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Reigning Shield champions Western Australia have moved to second on the ladder after holding off Queensland to secure a 146-run victory on day four. With one round left, WA will head to Victoria, who were knocked down to third after losing to Tasmania, to fight for the final spot in the final against Tasmania. Speaking post-match, Rocchicchioli says he is “excited” to have an opportunity to play in his third Shield final. “The good thing is you can control, what you can control and if we win, we go through, so just really excited for that,” he said. “I can't wait to play against the Vics, they're a hard team. I feel like we've played a lot of hard battles against them.  A few players I know in that team as well, so it's always good to play against them.” Gannon and Joel Paris struck early on Sunday morning to remove Angus Lovell and Jack Clayton within the first 15 minutes of play. Not long after that, the Bulls found themselves 4/81 and needing a steady partnership. However, Queensland staged a fight back with Jack Wildermuth and Ben McDermott knocking half-centuries, making WA work for the win. Rocchicchioli believes the win was secured in one of the most rewarding ways. “First-class cricket, you're never gonna get handed to you.  I think I've learned that in my short career that you just don't let teams fold,” said Rocchicchioli. “Some of the best wins you can have are the ones you win on day four, and you're a bit cooked, and you sort of have to go into that last session to win it. “They're always gonna come out. They're really good cricketers, they're a really good cricketing side, so we're really lucky.” Rocchiccioli and Cameron Gannon were pivotal during the final day, combining for seven wickets to bowl Queensland out early in the final session of the day. Western Australia were without pace-bowlers Jhye Richardson and Matt Kelly against Queensland, with Gannon coming in to take their place. With five wickets across the two bowling innings, Rocchicchioli commended Gannon’s “renaissance” performance against Queensland. “When you look at the list, I think we've got like 17 fast bowlers on the list, and that's just really good, and there's that big trust that we've got in a group that when people need to be asked to play, they perform,” he said. “I love that Ganno's having that renaissance to his career, he's a bit of a renaissance man at the moment. “The way he's swinging the ball, the way that he's taking catches, the way that he's batting, it's great to have him around. “You can't underestimate experience in Shield career. He's seen a lot of things, and he's had a lot of seasons, so I'm really happy for him that he's playing cricket.” IMAGE: Getty Images

Coach and former player Adam Voges says the “biggest thrill” he gets as WA and Perth Scorchers’ head coach is seeing players around him succeed. Yesterday, it was announced Voges had recommitted to WA and Perth Scorchers as head coach for another two seasons. Since starting in 2018, Voges has taken WA and the Scorchers to eight titles, including two back-to-back titles in Shield and Big Bash, and the recent three-peat in the Marsh One Day Cup. Speaking to SportFM, Voges says he is taking a moment to appreciate the recent Marsh Cup title win, before he turns his focus back to the Shield. “Particularly in this season where we've had our challenges with national representation which is a wonderful thing but also with injury and meaning that we had to use a lot of different players,” he said. “We used 23 players throughout the campaign and we had five debutantes. It was great to see the likes of Mahli Beardman and Bryce Jackson, Hamish McKenzie, to name a few,  get their opportunity and come in and represent us in 50-over cricket. "We only had four players playing the final on Sunday that played in the previous final the year before when we had a lot of our Australian players available. “Each year it feels like you have to do it slightly differently and I think the way that we're able to perform and be able play a really good final on Sunday was very satisfying this time around.” Before the dust could settle on his contract announcement, Voges claimed his second consecutive Coach of the Year award at last night’s WA Sport Awards, while the WA Men’s Cricket team won Team of the Year for achieving the treble in two successive years. Voges agreed it was good to acknowledge all who influenced WA’s success through the Team of the Year Award. “It was great that we could have a big representation of those people there at the awards night last night and from our assistant coaches,” he said. “I think Beau Casson is one of the best young coaches in the country. I think Tim McDonald is a fantastic bowling coach and the support that they give myself and the players is enormous. At SSSM, our medical and physical staff that do such wonderful jobs for the plays all of those support staff that play their part. “I get to be the face of that. It's a lot of people that put in a lot of work behind the scenes to help the guys have the success that they do out on the field." Under Voges, numerous WA players have excelled and received opportunities at international