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.
BELT-UP AMATEUR LEAGUE CUP – ROUND THREE PREVIEW
The Belt-Up Amateur League Cup third round will be completed on Sunday afternoon, with all games kicking off at 2:30. We have an all-Premier Division tie, with Maccabi hosting Noranda Emerald at Maccabean Memorial Oval, while the other Premier clubs take on lower opposition. First up, Division One Perth AFC, who also caused an upset in the last round, beating Jaguar 5-0, host Kelmscott Roos at Len Peckham Park. AFC coach Nathan Thorp said they are looking forward to the challenge, and look to continue their solid start to the season.
“Yes, we are reasonably happy with the start to the season in terms of our league form and standings, three wins from five is a good base and something to build on,” he said. “We were pleased with our last cup win, Jaguar were a tricky outfit, but we managed to keep them at bay and fully deserved the 5-0 win. After the loss last week against Ellenbrook, the message to the lads is clear, we will be looking for a reaction to that performance against a strong established Kelmscott side, who’ve got some real tricky players at their disposal so we will need to be on it defensively.”
Kelmscott have gone five games unbeaten in the league, and beat Bassendean Caledonian in the last round of the cup, and keeper Taylor Warwick said Sunday will be another tough challenge. “The cup fixtures always present a different challenge, and we always seem to draw Perth AFC so it’s an exciting game, one that we are looking forward to,” he said. “AFC always present a different challenge and are always hungry when they play us. We have trained well this week and the team are looking forward to the game. Hopefully the weather is kind to us and we can produce another good game and keep our confidence going.”
In the other ties, North Perth United host Swan Valley at Woodville Reserve, Kingsley Westside makes the trip to Shelvock Park to take on Westnam United. Kingsley coach Simone Sichel said they are looking to get back to winnings ways, but he knows cup football is a challenge. “We’re coming off two losses against the top two teams in the league, but there were plenty of positives to take from those games. We learned that we can compete with anyone when we’re at our best,” he said.
“Our focus now is making sure we stay switched on for the full 95 minutes. We’re still having moments where lapses in concentration and small mistakes cost us, so the goal is to keep reducing those week by week and continue improving as a group. We know Westnam will be up for it, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.” In the other games, Hamersley Rovers entertains Southern Spirit at Carine Open space, Division Three Chipolopolo FC welcome Bayswater City to Camberwell Park, while Division Two leaders East Perth host Cracovia at Cabrini Park.
WANNEROO END BELMONT’S AMATEUR CUP RUN
It’s the third round of the Amateur League Cup this weekend, and it all started on Thursday evening with Premier Division leaders Wanneroo City beating Division Two joint leaders Belmont City 6-1 at the Gerry Archer Sports Complex. “It was good win, especially we conceded in the first two minutes which was a bit disappointing,” Wanneroo coach Jason Winter explained. “But the boys settled after that and started to play our way and stayed on the ball a bit more, and some of the goals were great to see, with stuff we have been working on regularly. It was also great that we had five different scores on the night which is really pleasing.”
The hosts, who produced a huge shock in the last round, beating Swan United at the same venue, made the best possible start with Luan Pereira scoring past Cian Flynn. But Wanneroo were level on 11 minutes, a great ball from Alan Reid found Ross Buckley, who made no mistake. The visitors hit the front six minutes later, Jordan Cook finding Loris Tommolini who finished past Zachary Swinton. It was 3-1 five minutes from time, with Kane Finch converting from the spot.
The hosts pressed late in the half to get back into the game, but their chances of a comeback were halted when Heitor Silva was sent off. Wanneroo made their numerical advantage count after the break and it was 4-1 five minutes in, with Robbie Sallie’s bullet header from a corner. Ollie Bradley made it five shortly after, again after good work by Reidy, and they wrapped you the scoring ten minutes from time, a great run by Ben Toms ended with Buckley added his second. The hosts ended the game with nine with Andre D’Ippolito sent off late.
Belmont coach Jordi Atienza said the sending offs definitely changed the game. “It was a challenging game, and Wanneroo are a very good side with an excellent coaching staff behind the group. The match was highly competitive and very well contested up until the 1–3 scoreline,” he explained. “But the game changed significantly after the situation with the red cards, where things became difficult to manage and the rhythm of the contest broke down. Up until that point, it had been a very competitive game between two committed teams.
“Credit to Wanneroo — they are a solid, consistent and very well-organised side. They remain focused throughout the entire match, defend their structure extremely well and are difficult to break down. I believe they will achieve very good things this season. We started strongly and managed to score first, but they responded very well, showing attacking intent, constant movement and good intensity throughout the game. For us, there are important lessons to take from the match, and we will continue working to improve and grow as a team.”
SKIPPER RE-SIGNS FOR GLORY
Perth Glory skipper Adam Taggart will remain at the club next season, after he said a one-year contract extension. The 32-year-old former ECU Joondalup junior, became the club’s all-time record A-League goalscorer last season as he took his tally to 61. In his three stints at the club, he was played 113 A-League games, and is now sixth on Glory’s all-time record A-League appearances list and is a two-time Most Glorious Player Award winner.
Taggart has also played for Newcastle Jets and Brisbane Roar in the A-League, before signing for English club Fulham in 2014. But injuries curtailed his appearances for the Cravan Cottage club, and he went out on loan to Dundee United, before returning to Glory in 2026. He then headed to South Korean side Suwon Bluewings in 2019, before joining Japanese club Cerezo Osaka, before returning for a third stint at Glory in 2022. He has also played 22 times for the Socceroos, his last appearance was at HBF Park against Palestine in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, with Taggart scoring in the 5-0 win.
Glory Football Director Stan Lazaridis believes Taggart will be a key figure once again in the upcoming A-League season. "Taggs has already firmly established himself as a true Glory great," he said. "A natural finisher who can score all kinds of goals, he is a constant threat in the final third and his career record of a goal basically every other game places him right up there with the very best. We know how much Perth Glory means to Taggs, how he went from supporting the club as a boy to becoming its captain and record A-League scorer and we know how desperate he is to see it achieve the ultimate success. It’s great to have him on board again for what is a very exciting season ahead."
FOOTBALL IS MORE THAN A GAME
Last week, Bayswater City President Oriano Colli was awarded Life Membership of Football West after all his hard work in WA football was recognised by his peers, showing that football is more than a game. Colli said he was surprised by the nomination but honoured to receive it. “I’m incredibly humbled and honoured to receive Football West Life Membership. To be recognised by the game in Western Australia after so many years involved means a great deal to me,” Colli said. “Football has been a massive part of my life since I was a kid, so this recognition is something I’m very proud of — not just personally, but for my family, my club and all the people I’ve shared the journey with over the years.”
Football has been a family affair in the Colli household, and Oriano said his father introduced him to the world game after arriving in Australia, and taught him that hard work will take you a long way in football and in life. “A big influence on me was my father. As a hardworking migrant, he taught me what sacrifice truly meant. He worked incredibly hard and gave everything for the benefit of our family, always putting others before himself,” he explained. “Watching the sacrifices he made, the work ethic he carried and the values he lived by had a huge impact on the person I became. A lot of the commitment, resilience and loyalty I bring to football and leadership comes from the example he set for me growing up.”
Former Bayswater President Gerry Maio, who passed away in 2021, would have been looking down with pride after the club’s success in the NPL and Australian Championships last season, and Colli said he was a great mentor. “Gerry definitely also had a huge influence on me. Gerry was a force of nature and one of the great football people in WA, and someone I had enormous respect for,” Colli explained. “He dedicated his life to Bayswater City and taught me so much about passion, loyalty, resilience and what it truly means to serve a football club. Gerry cared deeply about people and community, and he always put the club first. I was fortunate to work alongside him for many years, and I know he would have been proud of what the club achieved last season, both in the NPL and nationally. His legacy still drives a lot of what we do at Bayswater today.”
Colli was a talented player and played in the Premier League with a number of clubs. He also represented the state and has made many friends along the way. “As mentioned before, football has always been a huge part of my life and my family. I started as a junior at Perth Azzurri before going on to play senior football at Perth SC and Bayswater City, as well as Kingsway Olympic, while also representing WA at junior and senior level and being part of the Australian Schoolboys setup,” he said. “The game has given me lifelong friendships, incredible memories and many opportunities, and it’s something that has always been deeply connected to our family and community culture.”
He was the first to admit it’s not a one-man show, and his hardworking committee at Frank Drago Reserve has been outstanding in building the club’s success during his tenure. “I’m very proud of what Bayswater City has become, but no club achieves success because of one person. We have an incredible committee, volunteers, coaches, sponsors and supporters who work tirelessly behind the scenes,” he explained. “The club has grown enormously both on and off the field, and that comes from years of hard work from many passionate people. I’m lucky to work alongside a committed group that genuinely loves the club and wants to see it continue to grow and succeed.”
Being a president is also a full-time job, alongside his other employment, and Colli said his family has been extremely supportive of his endeavours. “Yes, being a president is definitely a full-time role on top of business and family commitments, and there’s no way I could do it without the support of my beautiful wife and family,” he said. “They sacrifice a lot of time with me and have always backed my passion for football and the club. I’m also fortunate to work with great people in business who support and understand the commitment involved. Football administration at this level can be demanding, but when you love the game and the community around it, it becomes something you’re passionate about giving your time to.” From everyone at Footballwa - Congratulations to Oriano and the other three new life members - Conor O’Brien, Paul Afkos and Carl Duxbury.
