105 Days – That’s how long it’s been since the Perth Glory Men’s A-League team walked onto the hallowed turf of Perth Oval, tomorrow they’ll excite their passionate supporters as they chase three points at home against Adelaide United.
There were emotional scenes as Perth Glory players touched down and reunited with family at Perth Airport on Thursday following another eight-game ‘away’ stint.
Despite setting up a temporary home in Launceston, Tasmania for three matches – it was viewed as little relief compared to being back at their home stadium and more importantly sleeping in their own beds, with a normal routine.
Time spent catching up with family and friends would be swift and no time was wasted with a morning training session planned for the following day. Richard Garcia’s side showing they mean business is also a very welcome sign for Perth Glory fans.
‘What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger’ is a sentiment fans will hope rings true as the side looks to resurrect their season under more levelled footing, denied of a home game since November 20 last year.
It’s been a tough season so far…
But the boys are finally coming back home! We can’t wait to see all of our Members and fans back at HBF Park supporting the lads in their first home game of 2022 🙌. Purchase your tickets here: https://t.co/8mcy762vpc#TheBoysAreBack #OneGlory pic.twitter.com/LwS21fmakw
— Perth Glory FC (@PerthGloryFC) February 26, 2022
“We’re home now, this is the start of our season, and every single home game we expect to win,” said Glory captain Brandon O’Neill in a press conference on Friday, still sporting a black-eye from a positive 2-2 result against reigning champions Melbourne City.
“Thats our main goal until the end of the season, we’ve got a few more away games still to be done but majority are at home which is awesome but come the end of the season we want to put ourselves in the picture where we’re as high up on the table as possible and then from there, have a big finals series,” O’Neill said.
🎙️ Brano on returning to play home games at HBF Park…
”We’re home now, we feel like this is the start of our season, every single home game we expect to win”#OneGlory pic.twitter.com/mnO7NBjGrC
— Perth Glory FC (@PerthGloryFC) March 4, 2022
Coach Richard Garcia couldn’t contain his excitement ahead of playing at home on Sunday.
“We’re thrilled to be in front of our home fans, we know when the fans are there for us and behind us that can make all the difference, “Garcia said.
These are thoughts shared by Glory fans, as their own A-league football itch will finally get scratched this Sunday with supporter groups such as the Glory Shed Supporters Club (GSSC) and Glory Fans United (GFU) raring to get behind their team.
David Winkless, President of the GSSC will be hoping for more than just a home win, possibly a warm reunion of sorts with fan groups being starved of home matches for over 4 months. For many who come from far and wide, it’s only a match-day that they get to spend with their fellow supporters, close football mates and of course mingling with their footballing heroes.
“I’m beyond excited myself, for most in the GSSC, Glory is about more than just watching football. It’s about catching up with mates, having a few drinks and getting behind a shared passion in our local professional football club.”
“For 106 days many of us haven’t caught up in person so Sunday will be great, the Glory family is something special to myself and many others so I can’t wait to catch up with everyone again and cheer the lads on to a win!” Winkless said.
Brian Doherty from Glory Fans United said the active fans were also ready to bring the atmosphere.
“I’m buzzing, this season hasn’t been the same watching it all unfold on TV, We can’t wait to get back to the stadium again with the rest of the GFU and active crew and support the team properly,” Doherty said.
Both groups are expected to come together before the match at the Badlands Bar in Perth for their pre-match festivities which will also be full of beers, singing, general excitement and of course a warm, welcome (back).
With the current COVID protocols and the stadium capacity being reduced to around ten thousand (50% of the total stadium capacity) , the usual active area ‘The Shed’ won’t be open for active fans as they’ll look to move their passionate and colourful support to the adjacent seated terraces.
Despite the awkward Sunday kick-off time, fans are expected to pack out the stadium as much as they can with the Labour Day public holiday on the Monday likely to play a part in a more ‘festive’ Sunday afternoon crowd.
COVID vaccinations certificates and masks will also be mandatory inside the stadium as per WA Government rules.
Prematch details for fans willing to get involved can be found here
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