THIS WEEK ON THE WORLD FOOTBALL PROGRAMME ...

Join Penny TannerHoath and guest John O'Connell on the World Football Programme tomorrow morning from 9.00am on Radio Fremantle, 107.9fm. The Women's Night Series kicks off on Friday, the State League commences on Saturday and the Division One Night Series semi-finals are played out on Saturday night. Amongst all that our very own Perth Glory Youth take on Gold Coast United in the National Youth League Grand Final, and the Melbourne Victory meet Sydney FC in the A-League Grand Final at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne. Interviewees include club presidents Don Evans (Stirling Lions), and Rob DeKleine (East Fremantle Tricolore), FFA coaching scholarship holder Nicola Williams, NTC player Harry O'Brien and Ray Gatt, football writer with 'the Australian' newspaper. There's the usual rounds-up of the league's in Italy, England and elsewhere plus a while lot more ... so tune your dial to 107.9fm on Saturday for three bumper hours of the World Football Programme.

19.3.2010

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS, THE PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEW

The fifty-first season of semi-professional football in Western Australia is shaping up to be one of the most compelling in memory. Premier League front-runners Perth SC, Western Knights and Floreat Athena will face strong challenges from a much-improved Cockburn City and import-laden Stirling Lions. The relegation battle is similarly difficult to predict with newcomers Balcatta achieving respectable pre-season results and no glaring weaknesses amongst the existing teams.

As was the case last year, the top five placed sides at the conclusion of the home and away season enter a play-off series which culminates in the Grand Final at the end of October to decide the State Champion. Tom Della Vedova takes a close look at each of the twelve clubs - in alphabetic order - including a summary of player movements and an assessment of squad strengths and weaknesses. The footballwa.net team then offer their thoughts on how the 2010 Premier League season will pan out...

19.3.2010

GOING FOR GLORY!

Perth Glory Youth will leave no stone unturned as they attempt to win their first piece of silverware tomorrow in the 2009/10 National Youth League Grand Final against Gold Coast United. It’s already been a landmark season for both teams but only one can claim the league ultimate prize. The no-nonsense defensive styling of captain Steve Hesketh anchors the Glory Youth side, which as Australian youth international Alex Pearson between the posts. Glen Trifiro keeps the engine room ticking over while livewire attacker Tommy Amphlett provides flair down the flanks. Zac Cartwright and Steve Topalovic marshal a tight Gold Coast defence, with James Brown and Tahj Minniecon full of running going forward. Tune in to 990am Information Radio from 11:30am tomorrow for Ashley Morrison’s blow-by-blow account of the NYL Grand Final.

19.3.2010

THE SEASON STARTS NOW!

The smoke and mirrors of pre-season football have been put away as the 2010 Premier League season bursts into life with games across the metropolitan area this weekend. Western Knights commence their title defence tomorrow when they welcome Sorrento to Nash Field (3.00pm). The Knights claimed victory in both Night Series meeting of the two clubs and the central ingenuity of David Micevski and Paul Van Dongen should provide Stuart Montgomery plenty of opportunities to put a few away against former team mates. The Gulls lost a lot of players over the off-season so it promises to be a busy afternoon for new goalkeeper Tom Woodhead and State defender Danny Cain.

Balcatta are on the road for their Premier League debut, against Armadale at Alfred Skeet Oval (3.00pm). Armadale are determined to start their home and away campaign with maximum points and what influence English import James Robinson, midfield tyro Lewis Flatt and goalkeeper Cyril Sharrock can have will go a long way to achieving that aim. Salv Todaro has been busy in the transfer market this week but it’ll be to the experienced heads of Ashley Rosindale, Andy O’Neill and Anthony Jones that the Balcatta coach will look for leadership this weekend.

Stirling Lions head off to Francis Street where Swan United (3.00pm) have hosting rights. Summer signings James Sammut and Roberto Lujan will have a big say in whether Swan can carry over last years strong home record into 2010, while Leo Harman, Darko Ilomanoski and Liam Boland are out to get one over their former club. A strong recruitment drive brought numerous import’s to Stirling over the summer months, highlighted by Bobby Wilson, Tom Ingram and Stef Frost, while rising stars Ndumba Makeche, Jamie De Abreu and Michael Pugliese are looking to build on their impressive pre-season form.