SON OF A GUN BACK FOR MORE GLORY
Many Perth Glory supporters remember the exploits of striker Bobby Despotovski in the NSL, with the striker scoring some memorable goals as Glory won two NSL titles during his 240-plus games across two spells at the club. Now his son, Sebastian, is following in his father’s footsteps in his professional career after signing a two-year contract with the A-League club following a stellar first full season, which will keep him at the club until June 2028. The 20-year-old, who made his debut against Wellington Phoenix in 2025, was a regular member of the side this season, making 18 appearances and bagging his first goal for the club against Western Sydney Wanderers in Round Seven. He also scored a stunner in the final game of the season to secure a 2-1 win against Brisbane Roar, taking his tally to three goals in his debut season.
Despotovski, who played for Inglewood United and Bayswater City in his junior days before going on to star for Glory in the NPL, said he is delighted to sign for the club and hopes to build on last season. “I’m very grateful the club has trusted me and given me a contract extension. It’s a proud moment for me and my family, and it shows the club has faith in me. I just can’t wait to get cracking again,” he said. “In my first season in the A-League, I was very happy with how it went and with the minutes I managed during the season. I’m grateful to the club and Adam Griffiths for giving me this opportunity. I learnt a lot in my first season and I’ll be looking to come back stronger next season.”
Glory Football Director Stan Lazaridis believes Sebastian has a very bright future ahead of him. “Seb is a naturally talented footballer who can influence the game from a number of positions,” he said. “He brings the kind of creative flair that our members and fans love to see, and it was great to see him step up and showcase his skills regularly in the A-League this season. Like all our young players, he still has plenty to learn, but there is no doubt in my mind that he has a very high ceiling and we’re really excited to watch his development continue over the next couple of years.”
With half the season gone in the New Balance NPLWA - Men’s competition, Perth RedStar leads the way, Callum Salmon’s side sitting three points clear of Olympic Kingsway, while Bayswater City and Western Knights round out the top four. At the other end, Armadale sit bottom of the table, with Balcatta Etna just above them, while teams from fifth to tenth are within six points of the four, so it’s going to be a tight second half of the season. Our Week Twelve ‘Match of the Round’ takes us to Percy Doyle Reserve, where seventh placed Sorrento welcome Bayswater City. (All games kick off at 3:00pm, unless stated)
The Gulls went on a four-game winning run recently, but have lost the last three, the latest a home defeat against Olympic. Meanwhile Bayswater went on a four-game run without a win earlier in the season, but bounced back with four straight wins. That ended against Glory in week ten in Albany, but they bounced back to beat Stirling last week, so both sides will be desperate for the three points, so it sets up an enthralling encounter. The last time they meet in the league at the venue was in week twelve last season, when Bayswater returned home with all three points after a 4-2 win.
Bayswater were ahead on 16 minutes, Cameron Teece was brought down in the box by Neil Kilkenny, and Pat Loughrey converted from the spot. The visitors took control and added a second 12 minutes later, Sean McManus inch perfect lob beating David Keenan. It was 3-0 on the half hour, Thomas Southgate heading home Declan Hughes’ corner, to send Bayswater into the break with a commanding lead. It got worse for the hosts early in the second half, McManus’ cross was only cleared as far as former Gulls striker Chris Jackson, who fired home to make it 4-0. Sorrento pulled one back 18 minutes from time, joey O’Brien’s shot back-heeled home by Scott Robertson, and Phoenix Lee headed home a second from close-range, but it was too little too late for the hosts.
Bayswater coach Matthew Sparrow has been pleased with their first half of the season, but he knows there is improvement in them. “I think overall we’ve had a positive first half of the season. We’ve shown great character in a lot of games, especially the number of times we’ve come from behind to pick up results,” Sparrow explained. “We probably haven’t always been at our best performance-wise, but the mentality and belief within the group have been excellent and that’s kept us in a strong position near the top of the table. There’s still plenty we can improve on, which is exciting, but the lads have worked extremely hard and put us in a good position heading into the second half of the season.”
The loss of Sean McManus for the season is a massive blow for Bayswater, but Sparrow said it gives someone else in their squad the opportunity to impress. “Sean is a massive loss for us both on and off the pitch. His energy, pace and work rate have been outstanding and he was having a terrific season. Naturally everyone at the club is gutted for him,” he said. “But football moves quickly and injuries always create opportunities for others. We’ve got a good group and now it’s up to someone else to step in, take their chance and help the team continue moving forward. Sean will still play a big part around the group because he’s a fantastic character.”
Sparrow, who played for the Gulls in 2016, said a trip to Percy Doyle – aka ‘Windy Hill, is always difficult, and he’s expecting that again on Saturday. “Sorrento away is always a tough game regardless of form. They’ve got good players, plenty of experience and they’ll be desperate to respond after a few disappointing results, so we know we’ll need to be at our best,” he said. “I’m expecting a really competitive game and we’ll have to match their intensity from the first minute. We’re looking forward to the challenge and hopefully we can continue building momentum.”
Sorrento coach Andres Oliveira said the result last week against Olympic was disappointing, but there have seen some good signs so far this season. “My honest opinion sitting eighth at the halfway point is a big accomplish from where we were from the beginning. We had only had 9-11 players available from preseason to fifth game of the season, so we have come along way,” he explained. “We’ve had strong performances, we’ve taken points off good sides, but we’ve also let opportunities slip.
“The important thing is that the group stays connected and keeps improving. The 4 -1 defeat to Olympic, we were disappointed with the result, no question. Conceding four at home isn’t reflective of the standards we set for ourselves. Olympic were sharper in key moments, and at this level you get punished for that. What matters now is how we respond on Saturday.”.
Oliveira said they are looking forward to Saturday’s game, and hoping to bounce back, but he knows the visitors are a side in good form. “Bayswater have found form and confidence, and they're a side with quality all over the pitch, for us, it’s a great opportunity to show our character after last week,” he said. “We know what the game will demand in intensity, discipline, and a willingness to compete for 90 minutes. If we bring our best version, we can cause problems and make it a proper contest.”
The round begins on Friday evening, when Richard Garcia takes control of his first home game as coach at Olympic Kingsway, along with new assistant coach Neil Kilkenny, when they welcome Dianella White Eagles to the Madman Stadium, Kingsway Reserve. (7:00pm) in the Saturday games, league leaders Perth RedStar make the trip to Hilton Park to take on Fremantle City, who are unbeaten in their last three games, while fourth placed Western Knights entertain Perth Azzurri at Nash Field. It’s a local derby at Macedonia Park, where Stirling Macedonia host Balcatta Etna, while in the final game Perth Glory make the trip to Alfred Skeet Reserve to take in Armadale.
NICOLAOU TAKES HIS COCKBURN SIDE TO INGLEWOOD – DIVISION ONE WEEK TEN PREVIEW
We head to the Proto DPS Inglewood Stadium for our Week Ten State League Division One’ Match of the Round’, as Inglewood United entertains Cockburn City. (All games kick off at 3:00pm) The visitors will have a new coach in the dugout, with Terry Nicolaou taking over from Ken Palmer, who left his role earlier in the month. The Cockerels are coming off a hard-earned point against league leaders Floreat Athena last week to sit in tenth on the ladder, while Inglewood bounced back from defeat against Quinns in week eight, with a win at Joondalup City last week, to move to eighth.
With only two points separating the two sides on the ladder, it should be a great contest, as both sides look to kick start their seasons. The last time the two sides met in the league at the venue, was in 2023 in the NPL, when United won 1-0. The only goal of the game came on eight minutes, Anthony Bafobusha won a challenge in the middle of the park and sent Michael Domfeh racing clear, the striker unselfishly squaring the ball to Shubham Mokala, who fired low past Michael Craggs.
Nicolaou was in the stands last week, with Paulo Basto and Sam Hutchings coaching the side, who are both still involved with the first team coaching panel, and Basto said it was a good show to put on for the incoming coach. “Yes, definitely it was a hard-fought game against a strong Floreat side, he said. “But I thought the group showed great discipline and commitment defensively, and overall, we were pleased to come away with a point against the league leaders,” he said. “Inglewood will be a tough challenge, especially coming off a strong result last week. We’re expecting a competitive game and will need to be fully focused and prepared to get a positive outcome.”
For the new coach, who will have a new assistant in his coaching panel, with former Forrestfield coach Daryl Platten coming on board, and Nicolaou said he can’t wait to get started. “This is a new chapter for the Cockburn City SC, myself and our coaching staff with a clear direction, a new environment, and a young and talented squad hungry to prove themselves,’ he said. “Saturday’s fixture against an experienced Inglewood side, especially strong defensively with attacking speed means we must be creative, brave, and purposeful in our game plan, and look to build on the last two competitive games against difficult opposition.