level. Recently, Cameron Green made a stellar knock of 174, while Mitch Marsh has excelled in all three formats, earning him the Allan Border Medal. Also from WA, Jason Behrendorff won the International T20 Player of the Year, while Aaron Hardie and Lance Morris have been selected in Australian squads across the formats. Voges says it's satisfying to see players he’s coached play so well at international level. “The biggest thrill that you get in the job is seeing the guys that you work closely with be able to start to do what they love doing and want to do and start achieving their goals and their dreams of playing cricket for their country,”  he said. “Ultimately, I think we're still wanting to produce Australian cricketers and test cricketers. So, to have Cam and Mitch in the team and settled in a team and performing so well is a thrill to see for everyone. “It would have been great to have a camera in our high-performance offices yesterday when Greeny got his 100 because everyone was on their feet applauding and that just shows the investment that everyone has in these guys' careers and how much joy we see when they play well.” IMAGE: cricket.com.au

Former Matilda Amy Chapman says should they qualify, the Matildas have a “good shot” at medaling at the Paris Olympics. The Matildas defeated Uzbekistan 10-0 in Melbourne on Wednesday night to qualify for their third straight games. Chapman, speaking on Sports Breakfast, said there’s a lot on the line for the Matildas. “It's always a good day when the Tillies are in town and another sold-out stadium, which is fantastic. There's so much on the line,” “I think a lot of people, particularly those newer fans of the Matildas, probably don't realise that for 12 years the Matildas didn't qualify for the Olympics - it's very difficult. We're up against, usually, Japan or North Korea, it's very difficult to qualify through Asia. “We've had a good run next time and we're set up to essentially get a win or a draw or even a small loss tonight. We'll still get the Tillies a ticket to Paris.” The Matildas’ Olympic campaign will be without star striker and captain Sam Kerr, who was ruled out after an ACL injury attained during a Chelsea training camp in Morocco. In her place, Steph Catley has taken the captain’s armband while Michelle Heyman has come into the side as a like-for-like striker replacement. Chapman says this shouldn’t affect our chances to medal in Paris, and there is the depth to cover her absence. “The World Cup was a great precursor and a great warm-up to experience life without Sam Kerr. What she does for the opposition defence as well and just how she draws a lot of attention, which then makes other players shine around her. That is very difficult to replace,” she said. “She's such a character, and she's such a leader as well, so they’re always going to feel that absence. But I think we now have so many talented players playing in the best clubs in the world, playing regularly against and training with the best players in the world. “But we're having a really good shot of getting a medal in Paris because there are only 12 teams that go there. A couple of big names like Great Britain, and Sweden are all not going to be there, so a big opportunity for the Tillies.” During Saturday’s match, the game was caught in a deadlock until Heyman scored in the 72nd minute. From there, the floodgates opened with Mary Flower and Caitlin Foord adding a goal of their own. Chapman says the Matildas are “spoiled for choice” throughout the squad. “The thing about Mary [Fowler] is she's exceptionally talented and she's so, so young. She's competing with the best in the world and she's well used to a lot of the others around her,” she said. “The key player for me is still Caitlin Foord. What she's doing for Arsenal and what she's doing for the Matildas, she is so talented, such a creative player, but we're also spoiled for choice. We've still got Katrina Gorry out there, Kyra Cooney-Cross and a lot of young talent mixed with more experienced heads, and the one I love is Clare Hunt at central defence there. She's had a seamless transition to the next level.” “So we're sprinkled with talent everywhere. It is a bit of a golden generation. So I hope they can get a medal to show for it.” IMAGE: The Canberra Times

Former Docker Brad Wira believes there is scope for Fremantle to make the top 8 in 2024 after missing out last season. Fremantle put on a strong showing against West Coast on Saturday evening, smashing their crosstown rivals by 52 points with plenty of outstanding performances around the field. Reportedly, Fremantle have been through one of their most intense preseasons to date, showing their hunger to make it back into the eight after dropping out last season, finishing 14th. Wira told Sports Breakfast it will be a “slow build” but a finals berth is possible. “It's very difficult to maintain and play finals year on year. They had an outstanding year in the year before last, coming fifth,” he said. “There have been some players leave. What does that open? It opens opportunity - remembering that Fremantle has had significant early picks that are now starting to get experience. I'm talking Johnson, Erasmus and