Perth Glory Season 2023/24 Review: A Season of Turmoil
This season has been one of the toughest in recent memory for both Perth Glory members and fans.
The challenges were abundant, both on and off the pitch.
Looking back to the beginning of June last year, the Perth Glory had just concluded their campaign in 9th place under the leadership of Head Coach Ruben Zadkovich. Many fans, myself included, were left disappointed by the season, hoping for a more promising outcome in season 2023/24.
Then, out of nowhere, came the bombshell announcement that shook the entire club. “Perth Glory can confirm that it has accepted the resignation of Ruben Zadkovich as the club’s ISUZU UTE A-League Head Coach so that he can pursue opportunities elsewhere.”
The news blindsided everyone. While rumours of friction between Zadkovich and some players had circulated, no one anticipated the departure of the Glory coach heading into the upcoming season.
Following Zadkovich’s departure, Perth Glory faced one of their most challenging pre-seasons in recent memory. Stepping into the role of interim head coach was Kenny Lowe. Additionally, the club saw the departure of several key players, including young sensation Keegan Jelacic and workhorse winger Ryan Williams.
With the squad reduced to its barebones, and with the looming spectre of English giants West Ham United’s visit to Perth as part of their tour, along with an Australia Cup qualifier against Macarthur, the Glory faced an uphill battle.
The West Ham fixture served as an opportunity to predominantly showcase the young talent within the club, and one player stood out very clearly: Daniel Bennie.
A few weeks leading up to the game, I had a conversation with a senior staff member at the Glory about some young players worth keeping an eye on, and Daniel was the first name mentioned. I was impressed with what I saw against the Hammers.
Despite his youth, Daniel displayed a remarkable level of maturity on the field. His athleticism, dribbling skills, and the goal he scored were particularly impressive to me. It was evident from that game, he would make a significant impact on the upcoming season.
Another player who caught my attention was Joel Anasmo. He was also highlighted to me as someone to watch out for, and I had a strong belief at the time that he would emerge as one of the surprise talents for the Glory in the upcoming season.
Joel’s combination of speed, agility, and power as a winger made him a formidable opponent for any defender. He had this uncanny ability to glide past players effortlessly, leaving them looking like witches’ hats on the field.
The following game against Macarthur ended in a disappointing 4–0 loss, marking another early exit for the Glory in the qualifying round. Amidst the disappointment, the standout performances of both Bennie and Anasmo provided a glimmer of hope.
During this period, rumours swirled about the financial struggles of club owner Tony Sage, with some suggesting that the players had gone unpaid leading up to the Macarthur match. As speculation mounted, it became increasingly apparent that Sage’s tenure as Glory owner was drawing to a close.
In mid-July, Sage relinquished the club’s licence to the APL, expressing regret for the delays in player and staff payments. Subsequently, the Glory was placed into receivership under KordaMentha, effectively transferring ownership to the APL. It was an exceedingly grim period for all involved with the club.
With no ownership, a dismal start to the season, and the absence of a head coach, many resigned themselves to the harsh reality that this season would likely be one of the most challenging in recent memory.
However, amidst the darkness, a ray of hope emerged in the form of rumours surrounding the head coach position. If there was anyone capable of leading the club through its darkest hour and guiding it back to the top, it’s Alen Stajcic.
During his tenure coaching the Philippines Women’s National Team, Staj was heavily rumoured to be joining the Glory after the 2023 Women’s World Cup. With these rumours swirling, many undoubtedly paid close attention to the Philippines’ performance, eager to glean insights into what lay ahead for the Glory.
Their 1–0 win against New Zealand offered a glimpse of what Glory fans could expect when the players performed at their peak. It was a display characterised by a tenacious work ethic and a clinical finishing touch from their striker. While terms like fight, desire, and passion are often tossed around, it was abundantly clear that Stajcic had unified this group of players, instilling a spirit of resilience and determination in them.
Upon Stajcic’s official appointment as head coach, many saw it as the dawn of a new era, providing reason to believe that the 2023/24 season could hold promise. Alen brought with him a commanding presence and a wealth of experience, having navigated a very similar situation with the Central Coast Mariners in the past.
I vividly recall the first pre-season game against Stirling Macedonia, where it became apparent, even during warm-ups with Stajcic observing from a distance, that he was in charge. Throughout pre-season, certain players stood out, none more so than Adam Taggart.
Taggart had finished the previous season strongly, and with a rigorous pre-season regimen behind him, there was little doubt that he would shine even brighter in season 2023/24.
