win is great,” he explained. “It would be nice to add a few more goals for myself during the season, but as long as the team are playing well and we are getting results that’s the main thing.”

After missing out on the top four last season, Montgomery said they are aiming to make emends this season, and to start the new season with a win will be massive. “Yes, obviously we just missed out on the top four last year, but we will be looking to better that this year. We hope to be pushing for the title as that is the end goal and we want to be up there this year. The team is looking fit and playing well so looking forward for the season to start,’ the defender said. “We have a had a long preseason, and Ago and Stewy have had us working hard getting the fittest we can and working on how we want to play. Fremantle this week will be a tough game, last year we drew at home to them and won at their ground, so looking to do the same this week and get the three points to start off the season.

Fremantle new striker Bill Orr headed to Fremantle after a successful season at Canning City last season, where he won the Division Two Golden Boot with 15 goals. He enjoying his time their but can’t wait to get started in the NPL. “I enjoyed my time at Canning and it was a solid season personally. Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to win anything as a group, which was disappointing. I’d just like to thank Lee and Alpha for their effort during the season and I hope they do well this year,’ Orr explained. “Pre-season has gone really well at Fremantle, and the boys have worked hard from day one and there’s been a great intensity at training. It’s taken a bit of time to build combinations with a new group, but everyone has bought into what the coaches want and the standards have been really high. I feel like we’re in a good place physically and tactically heading into the season.”

Orr opened his account in the night series against Bayswater, and he said they have prepared well for the season, and can’t wait to get started, with a tough test against Stirling. “Yes, it was good to get off the mark at a new club and in a new division. As a striker you always want that first goal early, so it definitely gives you confidence. Hopefully I can keep that momentum going into the season. I feel confident I can score at this level and I’m really looking forward to getting started properly,” he said. “Scott and Dale have prepared us really well throughout pre-season and the squad is feeling ready. We know Stirling Macedonia will be a strong challenge, especially coming in as Night Series winners, but playing at home is always important for us. We’re definitely looking to start the season strongly and hopefully get the three points in front of our supporters.”

In other Saturday games Western Knights make the trip to Alfred Skeet Reserve to take on Armadale, while Andres Oliveira takes control of his first league game for Sorrento, when they welcome Perth Glory to Percy Doyle Reserve. In the final game newly promoted Dianella White Eagles play their first Premier League game since 1998, when they visit the RedStar Arena to take on Perth RedStar.

27.2.2026

OLYMPIC NEW STRIKER HAS HIT THE GROUND RUNNING

New Olympic Kingsway English striker Robert Harker has hit the ground running, scoring three goals in the Night Series, and he said he’s settled in well at the Green Machine after signing from NPL Victorian side Hume City, this after a chat with a new team mate. “The move came about as I was leaving Hume City at the end of last season,” he said. “Aryn Williams, who had briefly played there whilst the current manager, Nick Heggarty had played there, and Nick messaged Aryn making him aware of me moving to Perth and things just fell into place from there, I spoke to Toughy and some of the boys here and it made my mind pretty easy to join Olympic Kingsway.”

The striker headed down under in 2024, joining Gold Coast United, before heading to Hume City, and his decision to leave full time football was tough, but he’s enjoyed every minute. “It was a tough decision, knowing I was leaving full time professional football. But I wasn’t really enjoying my life there. All I did was football and I wanted a change. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, having nothing behind me but football and moving across the world. But looking back now it was the best decision I’ve made and glad I did it,” Harker explained.

“My stint at Hume was good, but it didn’t start off great as I missed ten games at the start of the season due to an injury. But I came back in form and finished the season with nine goals and just missing out on top six play offs. The Melbourne lifestyle and weather, especially the winter wasn’t suiting to what I was wanting, and with my sister already being in Perth. I made my decision to leave Victoria and move to WA.”

In the UK, Harker started his football journey at Bury and Burnley before a move to FC Halifax Town. During his stay at The Shaymen, he played in the 2023 FA Trophy final in front of over 27,000 at Wembley Stadium, and helped them to a 1-0 win, a day he will never forget, and he’s hoping for more success at Olympic. “Yes, winning at Wembley was incredible, not many players can say they’ve won a trophy at Wembley, not that it is a big trophy there, but the feeling, and the whole experience is something I’ll never forget,” he explained. “At Olympic the team is looking strong. Plenty of new players so we have to give a bit of time to gel and get to build relationships on the pitch. We all know what the aim is this season and we are all fully onboard with Toughy and the coaching staff, as well as all the people behind the scenes, and together I feel we could do great things this season individually and as a club and for the people of Olympic Kingsway SC.”

27.2.2026

FLOREAT ATHENA V GWELUP CROATIA – NIGHT SERIES SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW

A spot in the State League Night Series Final is on the line on Saturday evening, with both semifinals taking place at Luxwin Stadium, Hartfield Park. In the early game at the venue Floreat Athena take on Gwelup Croatia. (6:00pm) Floreat were too strong for Mandurah City in the quarter-final with Jordan Langley bagging his third goal in the competition, while Harry Lewis grabbed a brace in the 3-0 win. Defender Rowan Steed said it was a tough game, but the new look side got the job done. “Yes, it was definitely hard fought, but happy to get the job done and another clean sheet is always good,” he said. “We are a new team, but we have a great bunch of lads who are willing to put in the work and meet the high standards set by the coaching staff.”

Steed, who joined the club from Curtin University this season, said after relegation last season, the club are determined to get back into the NPL and there is a real hunger around the club to succeed, and a win in the Night Series will be a great start. But standing in their way is Gwelup, and he knows they are a good side, and believes it will be an entertaining game. “I can’t speak for the club, but the players are hungry every time we play, but we are just trying to win the game in front us and the rest should take care of itself,” Steed explained. “Gwelup will be another challenge for us, and as a squad and we are aware of their attacking potency. It should be a good watch and we will do our best to get the club through to a final.”

Gwelup Croatia needed penalties to beat UWA Nedlands in the quarter finals, after goals from Ben Campbell and a late strike from Massimo Paiano sent the game to spot kicks, and Gwelup prevailed 8-7. New midfielder Tarek Atta, who has joined from Western Knights, said he has settled in well, and the team is improving with every game. “Last week was another solid hit out from the squad. We found ourselves, for the third consecutive week digging in late in the game to score and come back to eventually win the game, showing the relentless effort from the boys,” he explained. “It’s been a smooth transition as I knew a few of my teammates prior. I’m also enjoying my football more now that the coach Basil is playing me in the positions that I’m naturally better at in the midfield. Looking forward to carrying our momentum in the night series into the league and getting into that top four so we can compete for NPL.”

Atta had a spell in Dubai in 2023 with Fleetwood United, and he said it was a great learning curve for him, but he’s now focused on helping Gwelup reach the final. “My time in Dubai was nice for a change. I got to meet many ex-professional players and coaches from the premier league and the championship. It was a good opportunity for me to learn from others who were at the top of their game. Ultimately after a season I had an offer in Melbourne that I chose to accept and come back closer to home,” Atta explained. “All my focus is now at Gwelup, and we are expecting a good game, and really looking forward to it. Especially being at Hartfield Park, the pitch where I grew up playing as a junior and where I made my first team debut. I’m hoping that my body will have recovered by then so that I can play an important role in the semifinal game.”

27.2.2026

INGLEWOOD V SUBIACO AFC – NIGHT SERIES SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW

In the second Semi-Final, Inglewood United meet Subiaco AFC, in the late game at Luxwin Stadium, Hartfield Park. (8:00pm) Subiaco edged past Rockingham City in the quarter finals, with a brace from Tomas Despotovski, taking his tally to five in the competition. Subiaco midfielder Jonty Pearson said it was a good performance, and they have rebounded after a first up loss to Floreat. “We’re very happy to come away with the win. Rockingham away is never an easy place to go, and the late goal was well deserved considering the pressure we’d been applying, particularly in the second half,” he said. Those tense moments are what make football special. While we would have preferred to finish it in normal time, the group showed real character and composure in the shootout. It’s a great reward for the work the lads put in.

“The first game against Floreat was one we had to take on the chin and learn from. It highlighted areas we needed to improve, but it’s preseason and those games are about building fitness and understanding. The lads have continued to get valuable minutes into their legs, and with players returning from injury the squad is looking strong. We’ve got a great balance of experienced players and young lads who are performing week in, week out. You can see the cohesion building each week, and that’s a credit to the work we are putting in. We’re really happy with where the squad is at and excited about what’s ahead this season.”

Pearson, who came up through the Perth Glory academy, working with the likes of Steven McGarry, Terry McFlynn and Richard Garcia, before stints at Bayswater City and Dianella. He knows it will be a stern test against Inglewood, but one the players are looking forward to. “Inglewood is a strong side and we know it’ll be a tough contest. Both teams are in good form, so it should be a high-quality semifinal,” he said. “The group’s preparing well and training with good intensity. We’re confident in what we do, now it’s about stepping on the pitch and delivering.”

Inglewood United beat holders Kingsley Westside in the quarter final, with goals from Jordan Brown and Shane McMonagle. Midfielder Gavin Byars said they were made to work hard to win, but the team is gelling well under new coach Glen Grostate. “Yes, it was a good win for us, another clean sheet and well taken goals against a team who like to get in your face and make it difficult to play against. Saying that we could have been more clinical in front of goal but overall, I’m delighted with the result and how we played on the night,” he said. “Glenn, Jeff and the rest of the staff have been excellent so far. Everyone has adapted quickly to Glenn’s style of play and it’s obviously working well as shown in our pressing and build up play especially throughout night series. I still feel although we have a few more gears to get through before we get to our best.”

Byars, who grow up in Scotland playing his early football, before stint in Prague while he was studying there. He returned to Scotland and signed for semi-professional club Dyce, before heading to Perth and played for Dianella White Eagles last season, helping them to promotion. He’s looking for more success at Inglewood, and a place in the night series final would be a perfect start to life at the club. “It’s a great opportunity to make a statement and get ourselves into a final. Subiaco will be a tough game, we know they will be a strong side who can play some good football,” Byars explained. “I have no doubts if we show the hunger and fight, we did against Kingsley then we will get ourselves into the final.”

27.2.2026

GRIFFITHS LOOKING FOR A RESPONSE AGAINST THE ROAR

They say a week is a long time in football, and Perth Glory coach Adam Griffiths is seeing that first hand at the moment. After a strong start to his tenure, they have fallen away in recent weeks, and the rumour mill is working overtime with former Newcastle Jets coach Robert Stanton’s name being mentioned as a replacement. But that’s the least of Griffiths’ concerns at the moment, and he will be looking to get his side back to form on Saturday, when they head to Queensland to take on Brisbane Roar in week 19 of the Isuzu Ute A-League at Kayo Stadium (kick-off at 3pm WST). Back-to-back defeats has seen Glory slip five points out of the top six, but it was the manner of the defeat last week against Adelaide United which shocked many, and Griffiths knows they have to improve.

