Ikonomidis: Popa raised my game

Ikonomidis hopes to continue his current form up front against Sydney FC on Friday night in what is set to be a blockbuster clash between first and third place.

While Sydney have appeared vulnerable at the back in recent weeks, a confidence boosting Sydney derby victory for the Sky Blues adds intrigue to their clash with the in-form Glory.

Despite Sydney's recent dominance in the fixture, Ikonomidis promises Glory will take the game to the Sky Blues.

"We’re going into the game as favourites and it will be one of the rare times in A–League history where Sydney’s been the underdog against Perth," he said.

"We’re confident going into the match and we’re not going to bow down to anyone. We’re going to make them earn every single pass and shot they get here on Friday night."

With A-League attendances dwindling to new lows this season, Perth are hopeful the clash at NIB Stadium on Friday night could buck the trend. 

Having played for Lazio and seen the atmosphere of a Derby Della Capitale first hand, Ikonomidis admits that seeing the current state of A-League attendances is disappointing to players.

He added: "It's a shame because as a pure footballer, nothing gets you more excited than a crowd full of people.

"Having that atmosphere when we walk out into the stadium is probably why most of us wanted to get into this profession to begin with so obviously the more people the better.

"I’ve probably seen it all in the Roma Lazio derby - the fireworks, the gas bombs. One day Roma fans came to our training ground ahead of a derby and left piles of poo all over the driveway.

"We couldn’t believe it."