“Our young squad has the energy and ambition, now it’s about applying it with intelligence. This match is another opportunity for players to show they belong in this new Cockburn environment. We will encourage players to be proactive, take ownership, and secure their place in the squad as we build toward the June transfer window and look to strengthen the group even further.”
Inglewood have struggled with consistency this season, but will be buoyed by the win at Joondalup last week, and defender Ciaran Salinger said the win last week had been coming, and it was a 90-minute performance from the side. “Iluka is not an easy place to go, especially with them in good form, but it was a great team performance,” he said “We were happy to get the reward with the three points, and to get a clean sheet was the icing on the cake.”
Salinger knows there is still improvements the side, but getting players back from injury is also key, and one of them Harry Evans bagged the winner at Joondalup after a lengthy layoff. “Yes, getting players back is always a huge boost for the squad, and Harry made an impact last week with his goal, and competition for places drives the standard in training and makes everyone earn their spot,” the defender explained. “We hope the win last week can kick start our season, but it’s good to gain some momentum and take it into Saturday’s game against Cockburn, and push to start winning games and scoring goals.”
In other games this round, league leaders Floreat Athena head down the freeway to the Poolmart Mandurah Stadium, to take on Mandurah City, who are coming off back-to-back wins, while second placed UWA Nedlands take on Subiaco AFC at Rosalie Park. Murdoch University Melville entertain Kingsley Westside at Len Shearer Reserve, while Joondalup City will look to bounce back from defeat last week, when they rake on Curtin University at Green Promo Park, Edinburgh Oval. Meanwhile in the final game, Gwelup Croatia and Quinns will both look to get back in the winner’s circle, when the pair meet at the Crotian Sporting Complex, Wishart Street.
WEMBLEY HOST KALAMUNDA UNDER LIGHTS ON FRIDAY – DIVISION TWO WEEK NINE PREVIEW
In only their second season in state league football, it’s been a great start for Wembley Downs, and they currently sit third on the table, and they are involved in our week nine State League Division Two ‘Match of the Round’ when they host Kalamunda United at Butlers Reserve on Friday evening. (7:30pm)) it’s the first time the two sides have met in the State League, with the visitors sitting eighth on ladder, and are coming off 1-3 defeat at Ashfield last week, while the hosts came home from Canning with the points after a late goal from Rory Hannon secured a 1-0 win, so Friday night’s game, under lights should be a cracking game.
Wembley striker Toby Robertson, who leads the gold boot race with nine goals this season, said they were fortunate to come home with all three points last week, but they fought it out and were rewarded late, to continue their good start to the season. “Yes, the game against Canning was definitely not our strongest performance of the season, we had some injuries and illness throughout the week and right up until game day that meant we had quite a changed squad. But we managed to grind a win in a game which I think last year we lose,” he explained. “It’s been a positive start to the season for us, and I think that a lot of the work that we did across preseason and throughout our training sessions is paying off.
“A lot of the signings we made have come into the team and have taken us to a new level and added much needed depth. I think our team now is really able to deal with players not being available and I think our position on the ladder shows that, even though we haven’t had some of our key players available for most parts of this season. I think that everyone in the team understands what Luke (Thompson) is asking of us and we are getting results from sticking to his system, no matter what the starting side looks like.”
Robertson, who bagged four in their win against East Perth in week seven, said Kalamunda are a good side, and he is expecting a stern test on Friday. “Looking towards our game against Kalamunda, I know the team and I are really looking forward to it. We have analysed our game from Sunday in a lot of depth and we are keen to get back to the levels we know we can reach,” the striker said. “We want Butlers to be a tough place for every team to come to this season and Friday won’t be any different. These are the games where we can show the competition that we are a contender this season. We know Kalamunda are good team and have started well, but we have shown our best football can match it with anyone.”
Kalamunda keeper Jake Maley-Orr has been in fine form this season, but he was disappointed in their loss at Ashfield, but was impressed with how the hosts played on the day. “Yes, Saturday’s 3-1 loss was obviously a tough one to take, as any defeat is. We created plenty of opportunities in the first half that just didn’t fall our way, and in the second half frustration crept in and gave a well-drilled Ashfield side an opening that they capitalised on,’ he explained. “I know a few of the lads from their squad and they’re a team that works incredibly hard for each other, and they’re definitely a side to keep an eye on this season.”
They sit mid-table at the moment, not bad after playing all their games away from home, but the keeper said they don’t spend much time looking at the ladder, they all believe in the process the coaching staff have implemented. “As a group, we trust the structure and direction Kyle and Kris have put in place, and we believe the results will come,” he explained. “It’s also worth remembering that we haven’t played a home game at Kalamunda all season, so considering that, I think we’ve done well. A huge thank you also goes to our supporters who continue to travel and back us every week - Your support certainly doesn’t go unnoticed. We’re excited to finally begin a run of home fixtures and hopefully turn Maida Vale into a real fortress. I’m sure all the boys would agree when I say we back ourselves against anyone on our home patch.”
Marley-Orr said Friday is another huge test, against a good Wembley side, who have impressive this season, but he can’t wait. “Everyone loves a Friday night game and I’m sure Wembley will be just as excited for it as we are. Full credit to them, they’ve come into the league and made a real impact,” he said. “Their coaching staff clearly prepare thoroughly and have them organised every week. This will actually be my first experience playing against Wembley, so I don’t know a great deal about them personally, but they’re where they are on the table for a reason. That said, we don’t focus too much on what other teams are doing. Our focus is on ourselves, playing good football, working hard for each other, and representing Kalamunda the right way - Bring it on.”
We had a week two catch-up game in midweek, with Carramar Shamrock Rovers moving to second, and maintaining their unbeaten start to the season, after a 1-0 win against East Perth at Wanneroo Reserve. The only goal of the game came early, Wayne Guest on the score sheet again with a close-range header in a very crowded penalty area. “It was a very open game both teams went for the win and thankfully we came away with the three points,” Rovers’ coach Adam Walsh said. “We worked so hard for the whole duration of the game as we know if we let our guard down, we would be punished. They are a good strong side and dangerous at set pieces. I'm delighted for the boys they deserved it for their efforts alone.
“Saturday against Balga at Grandis Park, is another big test as is every game in the league. It's so tight and anyone slips up they get punished. Balga will be ready and have very good movement throughout so their dangerous until full time whistle.” In other games on Saturday, East Perth will look to bounced back, when they travel to Charles Riley Memorial Reserve to take on North Beach, while leaders Rockingham City head to Walter Padbury Reserve, to meet Gosnells City. Ashfield entertain Morley Windmills at the Ashfield Arena, while Canning City welcome Forrestfield United to Burrendah Park.
CIRCATI RELISHING CHANCE AT WORLD CUP DREAM
Alessandro Circati says the opportunity to represent the Socceroos at next month’s FIFA World Cup would make his “younger self very proud and very content” but admits there is still work to do if he is to realise his dream. The 22-year old joined the Socceroos training camp ahead of their final warm-up match against Mexico on Sunday, before the final 26-man squad for the World Cup is picked just days later.
“(To play at a World Cup is) what I’ve been working for, to make me feel like I’ve achieved something that I’m working for a dream of mine, something which my younger self probably wasn’t even thinking of,” Circati said. “To be able to be in this position to be able to possibly go to one, I think it really makes my younger self very proud and very content. I’m not content with where I am, but I think it’s a nice objective to be able to accomplish.”
Although their opening match against Turkiye is just under two weeks away, Circati said there was still work to be done before the squad is finalised. “It is around the corner. If you start looking at dates and numbers, it is very close,” he said. “But we’ve got these two games now, and obviously the squad hasn’t been selected, so I think the boys are all doing their best to try and get in the squad.”
The Mexico bout is expected to draw a mammoth crowd, with already well over 70,000 tickets sold for the warm-up fixture. The centre-back said an opportunity to play in front of a large crowd was always exciting. “It’s great to hear there are a lot of people, it’s always good fun,” he said. “I think we played against Mexico maybe three years back, in Texas, and I think there was like 95-100,000 people there. So that’s sick, the more people the better.”
CIRCATI TO REALISE HIS DREAM OF PLAYING AT THE WORLD CUP FINALS
Former Perth Azzurri and Perth Glory defender Alessandro Circati says the opportunity to represent the Socceroos at next month’s FIFA World Cup would make his “younger self very proud and very content” but admits there is still work to do if he is to realise his dream. Circati joined the Socceroos training camp ahead of the side’s final warm-up match against Mexico on Sunday, before the final 26-man squad for the World Cup is picked just days later.
But it was bad news for another former Glory youngster, with Daniel Bennie (QPR) being cut from the squad along with Raphael Borges Rodrigues (Wigan Athletic, on loan from Coventry City), Anthony Caceres (Macarthur FC), Mitch Duke (Macarthur FC), Dylan Leonard (Schalke), Alex Robertson (Cardiff City), Gianni Stensness (Viking) and Ante Suto (Hibernian) have been released from the training camp.
For Circati, the opportunity to represent his nation at soccer’s ultimate showpiece would fulfil a dream that not even his younger self thought possible. “I mean, it’s what I’ve been working for, to make me feel like I’ve achieved something that I’m working for a dream of mine, something which my younger self probably wasn’t even thinking of,” the 22-year-old defender said. ““To be able to be in this position to be able to possibly go to one, I think it really makes my younger self very proud and very content. I’m not content with where I am, but I think it’s a nice objective to be able to accomplish.”
