Perth Glory

Last Season: 5th

This Season: 5th

Kenny Lowe’s attacking philosophy made it an entertaining season for Perth’s fans, as The Glory recorded their second consecutive fifth-place finish in the A-League.

Perth scored 53 goals in the regular season, (only Premiers Sydney FC scored more) however they also conceded an alarming 53 times- the joint highest in the division alongside Newcastle Jets.

Glory were at their ruthless best, as they swept past Melbourne City 2-0 in the Elimination Final at AAMI Park.

A Semi Final against a rampant Sydney FC side proved a step to far, though, as Lowe’s men were brushed aside 3-0 at the Allianz Stadium.

Highlight

Andy Keogh’s dramatic winner to complete his hat-trick against Melbourne City set the tone for an action-packed campaign.

Keogh’s opening two goals were cancelled out by Bruno Fornaroli and Fernando Brandan, however it was the Irish striker who had the final say.

The 30-year-old scored a spectacular winner five minutes from time with an exquisite lob over goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis.

Perth’s victory over City in the Elimination Finals also confirmed their status as one of the A-League’s top sides.

Lowlight

Of Glory’s eight defeats in the regular season, five came against sides which finished above them.

Even so, a Round 10 home defeat to Newcastle Jets was arguably Glory’s worst performance of the season.

After taking the lead through Nebojsa Marinkovic, Perth’s soft centre was exposed as Andrew Hoole drew the Jets level.

A clumsy own goal from Milan Smiljanic gave the visitors the lead on the stroke of half time, as Newcastle recorded a surprise 2-1 victory.

Star Player

Diego Castro

The Spanish winger lit up the A-League on several occasions this season, scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists.

Last season’s Johnny Warren Medallist was comfortably Perth’s most creative player, creating a total of 70 chances in the final third.

Castro’s ability from wide areas was hugely valuable for strikers Andy Keogh and Adam Taggart, who both registered 12 league goals.