Brendon Santalab aims to go out on a high with Perth Glory

Brendon Santalab aims to finish his playing career on a high with Perth Glory chasing silverware.

Perth Glory striker Brendon Santalab has announced he will retire at the end of this season. Picture: AAP

Brendon Santalab has had a stellar 19-year career as a professional footballer, travelled the world and earned some wonderful personal honours, but he believes the biggest highlight could come in the final six weeks.

In announcing his retirement at the end of this A-League season, the veteran Perth Glory striker says he wants the two things that have eluded him during his time in Australia — a Premiers Plate and championship winner’s medal.

Santalab is on course to achieve the first of those, with the West Australians on the cusp of claiming the Premiers Plate. They are top of the table and six points clear of Sydney FC with four games left in the regular season.

And he will be hoping Glory can complete the double by winning the championship and helping erase the disappointment of being involved in two losing grand finals with Western Sydney Wanderers in 2014 and 2016.

It would be a fitting end to what has been a wonderful journey for the boy from Wollongong, especially given his coach at the Wanderers during those grand final defeats was Tony Popovic, who is now in charge at Perth and has done so much to turn the club into a major force in Australian soccer this season.

“I feel now is the right time to make the call,” 36-year-old Santalab said yesterday. “It’s been a fantastic year and the best part is that I have the biggest six weeks of my career coming up right now.

“I’ve waited 20 years to win a premiership and a grand final and it would mean a lot to me to lift a couple of trophies at this stage of my career.

“There have been many top memories along the way, but this next six weeks could see another top memory being created that would be right up there with my Asian Champions League winners’ medal (with the Wanderers).

“To go out on a high is something that I’ve always wanted to do.”

Santalab has been one of the great survivors of Australian soccer having started his career in the National Soccer League as a 17-year-old apprentice with Parramatta Power before moving on to Sydney United.

He then spent seven years in Europe and Asia before being lured back to play with Sydney FC in the then fledgling A-League. Another stint followed in Asia before he returned home to join newly formed Western Sydney, where he became a cult figure.

Throughout his career, Santalab has been defined by his strong will, passion for the game and winning mentality. He has been a fierce competitor, a trait that caused him some issues but also endeared him to his fans.

He was also as tough as they come, often refusing to come off because of injury as instanced during one match with the Wanderers when he played on with a busted shoulder.

Popovic saw first-hand during their time at the Wanderers how important a character like Santalab was to a dressing room. So it was no surprise when he offered him a contract at Glory at the start of the season, even though the veteran was clearly in the final stages of his career.

“On the field he’s always been fiery, a winner and someone who plays on the edge,” Popovic said.

“He has that fire in his belly and I’m sure many a defender has found it very tough to mark Brendon over the years.

“Whenever he’s crossed that white line, I’ve always felt that he’s someone I can rely on, someone who will put the team first and he always walks off having given everything that he’s got.

“Off the field, he’ll do anything for anyone. He does so much charity work and all the kids love him.”

“Popa has been such an influence on me,” Santalab said.