Football Season Guide

Perth Glory have been an exciting side to watch all of last season and with Keogh, Taggart and Castro up front they definitely showed in certain games that they are capable to beat anyone in the A-League, just those days were too few and far between. Also the Violets looked terrible defensively. Unfortunately the departures of Risdon, Rhys and Aren Williams, Djulbic and Goian mean that Glory will have even fewer options at the back this term and coach Lowe really hopes that his two main centre-backs Grant and Lowry will remain fit all campaign as their only alternatives are the equally prone to injuries Poscoliero and the 17-year-old youngster Bodnar. Neville was signed to replace Risdon at right-back and despite not being as effective as the departed player in terms of creating chances he is seen as a solid defender and this is all Lowe will want from him. The gaffer don’t have fears for his side’s scoring record as again Keogh, Taggart and Castro will form the front three in the 4-3-3 formation, plus they will now have support from the new playmaker Nichols. The Spanish duo Xavi Torres and Andreu Guerao will be used as a shield for the defence, but Torres is also used a lot in an advanced role in pre-season and he seems to enjoy running in pockets of space from deep, which could see him achieving an impressive goal tally in his first year in Australia. Brimmer and Wilson are the other two inner midfielders that will try and earn a place on the pitch, with the latter showing some good things last season, but still struggling with his discipline. Chris Harold can play as a right winger or right midfielder and despite not having Risdon to support him anymore he is still a useful weapon that Lowe likes to use, especially in the home games. All these attacking options will definitely make Glory exciting to watch again, but with obvious defensive weaknesses in plain sight for everyone to exploit and serious lack of depth for the back four positons Glory might be on the losing end of too many goal thrillers yet again.