Observing him closely, it was evident that he was in peak physical condition, sharper and fitter than in previous seasons. His class and composure as a striker were unmistakable, and it was clear that his performance would be pivotal to any success the team hoped to achieve.
It subsequently was no surprise to see him go on to win the Golden Boot this season, scoring a remarkable 20 goals.
Several new players were brought into the fold at Glory, thanks to some funds allocated by the receivers, allowing the club to bolster its squad. Headlining these signings were seasoned players like Aleksandar Šušnjar and Oliver Bozanic, all recruited by Stajcic to enhance the team’s competitiveness.
The season kicked off in mid-October against the Newcastle Jets, a match that should have ended in Glory’s favour. Stajcic’s tactical approach was on full display, characterised by an aggressive high press and a ruthless transition game.
The highlight of the match was witnessing both Adam Taggart and Stefan Colakovski finding the back of the net. Colakovski’s goal, in particular, was a poignant moment, considering his past struggles under Zadkovich’s management and his limited opportunities the previous season.
However, despite the positive performances, the team couldn’t secure the win. A stunning strike from Kosta Grozos and a late equaliser from Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, courtesy of a goalkeeping error from Oli Sail, resulted in a shared outcome. Unfortunately, these defensive lapses foreshadowed challenges to come.
Leading up to New Year’s Eve, Glory had only managed two wins, making it a tough period for all involved. Hopes for a resolution to the ownership saga were dashed when the APL’s announcement of Rob Brij and John Nekic as the club’s new owners fell through in mid-November.
This setback compounded the challenges for January, as financial constraints forced Stajcic to abandon plans for new signings. Departures like Oli Bozanic and Salim Khelifi, due to cost-cutting measures by the APL, further depleted the squad.
Khelifi’s loan move to Melbourne Victory, particularly hit hard, as Stajcic expressed frustration over the decision made “without instruction, consent, or compensation” by the APL. Yet, instead of letting this setback derail their season, Staj and the team used it to foster a siege mentality.
This resilience paid dividends against the Western Sydney Wanderers, where Glory delivered arguably their best performance of the season. The match mirrored the Philippines’ victory over New Zealand, characterised by a relentless defensive work rate, fighting spirit, and crucial goals from Stefan Colakovski and David Williams.
The win served as a significant morale boost for the club, showcasing the club’s resilience in the face of adversity. It sparked a remarkable 6-game undefeated streak, during which the Glory secured some impressive wins, notably a 4–2 triumph over Melbourne City at home and a thrilling 3–2 win against Brisbane Roar.
The latter, in particular, stood out as a highlight of the season for many.
This match marked Ross Pelligra’s first game as the new owner of the club, a role many viewed as crucial in the club’s salvation. Pelligra, present at the game, would undoubtedly have been impressed not only by the players’ resilience and the thrilling come-from-behind win but also by the fans’ unwavering support, whose energy and passion spurred the team on.
The victory held extra significance as it came against the backdrop of facing former coach Ruben Zadkovich in the opposing dugout, adding an extra layer of sweetness to the win.
Unfortunately, little did fans know that this would be Glory’s final victory of the season.
Following a loss to Western United away from home, the season unravelled rapidly for Glory. The team struggled to assert control in matches, resulting in a surge in goals conceded.
This turbulent period included defeats to Adelaide United, Melbourne City, Western United, and finally Sydney FC during which the Glory conceded a staggering 23 goals in just four games. The most devastating of these losses was the 8–0 thrashing at the hands of Melbourne City, a result that left owner Ross Pelligra visibly embarrassed and furious.
The match highlighted the stark reality of Glory’s rebuilding process.
While there is undeniable potential within the squad, showcased by promising young talents like Joel Anasmo, Kaelan Majekodunmi, and Daniel Bennie, as well as the prolific form of striker Adam Taggart, the glaring weakness lies in the defence.
Conceding a total of 69 goals at an average of 2.6 goals per game simply isn’t acceptable.
The final nail in the coffin was the last game of the season, as the Glory suffered a devastating 7–1 defeat against Sydney FC. What’s particularly striking about this match was that the Glory remained somewhat competitive until halftime, with the possibility of a 2–2 scoreline within reach if they had been slightly more clinical.
However, a significant shift occurred during halftime, with heads dropping and the floodgates subsequently opening. How the team capitulated is truly astonishing, leaving me grappling with the inexplicable decline in performance, given this collapse in performance occurred roughly eight weeks ago following the draw against Wellington at home.
