Veteran Petkovic is a favourite son at Glory having played 173 matches - fourth all-time - and was instrumental in Perth’s back to back NSL Championships in 2002/03 and 2003/04.

A horrific leg injury midway through the 2006/07 season threatened to sideline him permanently but an unwavering determination to finish his career on the pitch has seen him return to full fitness and keen to add to his Glory games tally.

“After nearly two years of being sidelined I wanted to see at the very least how I was going to go and I appreciate the club showing faith in me,” Petkovic said.

“I’ll be doing everything I can to repay that faith with a good season.”

Following a painstaking rehabilitation program Petkovic returned for the final three matches of last season but again was forced to draw on his inner strength during the off-season after having the pin removed that helped heal his broken leg.

During Glory’s recent tour of Indonesia the former Socceroo proved he hadn’t lost his talent, displaying the quick reflexes and steady hands that earned him 16 national team appearances.

“I felt great, better than I expected,” Petkovic said. “I think now that I’ve had a decent few months to get my body right it has given me a good base and it showed in the game last week.

“I think every athlete would like to finish their career on their own terms and not have it dictated to them by injury, so I’m thankful to have the opportunity to give it my best shot.”

Petkovic’s signing completes a goalkeeping trio that’s second to none in the A-League and joins experienced new recruit Frank Juric and Olyroos ‘keeper Tando Velaphi in protecting Glory’s last line.

“Jason has put in a tremendous amount of work to get back to a position to push for selection and we felt he could contribute significantly to our cause this season,” said head coach Dave Mitchell.

“In building a squad I wanted to create competition for places and we have achieved that across the park and in goal. Jason proved in recent outings he can continue to perform to the standard he has produced throughout a long and successful career.

“Jason is a wonderful example of how you can achieve great things through hard work and determination and I have no doubt he’ll serve as an inspiration for the entire club throughout the season.”

The veteran ‘keeper believes the squad Mitchell has put together has the ability to again bring glory to Glory.

“There are plenty of boys, including me, that have been around the club for a while and are desperate to change the results of the last couple of seasons plus the new guys are also ready to take up that challenge as well,” Petkovic said.

“There is a lot of determination amongst the players and from my experience that can only help breed positive results. I’m confident we’ll be very competitive this season.”

Perth Glory now have 21 players contracted for the 2008/09 season.

Profile
Full name: Jason Petkovic
Nationality: Australian
Place of Birth: Perth
Date of Birth: 7 December 1972
Height: 194cm Weight: 85kg
Position: Goalkeeper

National Team
Australia 16 apps (inc 8 clean sheets)

Honours
NSL Goalkeeper of the Year 2003/04 (Perth Glory), NSL Championship
2002/03 (Perth Glory), NSL Championship 2003/04 (Perth Glory)

Former Clubs
1993 – 1999 Adelaide City; 1999 – 2004 Perth Glory; 2004 – 2005 Konyaspor (Turkey)