In what was a somewhat exciting start to the season for both the Glory and Wanderers’ new campaigns, the Red and Black walked away the happier of the two. Over 10,000 people were at nib Stadium in Perth to witness the opener.

With both sides entering new chapters with a transition in coaching and rejuvenised squads, there was an extensive list of positives to take home, with a strong display of what we can expect to see this season.

It was Tony Popovic’s side who caught the eye of everyone watching with a new look, silky and fast style of play for the Glory.

Now under the direction of German Markus Babbel, the Wanderers used their trademark resilience to grind out a 1-1 draw.

New signing Alex Baumjohann used his nimbleness to link up with the front three with some intelligent moves.

One standout negative came in defence, where the Wanderers need their two centre backs to quickly establish a better understanding before too long.

PERTH GLORY

Liam Reddy – 6

A fairly quiet shift for the keeper saw Liam Reddy only having to make three saves.

Ivan Franjic – 6.5

Solid first game from the Glory’s new fullback, however, missing a cushioned first touch impacted his team when it mattered.

Tom Mrcela – 6.5

Impressed with Mrcela’s classy distribution from the back and managed to stay strong in defence.

Alex Grant – 6

Strong in defence once again, diverted the danger when necessary.

Shane Lowry – 6

Tough and solid at the back, as always.

Jason Davidson – 8

Looked like he is enjoying his football again! Some slick play down the left flank, working with his teammates and created a handful of chances as well as coming close to getting on the scoresheet.

Joel Chianese – 6

Back for another season, came close on a couple of occasions.

Juande – 6

Looked rather lost sometimes, which is understandable, as he learns more about the A-League.

Neil Kilkenny – 7

Smart midfield play with some quick interchange play on the edge of the box. A joy to watch.

Fabio Ferreria – 6

Some positive signs on display from the Portuguese flyer. With time, his understanding with the fullbacks will only improve, allowing for some exciting play to come.

Andy Keogh – 5.5

Besides scoring his team’s equalising goal, Keogh was quiet and struggled to get into the game.

Substitutes:

Chris Ikonomidis – 7.5

Amazing display off the bench. Looked hungry and came close to grabbing Glory all three points many times with limited time.

Jake Brimmer – N/A

Didn’t have enough involvement to warrant a rating.

Scott Neville – N/A

Didn’t have enough involvement to warrant a rating.

Western Sydney Wanderers

Vedran Janjetovic – 6.5

First game back in a while which was aided with a quiet performance in goal.

Josh Risdon – 6

Didn’t show too many signs of being a World Cup fullback, failing to create many exciting attacking moves.

Brendan Hamill – 6.5

Showed his frustration with his defence when the Glory were on the charge. Good to see the skipper leading by example when the Wanderers were pushing to get back into the game.

Ruon Tongyik – 6

A seemingly shaky start to what should be an excellent Wanderers career. Finally got another taste of the A-League after struggling for game time at Melbourne City, good to see.

Tarek Elrich – 6.5

Strong in defence, and provided Bonevacia with a pinpoint assist to bring the scores back to 1-1.

Keanu Baccus – 6

Kearyn, is that you? Baccus Jr. has now stepped up into the first team and staked his claim for a strong position in the squad with some excellent midfield movement

Rashid Mahazi – 5.5

Back in the A-League with a standard performance. Mahazi managed to play the midfield role well, but didn’t quite catch the eye with anything special.

Alex Baumjohann – 7.5

The German showed us what he’s made of, but get ready – he’ll only get better and better.

Josh Sotirio – 5

Put in the hard work, but didn’t produce anything special.

Oriol Riera – 6.5

Really didn’t have much to work with and spurned the limited chances which he was presented with.

Roly Bonevacia – 7.5

Pouncing on a Glory lapse in concentration allowed the Wanderers winger to smash the ball home with a neat finish and draw the game level.

Substitutes:

Bruce Kamau – N/A

Didn’t have enough involvement to warrant a rating.

Nick Fitzgerald –   N/A

Didn’t have enough involvement to warrant a rating.