Mandurah City ventures north to tackle Floreat Athena at Litis Stadium (3.00pm). With his team fresh from winning the Charity Shield, Ante Kovacevic, the newly appointed coach of Floreat, will rely heavily on the know-how of Johnny Mirco, Branimir Mikulic, Dean Aplegren and John Migas to get them the points. The Dolphins, although quiet on the transfer front over the summer, are determined to make a big opening day splash with state midfielder Andy Brown, Craig Young and former Perth Glory defender Ryan Townsend ready to do their bit for coach Stuart Young.

The final Saturday game brings together Inglewood United and ECU Joondalup at Clipsal Stadium (3.00pm). Inglewood’s failure to ignite in pre-season has many tipping them for demotion, but you can be assured Shane Pryce wants nothing of the sort in his first season at the helm. Goalkeeper of the Year Oliver Taseski again has a big role to play for the club, likewise the seasoned heads of Daniel Kovacevic, Aaron Colli and Rory Grant. Dual Golden Boot winner Phil O’Callaghan is looking forward to getting back amongst the goal on his return to Joondalup, where Dale McCulloch, Scott Bushby and Jon Higgins are hopeful of remaining injury-free.

This week’s Sunday game pits State Champions Perth SC against Cockburn City at Dorrien Gardens (3.00pm). Perth may have won a fifth successive Night Series but fresh in their minds is the loss Cockburn inflicted on them in the opening game of the pre-season tournament. Ian McMurray and David Onoforo form a lethal attack for the Blues, who rely heavily on the midfield drive of Dom De Felice, Robbie Puca and Robert Sciascia. Cockburn added some much-needed experience over the off-season, coach Scott Miller bringing former Perth Glory players David Tarka, Adrian Webster and Marc Anthony, into a line-up which features the considerable talents of Aaron dos Santos and Paul Natale.

19.3.2010

FOUR LEFT STANDING IN DIVISION ONE

Hartfield Park is the place to be on Saturday evening for the semi-finals of the Division One Night Series. An active recruitment campaign has reaped early rewards for Ashfield who must become the first team to beat Forrestfield United this year in order to qualify for the tournament decider. Forrestfield have found the net with great frequency throughout the pre-season tournament - Andy Harold has scored five times in three games - so it'll be interesting to see how they fare against the competition's tightest defensive unit.

It'll be all hands on deck for Bayswater City when they square off with Wanneroo City in the other round of four meeting. Bayswater have given a good account of themselves so far but with goalkeeper Gianni Papalia and vice-captain Damien Catalano missing this week it's likely their run is about to come to an end. Josh Booysen has consistently found the net and another goal or two from him can put Wanneroo just 90 minutes away from their first trophy under Gerry McEwan. Entry to the 2010 Division One Night Series is $6 for adults, $4 concession and under-15's are admitted free - both games kick-off at 8.00pm.

18.3.2010

PEARSON BACKS GLORY YOUTH FOR VICTORY

Perth Glory Youth are determined to buck the odds by winning Saturday’s National Youth league Grand Final against Gold Coast United at Etihad Stadium. Gold Coast have claimed victory twice already this season over their opponent, but Glory Youth custodian Alex Pearson remains confident his team will return home from Melbourne with the trophy in their possession. “I think we need to start the game well, because finals are very unpredictable,” Pearson said. “If we get off to a good start then it will give us confidence to out the game, but we have to take chances when they come around, and we have to minimise our turn-overs.”

Midfielder Glen Trifiro booked Glory Youth’s spot in the season finale with his first half strike seeing off Adelaide United in the semi-final round. Pearson, who has been outstanding between the posts during the season, was delighted with the outcome of last week’s games and is now looking forward to a Grand Final appearance. “Last week was a tough game, as most finals are,” commented 17-year old Pearson. “We were fortunate enough to make our possession count after a nervy start and we found a deserved goal in the first half. Although we would have preferred to win in more style, there is a real determination and belief amongst the team that we can win against anyone.”

