Ex-Gold Coast United skipper Michael Thwaite is considered one of the competition's best central defenders and was reportedly also being chased by Melbourne Victory.

“It’s a fantastic coup to bring a quality player like Michael across to Western Australia,” Perth Glory coach Ian Ferguson said today. “I am delighted, Michael is a leader and a winner.

Ferguson highlighted the 29-year-old's ability to play the ball out of defence as a key quality of the Cairns-born fringe Socceroo.

“He’s very comfortable in possession, he can switch the play, breaks the lines also can drive through the middle," said Ferguson.

“Michael has been one of the league’s better players for the last three seasons.”

Thwaite has represented Australia at three different levels and also enjoyed a five year stint in Europe playing for National Bururesti (Romania), Wisla Krakow (Poland) and SK Brann (Norway).

Thwaite returned to Australia for the 2008/09 season and was on loan at Melbourne Victory before spending the last three seasons with Gold Coast United.

“I’m relieved to finally know where I am heading,” Thwaite said. “Within the Perth Glory squad I have previously played with eight or so of the boys and that was a big factor in my decision.

“I also spent two years together with the captain Jacob in Poland so it’s nice to have these combinations.

“It’s great to be heading to Perth and I’d especially like to thank the coach Ian Ferguson and my manager Peter Kelly."