Sage caused shockwaves earlier this week when he reportedly said funding of both the club’s NYL and W-League teams was in doubt for next season due to cost cutting.

Burns played down the comments and stressed the importance of remaining with the current set-up.

“The youth are the future of our game,” he told au.fourfourtwo.com.

"It’s so important that the right grassroots structures are put in place for them to develop and come through and for us to be able to hang onto them for as long as possible.

“And I think it’s probably taken a little out of context. I know Tony is very passionate about the club and the youth development in WA.

“Maybe some of his comments are to try and get FFA to help out a little in the way it’s run and for sure the travel costs are a big thing for us.

“And let’s not forget the W-League is a fantastic league; the Perth girls train so hard. I’d be disappointed to see any of that go.”

In the A-League, Glory's mammoth 27 week pre-season is reaping rewards, said Burns. The team is headed for a home final next week and potentially another one the week after.

Burns believes it justifies coach Ian Ferguson’s methods that have been questioned since the Scotsman took over the hotseat at the club.

“I think we sometimes we get an unfair rap. I don’t think we play a long-ball game. I do think we’re a strong, physical team but we’re by no means dirty,” he said.

“A lot of things in the press don’t portray a true picture of the style and manner we play. It’s kind of a tag that comes with the old English mentality. I think it’s evolved.

“It’s a simplistic way of looking at it.”

Burns said in game analysis, Glory regularly dominate possession, fire off a lot of shots and play attractive football.

“It’s nice to play a beautiful game but you have to adjust to every team you play,” he added. “And putting the ball in the back of the net is just as important as linking 25 passes before it.

“In an ideal world we’d all like to spread the play from one side to another to play great combinations then score.

“But the game’s too complex for that to happen each time. There’s a lot more things that go into it.

“I admire Brisbane for what they and Ange have done. They truly are the benchmark. But the game’s developing and people can get hung up on how it should be done …”

In team news, Glory had a recovery session on Thursday and trained this morning. Danny Vukovic elected to train with keeper coach Jonathan Gould and two reserve keepers.

Burns continues to be treated for a painful rib injury and is unlikely to play against Victory on Saturday, but he said he would put his hand up for selection in the club’s home finals game next week.