Perth Glory are gearing up for a critical A-League Women encounter against Canberra United this Saturday, with their defensive unit on high alert for the threat posed by Matildas star and league legend Michelle Heyman.
World-Class Threat Demands Attention
Glory defender Onyinyechi Zogg, an experienced Nigerian international, has heaped praise on the Canberra forward, labelling her a "world-class player". Zogg emphasised the need for a tight defensive strategy to neutralise the league's all-time leading scorer.
"It's really cool to play against her," Zogg said. "We just need to see that we tag her pretty tight and we don't give her any room. Canberra are a good team and they defend on the front foot, and they also attack on the front foot."
Coach Warns Against One-Player Focus
Glory coach Stephen Peters echoed his defender's respect for the 37-year-old Heyman but issued a crucial warning to his squad. He stressed that while Heyman is a phenomenal talent, Canberra United are not a one-woman team.
"Heyman is quality. You've got to pay credit to her to be able to play at that level for as long as she has consistently," Peters stated. "But they've got some players — (Mary) Stanic-Floody, (Beth) Gordon, (Kiara) De Domizio scored a nice goal last week. We've definitely got to be on guard."
Peters pointed out that the immense focus on Heyman can often create opportunities for her teammates, making a balanced defensive approach across the entire park essential for Perth's success.
Glory Seeking Redemption After Consecutive Losses
The match at McKellar Park represents a vital opportunity for Perth Glory to get their season back on track. The team is looking to bounce back from two consecutive defeats and finally convert their promising performances into much-needed competition points.
Facing a last-placed Canberra side provides a clear chance for redemption. Zogg, a mainstay of Glory's defence who has committed to another season in Western Australia after several years in Europe, says the physical nature of the league perfectly suits her style of play.
"I really love the country. I really love Australia, it's really beautiful here," she said. "The league, it's really physical, it really suits my play style. This is what I've found here: really physical, hard battles. This is what I'm known for in Europe."
