Impetus’ Ben Gilby reports on Perth Glory’s media conference involving striker Millie Farrow and head coach Alex Epakis (21/10/23).
Above: Perth Glory attacker Millie Farrow speaking to the media today. Image: Perth Glory.
Perth Glory and their exciting young squad are about to play their first A-League Women’s game at the club’s main HBF Park stadium for a number of years tomorrow when they take on Newcastle Jets and both Millie Farrow and Alex Epakis are confident that the Western Australians can continue their positive start to the season.
Glory opened their campaign last weekend with a deserved 2-0 win over last year’s beaten Grand Finalists Western United, a game that saw English striker Farrow make her debut – and it was a match that she believes provided strong foundations for challenges ahead.
“Definitely there is a positive vibe among the squad. It definitely wasn’t our best performance though, and we can get better. We definitely stuck to our game plan and we saw that really worked well. If we can stick to that again this week, it will be good.”
With five players making their Perth debut last weekend, and several more who could potentially this weekend, Farrow believes that the characteristics of the players as well as the strength in depth marks the Glory out as a team who can achieve special things this year.
“There is definitely a lot of different characters. We’ve all got time for each other. We all know what to expect from each other and we all hold each other accountable as well, which is really positive. It’s only going to get stronger.”
Two of those debut makers last week were Farrow and strike partner Grace Jale. The Kiwi produced a moment of magic and a rocket shot to clinch Perth’s win over Western United. Farrow revealed that she is already building a strong partnership with Jale both on and off the pitch.
“Ever since we came in, we grasped that relationship from the start. We’re such different players we offer different things and are able to complement each other on the pitch. We live together as well, so it’s nice to build a relationship off the pitch.”
The English attacker has played in the WSL as well as the NWSL, but believes the A-League Women has the same level of excitement. “It’s a league that’s not talked about enough and a league that I’ve wanted to play in for a long time now. There’s a competitiveness that excites me, and Alex has put together a really good squad this year. I’m excited by what is to come.”
Farrow confirmed that the Glory are ready for the challenge of a Newcastle Jets side who also won their opening game last weekend.
“We’re expecting a physical game, but we’re ready for whatever they throw at us. The group understand their roles and it’s down to us to stay disciplined and keep that consistency.”
Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis is looking for his “special” squad of players to build on their excellent result last weekend against Western United when Newcastle Jets visit HBF Park tomorrow.
Reflecting on his team’s victory over the Grand Final runners-up last week, Epakis saw lots to be proud of, but equally a number of things that can be improved upon.
“We’re chasing a perfect performance and the process behind that. We were good enough to win (last week against Western United) and I thought we were in control. As a coach, I’m chasing more, and luckily enough I have a group of players who are chasing more too. We know the things we need to improve, but we are also mindful of the things we did well. Everything we did in pre-season came to fruition in round one against (last season’s) Grand Finalists.”
The Glory head coach observed that the new-look squad this season has gelled quickly with a sense of togetherness and desire to fight for the victories that will lead to Finals football returning to the Western Australian side.
“We wanted to be a more dynamic, aggressive team, and as a staff we wanted to bring in players who were just that – more dynamic and aggressive on the pitch. We’ve really hit the sweet spot with the retention and the recruitment. The player group are bringing the best out of each other, and we saw evidence of that on the weekend (against Western United). There is an untapped limit of potential of what this team can produce. (With) what we’ve got (in terms of a playing squad), we know we can do something special.”
There was also positive news on availability for tomorrow’s game, something which will prove to be a big relief for those concerned about Susan Phonsongkham, who played an influential role in last week’s win but had to leave the pitch after a heavy tackle.
“We have a full squad, everyone is available. Our strength is in our depth. I have a lot of motivated players fighting for positions. It creates sleepiness nights – but we’re all here for the right reasons.”
Tomorrow’s opponents Newcastle Jets also go into the game after winning their opening game, a local derby with Central Coast Mariners. They too have brought in some impressive signings as Epakis noted.
“They had a strong win in round one and they have some powerful players, particularly in the front third. We indicated to ourselves that if we nullify that and we tie up what we can do, then we give ourselves every chance of winning.”
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