Although their opening match against Turkiye is just under two weeks away, Circati said there was still work to be done before the squad is finalised, with their final friendly game against Mexico on Sunday at 10am (WA Time) at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Los Angeles. “It is around the corner. If you start looking at dates and numbers, it is very close,” he said. “But we’ve got these two games now, and obviously the squad hasn’t been selected, so I think the boys are all doing their best to try and get in the squad.”
The Mexico game is expected to draw a mammoth crowd, with already well over 70,000 tickets sold for the warm-up fixture. The Palma central defender said an opportunity to play in front of a large crowd was always exciting. “It’s great to hear there are a lot of people, it’s always good fun,” he said. “I think we played against Mexico maybe three years back, in Texas, and I think there was like 95-100,000 people there. So that’s sick, the more people the better.” The final 26-man Socceroos squad is due to be submitted to FIFA by June 1, and will be made official on June 2 AWST.
GLORY RE-SIGN SEBASTIAN DESPOTOVSKI ON TWO-YEAR DEAL
Perth Glory have moved to tie-up Sebastian Despotovski by upgrading him to a senior contract after an eye-catching season. The 20-year old, the son of club legend Bobby, has moved on from his scholarship deal and re-committed to Glory on a two-year extension which concludes after the 2027/28 season.
Having made his Glory debut on the final minutes of the 2024/25 season, Despotovski established himself as a first team regular over the recently completed campaign, making 18 appearances in the forward line. Playing as a second striker and occasionally a winger, Despotovski grew in confidence throughout the season and looked more physically comfortable as the campaign progressed, coming into his own late in the year.
While the younger Despotovski has some way to go to catch his dad in terms of games played (241) and goals (a club record 113), Glory director of football Stan Lazaridis said Sebastian had a bright future ahead of him. “Seb is a naturally talented footballer who can influence the game from a number of positions,” he said.
“He brings the kind of creative flair that our members and fans love to see and it was great to see him step up and showcase his skills regularly in the A-League last season. Like all our young players, he still has plenty to learn, but there is no doubt in my mind that he has a very high ceiling and we’re really excited to watch his development continue over the next couple of years.”
BENNIE RELEASED FROM SOCCEROOS’ CAMP
The World Cup hopes of Daniel Bennie have been dashed after the West Australian attacker was released from the Socceroos’ training camp ahead of the tournament. After impressing at the back-end of the English Championship season with Queens Park Rangers, the versatile 20-year old was among Tony Popovic’s first call-ups as the national side begun their preparations for the tournament in Sarasota, Florida.
But on Tuesday, Bennie was announced among a group of players who had been released from the camp, alongside Mitch Duke, Alex Robertson, Raphael Borges Rodrigues, Anthony Caceres, Dylan Leonard, Gianni Stensness and Ante Suto. Another Perth product in defender Alessandro Circati has linked up with the Socceroos after concluding his domestic season with Parma in Serie A, joining fellow local junior Jacob Italiano.
DENCH DEPARTS BRISBANE ROAR
Brisbane Roar have confirmed defender Matthew Dench will leave the club at the end of his current contract. The 22-year old joined the A-League club ahead of the 2025/26 season following a successful trial period and made 12 appearances for Brisbane Roar, scoring one goal in that time.
Dench played juniors for ECU Joondalup and spent time with the Perth Glory Academy before joined English club Charlton Athletic, where he continued his development with the Under-21s and gained his first team debut in a 3-0 win against Gillingham in 2022.
CIRCATI REFLECTS ON FINAL DAY SUCCESS AND A “VERY POSITIVE SEASON”
Australia defender Alessandro Circati has finished his club commitments by helping Parma score a 1-0 win over Sassuolo on the final day of the Serie A season. The three points gained secured Parma 13th position on the table with Circati departing after the game to join the Socceroos pre-World Cup training camp in Sarasota, Florida.
“In the first half, we created several chances in quick succession. Mateo (Pellegrino) then did really well to score in the second half. You don’t necessarily play better with less pressure - on the one hand you’ve got nothing to lose, but on the other you can sometimes lack motivation. From my point of view, every game has to be approached with the desire to win,” Circati said.
“It was lovely to see the fans at the final whistle - a great way to finish in front of them. I’ll go to the World Cup with an even bigger smile thanks to this match. The coach has had a great season and done really well, especially in his first experience as a head coach. He deserves a lot of credit. We went into every game looking to win, knowing every team plays differently, and we always gave everything.”
“Overall, it’s been a very positive season. Our aim was to stay up and we achieved that with four games to spare. I really like the energy in this team - we’ve got plenty of drive and we push ourselves every day. Personally, I’m proud of my season and I’m happy I was able to play consistently after last year’s difficulties.”
NPL WA – MEN’S WEEK ELEVEN REVIEW
Perth RedStar’s lead at the top of the New Balance NPLWA Men’s table has been reduced to just three points after the Week Eleven games. RedStar were held to a 1-1 draw by Perth Azzurri on Friday evening, and their nearest challengers Olympic Kingsway and Bayswater City closed the gap after wins on Saturday afternoon. Bayswater City are close on the heels of the top two, after a dramatic last-minute win against a ten-man Stirling Macedonia at Macedonia Park.
“Tremendous win for us and I thought it was fully deserved in the end. Even coming in 1-0 down at half time there was a real belief amongst the group and we felt if we continued to perform the way we know we can, the chances would come,” Bayswater coach Matthew Sparrow said. “I thought the response in the second half was excellent. We showed real character, intensity and quality at important moments and scored two very good goals to turn the game around.”
The hosts found the opener four minutes from the break, a long clearance from Nick Speca wasn’t dealt with and Callum McKenzie found Pacifique Dufitimukiza, who’s through sent Alex Tanevski racing into the box and he finished low past Lewis Italiano. Stirling led at the break, but things took a twist for them on 57 minutes when McKenzie was shown a second yellow card after push on Luke Palmateer. It went from bad to worse for Stirling, and 19 minutes later Bayswater substitute Borbor Sam was brought down by Danny Douglas, and referee Shane Skinner pointed straight to the spot.
Declan Hughes stepped up and sent Speca the wrong way from the resulting penalty. It looked like the points would be shared, but deep into stoppage time Matthew Sparrow’s side won it. Hughes’ cross to the back post was nodded back by Palmateer to Jackson Stephens, who played the ball back to the skipper, and his side flew into the corner of the net, to set off wild celebrations on and off the pitch. “Having played three games in seven days, to come away to Stirling and pick up three vital points is a huge credit to the group. The effort, mentality and togetherness they’re showing at the moment has been outstanding,” Sparrow added. “Stirling away is always a difficult place to come so to show that resilience and find a way to win says a lot about this squad. I’m delighted for the players because I felt their attitude and work rate deserved the reward.”
Olympic Kingsway are second, after a 4-1 win against Sorrento at Percy Doyle Reserve. The Gulls went into this one on the back of back-to-back defeats, but they went close to the lead early, Clay Gibbs’ free kick picked out Ryan McLaughlin, but he couldn’t keep his header down. The visitors hit back, Bryce Bafford’s shot flashed across the face of goal, before Scottish midfielder Reegan Mimnaugh effort was pushed around the post by the alert Ben Ratajczak. But the deadlock was broken seven minutes from half time, Mimnaugh was brought down by Will Richards and Liam Boland made no mistake from the spot. The Green Machine doubled their advantage five minutes into the second half, Mitch Oxborrow’s corner finding Aryn Williams, whose glancing header at the near post beat Ratajczak.
The visitors were now in control, and it was 3-0 on 64 minutes, some neat one touch football in the middle of the park ended with Oxborrow who raced into goal and finishing neatly. It looked game over, but the hosts pulled one back 19 minutes from time, Olympic keepers poor touch was pounced on by Gibbs, who won possession and fired home from the angle. But that’s as good as it got for Sorrento, Olympic sealing the points in the final minute, Daniel de Silva’s ball forward, bouncing backwards on the edge of the box, and as Ratajczak came out to head clear, but Boland beat him to the ball to head home.
Fremantle City have moved five points clear of the bottom two, after a thrilling 4-3 win against Perth Glory at Hilton Park, with former Glory Josh Risdon scoring his first goal for Fremantle since his retirement from professional football. “Those were three really crucial points for us. We’ve been playing some really good football this season and it hasn’t always translated into results, but we’re happy with the way we’re playing and we’ll keep sticking to our identity. If we can be a little more ruthless in front of goal, I think we can make a real push towards the top four,” Fremantle’s Chad Nilson explained.
“Josh (Risdon) has also been fantastic since coming in, and he’s one of the humblest blokes I’ve met. He’s been training the house down and putting in strong performances every week. He’s had a huge impact on the squad, so it was great to see him get his first goal for the club.” The hosts hit the front on 11 minutes, former Glory midfielder Cameron Edwards forced the ball forward, and it fell to Nilson on the edge of the box and his shot flew past Jhett Warner. They doubled their lead on the half hour, Charlie Chechlacz’s free kick from out on the left was flicked home by Risdon. But hit back four minutes from half time, Santiago Flores’ cross from the right found Shaun Mutyavaviri, who cleverly hooked the ball over Luke Radonich.
