Above: Stephen Peters talks to the press. Image: Perth Glory.
By Ella McShane (15/1/26)
Perth Glory’s Stephen Peters and Mischa Anderson preview what is set to be a dynamic top of the table clash with Central Coast Mariners.
Round 13 coincides with the launch of the Professional Footballer’s Australia’s (PFA) ‘Ready for Takeoff’ vision. A “comprehensive public analysis of the womens game in Australia” that “sets out 21 recommendations to deliver a world class fully professional A-League Women competition” (PFA, 2026).
This has generated discourse across the league in regard to player conditions, the leagues inability to capitalise on the success of the 2023 Women’s World Cup and what will constitute a bright future for womens football in Australia.
“Our league seems to get forgotten in the whole process.” Stated Peters when asked about the issues outlined.
“Everyone obviously celebrates the success of the Matildas, which is incredible, but is that money being reinvested into the league in the way it should be?”
“From a fan perspective, I think they could be doing more. But its obviously a money issue.”
“Where does the money come from? I don’t know.”
“But we’ve got to catch up…I went to the netball and I was amazed at the size of the crowd and the interaction of the supporters”
“I think the conditions for the players needs to improve, and the salary needs to improve so they don’t have to work two jobs. It’s a very difficult set up for the girls.”
Defender Mischa Anderson echoed Peters’ sentiments regarding the need to improve player conditions, while also highlighting the benefits of the intimate atmosphere at Sam Kerr Football Centre and how it can enhance performances.
“At Sam Kerr, the fans help us a lot during games. If we can get more of them, it will lift our performances even further,” Anderson said.
Looking to the opponent, this weekends match up has shaped up to be a top 5 clash despite Glory’s less than ideal start to the season.
The main messaging to players heading into this weekend has been: “Find some consistency.”
There is also an understanding that, while the team is “quite pleased with where [they] are sitting at the moment,” external distractions must be avoided.“If you start ladder watching, it’s not going to get you anywhere.” Stated Peters
Attention has instead turned to addressing shortcomings away from home, with Peters acknowledging: “We’re not very good away from home, so there is a good challenge there for us.”
When asked for potential reasoning as to the squad’s short comings away from home Peters detailed that “It is hard to quantify…there is something there I’m just not sure exactly what, we are a more robust and enthusiastic side at home…whether its we’ve got the twelfth man at Sam Kerr or we just can’t travel well”
“Hand on heart I feel like every game that we have travelled to we have travelled well.”
Rola Badawiya completed a full training session and a return to the team sheet is looking hopeful for the weekend.
Round 13 of the ALW will take place at 5pm AWST Sunday the 18th of January at Polytec Stadium. Streaming for free of 10Play and Paramount+.
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