Perth Glory Coach Adam Griffiths Applauds Adam Taggart's Resilience Following Historic Goal
Perth Glory coach Adam Griffiths has praised the unwavering mentality of co-captain Adam Taggart, who overcame a challenging season and a tough match to break the club's A-League goal-scoring record. In a dramatic late moment, Taggart netted a 91st-minute equaliser, securing a 1-1 draw for Glory against Melbourne City on Sunday at HBF Park.
Taggart's Record-Breaking Achievement and Season Struggles
Adam Taggart's goal marked his 60th in the A-League era for Perth Glory, surpassing Andy Keogh's previous record of 59 goals. This milestone places him behind only club legends Bobby Despotovski with 113 goals and Damian Mori with 84 goals in the club's overall history, dating back to its National Soccer League foundation. However, the 32-year-old striker has faced a frustrating season, hampered by minor injuries and niggles, resulting in just four goals across 19 appearances.
During the match against Melbourne City, Taggart initially struggled, missing several clear-cut opportunities to level the game, including a one-on-one chance after intercepting an errant pass. Despite these setbacks, he persevered, ultimately turning home Jaiden Kucharski's low delivery at the Shed end of HBF Park to achieve his historic goal in his 130th game for Glory.
Coach Griffiths on Taggart's Mentality and Team Spirit
Adam Griffiths expressed his delight at Taggart's perseverance, highlighting the striker's resilience in a season disrupted by injuries. "It's been tough for him. Anyone that can't get that consistent training load in, it means that you're less sharp," Griffiths said. "Prior to the Wellington game, before he picked up another small injury, he was training the best I've ever seen him. He's showing good mentality to come back and lead this team. What we need to continue is that he continues to push, which he will, and show us the way."
The goal capped off a battling performance from Perth Glory, which, on another day, might have earned three points instead of one. With only four games remaining in the season and Perth five points away from an unlikely finals berth, Griffiths believes his team can harness the fighting spirit displayed against Melbourne City to fuel a late push for the top six.
Looking Ahead: Glory's Final Push for the Season
Griffiths emphasised the importance of maintaining the physicality and determination shown in the match. "For the next four games, we expect nothing more than that. I expect nothing more than that physical, one-vs-one duels, getting at teams because there's nothing to lose," he stated. "I'm actually confident we can go on a four-game winning streak. I'm confident if we turn up like that and we put a performance in, the goals will come. I really believe it."
This result underscores Perth Glory's resilience and Taggart's pivotal role as a leader, setting the stage for an intense finish to the A-League season as the team aims to defy the odds and secure a spot in the finals.
