Perth Glory seeking statement victory over 2023-24 A-League champions Central Coast

After a tough season that saw them finish at the bottom of the A-League table, Perth Glory are hoping to use Tuesday night’s Australia Cup clash in Darwin as a fresh start. Details.

Perth Glory players warming up during an open training sessions at Larrakia Park, Darwin ahead of their Australia Cup clash with the Wellington Phoenix. Picture: Darcy Jennings

After a disappointing season that saw the side finish bottom of the table in the A-League, Perth Glory are looking to use Tuesday night’s Australia Cup clash as a total reset.

In Darwin for the third consecutive qualifier series, Perth captain and Socceroo Adam Taggart is optimistic about his side’s chances against the Central Coast Mariners.

“It’s good to be familiar with conditions a stadium and the grass, it’s been shown to help … should help us a little bit,” Taggart said

“It’s pretty much our full strength squad; obviously a couple players are missing.

“We’ve had some good results the last few games. Our performances have been up and down.

“Over the past couple of years and season have been a very well organised side, it’ll be a tough game.”

Perth Glory captain Adam Taggart in Darwin. Picture: Darcy Jennings

Perth’s head coach David Zdrilic echoed his captain’s comments, saying the match would be a close contest, but the right platform for a total reset.

“(We have a) totally different team to the one we started (the season) with,” Zdrilic said.

“(We) won two of the last three games.

“We’ve come in here with some good form.

“It’s been a very difficult year, a transitional year for us.

“(The) Mariners have had a tough season as well, they’ve come from winning the championship to having a tough year as well.”

Perth Glory and Central Coast Mariners will kick-off at 7pm, Tuesday 13, while the Brisbane Roar and Wellington Phoenix will play at 7pm Wednesday 14, both at Darwin Football Stadium, Marrara.

Originally published as Perth Glory seeking statement victory over 2023-24 A-League champions Central Coast