“It’s one of those games, when see a lot of positives, but also areas we have to improve, and those are the ones we need to stay focused on, stick to our game plan and believe in what we do, and when we do that correctly, we are a very strong team,” Griffiths said. “We’ve been up and down, so we have to improve a lot. There have been elements of our game which have been very pleasing and there are other areas where we have to stand up and make sure we start to improve. We need to stay together and connected and continue to do the things that have made us a strong team in the performances when we have done well. The players have to re-live those moments and understand why were successful in those moments. If we do that, then I’m sure the players will be stronger and more confident than before.”

Griffiths said Tom Lawrence will again miss with plantar fasciitis, the Welsh striker has missed the last two games with the injury, but the coach is looking for the rest of his chargers to respond after last week’s heavy defeat, as they continue their away trips. “The next three games will determine where we sit on the ladder, obviously and how we move forward for the rest of the season,” he said. “I’m looking for a response from last week, and for competition in the group to get a place in the team and… I’m looking for a winning mentality. That’s what this club needs to grow towards; a mentality that is going to define us for the future games for the rest of the season. There are characters in this team who believe in what we’re doing and have the mentality to galvanise that and really push us forward in a positive direction. If we do that, we will start to get the results we believe we can.”

Glory defender Sam Sutton said training has been good this week, and they are looking to bounce back from back-to-back defeats. “It’s never easy when you are in a period like we are now, but we’ve all analysed we’re we are going wrong, and we realise it’s not too bad,” he said. “Yes, it’s two losses and the 0-4 loss wasn’t great, but we are still in a good space. Bar last weekend, we’ve been in a position to win games that we’ve not picked points up in, it’s not the end of the world. We’re only five points out of the six, and there is plenty to play for. We go into the game confident, after a good week at training, we are raring for the weekend. They (Brisbane) are very physical, and we’re very aware of that. But we’ve got our own DNA we need to strengthen, and that’s what we’ve been doing this week. We’re making sure we tidy up in both boxes, finishing and defending, and I think that will be key this weekend and we have to maintain our high standards.”

Sutton is liking his time in the west, and he hopes his form can seal a spot in the All-Whites World Cup squad later this year. “It’s a massive goal of mine to go to the world cup with New Zealand, but there is plenty of competition for the left back position. It’s a very hard goal to reach, but it’s something I believe in myself to get there, but I’ve got to perform here first. It’s a big mountain to climb, but I’ll keep pushing for it,” he explained. “I’m very happy I made the decision to come here, it’s a beautiful place and I think the club is going in a good place as well. I’m really enjoying it, obviously I’d like to be further up the table, but football doesn’t always go like that, but there is heaps to play for, so I’m going to fight and battle for a finals spot.”

Glory will have fond memories of their last trip to Brisbane, in week nine last season, when a goal from David Williams secured a 1-0 win at the Suncorp Stadium. Griffiths knows Brisbane are also fighting for a spot in the finals this season, and they currently sit two points behind his side. The teams have already met this season, when the Roar left HBF Park with a 2-1 win in week 13. Adam Taggart did give Glory the lead early, but goals either side of half time from Chris Long and Sam Klein sealed the win for the visitors.

Griffiths believes his side will need to match Roar’s abrasive and physical approach, and he is confident they can. “They [Brisbane] started the season strongly and are a physical team with a lot of energy,” he said. “That hasn’t changed in terms of their game, so we’re expecting a similar type of game for us. It’ll be a physical game and it will have its challenges.” Glory will see the return of defender Brian Kaltak, who was badly missed in the defeat in Adeleide, while Arion Sulemani has also been added to the squad, but Lachie Wales and Brandon O’Neill will both miss again with injury.

Brisbane Roar Squad: GK Dean BOUZANIS, GK Macklin FREKE, 2 Youstin Delfin SALAS GOMEZ, 3 Dimitri VALKANIS, 5 Marius LODE, 6 Austin LUDWIK, 7 Jacob BRAZETE, 8 Samuel KLEIN, 9 Christopher LONG, 10 Georgios VRAKAS, 15 Hosine BILITY, 16 Matthew DENCH, 17 Justin VIDIC, 19 Michael RUHS, 23 James MCGARRY, 25 Nicholas D’AGOSTINO, 30 Quinn MACNICOL, 31 Noah MAIERONI, 44 Jordan LAUTON, 47 James DURRINGTON - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: BILITY (promoted), McGARRY (returns from suspension), MACNICOL (promoted) - Unavailable: 13 Henry HORE (leg), 22 Nathan AMANATIDIS (quad), 26 James O’SHEA (leg), 41 Emmett SHAW (back), 77 Milorad STAJIC (leg)

Perth Glory Squad: GK Matt SUTTON, GK Mark BIRIGHITTI, 2 Charbel SHAMOON, 3 Sam SUTTON, 4 Scott WOOTTON, 5 Riley FOXE, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 8 Callum TIMMINS, 9 Jaiden KUCHARSKI, 16 Gabriel POPOVIC, 17 Arion SULEMANI, 18 Luca TEVERE, 20 Trent OSTLER, 22 Adam TAGGART, 24 Andriano LEBIB, 25 Seb DESPOTOVSKI, 27 Will FRENEY, 39 Gio DE ABREU, 45 Brian KALTAK, 67 Stefan COLAKOVSKI - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: SULEMANI, KALTAK - Unavailable: GK Cameron COOK, 6 Brandon O’NEILL, 11 Lachlan WALES, 31 Joel ANASMO, 34 Tom LAWRENCE (All Injured)

23.2.2026

AZZURRI SHOW GOOD SIGNS AGAINST INDIA IN ASIAN CUP WARM UP CLASH

Yesterday marked a historic milestone for Perth Azzurri, and for the first time in the club’s history, their NPL Women’s team shared the pitch with a senior international side, facing off against the India Women’s National Team at Macedonia Park, as they prepare for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. The visitors prevailed 7-2, but the performance pleased Head Coach Tom Glavovic.

“It was an occasion filled with immense pride—not just for the players who crossed the white line, but as a validation of our entire program and the future of this club. The match was structured into two 45-minute halves, allowing us to field two distinct line-ups,” the Azzurri coach told the clubs media. “Our opening 45 minutes were nothing short of outstanding. The Azzurri girls delivered a performance built on confidence, bravery, and tactical discipline.

“We didn’t just compete; we took a deserved 1–0 lead, proving that our style of football holds its own against international opposition. While India found an equaliser in the dying moments to send us into halftime at 1–1, that first half was an exceptional display of football. It was a 45-minute performance that perfectly reflected the character and belief within our dressing room. Our identity works, even against some of the best in the world. The second half was about opportunity. We introduced a fresh group heavily featuring our U21s and emerging youth players.

“If we want to build a dynasty, our young players need to experience the intensity of international-level football. They fully embraced the moment. The desire, work ethic, and commitment to the Azzurri brand of football were clear for everyone at the ground to see. While India’s experience ultimately saw them win the match overall in the second half, the final aggregate scoreline does not define the performance. Both halves showcased the depth, potential, and undeniable future of Perth Azzurri Women.”

Azzurri shocked their international visitors, who are ranked 67th in the FIFA rankings, with Jessica Flannery converting from the spot to give them the lead, but the Blue Tigresses levelled before the break, with Dangmei Grace on target. A new look Azzurri line-up, found themselves behind early in the second half with Grace added a second, before goals from Rimpa Haldar and Babina Devi Lisham made it 4-1. The Azzurri pulled one back with Ailsa Zindell scoring a free kick, but Amelia Valverde’s side finished strongly with three further goals from Kaviya Pakkirisamy and a brace from Sangita Basfore.

India, who also beat Perth RedStar 5-0 last week, with a double from Aveka Singh, with Pyari Xaxa, Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam and Sanju netted one goal each for India. They have been drawn in Group C in AFC Asian Cup, which starts next week, alongside Chinese Taipei, Japan and Vietnam, and their opening game is at HBF Park next Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Azzurri are preparing for the New Balance NPLWA, and will look to qualify for the semi-final of the Night Series with a win or draw against Balcatta Etna on Friday evening. Glavovic said the game was an important step for them. “This fixture was about more than just a result,’ he said.

“It was about growth, belief, and setting a brand-new benchmark for our women’s program. To compete, the way we did against a national team gives us enormous confidence moving forward and reinforces that the tireless work being done behind the scenes is building something truly special. I am extremely proud of every single player involved and grateful for the opportunity to test ourselves on this stage. Now, we recover, review, and look ahead with excitement to our next international friendly on Wednesday against Chinese Taipei in a behind closed door game, and Friday’s Night Series group decider against Balcatta - The journey continues.”

22.2.2026

HAHN AUSTRALIA CUP WA – ROUND TWO REVIEW

We had two cup upsets in round two of the Hahn Australia Cup on Saturday evening, and both games were played in a triple header at Hay Park in Bunbury. In the late game at the venue Dunsborough Town have upset the 2003 and 2004 State Cup Winners Swan United, beating the Premier Amateur Division side 5-4 on penalties, after the game ended 0-0 at full time. The visitors were reduced to ten men early, with Thomas Eddie shown a straight red card, and it was going to be backs to the wall for the hosts. But it was former Subiaco AFC keeper Ryan Montgomery who was the hero for the hosts, saving a penalty in the game, and saving one in the shoot-out to send Town in the next round.

“It was a massive effort from all the boys involved, we’ve only started preseason two weeks before and had two sessions so for the boys to put in the effort that they did was outstanding,” Montgomery explained. “Obviously playing a club from Perth like Swan was a big opportunity for us as a country team that a lot of the boys haven’t experienced that before. The average age of our back line was 40 but we somehow managed to dig in and get it to pens, where I was confident that we could get the job done. Credit to Swan they had the better chances throughout the game, but if you don’t take your chances then anything can happen, that’s the beauty of this competition really.”

The other upset came in the middle game at the venue, with Bunbury Dynamos beating Stirling Panthers 5-3. The hosts were in command at half time leading 4-1, with Erwin Schavemaker scoring twice, with others to Corey Barclay and Blake Samniotto for Dynamos, with Simon Lee scoring for the visitors. Lee added his second early in the second half, but Barclay’s second put the game to bed, although Thomas O’Brien-Whelan scored a late consolation goal for the Panthers.

“Couldn’t have been happier with the of the game last night, not only for the result but just the way we played and where we are all at with our fitness this early on in the year,’ Barclay explained. “After our friendly against Peel last week we talked about being more clinical in front of goal and I definitely think we were last night. Obviously, there’s still work to do before the season starts but we’ve all set the bar high for ourselves after last season and would love to achieve that again this year.”

In the early game at the venue, Kwinana United scored two late goals to beat Dalyellup 2-1. The hosts led after only four minutes, with Ababio Bright scoring, and it looked like that goal would see them progress to the next round. But in the final minute WA State Amateur representative Wayne Carter levelled to send the game to extra time, and Carter bagged a second to win it for George Mann’s side. “It was a great game played in good spirits,” Mann said. “They pushed us right until the end and we were delighted to snatch the win in extra time.”

In the other games this weekend Port Kennedy also caused an upset beating Amateur Premier Division North Perth United 2-1 at Woodville Reserve. Goals from Declan Crockenberg and Tyron Martin had Port two to the good, and although Ben Green pulled one back later the visitors held firm to win the tie. “We knew when the draw was made how tough the game would be and it turned out to be just that. We scored early doors and competed well,” Port Kennedy coach Aaron Rigby explained.