Qualifying for Saturday’s Grand Final is a massive achievement for the club, one that Pearson says is attributable to a well-honed squad and never-say-die team spirit. “I think that has been the key to our season - the team has such a high spirit and everyone is willing to work for one another,” said Pearson at the end of his second season in the Glory Youth set-up. “I know is sounds like a cliché but it is what have helped our team to this point. It’s not individuals that should be highlighted but the whole team as a unit, as (coach) Gareth (Naven) says - it’s about the sixteen not the eleven.”

Pearson had nothing but praise for coach Naven, who represented Australia at youth level in a distinguished playing career that included over 150 national league games for Adelaide City and Glory. “Gareth is an excellent coach to work with, he has done so much for the youth team and the detail in training and preparation that he provides us is top notch,” said Pearson, who has also played for Australia at Under-17 level. “Also the professionalism and standards set by him are a perfect example of how we need to operate as professional footballers.”

A former Cockburn City junior, Pearson is thankful for the experience he was afforded towards the tail end of last winter by State League club Armadale. “I was very grateful to Brad Hassell and the coaching staff at Armadale for giving me a chance to play first team football,” he said. “It was a good experience and one you don’t take for granted. The players acceptance, support and encouragement at having a young ‘keeper were a big factor also. These things all build to give you the confidence to take the next step and I’m thankful to the club for that.”

While Grand Final victory is foremost in his thoughts, Pearson admits he’s keeping his options beyond this weekend open. “After the finals I’ll be travelling to the UK to train with a few clubs over there. I’ve had great coaching over in WA, with Willie McNally being a great mentor to me, but I need to continue to work hard,” said Pearson. “I’ve had no discussions with the Glory so far but the senior Glory ‘keepers are mid-contract. My aim is to be a professional player so I believe you need to be open to move to another club if necessary, and my priority is to be at a club that offer the best development opportunities.”

18.3.2010

GNS CHINA JOINS GLORY YOUTH

Corporate investment advisory company GNS China have been confirmed as major sponsor of Perth Glory Youth for the next two seasons. The deal, valued at A$1 million dollars, is a major coup for the club and will see the Glory Youth team visit China to play in a major international tournament. “This sponsorship will see the Perth Glory brand prominently positioned in China and amongst the Chinese community of Western Australia,” said Glory owner Tony Sage. “In addition, Perth Glory will actively embrace China, through participation in youth tournaments, pre-season and/or in-season tours.”

Glory Youth will participate in the China Weifang tournament, a week-long event at the beginning of August which features the Chinese national youth team and club side Shandong LuNeng as well as other teams from Asia. The senior Glory side is also looking to visit China either as part of preparations for the 2010/11 season or during the FIFA break in October/November. GNS China is a corporate and investment advisory company which over the past two decades has assisted organisations undertake business and investment between China, Australia and other Asian markets.

18.3.2010

GARCIA FEARS WORLD CUP SNUB

Socceroos midfielder Richard Garcia has admitted he faces a tense few months to see whether he will be included in Australia coach Pim Verbeek's plans for the World Cup in South Africa. Garcia is sweating on his place in the Pim Verbeek's 23-man squad having endured an interrupted second season in the Premier League with Hull City, who languish second-bottom and this week sacked manager Phil Brown. "There will be a tense few months ahead to wait and see whether I'm in the squad or not," Garcia said. "I'm just trying to play as much here as I can and trying to concentrate on helping Hull get out of the predicament we're in. Hopefully that will be enough for me to get a place on the plane to South Africa."

With only nine Premier League games remaining, Garcia's window of opportunity to secure a spot on the plane to South Africa is drawing to a close. Knee ligament damage suffered in pre-season meant he missed the opening three months of the season, and Brown's dismissal on Monday has now thrown his position at Hull and, consequently, his chances of catching Verbeek's eye into uncertainty. "I haven't really had a chance since I got injured," conceded Garcia who has played only a dozen league games this season. "But I'm just hopeful that they've been watching me in the domestic league and also remember the times I have been with the squad and what they know I can do. I'm pretty confident they know what I've got available."

Although Hull are fighting desperately to maintain their top flight status, Garcia is mindful that playing in what's considered the strongest domestic competition in the world should count in his favour. "It's not as though I'm playing at a poor standard. Playing in this league prepares you well for playing in the World Cup because it is such a ruthless and high tempo league. It's one of the best leagues in the world and you're pitting yourself against some of the players that are going to be going to the World Cup," he said. "But at the same time you never want to tempt fate and I think as far as the Australia team goes we're all on even ground. At the moment, I'm pretty much concentrating on the job in hand here. I'm looking forward to that being over so I can concentrate on getting in the squad and hopefully going to the World Cup."