Then in stoppage time, Glory were level. Louis Sollitt sent Mutyavaviri racing clear, and he finished with aplomb over Radonich. Fremantle regained the lead early in the second half, Nick Ambrogio’s cross from the right was headed home by Iljas Ahmedov, despite Warner getting a hand to it. The visitors weren’t finished and restored parity again 15 minutes from time, Fremantle failed to clear their lines, and the ball ended up with Oliver Evans who fired home from the edge of the box. But six minutes later it was Fremantle who won it, Chechlacz/s corner found the unmarked Nilson at the back post, who headed home.
In the final game, the points were shared at Dianella Reserve, after a 2-2 draw between Dianella White Eagles and Armadale. “I thought first half we did everything the coaches asked and limited Dianella to hardly any chances,” Armadale keeper Alfie Brincat said. “But a lack of concentration cost us the first goal inside a few minutes to the start of the second half, but we defended well to hold on to a valuable point.” Armadale opened the scoring on 20 minutes, Lucas Cook finding Leigh Griffiths on the edge of the box, and the Scottish striker sent Will Hayes into the box and he finished low past Joel Driscoll.
But in the first minute of the second half the Eagles were levelled. Miguel Restrepo made space down the right, and his cross was flicked on by Ben Hinshelwood and Asher Nelson headed home at the back post. But on 56 minutes Armadale regained the lead, Abraham Mathet sent Griffiths racing clear, with the Dianella players looking for the offside flag, that never came, and he raced into the box and dinked the ball over the on-coming Driscoll. The home side were back level 12 minutes later, Restrepo winning the ball in the middle of the park and sending substitute Daniel Zivovic clear and he finished clinically past Brincat. “It was a poor start and first half from us, which allowed Armadale into the game,” Dianella keeper Joel Driscoll said. “But second half we turned it around lifted the tempo, dominating large periods, but unfortunately couldn’t find the winner.”
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE – WEEK NINE REVIEW
Mandurah City have moved up to sixth on the State League Division One table, after a dominant 4-0 win against Quinns at Stylish Park, in our Week Nine ‘Match of the Round’ on Saturday afternoon. “It was a great win away from home from the lads,” Mandurah’s Harry Collins said. “I thought we started the game well and looked promising every time we went forward, also delighted to come home with a clean sheet.” The hosts went into this one after back-to-back wins on the road, and looking for a first win at home for the season, but they found themselves behind after only nine minutes, Lachlan Hannah converting a cross from the left from Sam Lovell.
Quinns looked to hit back, but couldn’t find away through a tight Mandurah defence, and on 63 minutes it was the Dolphins who doubled their advantage. Kristers Zaluzinskis cutting the ball back for Jordan Callaghan, who made no mistake. They made it 3-0 five minutes later, Daniel O’Donovan was caught in possession by Callaghan, who fed Gian Zupanov and he raced into goal and finished low past James Bosdet. They sealed the points two minutes later, with the goal of the game, Charlie Breen finding Callaghan on the edge of the box, he cut around his marker before firing home superbly.
In other games, league leaders Floreat Athena were held to a 0-0 draw by Cockburn City at Dalmatinac Park. With new coach Terry Nicolaou watching from the stands, it was a solid point for the Cockerels, while Athena had their lead at the top cut to five points. “With the new coach starting on Tuesday, it was a good performance, and it was a tight game,” Cockburn skipper Euen Grant said. “Floreat maybe had more possession but I thought we dealt well with all that they had to offer and had a few chances for ourselves on the transition. They had a chance right at the end, but luck was on our side and I think a draw was fair result at the end of the day.”
Second placed Kingsley Westside have come from behind to beat Gwelup Croatia 2-1 at the Croatian Sporting Complex, Wishart Street. “Very pleased to get back to winning ways,” Kingsley coach Ben Andrews said. “There wasn’t much in the first half with a silly penalty the difference between the two teams. Getting to half time allowed us to adjust a couple of things which the players responded to well and the lads showed their intent right from the start. We had 11 really good opportunities to kill the game off, which is something we’ll look to improve on. But overall, we are comfortable with the performance and happy with the points.”
It was the hosts who were ahead at the break, after Jeremie Mba was brought down in the box by Raeez Pandor, and the referee pointed straight to the spot. Mba picked himself up and sent Mason Stickels the wrong way from the resulting penalty. But four minutes into the second half Gwelup were reduced to ten men, with Jack Overy deemed to be the last man after bringing down Max Adamson on the edge of the box. Kingsley made their numerical advantage count and drew level on 74 minutes, Adamson firing home from the edge of the box. Then seven minutes from time they won it, Jamie Gardiner’s corner from the left was flicked on at the front post and Jack Roberts turned the ball home at the back post.
Inglewood United have secured their third win of the season, after a 1-0 win against third placed Joondalup City at Iluka Park. “Yesterday was a great result for us, Joondalup City away is one of the toughest away games in the league and they play their pitch well and have a decent side. I thought we were solid for the whole 90 minutes, and everyone played their part from start to finish to get the job done,” the returning Harry Evans explained. “Personally, it’s been a frustrating 12 months watching from the sidelines through injury, so to start the game and score the winner made it even better.” The only goal of the game came on six minutes, Jordan Brown finding Evans in the middle of the park, and no one closed him down, and the midfielder drove forward before finding the bottom corner from distance, before celebrating with his teammates.”
UWA Nedlands have kept the pressure on the leaders, after a 3-0 win against Murdoch University Melville at the UWA Sports Park. “A great response from the boys this week, with a strong 3-0 win against a well-structured and talented Murdoch side,” UWA’s Seb Hooshangian said. “After the tough result against Mandurah last week, the boys showed great character to bounce back, with a solid performance and clean sheet. We’ll continue to take it one game at a time, with full attention now turning to Subiaco next week.”
Nicholas Falco opened the scoring for the hosts just after the half hour, his effort from the edge of the area took a deflection and looped up and over Duncan Lennon-Black and into the net. They doubled their lead early in the second half, Lewis Nohar’s cross was headed home by Joe McInnes, his eleventh goal of the season. They sealed the points in stoppage time with a third, Luke Salas beating the offside trap, before finishing clinically across Lennon-Black.
In the final game, Curtin University have moved off the bottom of the table after a 2-0 win against Subiaco AFC at Rosalie Park. “It was a good result for us, especially after a big week, and playing midweek,” Curtin coach Troy Reid said. “I thought we controlled the game, and a fantastic strike from Dane Meerally set us up for a deserved three points.” The visitors made a strong start and were ahead on 19 minutes, Meerally’s long-range strike flew into the net. They scored the second to take the points just past the hour, Jude Baillie’s free-kick was saved by Max Winton, and Declan Tanna was quickest to the rebound to score.
STATE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO – WEEK EIGHT REVIEW
Our Week Eight State League Division Two ‘Match of the Round’ was a tight affair, with Morley Windmills beating Balga AFC 2-1 and in doing so claiming the ‘John Aufdemkampe Trophy in the local derby at Wotton Reserve. “It was a typical derby, and the game was a feisty affair, with the majority of the game being contested in the middle third,” Morley coach John O’Reilly said. “But overall, I was happy with how the lads defended today, and we were clinical with our two main chances.”
Morley found the opener on 14 minutes, Gabriel Vasques playing a neat through ball to Amir Ajan, and the former Armadale and Perth Azzurri midfielder raced into goal and lob the oncoming Balga keeper Noah Boulaye. It was 2-0 early in the second half, the lively Ajan finding space on the left, before cutting into the box and finishing low past Boulaye. Balga found a lifeline 18 minutes from time, a corner wasn’t dealt with, and in the goalmouth scramble substitute Martin Torres turned the ball home. The visitors pressed for the equaliser, but Morley stood firm to take out the points.
League leaders Rockingham City were too strong for North Beach, running out 4-0 winners at The Endeavor Homes Stadium, Larkhill Sportsplex. “I thought it was a professional performance today, and we got the job done,” Rockingham’s Graham Tough said. “We were made to work for our goals in the first half, while we controlled the most part and defended well as a team when they had their moments in the game. “We wanted to bounce back after last week's defeat and our narrow loss midweek in the cup and we done that this weekend. Big week on the training pitch and get ready for another tough game away from home to Gosnells.”
Rockingham were ahead on 22 minutes, with Mitch Fooley finishing neatly, and the striker was in again in the shadows of half time, to send the hosts into the sheds two too the good. Coach Matthew Brook made a couple of changes in the second half, and they finished well, adding two more late. One of the substitutes Tom Kinnane added a third eight minutes from time, before he completed the scoring two minutes later.
Carramar Shamrock Rovers have lost ground on the leaders, after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Gosnells City at Grandis Park. The visitors have struggled this season, and found themselves behind early, with Wayne Guest scoring. But Gosnells hit back and levelled just before the hour mark, with skipper Aaron Coslini on target. Both sides had chances to win, with Gosnells probably left disappointed they didn’t leave with all three points.
