Perth came out of the blocks rearing, fresh from a humilating loss last time out against the Sky Blues and keen to imprint on the league that they are truly the Premiers-elect.

This isn't to mention that the reigning Champions, and the side generally favoured to be Perth's greatest challenge this season, had suffered their own scuppering defeat to Adelaide United minutes earlier.

Mentality was quickly put in practice as Joel Chianese found his goalscoring form, right in the nick of time for Tony Popovic as Chris Ikonomidis is on Socceroos duty. The forward scored a flashy brace and Brendon Santalab wound back the clock to add a third before half-time.

Sydney emerged a far more composed outfit in the second half but to little avail, Adam le Fondre's not-so-freak-for-ALF effort a mere consolation against a Perth side that never looked out of second gear.

PERTH GLORY

Liam Reddy - 7

Relatively untroubled in the first half, made one cracking, unsighted save in the second.

Shane Lowry - 8

Stayed strong as part of a resolute Glory backline - his passing is a fantastic asset for Perth as they look to build slowly out of defence, it really destroys momentum-seeking opposition after Glory take an early lead. 

Matthew Spiranovic - 7  

Smooth, reliable ball movement helped Perth remain poised. He's settling back into the A-League well.

Tomislav Mrcela - 7       

Determined and capable, especially valuable from aerial duels. More than a little Dino Djulbic about him.

Ivan Franjic - 6      

Not particularly valuable going forward and looked lethargic on the ball at times, but defended calmly and his experience pays dividends, much like Jason Davidson.

Jason Davidson - 8 

Played a significant role down the left as Perth chose to favour his partnership with Diego Castro, one of his best matches this season.