17.3.2010

‘YOU’LL WIN NOTHING WITH KIDS’ – WELL, YOU MIGHT IN THE YOUTH LEAGUE! (by Ashley Morrison, Not the Footy Show)

Congratulations to the Perth Glory Youth team on booking their place in this year's National Youth League Grand Final, where they will meet Gold Coast United. It really is a fantastic achievement by Gareth Naven, the coach, who was assisted by Kenny Lowe, Scott Miller, Lee Bamber and Frank Juric. There are plenty who may say that the Glory Youth team is not the most talented individually; however the coaching staff have found the best players for key positions and made sure that they gel with those around them. The style of football that they tried to play all season has been a joy to watch. Some of the football has been superb and shows that there is definitely talent in Western Australia as well as over east.

Glory Youth's nine game unbeaten run in the middle of the season set up their push for the finals, and saw the players grow in their self-belief. What is worth considering with this run, and in fact their away form all season, is that their travel arrangements were a great deal more demanding than their first team colleagues. Early morning flights de rigeur due to many having to work or university commitments. Yet there was no need for excuses as they did their talking on the pitch. Credit must again go to Naven and his support team, who obviously prepared the team adequately within the limits that were placed on them.

I'm saddened by the scant regard with which the National Youth League is treated in some quarters. What is of a greater concern is that next season this is even more likely to be the case with club owners and first team coaches, as the age limit is to be lowered. With A-League clubs having to call up from the youth team if players are injured, this lowering of the age is of grave concern. One can't help but think that, although ultimately a good move, it is one that is being rushed through too quickly, before the league, the clubs and the players are ready.

At present players must be 16 on January 1 in year the Youth League commences, while the maximum age is 21. Next year the age limit will be reduced to 19 in the year the youth league commences. Some teenagers are ready to step up - as Tommy Oar has shown - but some take a little longer to mature physically. Could we risk destroying young players by either throwing them in when they are not ready or by preventing them from making that break through? It is a tough balancing act, which will be made harder with the drop in age. But let's worry about that next season - Perth has a team in a Grand Final so let's get behind them!

16.3.2010

GLORY HAS MADE ME A BETTER PLAYER : TRIFIRO

Glen Trifiro says training alongside seasoned veterans like Mile Sterjovski and Jacob Burns have helped him take his game to a new level this summer. And another eye-catching display in this weekend's National Youth League grand final could go a long way to securing the hard-working midfielder his first professional contract. "It's pretty much full-time and even though we had a professional set up at (Sydney) United, at Glory it's definitely a step up," said Trifiro, who played in New South Wales prior to joining Glory. "Perth's been absolutely brilliant - I'm full-time, during the days I train with the first team and with the youth team."

Although only 20, Trifiro is already something of a journeyman. He played youth football at Bolton Wanderers and Empoli, turned out for NSW State League clubs Sydney and Marconi and last summer donned Central Coast Mariners colours. His coach at Sydney was former Socceroo and now Melbourne Heart assistant coach Ante Milicic, who Trifiro will be out to impress this weekend. "I speak to Tezza (Milicic) regularly but my main focus is Perth, but if options come in from somewhere else," commented Trifiro, who is keeping open his options for next season. "I'm sure there'll be a lot of opportunities for young boys in that (the Melbourne) squad."

16.3.2010

GRIFFITHS TO JOIN CENTRAL COAST

Former Australian Youth international Rostyn Griffiths is poised to put pen to paper with Central Coast Mariners for the summer of 2010/11. The versatile 22-year old is understood to be on the verge of finalising a deal with the Mariners where he will join former Fury team mate Daniel McBreen. Griffiths, who made his State league debut for ECU Joondalup at the age of 15, spent close to four years with English club Blackburn Rovers during which he was loaned out to Gretna (Scotland) and Accrington Stanley (England). He joined Adelaide United as an injury replacement player in January 2009 and six months later linked up with North Queensland, playing 23 games last season and scorer of the clubs first goal in A-League competition.