“Full credit to the lads today, we knew going away to the unbeaten Rovers was going to be tough, and going 1-0 down made it even harder,” Gosnells coach Peter Allan said. “But our second half performance was brilliant, the lads put in one hell of a shift and threw everything at it, the skipper really ignited us and lads can feel hard done by not to get all three points after dominating the last half hour.”
It was a special day at Luxwin Stadium, Hartfield Park when they held the Scarlett’s Memorial Day, in memory of young Scarlett Oliver who sadly passed away last year with cancer. All money raised will go to the WA not for profit charity Kids Cancer Support Group with proceeds going towards supporting kids and families affected by cancer. On the day Forrestfield United turned on the style, beating East Perth 4-2.
“It was a big game for the club with it being the Scarlett Memorial game/supporting kids with Cancer event, and our coach Eddie ensured everyone was up for it. It was always going to be a challenging game against a strong opposition in East Perth FC, but I thought the boys stuck to the game plan well, and all went in knowing that anything short of three points is not acceptable,” Forrestfield’s Luqman Sayyed explained. “It felt good to get the back-to-back wins, with a more consistent defensive performance and even better attacking performance as we actually took more of our chances this time.
“We will look to keep on building momentum while still taking it one game at a time. However, there is still a lot of room for improvements, despite playing some attractive football in patches, still need to build on doing it for longer periods.” Forrestfield started well, and hit the front on ten minutes, a long throw was only cleared to the edge of the box, and Noah Appleby volleyed home. It was 2-0 on the half hour, their high press caused a turn over and Austin Reynolds raced clear, one-on-one with Azarl Tanveer, and finishing neatly.
It was 3-0 on 42 minutes, a quick transition by Emerson Dimattina, saw him find skipper Matt Evan’s on the right, who squared the ball first time to Lucas Reid who finished well. East Perth was back in the game with the last kick of half, with Ryan Murray scoring after a mistake at the back. Forrestfield regained they three goal advantage early in the second half, when a free kick from out wide by Dimattina, was headed back across goal by Nathan Costello, and Shaydon Passalacqua bicycle kick went into the net, despite the efforts of Adam McCarron on the line, before Gerard Clark scored a late consolation for East Perth.
In the final Saturday game, Ashfield have moved up to third after a 3-1 against Kalamunda in the local derby at the Ashfield Arena. “It was a tough game against an experienced and talented side in Kalamunda. We didn’t play well in the first half, but the way we came out in the second half was exceptional,” Ashfield coach Malcom Tshuma explained. “I thought we deserved the win on the balance of play, but as a group we know we have to tidy up a few areas especially with the run of fixtures ahead of us.” It was all-square at the break, but Ashfield burst the game wide open with two early goals in the second half.
First on 51 minutes, Jake Melia whipped in a free kick that was flicked on by Blake Pritchard and Ben Entwistle tucked home from close-range. They added another three minutes later, winning the ball in midfield, and Entwistle released Pritchard through the middle before he calmly slotted past the keeper. Kalamunda halved the deficit 17 minutes from time, with Angel Andres on target. But the hosts sealed the points three minutes from time, a swift counter attack with Jack Kiama in his first game back from injury, found the run of Kian Durant who found the bottom corner. Kalamunda finished the game with ten men, after skipper Nicolas Roca was shown a second yellow card.
The final game was on Sunday, with Wembley Downs beating Canning City 1-0 at Burrendah Park. Wembley coach Luke Thompson said they were very fortunate to come home with the points. “If I’m honest, it was daylight robbery that we won the game, and I feel for Lee and his lads as they played well and stopped us doing what we want to do,” he explained. “But grinding out results when you’re not playing well is sometimes what it’s about, if you want to compete at the top of the league.” The visitors nicked the points in the second minute of stoppage time, a corner from Lachie Chamberlain to the back post, picked out Rory Hannon, who headed it back across the goal and into the net.”
BELT-UP AMATEUR PREMIER DIVISION – WEEK SEVEN REVIEW
Swan United have kept the pressure on Belt-Up Amateur Premier Division leaders Wanneroo City, after a 3-1 win against Kingsley Westside, in our week seven ‘Match of the Round’ at Chichester Park on Sunday afternoon. A first half goal from John Monterosso set them in their way, before second half goals from Thomas Eddie and skipper Liam Merigan sealed the points, with Craig Richards scoring a late consolation goal for the hosts. “Really pleasing result away against Kingsley, we were well aware how challenging a game it was going to be and their results showing to be a very difficult side to beat,” Merigan said. “It was great for us to show such a disciplined performance, and get the three points and continue the momentum of winning games.”
The visitors were ahead on four minutes, a through ball behind the defence by Merigan sent Monterosso clear, and he finished with aplomb over the on-coming keeper. They doubled their advantage on the hour, a corner was only cleared to the edge of the box, and it fell to Eddie, finished clinically into the top corner of the net. The points were sealed with a third ten minutes from time, a mistake by the keeper, playing out from the back that was cut out by Merigan, who made no mistake. “I thought we started well and scored early which was the perfect start for us, Kingsley gave us some problems and grew as the half went on but our second half performance was much better and we were a lot more threatening so it was good to add more goals,” Swan coach Lee Taylor explained. “A little disappointing to concede late on, but the most important thing was to come away with three points especially with the other sides around us continuing to win each week.”
The round started on Saturday evening, with league leaders Wanneroo City consolidated their lead at the top, after a 4-1 win against Maccabi at Players Place, Wanneroo Reserve. “It was a professional performance from the boys against good Maccabi side, an early goal is always nice and helped us get into our rhythm,” Wanneroo’s Alan Reidy said. “It could have been more, but Maccabi’s keeper Steven Kaye made some really good saves during the match, one from Ross Buckley in the first half and one from myself in the second.” Wanneroo made the breakthrough early, some nice link up play between Jordan cook and Loris Tommolini from a corner, which was only cleared to Sam Gammack on the edge of box who took it on his chest and volleyed home.
It was 2-0 on 34 minutes, a ball over the top by Zak Thomas to Reidy, who cut inside his marker, but Kaye made a good save, but Buckley was first to it and squared it back to Reidy who finished from close-range. They added a third before the break, a good run through the middle by Tommolini who squared it to Thierry Berard to finish. It was 4-0 midway through the second half, Ollie Bradley who was pulled down in the box, and Kane Fitch made no mistake from the resulting penalty. Maccabi scored a consolation goal seven minutes from time, with Dion Berman lobbing keeper Cian Flynn from distance.
North Perth United sit third, this after a hard fought 2-0 win against Kwinana United at Woodville Reserve. Coach Chris Batten said it was a good all-round performance. “We knew Kwinana were going to be a well organised side and they set up exactly how we thought,” he said. “We had a very strong squad to pick from and started the game very well on the front foot, we created numerous chances from free kicks and corners but were frustrated with some great defending and goalkeeping. Eventually the pressure paid off, and we scored a couple of good goals, and I thought from then on, we dominated most of the play and saw out which was in the end, a comfortable win.”
After being denied by a hard-working Kwinana for most of the first half, the hosts found the opener in the shadows of half time. A corner from Connor Hartley set up Tom Flowler, who dropped the shoulder and placed the ball into the corner of the net, to send North Perth into the sheds with the lead. Then early in the second half they doubled their lead, with one of the goals of the season. Barry Boggan battled for the ball in the middle of the park who then knocked it into the direction of Micky Brennan, the winger looked up and fired a thunderous volley from way out, which flew into the top right corner of the net, and the large crowd behind the goals were in total disbelief of the finish.
Hamersley Rovers have returned from the Noranda Sporting Complex with all three points after a 2-0 win against Noranda Emerald and in doing so handed the hosts first defeat on home soil this season. “Getting three points is always very pleasing, especially away from home,” Rovers’ coach Antony Benetti said. “They are a very good side, that is well drilled and have genuine qualities. We were disappointed with the second half last week, so we were looking for a far better account of ourselves and we got it today.
“I thought the game was very even so it was great to see we took our chances and at the same time were resolute defensively. All in all, an important win and something we want to continue building on.” Rovers were ahead just before the break, Toby Kynaston’s perfectly weighted cross from the right and across the box to Callum Duguid, who rounded the goalkeeper, but his shot was well blocked on the line, but the rebound fell to Ryan Charles who hammered it home. They sealed the victory ten minutes from time, a cross from the left from Ian McCullagh found the unmarked Aidan Sack, who volleyed into the roof of the net from a tight angle
Kelmscott Roos are up to fourth after a 3-1 win against Jaguar at the Herb Graham Recreation Centre. “It was a tricky game for us, we knew we had to expect a difficult game because Jags are a different side from when we played them in night series,” Kelmscott keeper Taylor Warwick explained. “We had a lot of good opportunities in the first half, but their keeper made some great saves, in the second half we took control early and made our chances count. It was a tough game and Jags didn’t give up, but we got the important win and kept our good momentum going. Onto AFC in the cup next week.”
The visitors made the breakthrough just before the hour, Isaac Koomson picked the ball up on the left, beat his defender and cut the ball back to Ben Bolt who made no mistake, finishing first time. They added a second on 69 minutes, Solomon Finch caught the Jags keeper unaware and blocked his pass out, which rebounded into the net. Jaga were back in the game two minutes later, with Paul Sopp scoring, but that’s as good as it got for the hosts. They were reduced to ten men when John Guya was sent off, and Kelmscott sealed the points in stoppage time, good work by Wellington Muvunduke down the right, ended with a cross to the back post and Amos Doegolia made no mistake.
