Perth Glory's Finals Hopes Continue to Slip Away After Gritty Draw with Brisbane Roar
Perth Glory's aspirations for a top-six finish in the A-League Men competition have taken another hit following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Brisbane Roar at Kayo Stadium. The result leaves Glory languishing in 10th place on the ladder, just one point above the bottom, with only seven matches left in the season. Despite other results going their way on Saturday, Perth failed to capitalize, unable to secure a crucial win to climb into finals contention.
Defensive Resilience Saves Glory as Attack Struggles
Perth Glory were bailed out by a resolute defensive performance after struggling to create meaningful opportunities throughout the match. They failed to register a single shot on target, with their only goal coming from a Brisbane Roar own-goal. Goalkeeper Matt Sutton made two vital saves late in the game, while centre-backs Brian Kaltak and Scott Wootton heroically blocked several shots. Nicholas Pennington also contributed with numerous key interventions, showcasing the team's determination in the face of offensive shortcomings.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
Brisbane Roar took an early lead in the 16th minute when Christopher Long expertly converted a free-kick into the bottom corner. However, Perth equalized just three minutes later after Luca Tevere's cross pressured Youstin Salas into scoring an own-goal. The first half saw Perth plagued by individual errors, including misplaced passes and loss of possession under pressure, while Brisbane maintained better control of the ball.
Unfortunately for the hosts, their attack was hampered by injuries before halftime. Long was forced off with an ankle issue, and Nick D'Agostino later clutched his knee after a challenge, diminishing Brisbane's offensive threat. In the second half, both teams wasted golden opportunities. Stefan Colakovski missed a clear chance for Perth due to indecision, and Brisbane substitute Michael Ruhs failed to convert two guilt-edged shots.
Coach's Perspective and Team Character
Post-match, Perth Glory coach Adam Griffiths praised his team's defensive character and fighting spirit. Speaking to Paramount+, he emphasized the desire to build a culture of resilience at the club. "It showed character in terms of the way we defended those last couple of actions, which is what we expect. That's what we want to try to build here at Perth, that feeling and that desire to fight for every minute," Griffiths said. He acknowledged the physical nature of the game and commended his players for matching Brisbane in that aspect.
With the finals race heating up, Perth Glory must address their offensive issues quickly if they hope to salvage their season. The draw, while showcasing defensive grit, underscores the challenges ahead as they strive to move up the ladder in the coming weeks.