15.3.2010

GLORY BECKONS PERTH YOUTH

Perth Glory Youth are preparing to go head-to-head with Gold Coast United in the 2009/10 National Youth League Grand Final. Following the weekend’s hard-fought win over Adelaide United, the next generation of Glory stars guns have switched attention to Saturday’s season finale in Melbourne. “It was such a good feeling to win and I think we deserve to be here after the season we’ve had,” enthused attacker Tommy Amphlett. “After missing out on winning the league last week, this gave us the chance to make a mends and get into the grand final. At half time Gareth said ‘your 45 minutes away from the opportunity of a lifetime.’ A final like this doesn’t come around very often and with a majority of the A-League coaches watching us, it’s a good opportunity for a lot of the lads as well.”

Amphlett initially joined Glory as an injury replacement player from ECU Joondalup in November, but after a string of impressive performances he was asked to stay on at the national league club until the end of the season. His influence down the right flank was vital in Glory Youth defeating Adelaide on the weekend, a result Amphlett says the entire squad are extremely happy with. “Everyone was really chuffed after the game but there is still another hard week at training to come and another game to play,” Amphlett added. “It will be even better if we win next Saturday but as I said it’s just a great chance for everyone involved. There’s just one game left, in front of a really good crowd and at a great stadium so it’s all there for the taking.”

15.3.2010

DE VANNA BANG ON TARGET

Lisa De Vanna has given Washington Freedom the best possible preparation for the coming Women’s Professional Soccer campaign by netting the deciding goal in a pre-season friendly with Chicago Red Stars. De Vanna finished off a speedy counterattack after 29 minutes by finding the net to add to Sarah Huffman’s opening goal for Washington. Chicago rallied after the break with Ella Masar’s reeling in the gap with a stunning 30-metre strike just after the hour, but the Washington defence held out for a first-up victory.

14.3.2010

GLORY KIDS INTO GRAND FINAL

Glen Trifiro booked Perth Glory Youth a spot in the National Youth League grand final by snaring the only goal of this afternoon’s 1-0 semi-final win over Adelaide United. Glory Youth’s first half dominance on a hot and humid afternoon at Clipsal Stadium was rewarded by Trifiro’s close-range strike in the 23rd minute. “It was a tough game, we lost our way a little in the second half bit but it’s probably a natural transition when you are one nil up in a semi-final,” said coach Gareth Naven. “Congratulations to the players but obviously we’ve got another step to take next week. At the end of the day everyone wants to win things and we have the benefit where winning and development are tied in the same link at this age so I think the boys will look forward to next weeks game.”

Despite the trying conditions, the match started at a furious tempo with the host club taking control through the midfield efforts of Trifiro and Hayden Doyle. Adelaide goalkeeper Mark Birighitti was by far the busier and on 9 minutes he tipped over a fine Mario Marcinko header from Tommy Amphlett’s cross. Amphlett was proving a handful for the Adelaide defence and in quick succession he created two further chances for Marcinko but on both occasions Birighitti was there to deny him. The goal Glory Youth so desperately sought arrived soon after, Birighitti was unable to take cleanly Josh Risdon’s cross from the right with the ball falling to Trifiro. who made no mistake from close-range.

Glory Youth very nearly doubled their advantage a minute later when Adelaide’s attempt to clear deflected in favour of Amphlett, but again Birighitti came to his team’s rescue with a smothering save. The visitor’s best period if the half began just before the half-hour, Francesco Monterosso and Insheob Shin each firing wide of the upright. A long ball from Birighitti picked out Monterosso but his snap shot was sent over the bar by a fingertip save from Alex Pearson, who also tipped away Monterosso’s header a minute later. Adelaide’s reliance on long balls from the ‘keeper gave them a somewhat one-dimensional approach to attacking.

The introduction of Michael Doyle and Liam Wooding at the break had a rejuvenating effect on the Reds, who appeared a totally different outfit in the second half. Joseph Wright stole possession from the defence on 51 minutes and raced towards goal only to be denied by Pearson at the near post. Five minutes later Monterosso saw his header cleared off the line by Risdon. Monterosso mistimed his jump in the 64th minute to send a free header over the top, while Evan Kostopoulos fired wide just a minute later. Home captain Steve Steve Hesketh put his body on the line several times to repel one Adelaide attack after another as the game moved into the final twenty minutes. The final whistle signalled Glory Youth’s safe passage into next week’s season decider against Gold Coast United.