In the final game Olympic Kingsway have moved five points clear of the bottom two, this after a hard fought 2-1 win against Ballajura AFC at Kingsway Reserve. “It was a nervous first half as both sides didn’t want to concede first. We started well and had a great 15 minutes, but Ballajura finished the half stronger of the two playing some good counter attacking football,” Olympic coach Richard Turvill explained. “After a half time reset and identifying what we needed we went out and had a much stronger second half. The lads were persistent and resilient with what we needed to do to win. It looked like it was going to be a draw but I’m wrapped for Robbie (Butterworth) scoring a last-minute winner and he thoroughly deserved a goal after having a few earlier chances but he didn’t drop his head. The win meant a lot to our group and the hard work we put in this week. everyone played their part in the group on and off the pitch.”
Both sides had chances in an even first half, with both keeper making some good saves, and the hosts had a goal disallowed. But on the hour, it was Olympic who scored the opener. Ben Rooney heading home at the back stick from a short corner that Cole Jones whipped in. But five minutes later Ballajura levelled, after Olympic failed to clear a corner, Lawrence Steel finished. It looked like the points would be shared but in the final minute it was the hosts who won it. Josh Pasco stepped in and cut off a Ballajura pass in the middle of the park, before sending a cross-field ball out to Butterworth, who took on his marker, before finding the bottom corner.
NPL-WA WOMEN’S WEEK NINE REVIEW - By Tommy Doleman (Football West)
Perth Azzurri are the new leaders of the New Balance NPL WA Women’s competition after a 5-0 win against Subiaco at Rosalie Park. The defending champions are three points clear at the summit after previous pacesetters Balcatta Etna suffered their first loss of the season on Sunday. Tom Glavovic’s side are also the division’s only undefeated team after nine rounds, while Subi stays sixth and are five points off fourth spot. Subiaco had a good chance on the quarter-hour mark when a corner ran to Ana Denona, who forced Dayle Schroeder to help over her own crossbar. Then, with half-time nearing, Jess Flannery beat the offside trap and put Perth in front with a one-on-one finish.
Azzurri put the pedal to the metal in the second period with four more goals seeing them run away convincing winners by the end. Flannery latched onto another Ruby Marshall pass through the middle six minutes after the restart to double her and Perth’s tally. Subiaco were unable to deal with simple straight balls and they paid the price again as Daisy McAllister opened her account for the campaign after breaking beyond the home defence. Then it was Charli Wainwright’s turn to bag her first of the season after rolling in when a high ball into the box broke her way. Matilda Bohm headed in Tegan Attree’s corner late on to wrap up the victory and make it back-to-back away wins for the holders.
Perth RedStar have secured a 2-0 win at the Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve, to knock league leaders Balcatta Etna off the top of the table. A goal in each half got the job done as Conrad McKelvie remained unbeaten since replacing Chris Atturo as head coach earlier this month. The opener came on 27 minutes when Etna failed to clear a corner and Jay Coleman arrived on the edge of the box to fire home.
Caitlin Doeglas had a great chance to level against her former team late in the half, charging through the home defence and rounded keeper Gabby Dal Busco but was unable to finish into a vacant net. Instead, the Azzurri nearly extended their lead with the last kick of the first half when Nelli Johnson’s free-kick was beaten away by Rebecca Bennett. Johnson did find the net on 72 minutes when her cross-cum-shot beat Bennett at her near post and that proved enough to secure all three points. Another boost for RedStar, who are now three games unbeaten, was the return of Sarah Carroll as a second-half substitute after nine weeks out.
Sorrento have secured a hard fought 1-1 draw with Hyundai Football West Academy at Percy Doyle Reserve. “I thought the group showed a lot of resilience, hard work and grit throughout the match against the academy, especially with a few niggles and flu going through the group. We’ve been working hard on building connections and understanding within the team, and it was pleasing to see more of that come through during the game. The players stayed disciplined defensively, continued to compete for every moment, and showed great character across the 90 minutes,” Gulls coach Annie Farrell explained."
“Coming away with a point against a strong side is another positive step forward and reflects the progress the players are continuing to make each week. I was really proud of the work rate and commitment shown across the park. It was also fantastic to see Nikayla Hughes find the back of the net again. She has continued to grow in confidence throughout the season and is becoming a real attacking threat for us, so it was great to see her rewarded with another goal.”
It was a great start for the hosts, and they hit the front early, Hughes latched onto Jenna Harnwell’s long ball and rolled her marker to find the bottom corner. Mya Andrews fired a shot just wide on 20 minutes from the edge of the area as the Academy had plenty of chances to level, but it was Sorrento who held a slender lead at the break. A brilliant long-range strike from Ella Lange gave the Academy an equaliser on 52 minutes. But despite 11 shots on target in the game, they could not find a winner and sit four points behind fourth-placed RedStar.
Fremantle City have gone level on points with Balcatta following their 5-0 victory at UWA Nedlands. Tanika Lala wasted no time in marking her second spell at Freo with a goal, collecting Abbey Green’s pass and running in to finish after only 70 seconds. Leyna Wood then hit the bar for Freo, before Sam Geddes’ side went two up on 35 minutes with Lala again involved. The Goldfields forward crossed for Wood to poke home from six yards.
Lala struck again as she put away Lacey Heys’ cross early in the second half for Freo's third, before Janice Kiama nudged Erin Siah’s cross over the line to put the visitors in a commanding position. Another Siah corner led to a fifth and final goal with skipper Annabelle Leek bundling in on the line. The win keeps Fremantle three points behind Perth, while UWA are six points adrift at the foot of the table with just one point from nine games.
ETNA AND KNIGHTS SHARE THE SPOILS
Balcatta Etna and Western Knights have shared the spoils, after a 0-0 draw in our Week 11 ‘Match of the Round’ at the Home Group Stadium, Grindleford Reserve on Saturday afternoon. Both sides hit the woodwork, but clear-cut chances were few and far between, and it ended in a stalemate. Both sides went into this on the back of big wins last week, and both had early chances. First on two minutes Jon Stynes’ free kick was straight at Robert Sinclair, and moments later down the other end, Justin Tang’s shot flashed wide of the post. Both sides were struggling to create chances in the final third, although a curling effort from Charlie Betts drifted just over the top, while Woonsub Sim’s in swinging corner was tipped over the top by Seb Medica.
The hosts started to take control in the middle of the park midway through, and Betts shot on the run was straight at the keeper, before Darius Ghinea’s free kick was straight at the keeper. They went close again on half hour, Joshua Cole’s curling free kick on the left drifted inches wide of the far post. The Knights hit back, and Regan Hutchinson combined with Sammy Barry down the right, and Hutchinson raced across the face of the box, but his shot lacked the power to beat Medica.
Both sides had late chances to take the lead into the break, a jinking run from Jared Flavel saw him race into the box, but his shot was over the top. Moments later a corner was flicked on to Daniel Walsh, and his effort was deflected wide. The Knights were lucky not be down to ten men in stoppage time, after a tackle by Sim on Flavel, and with the midfielder already on a yellow card, was given the benefit of the doubt by referee David Bruce, after a chat with his assistant.
The Knights made a triple change at the break, with Konstantinos Sparta, Kristian Santich and Asher Hwight coming on, but it was the host who went within inches of the lead three minutes in. Jared Flavel playing in David Ghinea, whose shot from distance crashed off the bar. The Knights went close themselves shortly after Tang’s shot from the edge of the box flashed wide of the post, before Santich’s shot on the run flew over the top. It was end-to-end football, as both sides looked for the opener, Walsh’s header back across goal on the hour, found Tang, who volleyed over the top, while down the other end Jon Stynes volley was deflected over the top.
The Knights pressed late, and Sammy Barry raced clear down the left, and his shot on the run whistled inches past the far post. Barry went closer six minutes from time, finding space on the left, and his shot beat Medica, but the post came to the rescue of the Balcatta custodian. Both sides had late chances to take all three points, substitute Edward Wilcock’s shot was saved low by Robert Sinclair, and in stoppage time Sparta cut inside the box, but his shot hit the side netting. Both sides had to settle for a share of the spoils, and with results elsewhere the Knights stay fourth, while Balcatta remain 11th
Balcatta Etna: GK Sebastian Medica, 3 Matthew Tomassone, 4 Luke Alessandrino, 5 Phillip Radeski, 8 Jesse Fuller, 9 Darius Ghinea, 10 Jon Stynes, 11 Charlie Betts (36 Rory Betts 87’), 15 Christopher Tilson, 16 Joshua Cala, 17 Jared Flavel (12 Edward Wilcock 82’) – Subs not used: RGK Riley Stephenson, , 21 Stephen Christopher, 31 Ben Ognenis, 32 Joshua Baiardo, 38 Luca Morelli
Western Knights: GK Robert Sinclair, 2 Regan Hutchinson (17 Asher Hwight 46’), 4 Daniel Walsh, 6 Noah Lummert, 8 Woonsub Sim (22 Kristian Santich 46’), 10 Jack Sprigg (15 Konstantinos Sparta 46’0, 14 Aaron Pike, 16 Justin Tang (11 Harry O'Brien 82’), 18 Sammy Barry, 21 Jesse Lazzaro, 23 Leo Stolikas – Subs not used: RGK Travis Cook, 5 Max Blackshaw, 7 Dylan White – Referee: David Bruce
POINTS SHARED AT THE REDSTAR ARENA
The points were shared in Friday’s New Balance NPLWA – Men’s opening Week Eleven clash at the RedStar Arena, with league leaders Perth RedStar drawing 1-1 with Perth Azzurri in a tight clash. Gordon Smith gave the hosts the lead early, but Sean O’Connor leveled for the visitors on the half hour. Both sides had chances to win it, but they had to settle for a share of the spoils. “Huge effort from the team tonight, it was our third game in six days, and it has taken a toll in the squad with a lot of injuries but once again the work rate and attitude were spot on,” RedStar skipper Blair Govan explained.