“The turning point was the penalty just before half time which thankfully our keeper saved. We then went back out in the second half and scored early to put ourselves in a good position. From there on it was all about digging in and putting our bodies on the line. They grabbed a consolation but we thoroughly deserved the victory with some fantastic last ditch defending. Good luck to North Perth for their upcoming league campaign. We now have Cockburn away in the next round. We know it will be extremely difficult but my boys back themselves against anyone and we are looking forward to the challenge.”

In other ties, Spearwood Dalmatinac and Ellenbrook United moved though, after Football Margaret River and Twin City Saints forfeited. Wanneroo City edged out Joonsanna Blues 1-0 in a hard-fought game at Reader Reserve with Alan Reid scoring the only goal of the game. In the final game of the round, goals to Adam Di Vincenzo and Regan Kamudu gave Cracovia SC a 2-0 win against Mindarie FC at the Cracovia Club.

22.2.2026

ETNA AND REDSTAR FIGHT BACK IN NPLWA – WOMENS NIGHT SERIES WEEK TWO

It's week two in the New Balance NPLWA Women’s Night Series, and in the opening game in Group B at Dorrien Gardens on Friday evening we had a six-goal thriller with Balcatta Etna coming from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 with the Hyundai FW Academy. “We found ourselves 3-1 down with 25 minutes to play and got it back to 3-3,” Balcatta Coach Peter Rakic said. “But we also hit the cross bar three times which could have easily wrapped the match up, but it was end to end stuff though, it was a pretty entertaining game. Lucy Jerram gave Balcatta the lead at the break, but a brace from Cate McAuliffe, and another to Savanna Glavovic had the FW Academy in charge.

But Balcatta hit back with Caitlin Doeglas scoring, and she added her second, to restore parity. Both sides had chances to win it, but had to settle for a share of the spoils. “FWA were a well-disciplined team and I think some lapses from us in moments put us in a difficult position being 3-1 down,” Balcatta defender Frankie Murray said. “We have to take accountability for those and to bounce back and take the draw was important.” FW Academy coach Stephen Walmsley said it was a great game for the neutral. “Another challenging game against a strong team. The girls had a good approach to competing and produced plenty of chances,” he said. “Balcatta showed they are a good team in the second half and it was a great game for the neutral. Our young players will benefit from more games like this.

In the late game at the venue, Perth Azzurri were too strong for UWA Nedlands, running out 7-1 winners. The hosts lead 4-1 at the break, with goals from Sam Mathers, Jessica Flannery, and a brace from debutant Xuri Dalton, with Melina Franklin scoring for UWA. Mathers added her second early in the second half, before further goals from substitutes Grace Warburton and Macey McCready completed the scoring. “The win was definitely something we needed to get our momentum going,” Mathers said. “It was really good to come back from a tough draw the week before to show that when we play our style of football we can create lots of opportunities and score lots of goals.”

In the early game in Group A at Percy Doyle Reserve on Saturday evening, Subiaco AFC have bounced back from last week’s loss to Fremantle, beating hosts Sorrento 4-0. “We’re really pleased with our second official hit-out as a new squad,” new Subiaco coach Christine Coppin said. “The team created multiple scoring opportunities, and it was especially encouraging to see us play our style of football in the second half. We’re now looking forward to taking on RedStar next week.” Subiaco found the opener just before half time, Elise Cunningham on target.

After the break Savannah Olsthoorn added a second, initially thought to be an own goal, but the referee credited it to her, before late goals from Niamhie Taylor Hughes, and Lauren Tyne completed the scoring. Skipper on the night Ana Denona said they were pleased with the performance. “I thought we played well as a team, especially after Sorrento came out firing, and it took us the first ten minutes to really settle,” Denona said. “But once we did, we were relaxed on the ball and used our wingers to our advantage. All the players gave 100% and it was great to get our first win — it was well deserved.”

In the late game at the venue, Perth RedStar have fought back from two goals down at half time to secure a 3-2 win against Fremantle City with skipper Sarah Carroll scoring a hat-trick. “Very happy with the result, to come back from two goals down just shows the resilience that we have within the group,” Carroll said. “I thought we started off really well and on the front foot, unfortunately we then probably lost a little bit of composure and conceded two goals. For the girls to respond in the manner in which they did in the second half is something I’m very proud of. It’s another positive step in the right direction.” Fremantle were ahead on 19 minutes with Sofie Osborne scoring, and Leyna Wood doubled their advantage on the half hour. But the comeback started seven minutes into the second half, with Carroll reducing the deficit, and she drew RedStar level on 68 minutes, and the skipper won it eight minutes later.

21.2.2026

STIRLING SEAL 2026 NIGHT SERIES FINAL

Stirling Macedonia are the 2026 New Balance NPLWA – Men’s Night Series winners, after a narrow 1-0 win against Olympic Kingsway at a packed Macedonia Park on Saturday evening. The only goal of the game, was an own goal from Robert Harker on 18 minutes, while Olympic went close to levelling after the break, with Harker and Aryn Willimas both hitting the woodwork, but Stirling held firm to claim the preseason competition.

It was Olympic who opened brightly, but it was the hosts with the first real opportunity on seven minutes. A long clearance from Liam Hattersley wasn’t dealt with, the ball fell to Bayley-Brown Montgomery, but his shot was saved by Adrian Sinagra, and the rebound was deflected wide. The hosts were on top and moments later Euan Cameron’s snap shot drifted wide. Ago Mujic’s side were dangerous on transition and the lively Alex Tanevski broke down the right, and his low cross was well cleared by the alert Williams.

But their pressure was rewarded with the lead on 18 minutes. Kade Fearnall’s in-swinging corner was headed into his own net by Harker, under pressure from Danny Douglas. That goal woke Olympic up, and Harker set up the lively Noah Ieraci, but he fired straight at Liam Hattersley. Moments later a great through ball from Liam Boland sent Harker clear, but the former Hume City striker’s lob from the edge of the box was over the top.

Olympic ended the half well and Mitch Oxborrow’s long-range effort deflected off Dejan Spaseski, but luckily for the Stirling skipper, it went straight into the grateful arms of Hattersley. The hosts lost Douglas with a leg injury, and he was replaced by Joshua Bilaloski, but Olympic had one final chance before the break, Jack Clisby volleying over the top from Oxborrow’s corner, but at the break the hosts held a narrow lead.

It was an even start to the second half, with clear cut chances few and far between early, but on the hour Olympic went within inches of the equaliser. Mitch Oxborrow’s free kick was only cleared as far as Harker, and his shot crashed off the post. Stirling hit back with substitute Calvin Whitney’s shot from the edge of the box whistling over the top, before Callum McKenzie’s curling effort flashed wide. The hosts thought they had a penalty when McKenzie was hauled down by Sam Kamper, but referee Liam Barcley waved away their appeals.

McKenzie then saw his free kick saved by Sinagra, as Stirling looked for a second to seal the game. But they couldn’t find one, and Olympic pressed late. Oxborrow’s corner was flicked on at the front post by Williams, and Harker’s goalbound shot was well blocked by substitute Hristian Jankuloski. Moments later Oxborrow’s corner picked out Williams, whose header crashed off the crossbar. They had one last chance to take the game to penalties, Oxborrow’s free kick glanced off the head of Jankuloski, the ball going inches over the top with Hattersley beaten. But Stirling held firm to take out their first Night Series title since 1995, and Stirling midfielder Kade Fearnall won the Football West Medal, as player of the match.

GK Liam Hattersley, 4 Aston Montgomery, 5 Kai Matthews, 6 Dejan Spaseski (24 Hristijan Jankuloski 46’), 8 Kade Fearnall, 9 Euen Cameron (23 Calvin Whitney 55’), 16 Bayley Brown-Montgomery (13 Jamie Bilaloski 55’), 17 Alex Tanevski (21 Pacifique Dufitimukiza 78’), 18 Danny Douglas (14 Joshua Bilaloski 30’), 19 Callum McKenzie, 20 Shade Stewart – Subs not used: RGK Tommy Sputore, 12 Daniel Faichney,

GK Adrian Sinagra, 2 Samuel Kamper, 4 Oliver Annis, 6 Aryn Williams, 7 Tyler Garner, 8 Mitchell Oxborrow, 9 Joe Hobson (18 Reegan Mimnaugh 46’), 10 Liam Boland, 14 Noah Ieraci (12 William Ferson 70’), 19 Jack Clisby, 45 Robert Harker – Subs not used: RGK Kaveen Waran 3 Harley Orr, 13 Ali Mohamed, 17 Younous Sow, 20 Lewis Brace – Referee: Liam Barcley

21.2.2026

GLORY HIT BACK TO DOWN THE JETS AND MOVE INTO FINALS CONTENTION

Perth Glory have come from behind twice to beat Newcastle Jets 3-2 in the week 18 Ninja A-League clash at the No2 Sportsground on Saturday afternoon. Emma Dundas had given the hosts an early lead before Gabby Hollar levelled just before the break. Melina Ayres Put the Jets back in front on the hour-mark, but Glory hit back with late goals from Clancy Westaway and Tijan McKenna, to seal a thrilling win, and give them their first win in the Hunter Valley since 2020. A second win on the road lifts Stephen Peters’ side into fifth place heading into the Asian Cup break, and with four games remaining they are in a good position for a first finals appearance since 2019.

Peters made two changes to the side that beat Canberra United last weekend, with Natalie Tathem and Hollar coming in for Susan Pkonsongkham and Julie Sardo, who both missed the trip east. It was a vital game for Glory, and they opened brightly, Hollar couldn’t keep ger shot down on four minutes, before Isobel Dalton charged down Jets ‘keeper Georgia Ritchie’s clearance, but the ball rolled wide of the goal. But on 16 minutes the hosts, with their first opportunity found the opener. McKenna was caught in possession by Sophie Hoban, her shot on the run hit the post, and Dundas was on hand to fire home the rebound.

The Jets went close to a second five minutes later, Ayres’ shot stung the hands of Teresa Morrissey, before Lauren Allan headed over Charlotte Lancaster’s cross when well placed. After weathering the storm, Glory hit back and Rola Badawiya fired straight at Richie, after cutting in from the right, and Grace Johnstone’s cross shot drifted narrowly over the top. The visitors were knocking on the door, and Johnston then brought a smart one-handed save from the alert Ritchie, as Glory pressed for the equaliser. It duly arrived in the final minute of the half, Hollar pouncing on a loose pass in the middle of the park, before advancing to the edge of the box and dinked her shot over the advancing Ritchie, to end a pulsating first half.

It was more of the same after the break, and Glory had the ball in the net early, but Badawiya goal was disallowed, referee Isabella Mossin picking out a foul on the keeper. Morrissey then saved a header from Lancaster, but on the hour the home side regained the lead. It was a stunning strike from Ayres, volleying home superbly from Allan’s cross from the right. Glory’s finals hope was slipping away, but they weren’t finished and eight minutes later they restored parity.

