Above: Izzy Dalton speaking to the media. Image: Perth Glory.
By Ella McShane (11/02/26)
Perth Glory are set to host Canberra United this Saturday at Sam Kerr Football Centre in round 17 of the Ninja A-League. The match may fall on the day of love, but with final standings now on the line, there isn’t predicted to be much love lost. Head coach Stephen Peters and skipper Izzy Dalton spoke to the media to preview what is set to be a dynamic attacking test.
Glory brings an impressive defensive outfit into this match with first goalkeeper Teresa Morrissey receiving the A-League Player of the Month nomination earlier in the week.
“She commands a box so well and you’ve seen ever since she’s come in, she’s saved us so many times,” said Dalton. “The back four as well…they’ve been immense for us. They’ve been great at defending, clearing and interception.”
Although defensively doing well, the girls in purple have not found the net since their trip away to the Central Coast in mid January. Peters admits that his side is guilty of “looking for the perfect chance.”
“Maybe it’s there’s a little bit of pressure in that front third to not blow the moment,” Peters said. “We’ve just got to be a little bit more clinical. We’ve got to be a little bit more free as well. Just have a few shots from outside the area and just see where it goes. Bring the opposition defence out of the box a little bit.”
For the majority of this A-League season, the table has been congested to the point of one goal being the difference between the climbing to the top or falling to the bottom of the ladder. However the last week in particular has seen the table become more dispersed with final standings beginning to establish.
There are still 6 games and 18 points to fight for. Peters said, “we’ll keep fighting and keep going to the end.”
Looking to the opposition, a gritty evening is almost guaranteed with Canberra United bringing one of the top attacking records in the league across the Nullarbor.
“They’re probably on the top end of the spectrum in terms of entries into the box and shops on target and crosses. So that tells you the contrasting styles there.”
“I think there’s going to be opportunities in transition as well, if we get our game right,” said Peters.
“It’s always a tight fixture. I don’t know why but it always seems to be a battle,” Peters said. “I think maybe that’s the nature of the two teams that we are.”
“It’s not going to be necessarily a pretty football match, but I think we’re up for the fight and I’m sure they will be as well,” said Dalton.
With the season at an early dusk, the memories of 2025/26 for players, staff, and fans alike are beginning to set.
“We are definitely a different team at home…I think teams would probably look at that and know that’s our strength,” said Dalton on their legacy. “I think we’re really growing as a team.”
“We’re a team that gives everything, gives 100%. And you know that when you play Glory, you’re going to be in for a fight. That’s definitely something where I think starting to be known for.”
“With the with the team, we’re looking at building a squad that’s capable of challenging for the title, so we’ve got to find out who are the ones that are going to lead us to that…I think we’ve made some significant strides in that.”
“In terms of staff, you know, I’m super happy with the staff. I think everyone’s very much on board of what we’re trying to do,” commended Peters.
“It’s important that we leave [the fans] with something that they are going to want to come back to next season,” Peters said. “And again, for the playing group, it’s the same thing. I mean, we want to make the top six, so it’s about putting our best foot forward to do that.”
The Round 17 fixture will take place at 5pm AWST at the Sam Kerr Football Centre and will be available to stream live and free on 10Play and on Paramount Plus for paying subscribers.
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