“I thought we defended well, and made it hard for Perth to break us down. Unlucky not to take the three points at the end, I thought their keeper made some great saves. All in all, a very positive week for us. We get a chance to recover now and get ready for a tough away game at Fremantle.” It was the visitors who started the brighter, and they went close to the opener on two minutes, Jamie McNelis’ made space down the right, and he cut the ball back to Michael Scafetta, whose first time shot was well saved by Liam Reddy. They were in again moments later, McNelis’ glancing header flashed wide, before Gordon Perkins fired over the top. But against the run of play, and in their first attack, RedStar opened the scoring on seven minutes. Govan’s ball over the top sent Jack Baker, who was making his starting senior league debut, racing clear, his shot was saved by Liam Driscoll, but the rebound fell to Smith, and the Scotsman made no mistake.
Smith went close to a second eight minutes later, picked out by Sonny O’Shea, his good first touch took into the box, but he couldn’t find the target. RedStar keeper was then out quickly to save at the feet of the lively McNelis, as the Azzurri pressed for the equaliser. Perkins then headed straight at Reddy, after being picked out by Pollard, but the Azzurri’s pressure was rewarded with the equaliser on the half hour. Zayd ‘s cross to the back post picked out Pollard, his header hit the raised arm of O’Shea, and referee Stuart Beattie pointed straight to the spot. Sean O’Connor stepped up sent Reddy the wrong way from the resulting penalty.
It was a quiet start to the second half compared with the first, with chances few and far between, but on the hour Smith’s looping header was saved by Driscoll. Moments later a neat move out of defence from the Azzurri ended with Scafetta on the right, and his low cross was inches away from the sliding Perkins in the box. Both sides had their chances as the game ebbed and flowed, David Ninkovic’s curling effort from the edge of the box drifted wide, while at the other end Seth McGillivray found fellow substitute Liam Murray, who snap shot was a saved by Driscoll.
McGillivray was involved a gain moments later, battling for the ball in the box, and pulling the ball back to Jacob Evans, but he fired straight at Driscoll. The hosts had a penalty shout waved away by the referee after Evans was brought down in the box by O’Connor, as both sides continued to push for the winner. The points were there to be won, and both sides had late chances to win it. First on 88 minutes, Evans found space on the edge of the box, and his shot was arrowing for the top corner of the net, but Driscoll produced a great save at full stretch to deny him. Then on stoppage time McNelis’ cross shot had to tipped over by the alert Reddy. The draw moves RedStar six points clear at the top of the table, while the Azzurri move up to third. Footballwa – Man of the Match: Liam Driscoll (Perth Azzurri)
GK Liam Reddy, 2 Nick Walsh, 3 Riley Warland, 4 Blair Govan, 10 Matthew George (20 Liam Murray 46’), 14 Gordon Smith, 17 Sonny O’Shea, 18 Tom Hough, 19 Ryan Finnie, 23 Jacob Evans, 38 Jack Baker (22 Seth McGillivray 75’) – Subs not used: RGK Luca Iovene, 5 Oskar Patterson, 6 Matthew Ntoumenopoulos, 16 George Losondo, 24 Teddie Curran
GK Liam Driscoll, 3 Sam Pollard, 4 Charlie Fleming (21 Kurtis Mogg 46’), 8 Cody Tana, 9 Gordon Perkins, 10 David Ninkovich, 11 Zayd Farah, 14 Sean OConnor, 15 Jamie McNelis, 17 Michael Scafetta (6 Abdul Osman 75’), 19 Aiden Formston – Subs not used: RGK Marino Gojak, 2 Alex Silla, , 13 Alfie Hewings, 18 Evan Moorhouse, 22 Olivio Fazzari – Referee: Stewart Beattie
FOOTBALL WEST NAMES FOUR NEW LIFE MEMBERS
We have four new Football West Life Members, Conor O’Brien, Oriano Colli, Paul Afkos and Carl Duxbury were honoured at Wednesday night’s Annual General Meeting, held at the Sam Kerr Football Centre. All four of them have given so much to the game in our state, and everyone at Footballwa congratulates them on their honour. Football West Chair Sherif Andrawes said: “Congratulations to our new Life Members. All four have made telling contributions to the game in Western Australia over many years and are richly deserving recipients of this honour.”
Paul Afkos - Has been a driving force in the development of football in Western Australia and nationally for over five decades, beginning his involvement in 1973 as a club administrator and progressing to senior leadership roles across state and national football bodies. He played a pivotal role in unifying football governance in WA, lobbying successfully for the State’s inclusion in the National Soccer League, and was a founding co‑owner of Perth Glory FC. His influence extended to securing major infrastructure outcomes, including government funding for the redevelopment of East Perth Oval into today’s HBF Park, as well as long‑term sponsorship and governance of Perth Glory and its academy. Paul has received the Order of Australia Medal and the Centenary of Federation Medal.
Oriano Colli – Has devoted his life to football in WA across nearly five decades as an elite player, coach, administrator and long‑term supporter of the game. Beginning as a standout junior and senior player from 1975 to 2000 with state and national representation, he transitioned into 15 years of junior coaching before assuming senior leadership roles at Bayswater City Soccer Club, including as President, guiding the club through its most successful era on and off the field. Oriano has been instrumental in expanding participation, establishing women’s and academy pathways, securing major government funding for facilities and serving for 14 years on Football West’s NPL Standing Committee.
Carl Duxbury – Has dedicated almost five decades to football in the Peel region, serving as a player, coach, administrator, founder and lifelong volunteer. Arriving from England in 1978, he has been instrumental in establishing clubs, junior pathways, and major facilities, including Pinjarra United, the Peel Junior Soccer Association and Murray District Rangers SC. His leadership, vision and hands‑on service, continuing well into his 80s, have left a legacy recognised through multiple awards and life memberships, making him one of the most influential contributors to regional football.
Conor O’Brien – Has provided more than a decade of outstanding voluntary service to football in the Pilbara region, contributing across coaching, administration, governance, development, and inclusion. Since 2015, he has played a pivotal role at club and association levels with Dampier Junior Soccer Club and the Karratha Soccer Association, holding senior leadership positions while maintaining a strong on‑ground presence at competitions and events. Conor has been instrumental in referee development, representative pathways, academy coaching, girls’ football growth and the establishment of all‑abilities competitions. He has also led major governance reforms through the rewriting of the Karratha SA constitution.
DE ABREU EXTENDS GLORY CONTRACT
After a stellar first season in the A-League, Perth Glory midfielder Gio De Abreu has signed a new deal which extends his contract with the club until June 2028. The 19-year-old penned a scholarship deal last year having played his junior football with Sorrento FC, Perth RedStar, the Glory Academy, and played in the Bayern Munich World Academy in 2024-25. He went on to make his A-League debut in December’s Round Nine clash with Adelaide United at HBF Park, and he’s never looked back, showing grit, determination and a great deal of skill.
The former Australia Under-17 and current Under-20 representative went on to become a regular starter in Coach Adam Griffiths’ side, making 17 appearances over the course of an outstanding campaign which culminated in him taking out the club’s DT38 Young Player of the Season Award. He said it wasn’t the end to the season they were after, but he’s determined to make emends next season after signing a new contract.
“I’m very happy to be staying at Perth Glory for the foreseeable future and extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue with the club under Griff and alongside my teammates, and I thank God for his guidance and strength throughout this journey,” the midfielder said. “Although we didn’t meet the targets we had set for ourselves this past season. I really enjoyed my first season at Glory and loved playing every minute of every game, and I’m very excited for what’s ahead this next season.”
Glory Football Director Stan Lazaridis has been hugely impressed by the way De Abreu has adapted to the demands of senior football. “Gio has looked very comfortable at ALM level ever since making his debut,” he said. “He has been a standout performer in what is a vital role which carries a lot of responsibility, showing great maturity and a fantastic attitude and work ethic. We have already seen glimpses of Gio’s huge potential and are really looking forward to watching him continue to develop as a player over the next two seasons. As a club, we are committed to providing a clear pathway for young WA players to represent their home-state club and Gio is yet another example of that commitment being fulfilled.”