Ella Lincoln raced down the right, and cut the ball back to substitute Westaway, who found the bottom corner of the net from ten meters, for her first A-League goal. Glory looked for the winner, and McKenna fired into the side netting after bursting into the box, and she should have done better. But that miss was forgotten four minutes from time, when Glory won it. Dalton’s corner wasn’t dealt with, the ball falling to McKenna and her shot was deflected into the net, to seal the 3-2 win.

Newcastle Jets Squad: GK Georgia RITCHIE, 3 Claudia CICCO, 4 Natasha PRIOR, 7 India BREIER, 8 Emma DUNDAS, 10 Elizabeth COPUS-BROWN (30 Alexis COLLINS 89’), 11 Charlotte LANCASTER (2 Josie WILSON 59’), 13 Lauren ALLAN 944 Kelli BROWN 70’), 14 Melina AYRES, 15 Emma BATES, 18 Sophie HOBAN – Subs not used: GK Ally BOERTJE, 9 Haley JOHNSON,26 Josie ALLAN

Perth Glory: GK Teresa MORRISSEY, 3 Emma TOVAR, 5 Grace JOHNSTON, 6 Tijan MCKENNA, 9 Gabby HOLLAR (8 Georgia CASSIDY 72'), 11 Natalie TATHEM (12 Bronte TREW 72'), 17 Rola BADAWIYA (26 Tanika LALA 84'), 23 Isobel DALTON, 25 Ella LINCOLN, 27 Charli WAINWRIGHT (28 Clancy WESTAWAY 60'), 29 Onyinyechi ZOGG – Subs not used: RGK Jessica SKINNER, 2 Mischa ANDERSON - Referee: Isabella MOOSIN

20.2.2026

STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES SEMI-FINALIST DECIDED

The State League Night Series Semi-Finals have been decided, after four thrilling quarter-finals on Friday evening, with Subiaco AFC, Gwelup Croatia, Inglewood United and Floreat Athena moving through to next week. In the early game at the Endeavour Homes Stadium - Larkhill Sportsplex, Subiaco’s Tomas Despotovski scored deep into stoppage time to draw 2-2 with hosts Rockingham City, before beating the hosts 4-3 on penalties. “Rockingham gave us a good and tough game,” Despotovski said. “But our boys fought really hard and showed a lot of character to push to get a result to get into the next round and we managed to get it done in the end.” It was Despotovski who found the opener early, firing home from distance, but Rockingham were level shortly after, with Brian Patterson on target. Rockingham were ahead 15 minutes from time, with Chris Thackray scoring, and it looked like the hosts good form would continue. But in the first minute of stoppage time Subiaco restored parity, with Despotovski firing home from the spot, and the striker won the tie for Subiaco, firing home the winning spot kick in the shootout.

In the late game at the venue, Gwelup Croatia scored a late equaliser to give them a 2-2 draw with UWA Nedlands, and then secured the tie 8-7 in a dramatic penalty shootout. “Another good hit for the players against a well drilled and experienced UWA, it was a tough game and both teams had a chance to win it,” Gwelup coach Basil Lenzo said. “I’m happy for the players who have worked hard this preseason and tough wins like this continue to build character.” Gwelup were ahead midway through the first half, a good ball by Callum Stokes who found Ben Campbell at the back post, who finished with an excellent left foot volley. But UWA were level on the half hour, Dean Hurley with a good near post finish. Kris Donnell’s side hit the front after the break, with Nicolas Falco on target, and it looked like they would win it, but a stunning long-range strike from Masimo Paiano, sent the game to a penalty shootout. In the shootout it was also tight, but it was Gwelup’s Alex Nicolaides who put the eighth one away for the victory.

In the early game at the Ashfield Arena, Inglewood United have beaten last season’s winners Kingsley Westside 2-0. “A strong performance from the lads tonight, we had a few players out and a few players in this week, so it’s nice to see the squad depth within the club,” Inglewood defender Ciaran Salinger said. “Credit to Kingsley, they definitely don’t give you an easy game. I though our younger lads really stood up tonight, and put on a very solid performance.” Glen Grostate’s side hit the front early, a short corner saw Shane McMonagle whip in a great cross to the back post and Jordan brown headed home. Both sides had chances in an entertaining game, but it was Inglewood who sealed the tie on the hour. A free kick fell to Salinger, whose shot was blocked, the ball was sent back out to Salinger, who cut the ball back to McMonagle, who tapped home.

In the late game at the venue, Floreat Athena moved into semi-finals with a 3-0 against Mandurah City. “Delighted to reach the semi-final, and honour our late board member Spiro Magoutas, who sadly passed way this week,” Floreat coach Alun Vernals explained. “Mandurah made it very difficult for us to break them down, so to score three and keep a clean sheet is pleasing, and more improvement will come with game sharpness.” Floreat hit the front on 20 minutes, Jordan Langley bagging his third goal in the competition, his shot deflecting past Josiah Godfrey, and they led by that goal at the break. Vernals’ side added a second on 73 minutes, with Harry Lewis firing home, and Lewis wrapped up the win four minutes later curling home a free kick.

20.2.2026

GLORY’S FINAL HOPES TAKE AT A HIT IN ADELAIDE

Perth Glory’s top six aspirations suffered a huge blow, after bring well beaten by Adelaide United in the week 18 clash at Coopers Stadium on Friday evening. Not even a huge following of supporters, on the Shed’s ‘Tour of Duty’ could help Adam Griffiths’ side, with the host rampant. First half goals from Juan Muniz and Jonny Yull gave the hosts the lead at the break, before second half goals from Luka Jovanovic and Luke Duzel secured a comprehensive 4-0 win for the Reds. Glory failed to have one shot on target in the game, which is a concern, the win moving the Reds up to third on the Isuzu Ute A-League table, while the Glory are languishing ninth, but they could drop lower after games on the weekend.

“We were off the pace, 110 per cent it is just not good enough, especially with these traveling fans that have come to watch this game,” a disappointed Griffiths said post-match, referring to the larger than usual contingent of Perth fans in the away bay for their annual ‘Tour of Duty’ trip. “They were just a much better team than us today, and we have to have a really strong look at ourselves. I’ll take full responsibility for this performance. We have to be better, we have to be more aggressive, more on the front foot, more fight. This performance was not good enough, we’ll have a good look at ourselves and we’ll refocus and prepare for the next game.”

Glory made two changes to the side that were beaten by Newcastle Jets last week, with Brian Kaltak out suspended, and his spot went to youngster Andriano Lebib, while Trent Ostler came in for Seb Despotovski, who dropped to the bench. The venue wasn’t a good hunting ground for Glory, their last win was in 2021, and on 12 minutes they were behind in this one. Ethan Alagich was brought down on the edge of the box by Will Freney, and Muniz fired home the resulting free kick, despite Matt Sutton getting a hand to it.

It wasn’t the start the visitors were looking for, but they went close themselves shortly after. Sam Sutton’s free kick was headed back across goal by Scott Wootton, but skipper Adam Taggart couldn’t turn the ball home from close-range. Taggart was involved again moments later, as Glory lifted, finding Charbel Shamoon, but the defender shot flashed wide of the target. Muniz was a real handful, and the Spanish midfielder went close to a second for the hosts, but he was denied by Sutton.

But on the half hour the Reds did add a second, a defensive mix up between Wootton and Freney on the edge of the box allowed Alagich a shot at goal which Sutton parried, but only to Yull, who swept the ball home. Griffiths had seen enough and made a change bringing on Despotovski for Ostler, and they finished the half well, but couldn’t create any clear-cut chances, and they had it all to do after the break.

Glory needed a good start to get back into the game, but they found themselves 3-0 down early. A quick counter attack by Ryan White sent Yaya Dukuly down the right, he slipped in White, who had continued his run, and his low cross was turned home at the back post by Jovanovic. Griffiths emptied the bench, but the damage had already been done, but the drama wasn’t over and eight minutes from time young defender Lebib was shown a red card by referee Shaun Evans for a high boot on Brody Burkitt.

But after a VAR review the red card was rescinded, and the defender was shown a yellow card. It looked bad on first viewing, but the referee had clearly got that one wrong. But the pain wasn’t over for Glory and their large following behind the goal, with Adelaide adding a fourth in stoppage time. Duzel eased past his marker, and raced into the box before finishing clinically past Sutton, to complete a night to forget for the men from the west. The Reds next have a road trip to take on Melbourne Victory on Friday night, while Perth’s next assignment is a date with Brisbane Roar at Kayo Stadium next Saturday evening.

Adelaide United: GK Joshua SMITS, 3 Bart VRIENDS, 4 Panagiotis KIKIANIS (52 Sotiri PHILLIS 63'), 7 Ryan KITTO, 9 Luka JOVANOVIC (35 Brody BURKITT 70'), 10 Juan MUÑIZ (36 Panashe MADANHA 84'), 12 Jonny YULL, 14 Jay BARNETT, 19 Yaya DUKULY (17 Ben FOLAMI 84') 44 Ryan WHITE (23 Luke DUZEL 70'), 55 Ethan ALAGICH – Subs not used: RGK Ethan COX, 65 Joey GARUCCIO

Perth Glory: GK Matt SUTTON, 2 Charbel SHAMOON, 3 Sam SUTTON, 4 Scott WOOTTON, 9 Jaiden KUCHARSKI (67 Stefan COLAKOVSKI 56'), 18 Luca TEVERE (7 Nicholas PENNINGTON 56'), 20 Trent OSTLER (25 Seb DESPOTOVSKI 31'), 22 Adam TAGGART (16 Gabriel POPOVIC 56') 24 Andriano LEBIB, 27 Will FRENEY (8 Callum TIMMINS 84'), 39 Gio DE ABREU – Subs not used: RGK Mark BIRIGHITTI, 5 Riley FOXE - Attendance: 8,537 - Referee: Shaun EVANS

20.2.2026

NEW BALANCE NPLWA – MENS NIGHT SERIES FINAL PREVIEW

The first piece of silverware in the NPL this season is on the line on Saturday evening, when hosts Stirling Macedonia welcome Olympic Kingsway to Macedonia Park, in the New Balance NPLWA - Men’s Night Series Final. (7:15pm) Both sides had tough games to progress to the final, a stunning late goal from substitute Younes Sow gave Olympic a come from behind 2-1 against Perth Glory, while a first half goal from Aston Montgomery sealed Stirling’s hard fought 1-0 win against Perth RedStar in the other. So, it set up a repeat of last season’s State Cup Final, which was another tight encounter, when Stirling scored two late goals to seal a 2-1 win.

They have already met in the group stage, with Olympic coming out 4-3 winners in a thriller, and I’m sure this game will also be an entertaining game. In the Group C opening round game, Liam Boland opened the scoring for the Green Machine early, before new English striker Robert Harker added a second. Stirling were back in the game before the break, with Callum McKenzie scoring, but they were reduced to ten men shortly after, when Danny Douglas was sent off. But there was still time for Stirling to level, Samuel Dweh scoring. Then just after the hour Stirling hit the front with Aston Montgoment scoring, but it would be Boland who would have the final say, bagging a brace to seal his hat-trick late, to seal the win.