14.3.2010

FLOREAT IN SEVENTH HEAVEN WITH SHIELD WIN

Floreat Athena smacked six unanswered second half goal to thump a young and inexperienced Perth SC 7-0 and lift the 2010 Charity Shield on a steamy afternoon at Dorrien Gardens. Johnny Mirco lead the way with a hat-trick while Branimr Mikulic, James Isaia, Daniel Neiderberger, substitute Jared Smith were also on the scoresheet in Ante Kovacevic’s first game at the helm of Floreat. Mikulic headed the games opening chance past the post after getting on the end of a deep 6th minute cross by Isaia. Perth mustered their first attack on 12 minutes when Tristan Bekkouche fired just wide of the target after cutting in from the left.

It took only a couple more minutes before Floreat hit the front, Adam Bachiller and Niederberger combined to terrific effect in the lead-up with Mirco converting the resulting cross from close-range. A rare Perth attack saw Andreas Oliviera put the ball with Michael Black whose low shot from the top of the 18-yard box was kept our by Alex Dunn. By contrast Jason Saldaris was in the thick of the action, pulling off a trio of saves to deny Niederberger and tipping a Mirco shot over the crossbar just before the interval.

Floreat were given a dream start to the second half as Mikulic blasted in from close-range after John Migas’ shot rebounded back off the post. Five minute later Niederberger delivered a cross from the right that an unmarked Mirco sent into the net at the back post. There was no let up as Floreat added their fourth in the 52nd minute, Isaia charging free of the defence before finished clinically past an exposed goalkeeper. The wind was well and truly in Floreat’s sails on the hour Bachiller’s close-range header was superbly saved by Saldaris.

To their credit, Perth continued to push forward and on 66 minutes Oliviera’s shot beat Dunn but not captain Dean Aplegren, who cleared off the line. Floreat upped the tempo over the closing stages, Jovo Pavlovic joined the attack on 80 minutes by playing in to Mirco, whose clever flicked allowed Niederberger to score with a low shot. Mirco wrapped up his hat-trick three minutes later after being sent clear by Mikulic. And the seven-goal scoreline was made complete in the 85th minutes when Smith tapped in a Jason Barrera cross from the right.

Floreat Athena: Alex Dunn, James Isaia (Miki Vujacic 60), Julian Madaschi, Johnny Mirco, Adam Bachiller (Jarad Smith 70), Daniel Niederberger, Branimir Mikulic, John Migas (Jason Barrera 60), Paul Vatistas, Jovo Pavlovic, Dean Aplegren
Perth SC: Jason Saldaris, Nathan Rawes, Aaron Cole (Matt Beyer 53), Daniel Colletta, Michael Black (Michael Rizedis 74), Rhys Loxley (Vlad Naumonski 46), Niall Shelly, Tristan Bekkouche, Andreas Oliveira, Alan Darlington, Simon Wilson
Bookings: Nil
Dismissals: Nil
Referee: Hugh Best

13.3.2010

AMPHLETT BUILDING A PROMISING CAREER

Tommy Amphlett is not getting rid of his tool belt just yet, but if the Perth Glory attacker continues his rapid rise from State League to A-League it will not be needed too much longer. 21-year old Amphlett, who recently completed a carpentry apprenticeship, seized an opportunity to impress Glory coach David Mitchell after a surprise call-up in November as an injury replacement player. And just last week a scout from English club Leeds United was an interested observer as Amphlett struck an impressive double in an otherwise disappointing 3-2 loss to Newcastle Jets for the Glory Youth team.

But Amphlett, who made five senior appearances for Glory this season, said his youth team mates were determined to make up for last week’s loss when they take on Adelaide United in a National Youth League semifinal at Clipsal Stadium tomorrow. “There are some fantastic players in this team and hopefully we can go out there and push on,” said Amphlett, who made his ECU Joondalup debut at the age of 16. Despite the temptation to ponder the prospect of securing a new senior deal with Glory, the speedy attacker remains focused on achieving success with the youth team.