Co, who are early draft picks, Jye Amiss. We forget that. “It will be, as their CEO said, a slow build, and I know through a decade out there, I don't think it's that long. Do I see Fremantle making it back into the top eight? I think they're seventh or eighth, I do.” Fremantle’s forward line kicked 14.14.98 over the weekend, with Jye Amiss booting three majors. Luke Jackson, Michael Walters and Josh Treacy each contributed two goals of their own. In previous years Fremantle have struggled with the forward line, however, the line-up including Amiss off the back of a stellar season looks far stronger. While Freo has the star power up forward, Wira believes Freo will need to move the ball to them more efficiently to create these opportunities. “I think they've got the talent there. It's just got to get there quick enough and don't allow these defensive teams to get back, taking a risk and I think the coach has spoken about this, that they'll be more offensive,” he said. “They were a little bit stagnant and crossfield a little bit last year. I think we'll see a bit more, not exciting, but a bit more take the game on. Hard to judge last week against West Coast, whether they did that or not against the opposition. “We'll see a bit more take the game on from Fremantle. Then over to Amiss, we've seen Amiss pick 40-odd goals as a genuine rookie. I think with the two ruckmen, with Jackson and Darcy down there. Was there a target there? Yeah, I think there is.” Nat Fyfe was excellent during the preseason clash, managing two periods unscathed before he was managed during the second half. Wira believes Freo will have to be “smarter” in how they manage Fyfe going into 2024. “It's probably a little bit different with Nathan because you'd be so keen to just play and get out and play. That's going to be the hard part,” he said. "He's just that big-ball midfielder, which as we get older, it's harder to do. All reports is that he's trimmed down. He's fit as he's ever been but so are every other player on the list that's fit. “How would I manage him? I'm still playing midfield, forward, predominantly midfield, but you're going to have to manage his time, otherwise, he's going back down again.” IMAGE: Code Sports

West Australian Bowler Andrew Tye says Western Australia plans to make the most of their era of dominance after securing their third consecutive Marsh Cup title on Sunday. New South Wales were restricted to 169 runs after losing their final wicket in the 42nd over. WA quickly chased down this total within 34 overs to win by five wickets and secure their seventh overall title in three seasons. Player of the Match Hilton Cartwright was exceptional with the bat, knocking 73* off 80 balls, while Joel Paris was WA’s best bowler, taking 4/21. Speaking to Sports Breakfast, Tye says he is “thrilled” to have created the threepeat. “It's awesome. We've had this special group together now for a period of years and it's nice to have a bit of a hallmark or figure or a bit of a legacy in Australian domestic cricket that this team has built,” he said. “The boys are really thrilled with just how well we're going as a group and I think we had seven debutants in the Marsh One Day Cup this year and used over 20 players. “As much as it is very nice to have the win, having the depth and the growth of this group is exceptional and we're thrilled that we're still able to win it and create the threepeat.” Western Australia has been formidable in all three formats of cricket for several years - some calling it a dynasty. Another Sheffield Shield title is possibly on the cards for Western Australia, should results fall their way during next week’s final round. Tye believes WA’s dynasty and success over the past decade revolves around squad depth and a core group of players. “The core group that we've had together has been together for so long and then… we're in the blessed position that a couple of us are no longer required or looked at for red-ball cricket,” he said. “The advantage we have over a few other states is that every one-day game you've got myself and Dorff, who are a hundred per cent fresh and ready and ready to go. Whereas most teams in the last couple of years are coming off shield games, they might have one fresh bowler. “Bowlers will have shield games into them and stuff like that, whereas we're in that very blessed position that we've got a number of guys that can come in, provide an impact in the white ball space and keep guys fresher for Shield cricket and keep us fresh for one day cricket.” In 2018, Adam Voges took the reins as WA head coach and has four Marsh Cup titles, two Sheffield Shield and two BBL titles with the Scorchers. Tye says as a coach, Voges has carried on from where he left off as captain in 2017. “We were on the path to success while he was still playing and then he's just come in and carried on and taken the momentum that we had building and run with it,” he said. “He's done a fantastic job and the legacy he's building as a coach for himself is pretty good.” IMAGE: FILE