The last time Olympic won the night series was in 2023, when they beat Inglewood United on penalties, and they will be aiming for a third on Saturday. They are undefeated in this season’s competition, and defender Aryn Williams said it’s been a good preseason to date, and win in the final would make it a great one, but he is expecting another tough game. “We’ve had a great start to this year so far and considering we’ve got a lot of new faces we’ve gelled really well. We’ve still got a lot to work on as a unit but we’re most definitely heading in the right direction,” Willams said. “It’s always a tough game against Stirling. We’ve played them already this season and beat them 4-3 with a heavily depleted squad, so it will be interesting this weekend to see how the game goes. We’re looking forward to it and it’s always nice to be involved in another Cup Final.”

Stirling last won the night series in 1995, when they defeated Swan IC, and they will go in search of their sixth pre-season trophy. The only blemish in the group stage was against Olympic, and skipper Dejan Spaseski said they are all ready for against big game against them. “Every time we play against Kingsway everything goes out the window and I believe it’s the best derby in the state. One thing we can assure is that this fixture will be no different and we are coming prepared to win the game,” Spaseski explained. “Our strong showing in the night series to date is all credit to coaches Ago and Stewy, they’ve put so much care and attention into preparing us properly for the season. We are in a great space at the moment and the playing squad have been great all pre-season.” In the earlier third and fourth playoff, Perth RedStar take on Perth Glory. (5:00pm)

20.2.2026

STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES QUARTER-FINAL PREVIEW

The State League Night Series has reached the Quarter-Final stage, and all four games will be played on Friday evening for a place in the semi-finals next week. It starts at the Endeavour Homes Stadium, Larkhill Sportsplex, and in the early game Group C winners Rockingham City host Group D runners-up Subiaco AFC. (6:30pm) Rockingham won all three games in the group, with Shaun Mukwevho, Willaim Hayes and Mitchell Foley amongst the goals. New City defender Chris Thackray said the new look side is progressing well, but he knows there is a long way to go.

“Yes, great to go unbeaten, and that's down to the hard work the group has put in so far this pre-season. But we are not getting carried away; as a group, we know we still have a long way to go and plenty of room to grow,” he said. “There is a strong group of players from last season, with great additions this season, so as a new group, we are working really hard together to put into practice what both Brooksy and Mark Sproule are asking of us on the training pitch. Playing a Division One outfit is always going to be a tough challenge and one that we will embrace. We want to push ourselves and test ourselves, and this will be a great platform to do so.”

Subiaco secured their place as one of the two highest runners-up with a win against Balga in the final group game, with Tomas Despotovski bagging a brace. It’s a return to the side for Phil Arnold this season, after having surgery, and he said a good win the final group game saw them progress. “Yes, it was good to get the win, but at the moment it’s all about getting minutes into the legs for the players,” the striker said. “Rockingham will be a good game they have a lot of experience and have performed well, but as mentioned it’s all about minutes in the legs and getting games under the belt at this stage of season. By winning means we get another competitive game under the belt and try make the final. My injury is coming along nicely, and I’ve managed to increase minutes every game, so just looking to continue that and be ready for the season.”

In the late quarter-final at the venue, Group A winners UWA Nedlands meet Group B runners-up Gwelup Croatia (8:30pm) UWA were unbeaten in their group, and sealed their place with a 4-0 win against Wembley Downs in the final game, with goals from Greg John, Seb Hooshangian and a brace from Joe McInness. After a good season in 2025, where they just missed out on promotion to the NPL, coach Kris Donnell has been pleased with the preseason. “After a tough end to last season, I’ve been very pleased with our pre-season, and we’ve been delighted with the boy’s commitment and effort throughout,” Donnell said. “We know Gwelup is always a great contest and I don’t see it being any different this Friday. We just want to focus on how we want to play and make sure we have another good performance under our belt.”

Gwelup booked their place as the other best runner-up, this after a come-from-behind 4-2 win against Gosnells City in the final game, with goals from Robert Ferrante, Jamie Sinnott, Tarek Atta and Jeremie Mba, and Ferrante said they are looking forward to Friday’s game. “Not our best showing by any means against Gosnells, but I think we showed some good character to push through and get the job done late (again), especially the boys who came off the bench,” the striker explained. “UWA have been a great side over the last few years, always looking to get the ball down and play, so yes, it’s definitely going to be a tough test for us. We have been working really hard over the last few weeks and it’s going to take the whole squad but we’re all really keen to get going and hopefully get the job done.”

The other quarter-finals will be played at the Ashfield Arena, and in the early game, Group B winners Kingsley Westside meet Group F winners Inglewood United. (6:30pm) Kingsley went through the group unbeaten and without conceding a goal, and a win in the final game against Ashfield, with goals from Max Adamson, Raeez Pandor and Paul Stewart saw them move through. Kingsley coach Ben Andrews has been pleased with the preseason, but Friday’s game is their biggest test. “The group stages were exactly what we needed for this stage of pre-season. The games were competitive and all played at a really high intensity. We used 24 players across the three games with some of ours 23’s and 18’s getting some first team exposure so we consider it a very beneficial three games,” he explained. “We are obviously pleased to top the group and give us another game in a competitive environment. There isn’t much more of a bigger test then Inglewood with the squad that Glen has assembled but it gives us an early indication on what to expect come rd1 when we play them again.”

Inglewood also went through the group unbeaten, and sealed their place in the next phase with Liam Hudson giving them a narrow 1-0 win against East Perth in the final game. Defender Jordan Brown said they head into the game in a positive mood. “The feeling is positive around the lads and the club to be into the quarters undefeated, but we are under no illusion that means anything significant moving forward. Theres a lot to work on and get better at as a squad, so I’m sure we will continue to keep putting the work in at training with Glen (Grostate) and use the upcoming games to keep the momentum going, while continuing to gel as there’s a lot of new faces here this season,” Brown explained. “Kingsley will be a big test for the lads this week, they had a great season last year and I’m sure there trying to push on and keep moving up the league to challenge this season. It will be a tough game but the boys will back our systems and each other to get the result and move forward into the next round.”

In the late game at the venue Group D winners Floreat Athena take on Group E winners Mandurah City. (8:30pm) Floreat sealed top spot with a 3-0 win in the final game against North Beach, with Jordan Langley scoring a double and Mohammed Al-Zaidy adding the other, and new Floreat midfielder Joshua Willis said the new group is gelling well, and knows Mandurah will be a stern test. “It’s been a good start results wise, we definitely could have been better as a group, but results are what matters and that will come, as you say, it’s a new group of players. The squad is very good and we have a great set of lads, who will all be looking to impress,” Willis said. “Yes, it will be a stern a test against a very good Mandurah side, and they can beat anyone on their day so we are very weary of that. All the boys are super excited for a knockout game and I’m confident as a group we will do our best to get the club through to the semi-finals.”

Mandurah sealed their place with a game to play, with wins against Curtin University and Kalamunda City, before a draw in the final game against Morley Windmills and defender Harry Collins said all their hard work is paying off, and there is a buzz around the club. “The lads have worked hard throughout the Christmas break and pre-season, and with such a new and young team there’s a real buzz around the place. Which always helps when we started night series by winning two out the first three games,” he said. “We can’t wait for the game on Friday against Floreat, the lads have been training hard, but it’s just another game and one we are looking forward to playing in.”

20.2.2026

SMITH RETURNS TO THE CAMPUS AND BLACK HEADS DOWN UNDER

After seven seasons away from the club with Bayswater City, Gordon Smith has returned to Perth RedStar for season 2026, while Aaron Black has joined from West of Scotland League Premier Division side Clydebank. Smith joined the then ECU Joondalup in 2016, and Scottish striker played two seasons at the Campus before heading to Frank Drago Reserve. The 35-year-old said his time at Bayswater was special and he has made many friends and has many highlights from his time there. “Yes, I enjoyed seven great years at Bayswater, a top club in the state. There was a lot of ups and downs throughout the years, but to top it off and end my time there with a league and top four title was great,” Smith explained.

“I met so many great people at the club and it was a tough to leave but something I felt was right for myself at this stage. The best moment for me personally was in my last game scoring the winner in the top four final against Kingsway. Obviously captaining the team to a first league title in 7/8 years was a great achievement, and we had a special team with a lot of competition for places which pushed us every week to be at our best. Another highlight was 2019’s FFA Cup run which seen us go over to play Olympic FC in the round of 32, although the result didn’t go our way it was a great experience.”

Smith said being back at the Campus is a great move for him, and RedStar were the only club he was going too. “As soon as the opportunity to return north and sign for RedStar came about there was nowhere else I was going,” he said. “Over the years they’ve had some great success and shown a real consistency under Callum and Dave especially. The squad is full of talent and we’ve a good blend of youth and experience. I am looking forward to passing on my experience to the younger players and contributing in the final third. I’m feeling fit and good and extremely excited for the season ahead.”

A move down under was a tough decision for Black, who played for Queen’s Park, Darvel, Blantyre Benburb, Gartcairn in Scotland, before signing for Clydebank last season, where he bagged 19 goal and a league winner's medal after 48 appearances for the Bankies. The 25-year-old striker said a phone call from head coach Callum Salmon sealed the deal, but it was a tough decision to leave Clydebank, but he can’t wait to get started in WA. “The move came about by Callum, the gaffer, getting my number from Scottish defender Ryan Finnie who is at the club, and after we talked, it all just moved smoothly from there,” Black explained.

“I loved my time at Clydebank, it’s a great club with a top fan base, and playing in front of a big crowd every week was something I loved. It was a bitter sweet decision to move to Australia, a great opportunity to play football abroad something I’ve always wanted to do, but leaving family and friends was a hard decision. I’m buzzing to be at RedStar, and to have a few Scottish boys in the team makes it a whole lot easier for me and I hope I can as successful as them.”

RedStar, who last won the NPL-WA title in 2023, will be one of the teams to beat this season, and head coach Callum Salmon said both players have fitted in well, and he’s looking forward to see what the pair can achieve this season. “We’re very happy with how Gordon and Aaron have settled into life at club,” he said. “Both are experienced players, and both understand what’s required to achieve and both have hit the ground running. So far, they are perfect additions to the group and we are excited to see what both can achieve with our group in 2026.”

20.2.2026

SHED TOUR OF DUTY TO SPUR GLORY ON IN ADELAIDE

Perth Glory will have a large backing on Friday evening at Coopers Stadium, when take on local rivals Adelaide United, well they are the closest team they play in the competition, in week 18 of the Isuzu Ute A-League. (Kick off 4:35pm WST) The Glory Shed Supporters Club will be on their 23rd Tour of Duty, and will pack the away end, as Glory will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing loss against Newcastle Jets last week. Adam Griffiths’ side missed the opportunity to close the gap on the top six after the 1-3 defeat, and it leaves them four points adrift of the final’s places. They do have nine games remaining, but the next four are on the road, so three points will be massive in this one. The Reds moved to fourth after a win against Sydney FC last week, so it will be a huge test for the Glory.

Griffiths said the support they have had home and away has been fantastic, and the coach would like to give them something to cheer on Friday evening. “Perth Glory supporters and the Shed group are something that really drives the team, especially away from home,” he said. “So, when we have that support, the players really feel that energy. We want to provide good results and good entertaining football for all our supporters and for the guys that travel, it means even more.”

