Above: Stephen Peters speaking to the media. Credit: Perth Glory.
By Ella McShane (11/12/25)
Perth Glory are set to host Wellington Phoenix this Friday at the Sam Kerr Football Centre in global football’s longest distance derby, as Round 7 of the Ninja A-League resumes following the international break.
Head coach Stephen Peters said the week off came at an important time for the squad. “It was nice to come home and rest a few bodies up, because the three away games in a row took their toll both physically and mentally.” Ella Lincoln shared the sentiment, noting the busy travel schedule has been “very physically demanding, but we are trying not to make it an excuse.”
Having fallen to the bottom of the table and carrying the burden of the greatest goal difference in the league, serious questions have been raised around the squads overall quality. Peters, identifying the issue as “a mentality and discipline thing…I don’t think it’s a technique thing, I don’t think it’s a tactical thing, I think physically we are good.” He added that he remains fully confident in his group’s efforts in training stating: “I can never fault the players’ training; they always put top effort in.”
Reflecting on recent performances, Peters noted that Glory showed “good elements” in both the Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC matches, while admitting the team were “poor for parts of” the clash with Melbourne Victory. Consistency, he said, is now the priority. “We need to be consistent, and we need to make sure our mindset is right on the money. We cannot afford to have any lapses in concentration.”
With the team currently on a four-game losing streak, Peters acknowledged the pressure within the club stating: “Four losses in a row is never nice for anybody – not just for myself but the support staff and anyone that has anything to do with the team… so we put that pressure on ourselves to be better every day.
Lincoln provided insight into Peters’ “clear” messaging to the team. Peters’ emphasising “not [letting] the opposition outwork us. We’ve found this league is very tight and the team that usually comes away with the three points is the team that’s put in the bigger shift.”
Turning attention to the opposition, Peters’ emphasised the importance of respect for the opposition and utilising a home advantage. He revealed he watched Phoenix’s recent match against Melbourne City with “great interest,” adding, “In my opinion they were the better team.”
Friday’s distance derby will also mark Peters’ first managerial meeting with Wellington coach Beverly Priestman. “I’m pretty excited. I think she’s a bit of a trailblazer.” Peters further praising Priestman sharing that “I think she’s doing a great job with the team.”
Injury concerns remain for Glory, with Megan Wynne, Natalie Tathem and Emma Tovar among those on the sidelines. Peters declined to confirm who might return this week, saying, “We’ve got a few that are in the window to be selected, but I don’t really want to talk about who they are and where they are until we name the team sheet.”
Perth Glory v Wellington Phoenix kicks off at 7:00pm AWST at Sam Kerr Football Centre. Available to stream on 10+ & Paramount+.
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