After Angus Brayshaw's shock retirement announcement, Brownlow medallist Shane Woewodin believes the AFL is “not doing enough” to protect players’ heads. On Thursday morning, the 28-year-old was forced to medically retire from contact sports following advice from his neurosurgeon, to protect his long-term health. Brayshaw was sidelined after a heavy collision with Collingwood’s Brayden Maynard during last season’s qualifying final, with scans revealing further brain deterioration between then, and the present day. Although the right decision was made, Woewodin, a former Demon, has declared it a “sad day” for the club and AFL community. “It would be a sombre environment right now and obviously, the devastating news that Angus himself had to portray to the playing group, which would have been really, really hard to get out,” he told Sports Breakfast. “Very sad day for footy really - Angus, his family, the club, a great man Angus is and he'll be sorely lost to the game and to the club and the right decision has been made. “No doubt his health is paramount over football but it’s a sad day that at 28 he's medically retired.” Brayshaw is the latest player to join an ever-growing list of players who have been medically advised to retire from AFL. Just last year, Paddy McCartin, Paul Seedsman, Marcus Adams and Max Lynch all retired due to concussion, while Collingwood’s Nathan Murphy’s future is clouded by lingering concussion symptoms. West Coast has also had two concussion-related retirements since 2021 in Daniel Venables and Brad Sheppard. Woewodin says there is still more the AFL can do to protect the players. “It's a big part of the game now and you see in here David King, he's been a real advocate for it too,” he said. “We're not doing enough at the moment to protect the head and we've had a number of retirements with concussion in the last couple of years too. Their quality of life is affected right now through just multiple knocks and their day-to-day living is complicated. “They can't really get through a day without constant headaches and effective dizziness and eyesight. It's a huge concern and we can still do more no doubt.” Melbourne enters 2024 hoping to make finals and avoid exiting finals in straight sets for its third consecutive year. Despite all the noise surrounding Melbourne in the preseason, Woewodin believes the Demons have the star power to finish in the top four. “They're a powerhouse team and they've got a great list, they've got superstars everywhere. They've got some great young talent,” he said. “They've got a tidy up a few things, no doubt, but the core part of their game is really, really strong. You need a bit of luck along the way too. “A healthy list is pretty important to be in the top four at the back end of the year. It's a marathon but I'm still pretty confident they can be there when the whips are cracking at the back end.” IMAGE: The Herald Sun, Melbourne.

West Australian opener Cameron Bancroft believes his time will come, despite initial disappointment after Australian selectors snubbed him out of a spot in the Australian Test squad. Despite producing two exceptional seasons in Sheffield Shield, Bancroft was overlooked to replace Warner in the West Indies, and upcoming New Zealand test series. Instead, Queenslander Matt Renshaw was picked up, while Steve Smith was promoted to the top of the order and Cameron Green replaced him at four. Speaking to SportFM, Bancroft admits this decision took some time to reconcile with. “I emotionally was really, really disappointed and it's something that I want. I wanted that opportunity to get back and play for my country again, do my country proud. I just feel like I have some unfinished business in that space,” he said. “There was still some consolation to come out of that little period of time. It took me a few days to pick myself back up and remind myself of what I need to do and get back to and enjoy doing. “My time will come, all I can do, I guess is just play as good cricket as I can for WA and set a good example there and hopefully win more titles there. That's what it all comes back to, but definitely emotionally, it did hit me a lot. I guess the consolations, they're just things that I'll hold on to and keep moving forward.” Across two summers of Shield Cricket, Bancroft has topped the runscorers charts, accumulating nearly two thousand runs. In addition, his stellar efforts were also recognised in the recent Australian Cricket Awards, being named the 2023/24 Domestic Player of the Year. While the selectors have repeatedly laid out what more needs to do, Bancroft says he is focusing on keeping energy high and continuing to knock the door down. “Runs are the currency, and they obviously made the decision and felt the way that they did around that period and what they've done with the squad there,” he said. “I know that opportunities and, George Bailey mentioned this to me, that opportunities moving forward will present themselves and I'm still very much in their minds and picture for that to happen. “They're just things that I think are important for me to keep holding onto and try and keep my energy high and remind myself of what's important at the moment and that's obviously just playing as good cricket as I can. “I think just probably maybe two thousand more runs, but just keep knocking the door down and keep doing those things.” Bancroft