The coach said after watching the videos after the Newcastle game, he is well aware what they need to improve on from last weeks defeat. “On reflection of the game, we identified the game was very tight, and critical moments determined the outcome, and that’s something we have to improve in terms of our focus, doing our jobs in these critical moments, because every single game is tight in this league, and these moments determined if you win or lose,” Griffiths said. “We’ve been looking at how we can be better in those final-third actions.

“We felt that we progressed the ball well last week, but really struggled when the creative moment needed to happen and that’s the x-factor. We need to improve those areas of playing forward and thinking forward more often and when we progress that, we want to speed it up. There are constantly layers that you have to improve and I felt that our progression has improved in terms of control, but that final moment to really take the game to the opposition needs to improve, so we’ve been addressing that.”

The last visit to Cooper Stadium saw Glory return with a share of the spoils after a 2-2 draw in week six last season. Glory found the opener in first half stoppage time, with Adam Taggart scoring, but two quick goals from English midfielder Zach Clough and Dutch defender Bart Vriends gave the hosts the lead. But Taggart restored parity on the hour bagging his second to secure a point. The Reds have an exciting squad, even without the injured Socceroo Craig Goodwin, and Griffiths knows they will be in for a stern test. “They have a lot of quality young exciting players, that they have brought though their academy,” he said. “They are a team who are always on the front foot, especially at home. They are an attacking team and try and play a brand of football that is exciting, so it’s going to be a big challenge for us to match that, and be switched on to counter that.”

In early team news, Brian Kaltak is suspended after his red card last week, and Griffiths said Tom Lawrence is still struggling with injury, and he will also be missing on Friday and Lachie Wales injury is worse then first feared, but he did have some good news. “Tom is feeling quite positives about the injury, but he taking the precautions we’ve given him, an it’s a week-to-week proposition for him, we hope to get him back on the grass next week,” he explained. “Nicko (Nicholas Pennington) is available this week, but Lachie Wales injury is more significant.” Riley Fox and Arion Sulemani have also been added to the extended squad.

Adelaide United Squad: GK Joshua SMITS, GK Ethan COX, 3 Bart VRIENDS, 4 Panagiotis KIKIANIS, 7 Ryan KITTO, 9 Luka JOVANOVIC, 10 Juan MUÑIZ, 12 Jonny YULL, 14 Jay BARNETT, 17 Ben FOLAMI, 19 Yaya DUKULY, 23 Luke DUZEL, 35 Brody BURKITT, 36 Panashe MADANHA, 44 Ryan WHITE, 52 Sotiri PHILLIS, 54 Bailey O’NEIL, 55 Ethan ALAGICH, 65 Joey GARUCCIO, 74 Amlani TATU - *Two to be omitted* - In: MADANHA, COX - Out: 13 Max VARTULI (omitted), 42 Austin AYOUBI (omitted) - Unavailable: 11 Craig GOODWIN (groin, long term) 20 Dylan PIERIAS (knee, long term), 87 Anselmo de MORAES (hip) 99 Ajak RIAK (hamstring)

Perth Glory Squad: GK Matt SUTTON, GK Mark BIRIGHITTI, 2 Charbel SHAMOON, 3 Sam SUTTON, 4 Scott WOOTTON, 5 Riley FOXE, 7 Nicholas PENNINGTON, 8 Callum TIMMINS, 9 Jaiden KUCHARSKI, 15 Zach LISOLAJSKI, 16 Gabriel POPOVIC, 17 Arion SULEMANI, 18 Luca TEVERE, 20 Trent OSTLER, 22 Adam TAGGART, 24 Andriano LEBIB, 25 Seb DESPOTOVSKI, 27 Will FRENEY, 39 Gio DE ABREU, 67 Stefan COLAKOVSKI - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: FOXE, PENNINGTON, SULEMANI - Unavailable: GK Cameron COOK, 6 Brandon O’NEILL, 11 Lachlan WALES, 31 Joel ANASMO, 34 Tom LAWRENCE (All Injured), 45 Brian KALTAK (suspended)

20.2.2026

GLORY HEAD TO THE JETS IN A CONFIDENT MOOD

After last week’s hard-fought 1-0 win against Canberra United, Perth Glory is knocking on the door of a finals spot, only two points outside the top six, as they look for a first finals appearance since 2019. This week they head to the No.2 Sportsground to take on Newcastle Jets, looking to keep the pressure on the teams above them (2:00pm WST). It’s the final game for Stephen Peters’ side, before the 2026 Asian Cup kicks off in Perth next week. The Jets sit one place, and three points behind Glory, and are coming off a 1-1 draw against the Wanderers last week, with Melina Ayres scoring late, so they need the points to keep them in the mix for a finals spot, so it’s a huge game for both sides and it should be a thriller.

Glory have only won once on the road this season, a 3-1 win in the opening week against Western Sydney Wanderers, but the coach believes they have been good away from home, but knows a win in this one will give them a huge boost ahead of the Asian Cup break. “Everyone talks about our away form, but if you take out the run of four defeats in a row, three of which were away from home, our away form has actually been pretty decent,” Peters explained. “The games have been tight, so we’re confident we can go there and get our second away win of the season. This particular game, if we can get the three points, will set us up nicely for that mini-series [four games after the Asian Cup break] and we really need to start believing that we can make the top six and when we do, we can tackle teams, there’s no reason why we can’t.

“Morale-wise, we’re feeling pretty good, but we’re not getting ahead of ourselves. It’s just one win that keeps us in the pack and Newcastle is a very important fixture for us. I think it’s a banana skin game… and we just have to be ready for that. In saying that, they’re only three points off us, so it’s very easy for me to turn around to the players and remind them that Newcastle’s on 17 points and we’re on 20 points. I think they [Newcastle] are a very good team and if you look at some of the games they’ve won this season, they’ve been very good in those games. They’ve got some great strike weapons; [Charlotte] Lancaster and Sophie Hoban have been very good for them, and Melina Ayres is obviously someone that has a lot of experience in the league and Kelli Brown we know very well. We definitely can’t take them lightly, but I think we have to have confidence that what we’re doing at the moment is keeping us in games, keeping the games close and laying the platform for us to go and get three points. We’ve got to stick to the process and what works for us, travel well, look after our bodies, go there with confidence and play and not go into our shell. We’ve got to make sure that we’re up for it physically and mentally and then I think we’ll be ok.”

The last time Glory flew to the Jets, was in week 17 last season, but came home empty-handed after a 2-1 defeat. It was a disastrous start for Glory, with Sophie Hoban scoring a brace in the opening three minutes. Glory hit back just before the hour, with a well-taken maiden A-League goal from substitute Ella Lincoln which set up a frantic finale, but they couldn’t find the equaliser. Glory did beat the Jets this season at home in week 11, with Isobel Dalton’s early goal sealing a 1-0 win, and Glory defender Grace Johnston said they head into the game full of confidence, after the hard-fought win against Canberra last week. “There is a positive vibe around the squad after the win, and to get a clean sheet as well, and we have to take that into this week’s game against Newcastle,” the former FW Academy defender said. “For us, finals are the end goal, but to get there we need to take three points from every game we play, so we’re taking it week by week, and hopefully if we get the three points this week. Then we can build on this over the Asian Cup break, and hit the ground running for our final games.”

Johnstone said they face a tough trip to Newcastle on Saturday, and she said the experienced players in the group are vital on the road trips. “Going into this week’s game, it’s a real mentality thing, we can go in over confident. Yes, we’re confident in our ability to win the game, but we have to work on it at training each week. We need to know their strengths as well, we know they are a very strong and physical team, so we need incorporate that into our game.,” she explained. “Travel is tough, we were in Wellington a few weeks ago, and now we head to Newcastle. But our squad has a lot of experience this season, the likes of Rola (Badawiya), Emma (Tovar) and that international experience can be taken into games. We are treating every game like a final, those players can help us and guide the youngsters like myself through.”

It’s been a huge couple of months for the players, with keeper Teresa Morrissey and defender Tijan McKenna taking out an ALW Player of the Month Award, and Peters said Morrissey’s award this month is well-deserved. “I actually mentioned to the group today that there have been three Player of the Month Awards this season, and we’ve won two of them, which is pretty special, especially given that we’ve only been in the top six for a couple of weeks during the season,” the coach said. “It showcases how important our players’ contributions are to the team.

“Teresa has been amazing for us, not just between the sticks, but in the dressing room, the gym, off the field. When people are injured and doing top-up sessions, she runs with them, she’s just first-class in every sense. I’ve known this for a little while and I’m a little bit surprised that it took her until she was 25 to make her debut in the league. She’s obviously had some interesting things in the past that have stopped her from making her debut earlier and I’m just really proud that she’s stuck to it and is getting the accolades for it, so it’s no surprise to me that this is what she’s producing.”

Newcastle Jets Squad: GK Georgia RITCHIE, GK Ally BOERTJE, 2 Josie WILSON, 3 Claudia CICCO, 4 Natasha PRIOR, 5 Olivia PAGE, 7 India BREIER, 8 Emma DUNDAS, 9 Haley JOHNSON, 10 Elizabeth COPUS-BROWN, 11 Charlotte LANCASTER, 13 Lauren ALLAN, 14 Melina AYRES, 15 Emma BATES, 18 Sophie HOBAN, 26 Josie ALLAN, 30 Alexis COLLINS, 44 Kelli BROWN - *Two to be omitted* - Unavailable: 6 Cass DAVIS (Heel), 23 Zoe KARIPIDIS, 24 Anna LEAT, 32 Claire ADAMS, 35 Lily-Rose DUNBAR

Perth Glory Squad: GK Teresa MORRISSEY, GK Jessica SKINNER, 2 Mischa ANDERSON, 3 Emma TOVAR, 5 Grace JOHNSTON, 6 Tijan MCKENNA, 8 Georgia CASSIDY, 9 Gabby HOLLAR, 10 Susan PHONSONGKHAM, 11 Natalie TATHEM, 12 Bronte TREW, 17 Rola BADAWIYA, 19 Sarah O’DONOGHUE, 23 Isobel DALTON, 24 Julia SARDO, 25 Ella LINCOLN, 27 Charli WAINWRIGHT, 28 Clancy WESTAWAY, 29 Onyinyechi ZOGG - *Two to be omitted* - Ins: HOLLAR, WESTAWAY - Outs: 24 Julia SARDO - Unavailable: 7 Megan WYNNE (injured), 13 Naomi CHINNAMA (injured), 20 Ella ABDUL MASSIH (injured)

20.2.2026

KERR NAMED CAPTAIN IN MATILDAS ASIAN CUP SQUAD

Former Perth Glory captain Sam Kerr has been selected in the Joe Montemurro’s Asian Cup squad, putting a horrid 12 months behind her. The Chelsea striker has been out injured with a knee injury, and has struggled for game time in the English Women’s Super League this season, but the coach has made the call, to name her, and give her the captains armband. Meanwhile, the other long-term injured player, Manchester City’s Mary Fowler, is also named, so it could be a gamble but one the coach is willing to take. “There's something in Sam's voice, speaking to her on Zoom calls and so on, that just excites me about the fact that she's really, really excited to come here,” he said. “She's really excited to put that jersey on, and really excited to give the public a showcase of how we're going to play. There's a buzz in the air when you speak to her and it's really exciting. She’s really happy to be coming back and performing on this amazing stage.”