One contributing factor to this decline may have been the uncertainty surrounding contract talks, with Stajcic confirming that negotiations commenced shortly after the Pelligra group assumed ownership — a process typically reserved for the off-season or January leading up to the transfer window. Consequently, around 80% of the squad found themselves unsure about their future at the club, which undoubtedly impacted their focus on the pitch.
From a tactical standpoint, I hope Stajcic takes a reflective approach to evaluate the effectiveness of his game model at Glory thus far. While acknowledging that the squad may not boast the same tactical, physical, or technical prowess as some of the top-performing teams, it’s essential to recognise both the strengths and vulnerabilities of the current structure.
The typical formation utilised by Glory in possession, depicted above, relies on a 3–1–6 shape. The underlying idea is to create space in central areas through wide and high positioning, facilitating quick and incisive combination play. However, this system requires players to exhibit a high workrate and technical capacity, with players capable of executing incisive passes — a quality not uniformly possessed by the Glory players.
If Stajcic intends to persist with a back three in the build-up, it would be prudent to incorporate at least two players in midfield. This adjustment is crucial for achieving balance, a fundamental aspect often overlooked in the Glory’s gameplay. Concepts like rest defence and midfield control are pivotal for maintaining equilibrium on the field, something the team has struggled to achieve consistently.
While the team has showcased an ability to score goals prolifically, the absence of midfielders with the requisite tactical and positional awareness poses a significant challenge. Without players capable of effectively executing Stajcic’s tactical demands, the team risks undermining its strategy and compromising its competitive edge.
Looking ahead to next season, the Glory must enhance their ability to control games effectively.
While I understand Staj’s commitment to maximising the benefits of a transition style of play, there’s a pressing need to avoid the chaotic, back-and-forth nature that most games have adopted — a resemblance to a basketball game. I believe this frenetic pace often leads to players expending unnecessary energy and, at times, exhibiting signs of fatigue, contributing to sloppy goals conceded in many of our games.
Trying to execute this game model, especially during away matches where players arrive just a day before, dealing with jet lag and the toll of accumulated loading, undoubtedly affects performance, in my view.
Staj garnered recognition for his coaching acumen through his implementation of a high-energy, possession-based style of football, notably with the Matildas while also using a 4–3–3 formation.
Undoubtedly, he possesses a distinct coaching philosophy. However, as we look toward the upcoming season, I hope to see a greater emphasis on better game management, which, in part, can be achieved by improving our possession play.
A common observation from fans during Glory games is the players’ discomfort under pressure and their lack of composure in maintaining possession. I would love nothing more than to see the Glory having the capacity to carve teams apart through intricate build-up play, rather than relying solely on long balls or transition play.
My hope is that the team naturally evolves next season, with these potential improvements serving as just a few areas for consideration. Addressing these aspects could elevate Glory’s style of play to new heights in the upcoming campaign.
So to conclude, this season wasn’t just a disappointment; it was a train wreck of epic proportions. Members and fans, stalwarts of unwavering loyalty, found themselves disillusioned and betrayed, their hopes dashed against the harsh rocks of reality. Glory’s once-proud legacy, a beacon of success and triumph, now lay tarnished and tattered, a mere shadow of its former glory.
Gone were the days of packed stadiums and roaring crowds; in their place stood the haunting silence of abandonment. HBF Park, once a fortress of success, now echoed with the desolate cries of a forsaken legacy. The decline, swift and merciless, mirrored the downward spiral of a fallen titan, stripped of its pride and power.
As the club approaches its 30th anniversary, it faces a critical moment of reflection. It’s been half a decade since the joy of lifting silverware or experiencing packed stadiums of over 10,000 fans, and two decades since it last claimed the championship.
When will we witness a season where we can take pride in the club’s performance? When will we see the return of good football, players demonstrating clear quality, and the capacity to compete for silverware?
Perth Glory, particularly during the NSL, was once synonymous with success, both on and off the pitch, boasting large crowds and excellent results.
However, HBF Park, formerly Perth Oval, now resembles a ghost town, reflecting a significant decline in standards and performance over the past 4–5 years. While factors like COVID-19 and issues with the former owner have undoubtedly played a role, loyal members and fans who have stood by the club deserve better.
Looking ahead, it’s abundantly clear to both fans and even those that don’t support the club, that a serious recruitment drive is needed for next season. This isn’t a reactionary or sensationalist statement; rather, it’s a recognition that the club requires significant intervention. Next season must herald a marked improvement, particularly concerning the squad makeup if the Glory is to return to the top of the tree again.