will head to Sydney with the WA squad to play New South Wales in Marsh Cup final this Sunday. The West Aussies will be looking for their third consecutive one-day title, as they come up against a side they haven’t beaten this season. However, Bancroft believes they’re beatable and history is on the West Aussies’ side. “When Sam Whiteman comes off, he goes, I'm sick of losing to these blokes. He's not alone and we've historically over the years played pretty well against New South Wales. “This year it's just been one of those one of those times in the games that we've played them but we know that they're a very beatable team. They've got some really good players in their team. “I think we can really put up a strong performance and make them really earn it and work for it. Obviously, history shows the success that we've had and I think that's a really important bit of confidence for us to hold.” IMAGE: The Cricketer

Australian Cricket great Justin Langer says test cricket is dying - not because of a lack of passion for the game, but for a lack of funding in poorer cricketing nations. This comes off the back of the Perth Women’s test played at the WACA between Australia and South Africa, where the Aussies thumped the visitors by an inning and 284 runs. For Australia, this is its eighth women's test match in a decade, and for South Africa - only its second, highlighting the disparity in funding between powerhouses and other nations within world cricket. Recently, Australia has dominated with the Ashes, World Test Championship, World Cup - both men’s and women’s, the Under 19s World Cup, and Women’s T20 World Cup currently in their trophy cabinet. While nations like England and India are bridging that gap in men’s and women’s cricket, Langer believes this dilemma is still something to be wary of regarding other nations. “It's not just in the women's game. Certainly, Australia dominate, but we've got to be wary of that in cricket across the world,” he told SportFM. “We don't want that gap. It's almost the richer are getting richer and the poorer are getting poorer, and not just in the talent pools, but certainly in the finances to keep being able to run Test Cricket. “So everyone says, the country's Test Cricket is dying, but the reason it is is not because they don't love Test Cricket. It's because they can't afford to put it on. It's really expensive to put it on. So I think the distribution of wealth is important. “That said, when you see guys like Shamar Joseph come over during the summer and West Indies beat Australia in Queensland, then you saw the competitiveness of Pakistan during the summer, Test Cricket's great to watch. It's just that depth of talent to keep challenging Australia, India and England.” Langer recently attended the MCC World Creative Committee meeting earlier this year where strategies and funding to close that gap and grow the game were discussed. He noted the differences in financial management could be contributing to the gap, labelling it a “capitalist setup.” “It's really interesting because in the AFL it's the complete opposite model than it is in cricket,” he said. “The poorer clubs get the greater distribution whereas, in cricket it's the complete opposite. It's more of a capitalist setup where the richer teams and the richer countries get most of the money. “I see both sides of it so everyone's aware of it and it's like the old turkey and Christmas scenario or the GSP scenario that people are making the wealth believe they should get a greater distribution of it. “People are aware but people are arguing it, finding a solution and you've got to remember member style system that the ICC is is very difficult.” Langer commentated on the Women’s test and admits he was “ashamed” to not have watched women’s cricket live before this match, but “loved the way they went about it”. In particular, he noted Annabel Sutherland’s double century, Darcie Brown’s five-wicket haul and Alyssa Healy’s overall captaincy. “The skill was awesome to watch, but I just love their spirit. It was absolutely brilliant and it was not just the pure skill,” he said. “On the first morning of the game, you could just tell how excited they were to play Test Cricket and it was tangible out there on the ground. They were really appreciative of the broadcast, they were appreciative and respectful of what was going into it. “It was a really good experience and I'm glad I've done it and I'll definitely do more of it in the future.” IMAGE: CNET