Deciding on the final squad was not easy, but it was one that Montemurro said reflects the best possible balance heading into the tournament. He made the tough call to not include a pair of fan favourites, with World Cup hero Cortnee Vine and full-back Charli Grant missing the cut. There are not many surprises in Montemurro’s squad, with Kerr, vice-captains Steph Catley and Ellie Carpenter, Caitlin Foord, Mackenzie Arnold, Alanna Kennedy, Hayley Raso, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Katrina Gorry and Fowler all named. The latter has had limited game time for City, after tearing her ACL in April last year. But Montemurro has decided to roll the dice by including her in the squad, with the 23-year-old’s x-factor ultimately too hard to turn down, as the Matildas look for a first Women’s Asian Cup title since 2010 when they open the tournament against The Philippines at Optus Stadium a week on Sunday.

“It's always a tough decision, but we had a cut-off time to get the squad announced,” Montemurro explained. “The biggest thing for me was to make sure that, given the nature of the tournament - being so short and with a quick turnaround - we had players who were consistently playing and ready to play. “We weren't in a position to bring players in that were coming back from injury, or coming back from situations where we had to modify them through the camp. We don’t have that opportunity. The biggest thing for me was to find a good balance in the squad, so that each scenario is adhered to. This means that if we get a situation where we lose a player early, or we go a goal down, we've got the opportunity to make that impact. We needed players ready, players prepared, and we needed players who can make an impact in those situations.”

Montemurro added, that there were a number of players who were unlucky to miss out, particularly from the A-League. “We've done a lot of work in the A-League over the last six months - scouting, looking, finding scenarios - and there were probably four players that were very, very close to making this squad. They were not identified in the build-up, but have done well in the A-League,” he said. “We believe that the future is in a good space, because there's a lot of talent. We now just need to expose them to that international competition.”

Matildas Squad - Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold, Teagan Micah, Jada Whyman - Defenders: Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Winonah Heatley, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Courtney Nevin, Jamilla Rankin, Charlize Rule - Midfielders: Alex Chidiac, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Katrina Gorry, Amy Sayer, Emily van Egmond, Clare Wheeler - Forwards: Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Michelle Heyman, Kahli Johnson, Sam Kerr, Holly McNamara, Hayley Raso, Remy Siemsen, Kaitlyn Torpey

18.2.2026

GLORY’S INJURY CONCERNS CONTINUE

Injuries to key attackers are threatening to derail Perth Glory’s season but coach Adam Griffiths is hoping his squad depth can come to the fore. While Tom Lawrence is progressing well and Griffiths is confident Nicholas Pennington will play some part in Friday’s away game at Adelaide United, winger Lachie Wales’ injury-afflicted season has continued.

Lawrence is battling plantar fasciitis and is set to miss his second straight match. “He’s feeling quite positive about it. He’s taking the precautions. We’ve given him certain types of treatments, and he’s stepping through those hoops,” he said. “We’re expecting him to start to do some form of training next week and testing that.”

Griffiths had positive news on Pennington’s groin issue, however, Wales’ knee injury could be more of a lengthy issue. “Nico is definitely going to be available this week, which is exciting for us. Lachie is unknown, but I believe that it’s something more significant than that,” Griffiths said.

Glory’s front three of Adam Taggart, Sebastian Despotovski and Jaiden Kucharski struggled against Newcastle. But even without Lawrence and Wales for the looming clash with Adelaide, Griffiths believed there were players within the squad who could help replace the pair in the aggregate. “We want creatives in those moments - Nico and Tom provided that,” he said.

“We have to adapt and look for solutions with other players that can help achieve those moments, but there’s also other areas of our game we can try to utilise and bring in based off the players that are available. It’s something that we’ve been looking at this week, and how we can be better in those final third actions, somewhere where we felt we progressed the ball well last week, but really struggled when the creative moment needed to happen.”

Griffiths said they would look at solutions to aid central duo Will Freney and Gio De Abreu against Adelaide’s three-man midfield. “We want them to be positioned at certain angles, to try to play forward. Sometimes that’s not happening,” said the coach, whose team found the going tough in midfield against Newcastle.

“We need to improve those areas, playing forward, thinking forward more often, and when we progress that, we want to speed it up,” he said. “There are constant layers you constantly have to improve. I felt our progression has improved in terms of control, but then that final moment to really take the game to the opposition needs to improve further, so we’ve been addressing that.”

18.2.2026

PLAYER OF THE MONTH GONG FOR GLORY'S MORRISSEY

She may be the most in-form domestic-based goalkeeper, Perth Glory coach Stephen Peters says A-League Women player of the month Teresa Morrissey’s impact on the team has gone far beyond on-field clean sheets. Morrissey became the second Glory player to claim the honour in as many months, following on from defender Tijan McKenna in the fan-voted award.

Morrissey, who only made her A-League Women debut this season, has continued Perth’s run of strong goalkeeping form over the past few seasons, following in the footsteps of Morgan Aquino and Casey Dumont. The 25-year old has conceded just eight goals in 10 games and has five clean sheets to her name, two of them coming during January to propel her to the player of the month award.

Peters, who coached the goalkeeper in New South Wales with Macarthur Rams, said he was not surprised to see make an impact at the top level of the game. “Teresa’s been amazing for us - not just between the sticks, but in the dressing room, the gym, off the field, when people are injured,” he said.

“People doing top-up sessions, she runs with them even after the games, after she’s just been battered for 100 minutes. It’s first class in every sense. I’ve known this for a little while. I’m just really proud of the fact that she’s stuck to it and is getting the accolades for it. It’s no surprise to me that this is what she’s producing. She’s been fantastic for us.”

Glory's quest for goals at the other end of the pitch may soon be over with Welsh winger Megan Wynne nearing a return from her torn ACL. “Wynne is essentially in full training now, so we’ll just try and get her to a level that we’re satisfied with and then once we do that, she can be up for selection,” Peters said.

18.2.2026

ASIAN CUP SET TO BE SENTIMENTAL FOR KERR

There will be one very special fan in attendance when Samantha Kerr leads the Matildas out to commence their Women’s Asian Cup campaign - her baby son Jagger. It will be the 11-month-old’s first time watching his mum play for Australia and the national team captain is keen to score a hometown win for her boy.

“Maybe if it wasn’t such a big game, I might have walked out with him,” Kerr said. “I need to be focused for the big games but it’s still going to be an amazing moment. It’s really special playing in front of your home crowd, and having all my family there, and (wife) Kristie (Mewis), and then obviously the cherry on top is Jags being there the first time.”

It’s been a long time coming for West Australian fans who, by the time Kerr takes to the pitch on March 1, will have waited 851 days to see her play with the Matildas on home soil. “We obviously didn’t get to bring the Matildas to Perth for the World Cup, so it is amazing to have the opening ceremony there and have that big moment for all the West Australian fans,” the striker said.

Football fever swept the nation when Australia co-hosted the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with participation in grassroots and community soccer increasing by 11 per cent. “If you had asked me 15 years ago would we be in this position, I would have never believed, because it just seemed so unattainable,” Kerr said. “But the sport’s just gone boom in the last few years, and it’s really cool to be part of that.”

Kerr has gone from strength to strength on the field with Chelsea since recovering from her ACL injury. “As a striker I always want to score more goals and to be playing more but I am really happy with how I am going and and I think I’m, hopefully, hitting some good form leading up into the Asian Cup,” she said.

Kerr considers Japan the Matildas’ biggest rival and cites China and Korea as strong contenders. Having last won the Asian Cup in front of 1200 people in China when Kerr was just 16, the now 32-year old is optimistic that her team has what it takes to lift the trophy again in Sydney.

“To win a trophy with this group of girls would be a dream come true,” she said. “We’ve missed out so many times and we came close the last two major tournaments so to just win would be amazing but to do it in with 80,000 Australians there and the whole crowd behind us would be incredible.”

16.2.2026

CIRCATI CONTINUES TO STAR IN SERIE A SURVIVAL BID

Alessandro Circati continues to play a major role as Parma rise up the Serie A table and away from the relegation zone. The 22-year old centreback got another full game under his belt in yesterday's 2-1 win over last-placed Hellas Verona. It was his 20th appearance of the season and leaves him a near-certainty to be selected for Australia's World Cup squad.

Midfielder Adrian Bernabe put Parma ahead on 4 minutes before Verona's day took a turn for the worse with the red carding of Gift Orban in the 11th minute. Circati gave the visitors a lifeline when he gave away a penalty which was converted in the 43rd minute by Abdou Harroui. Striker Mateo Pellegrino scored Parma's winner three minutes into stoppage time, lifting them eight clear of the drop zone.

15.2.2026

GLORY KEEPER TAKES OUT PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Perth Glory’s Teresa Morrissey has been named Ninja A-League - Shark Player of the Month for January after a fan vote. The Glory custodian was in fine form for Stephen Peters’ side during the month of January with Perth well in the race to play finals football. Featuring in all five of the matches during the voting period, Morrissey helped her team record two wins and two draws in five games.

The former Young Matildas representative, Morrissey was previously on the books of Melbourne Victory, Western Sydney Wanderers and Central Coast Mariners, while in 2024, her stellar performances for Macarthur Rams saw her named NPLW NSW Goalkeeper of the Year.

The 25-year-old is enjoying a stellar season in goal for the Glory and currently ranks highest in the league for goals prevented (7.1) and second in the league for clean sheets (5), save percentage (85.7%) and saves per 90 (4.??. Morrissey was nominated for the Shark Player of the Month award in January as one of the 10 highest-rated players on FotMob’s rating system.

15.2.2026

STATE LEAGUE NIGHT SERIES WEEK THREE REVIEW

The quarter-finalists in the State League Night series has been confirmed, after the Week Three games were completed over the weekend. It kicked off on Saturday evening in Group A, with UWA Nedlands sealing top spot after a 4-0 win against Wembley Downs in the early game at Luxwin Stadium, Hartfield Park. UWA were ahead on 18 minutes, with Joe McInness on target. But they burst the game open in the second half, Sam Hooshangian making it 2-0, before McInness added his second and Greg John completed the scoring shortly after. “Delighted to get another clean sheet and we performed well again, the boys are working hard in training and it’s showing in games their fitness levels have been excellent,” UWA Coach Kris Donnell said. “Nice to have another competitive game now to look forward to.” In the late game Quinns finished second in the group, with a Chad Samuels goal giving them a 1-0 win against hosts Forrestfield United, but they missed out on one of the highest runners-up places.

In Group B on Friday, Kingsley Westside secured their place after a 3-0 win against hosts Ashfield in the late game at the Ashfield Reserve. They took control of the game with three early goals, Max Adamson opening the scoring after only five minutes, before Raeez Pander and Paul Stewart made it 3-0 after only 13 minutes. Ashfield’s hopes of a comeback where quashed before half time, when Deng Dut was sent off. “We are happy with the performance especially in the first 30 minutes, where we played some of our best football this preseason,” Kingsley coach Ben Andrews said. “Obviously pleased to top the group and stay in competition for another week to try to improve again as we’ve been doing each week so far.”

In the late game Gwelup Croatia came from behind at half time to beat Gosnells City 4-2, and qualify as one of the best runners up. Robert Ferrante gave Gwelup the lead early, but goals from Tony Chandler and Alex Nawn gave Peter Allen’s young side the lead at the break. Jeremie Mba restored parity shortly after the break, and late goals from Jamie Sinnott and Tarek Atta sealed the win. “Full credit to Gosnells as they were very energetic. We did it harder than we had to, however another good comeback,” Gwelup coach Basil Lenzo said. “At this stage of the season, it's always good to keep working the squad over with competitive games. I must say that the intensity of the night series has really risen this year with all games being highly competitive. Another Night Series Quarter Final awaits us, and we will look forward to taking on UWA Nedlands.”

Also on Saturday evening, Inglewood United finished top of Group F, with a narrow 1-0 win against a ten-man East Perth in the late game at Proto DPS Inglewood Stadium. East Perth was reduced to ten men on the half hour mark, with Niall Murray shown a straight red card. It took a while for the hosts to make the breakthrough, but it eventually came on the hour, with a well taken goal by Declan Hudson. “Not our best performance but credit to East Perth for being resilient for most of the game especially with ten-men,” Inglewood assistant coach Adam Tong said. “We made a lot of changes again, giving lads there first starts, and yet another clean sheet which we are happy with, onto the quarters which is positive.” In the early game in the group, Carramar Shamrock Rovers and Joondalup City played out a 0-0 draw.

With three places secured in the knockout stage, and Mandurah City already qualified, the other four spots were up for grabs on Sunday, and in Group C, hosts Rockingham City finished top after a 3-1 win against Cockburn City in the late game at Endeavour Homes Stadium, Larkhill Sportsplex. Cockburn who needed a win to qualify, found themselves down to ten men on the half hour, with Rory McGrath sent off, and Rockingham hit the front shortly after, with Shaun Mukwevho on target. Mitchell Foley doubled their lead early in the second half, but the Cockerels were back in the game just after the hour, with Luka Caceres scoring. But their comeback ended when Alex Guzman was sent off, and a late penalty from substitute Raphael Guzman wrapped up the win.

“It was great to get another win and minutes under the belt. The performance was not great, but to control the game and get the result was pleasing,” Rockingham coach Matthew Brook explained. “We are still in the building process so to come away from the group stage with nine points knowing that we have a long way still to go is exciting for the season. It’s a credit to the group of players that are here, the character and the quality is great.” In the other game in group, Canning City won for the first time in the competition, with Saudi Bayal scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win against Murdoch University Melville.

In Group D Floreat Athena have finished top, after a 3-0 win against North Beach in the late game at Ashfield Reserve. “We’ve got a completely new team this season, so happy with winning the group,” Floreat coach Alun Vernals said. “That was the target prior to the night series, and to only concede one goal is a good sign as we prepare for the first game of the league season.” Floreat burst the game open with three quick goals before the break. First on the half hour Jordan Langley found the opener, and he added a second moments later. Mohammed Al-Zaidy found the third just before half time. and it was it enough to win it.

Subiaco AFC have also qualified out of the group as one of the two highest runners up after a hard fought 2-1 win against Balga in the early game at the venue. Tomas Despotovski gave Subiaco the lead on 14 minutes, but Nicholas Bahr Pike levelled for Balga three minutes later. A win would have seen either team qualify, but it was Subiaco who found the winner six minutes into the second half, with Despotovski adding his second from the spot. Balga ended the game with ten men, with Karl Maluga sent off. “The boys knew it was going to be a tough game against Balga, but it wasn’t the best game from our end,” Despotovski said. “But we did what we needed to get the goals and defended really well for the remainder of the game to see out a win to get through.”

With Mandurah already qualified as Group E winners, they ended the group stage with a 1-1 draw against Morley Windmills in the early game at Ashfield Arena. A penalty from Luke Salmon on 20 minutes gave Morley the lead, but Mandurah levelled with a penalty of their own ten minutes later, Joe O’Brien converting. It was a third draw in the group for the promoted Morley, and coach John O’Reilly said it has been pleasing. “We are fairly happy with our pre-season so far, we know there are still areas to improve, which is only natural considering the squad being relatively new,” he explained. “The Night Series has been a good learning curve for the players, giving us indications of our strengths and weakness to date. The next few weeks we will continue to progress further in our planning for match day one, which ultimately is our primary objective.”

In the late game at the venue Curtin University and Kalamunda City have also drawn 1-1. City were ahead at the break, with an own goal, and Curtin were down to ten men with Jason Peppin sent off ten minutes from time. But the ten-men hit back to level in the final minute, with substitute Alfie Bryant on target. So, the quarter-finals will be played next Friday – Here is the full draw - Endeavour Homes Stadium, Larkhill Sportsplex - Rockingham City v Subiaco AFC (6:30pm), UWA Nedlands v Gwelup Croatia (8:30pm) – Ashfield Arena – Kingsley Westside v Inglewood United (6:30pm), Mandurah City v Floreat Athena (8:30pm)

15.2.2026

NPLWA – WOMEN’S NIGHT SERIES – WEEK ONE REVIEW

The New Balance NPLWA – Women’s Night series kicked off this weekend, and in Group A on Friday evening a late goal by Fremantle City substitute Rosie Robinson, sealed a come-from-behind 2-1 against Subiaco at the Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve. “It was good to get off to a winning start in the night series, the first game back is always challenge and knowing that Subi had changed their squad a lot over the off season, we weren’t sure what to expect from them,” Fremantle skipper Annabelle Leek explained. “I felt we had good possession of the ball, but struggled to create clear chances. It’s never ideal going 1-0 down but I think it almost served as a push to increase our intensity going forward. We responded well with a great goal from Leyna and then Rosie, one of our 21s players, grabbed the winner in the last minute of the game with a really composed finished.” Subiaco hit the front 16 minutes from time, with Sarah Klott scoring, but four minutes later Leyna Wood levelled for Fremantle. It looked like the points would be shared, but a great finish from half time substitute Rosie Robinson won it for Samantha Geddes’ side.

The other game in the group was on Sunday evening at Dorrien Gardens, where Perth RedStar started their campaign with a 5-0 win against newly-promoted Sorrento in the early game. The game was all but wrapped up by half time, with RedStar leading 4-0 at the break, Jayna Ridley found the opener early, with debutant Klaudia Houlis and Renne Leota making it 3-0 either side of the half hour mark, before Kaityln Bellanca added the fourth. They made it 5-0 late in the game with Grace Monteiro, to give them a perfect start to the preseason competition. “I’m really pleased with how we’ve opened the Night Series, a 5–0 result is always encouraging, but more importantly I was happy with the intent behind the performance,” RedStar coach Chris Atturo said. “We showed real creativity and composure in the final third, moved the ball with purpose, and had five different players on the scoresheet — which reflects the shared attacking responsibility we’re building within the group. What I’m most proud of, though, is the integration of our new players. We had six debutants — Klaudia, Nelli, Holly, Toko, Marley and Lily — and they’ve adapted to our environment and expectations incredibly quickly. Their attitude, work rate and willingness to embrace our standards, speaks volumes of them as individuals.”

In Group B on Friday evening night series holders Balcatta Etna began their defence with a 3-0 win against UWA Nedlands in the late game at Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve. “Happy with the result as it gave us not only three points but a clean sheet and no injuries, which is always a bonus for any coach to consider,” Balcatta coach Peter Rakic explained. “We still do have a lot to work on and we don't expect to hit our straps until the season officially starts, but it was a very positive outing for our first hit out. I was particular impressed with the new signings who have fitted in well with their new team mates and given us a lot of added quality that we needed, especially if we are to challenge everyone further this year.” The hosts were ahead on eight minutes. Carla Bennett broke forward and her ball over the top sent Caitlin Doeglas clear and she finished well. It was 2-0 six minutes later, a quick free kick from Abbey Meakins sent Doeglas in on goal, her first shot hit the post, but she was first to the rebound to score. It was 3-0 on the hour, Jamie-Lee Gale cutting in from the left and finished well one-on-one with Macy Johnson. The fourth came 15 minutes from time, substitute Mia Britton finishing well from the edge of the box.

The other game in the group was played on Sunday evening, and last season’s beaten finalists Perth Azzurri have played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with the Hyundai FW Academy in the late game at Dorrien Gardens. “It was a really tough game, we all had to work together really hard for the draw and it definitely showed to us all we have a fair bit to work on, especially our fitness,” Perth striker Jessica Flannery said. “But for our first game back, after losing some important players and introducing new ones, I think we are all just glad to have got a draw and are excited to move onto the next game.” Flannery gave the hosts the lead midway through the first half, but six minutes before the break the Academy levelled, Sakura Leong finishing calmly, after being icked out by Cate McAuliffe.

The Azzurri regained the lead eight minutes into the second half, with Sam Mathers on target, but on the hour the Academy restored parity. Another neat through ball from McAuliffe sent Young Matildas striker Theodora Mouithys clear, and she rounded Azzurri keeper Dayle Schroeder and fired home, to give both sides a hard-earned point. “The girls enjoyed performing and testing themselves against last year’s champions, and there were plenty of strong individual performances to go with a solid team performance overall,” FW Academy coach Stephen Walmsley explained. “We are looking forward to more competitive games this year to challenge our players and prepare them for a future in football.”

15.2.2026

AMATEUR PREMIER DIVISION NIGHT SERIES – WEEK ONE WRAP

The Amateur Premier Division Night Series started this weekend, and on Saturday evening at Wanneroo Reserve the Group A games kicked off, and in the early game the points were shared with Maccabi drawing 1-1 with Olympic Kingsway. Tashey Phuntso had given Olympic the lead early, but Dion Berman levelled shortly after, to give both sides a share of the spoils. In the late game at the venue and early goal from Alan Reidy gave Wanneroo City a 1-0 win against Kingsley Westside, and the hosts ended the game with ten-men, with Benjamin Gammack sent off on the hour.

In Group B at Kingfisher Park on Saturday evening, North Perth United started the competition well, with a convincing 5-0 win against newly promoted Ballajura AFC. Shane Wyse opened the scoring on the quarter hour mark, before a brace from Yanich Jordan gave them a 3-0 lead at the break. Then second half goals from Alex Wild and Conor Hartley rounded out the scoring. In the late game at the venue, a goal from Callum Duguid on the half hour was enough for Hamersley Rovers to beat Swan United 1-0.

Finally in Group C on Sunday evening, holders Noranda Emerald edged out promoted side Kwinana United 1-0 at Kelly Park. The only goal of the game came early, with Conor Gormley scoring after only four minutes. In the late game at the venue Kelmscott Roos stunned Jaguar 7-0, with Solomon Finch picking up a first half hat-trick, with second half goals from Callum Husain, Lemeo Wordu, Glen Bleakley and Gerard McGahey completed the rout.