Cameron Green will arrive in New Zealand in good shape ahead of next week’s Test after knocking a century in WA’s draw against Tasmania. Sheffield Shield century could not have come at a better time for the all-rounder, as debate surrounds his spot in the Australian test lineup following recent efforts against the West Indies. After being left out of the white ball squad, Green was able to focus on preparing for the Test series, doing so by notching up a match-saving 103* at Bellerive Oval. He and snubbed Aussie opener Cameron Bancroft both brought up centuries to keep WA’s Shield title hopes afloat before the match was called off on Monday. Former Australian cricketer and Shield commentator Bryce McGain says the well-timed century allows him to head to New Zealand feeling confident. “It was a positive innings - he was striking at 72. We know the wicket was good, but you've still got to have that level of concentration and I'm really pleased that he's been able to do that from a WA perspective as well,” he told SportFM. “But I think more for Australia as well, him batting at four, I think is the right move for Australia and it might just hush a few murmurs and the perspective that he hasn't quite earned it. This boy's earned it, and he deserves every opportunity at four for Australia. “I hope he can make the most of it over in New Zealand where it's not going to be easy, it's going to be the moving ball. It's going to be a big challenge for all the Australian batsmen - the moving ball is an Achilles heel for all the batsmen. I hope he's able to go over there full of confidence and perform at his absolute best.” Green also contributed two wickets, one in each innings, however, it was not enough to keep Tasmania, who smacked 537 runs in the second innings, at bay. With his new home at four in Australia’s batting line up, finding balance with his bowling and batting duties is critical. However, McGain believes Australian Coach Andrew McDonald is the best mentor for him to learn this balancing act from. “If he wanted to bat for two days he could and he's just that class player and I think now that the balance of him bowling a little bit more as well takes its toll,” he said. “You’re never going to have a better mentor than Andrew McDonald, who lived all of that. “Having him trust him to bat at four in the Australian team, your head coach, and then understands, look, you're going to be bowling as well and how to manage all those aspects and how to keep tuning all those aspects in a training session as well, it does take some skill, but he's got a terrific mentor.” For Tasmania, opener Caleb Jewell smashed 227 runs to take his side to 537 runs and give his side an imposing lead over the West Aussies. Jewell hit 30 boundaries, including three sixes to bring up his double-ton, before being caught and bowled by Joel Paris. McGain says this performance has been a long time coming for Jewell. “I think this is a good breakthrough for him,” he said. “It is good to see him making those really big scores and having the concentration last through that whole inning. So I think that's an important part, he's always had the shots. He's always been a really capable player. “He's always been quite aggressive at times but can also knuckle down as well. I think the pleasing part is that his ability to bat a big innings like that, that will give more belief in himself as well.” IMAGE: WWOS

WA Premier Cricket is heating up with finals spots at stake as the competition enters its final two rounds over the next few weekends. Sides battled it out in scorching conditions on day one of Round 14 around Perth in a round producing some upsets and dominant displays. With two more weekends of Premier Cricket - day two of Round 14 and Round 15’s one-dayers, sides have two more opportunities to solidify their final standings and secure home finals. As it stands, the top six is currently Perth, Scarborough, University, Bayswater-Morley, Fremantle and Midland-Guilford, with Willetton on their heels at seventh. Derek Mott, who commentates on WA Premier Cricket, believes the tournament’s final standings could be settled early on during play next Saturday. “Some very lively matches going on in round 14 day one action and we could see the finals picture becoming a lot clearer in the first hour or two of next Saturday's play,” he told Sports Breakfast. “There's one team that's fighting for its life in a winning position and another team that could drop out in a match between two top-six sides. “It's going to be an entertaining round 14 heading in towards the last round of one day, the weekend after the one coming up.“ Heading into this weekend, teams will be keeping an eye on Fremantle vs Scarborough and University vs Midland Guildford, with these two fixtures having a huge bearing on the top six. Fremantle were sent into bat first at Stevens Reserve, with George Thomas making 72 runs, while Kaiden Cookson made 35. The Scarborough bowlers reduced them to 197 runs, with Matt Spoors taking 3/57 and George Pullinger having 3/18 off 14.5 overs. However, a Scarborough 15-over battling collapse put them in the back seat, sitting 7/37, including three ducks, at stumps. Over at James Oval, Midland-Guilford is expected to be beaten by University, after making 155 runs. Ashton Agar and Ethan Frankle featured with the ball, combining for seven wickets. University’s James Bracey and Will Bosisto got them off to a flyer, taking their side to 112 runs at stumps. The pair confidently sit on 47* and 62* with 44 runs left to chase on day two. However, Mott says if Scarborough can win, it will upset the “apple cart” heading into the final round. “If Midland-Guildford loses to Uni, which we expect, and Willeton defeats Mount Lawley, which we expect and then you see Fremantle defeat Scarborough and Midland-Guilford are out of the 6 and they're going to be unlikely to be able to get back in. Willeton will replace them,” he said. “In a number of these games, it's going to be that first hour and a half of play that really determines the fortunes of a number of clubs in the top half of the ladder and where they stand at the end of the home and away season.“ Day Two between University Vs Midland-Guildford will be broadcast live on SportFM next Saturday, with first ball at 11.10 am AWST. IMAGE: FILE

Football Commentator Phil Moss believes it is a “wonderful opportunity” for Perth Glory’s new owners to make an impression in the A-League. Melbourne-based property developer Ross Pelligra inked a new deal with the club this week and is expected to be officially announced within the next few days. Pelligra played a critical role in reviving Italian football club Catania FC, along with former Socceroos Mark Bresciano and Vince Grella, which bodes well for the Glory. Moss believes the announcement could be officially made at HBF Park on Saturday evening during Glory’s clash against Brisbane Roar. “The ownership group own a club over in Italy, which Mark Bresciano and Vinnie Grella are involved with so there is some experience there, definitely,” he told Sports Breakfast. “I hope that Perth has found a new owner, and I believe that it could be announced officially and the new owner, Mr. Pelligra, will be introduced to the crowd maybe before the game or at halftime. “That's brewing very good news for Perth Glory because it's a wonderful club. It's a fabled club that has added so much to the old National Soccer League and the A-League, going through some tough times. “It's a wonderful opportunity for a new owner to come in and make their mark and if you've got the expertise of Bresciano and Vinnie Grella, and you're doing it over in Italy in the lower leagues, then that's good news for the A-League.” Perth Glory is holding a four-match undefeated streak heading into Saturday’s match, scoring at least two goals in their last nine games. Former Glory coach Ruben Zadkovich will also reunite with his old side in only his second game as Brisbane’s head coach. Moss said the backstory behind the match-up adds spice to the encounter. “I'm sure Rubs will play it up for the cameras. He knows that coaches play an important part with the theatre from the technical area. I think as does Alen Stajcic. “This will be a cracker. You can't take your eyes off the pitch; you can't take your eyes off the technical areas. This is going to have a lot to like and Brisbane coming in on hot form. They dusted Melbourne City 5 -1 last weekend. “Perth Glory have found some form. They were held to a three-all draw against Adelaide last week, Stajcic wasn't happy. You could sense that at full-time, but you know, it's a hard one to pick as are all games in the A-League. It's very, very hard to tip games week in, week out in this A-League. “I think Perth at home, they've had enough good form over the last four, five weeks to suggest that they'll get the three points.” IMAGE: Adelaide Advertiser

Perth Wildcats assistant coach Gerard Martin says the Wildcats have “something to prove” in the upcoming clash against the Illawarra Hawks. Illawarra is the only team Perth has yet to beat this season, defeating them 100-82 in December, halting their six-game winning streak. More recently, the Hawks ended another six-game-winning run to the tune of 77-95 in January at RAC Arena. The Hawks currently sit in fourth and are one of several teams vying for a spot in the play-in tournament. Further up the ladder, the Wildcats have sewn up a top-two finish despite losing two of their last four games. Martin says locking in a top-two finish is not a relief, but merely an acknowledgment of everyone’s season-long efforts. “It's just a nice tip of the cap for us to really be appreciative of all the work we've been putting in throughout the year,” he said. “It starts way, way back when we're putting the roster together and trying to find out who you want on your team and then preseason. “But all that work you've put in to get to this point of the year and you know you're in the top two and you have two home games to start us off in the semi-finals is a good feeling to set us up for a championship run.” However, the Wildcats still have two more games in the regular season before finals against the Hawks and the JackJumpers – both away. Despite the Hawks being a bogey team for the Wildcats this season, Martin says it’s “business as usual” for his men. “We might throw out a couple of guys that we feel have been practicing well lately, but we're not worried about any injuries or anything. It's just playing the game to win,” he said. “We understand if we play the way we have and at the level we are capable of, we're a tough, tough team to beat. So just keep focusing on that offensive flow, moving the ball side to side, not getting stuck on it, and then defensively making things tough in small areas. “We're not a team that gets out on pressures. We really want to protect the paint, shrink the floor with our links in athleticism, and keep playing around. So, it's nothing new. It's the same stuff. “We just got to make sure we get this Hawks win so we don't have a sweep, and then go in and have a really good test against the JackJumpers.” IMAGE: