Perth primed for Grand Final push
Report by Peter Simcox
Perth will go in to Saturday’s PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues semi-final against Northern New South Wales champions Edgeworth Eagles in red hot form after a comprehensive win over Devonport Strikers last week.
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Striker Gustavo Catarcione has been a major factor in the clubs good run, the Brazilian was joint top goal scorer in the league, scored the winner in The West Australian Top Four Grand Final, and he also netted in last week’s 6-1 win against Devonport.
Catarcione said all the hard work has paid off this season.
“It’s been a good season for the club but our success has been down to the hard work of the coaches and players,” he said.
“We are super proud of ourselves because at the start of the season many people doubted us and said we wouldn’t even make the Top Four.
“And here we are just won the double and now playing the semi-final of the National title, not bad hey.”
Despite knowing little about their NNSW opponents, the striker said coach Ramon Falzon will leave no stone unturned in their preparation.
“At this point we are not thinking about making history and becoming the first WA team to win this competition,” Catarcione said.
“We are just focused on Saturday’s game and hopefully we can get the victory to reach the Grand Final.”
It’s also been a stellar season for Edgeworth, the Eagles winning the double again in the NNSW NPL and former Central Coast Mariners and Perth Glory striker Daniel McBreen said it’s been a team effort.
“It's been a great season for the club and to back up last year’s Premiership and Grand Final win and complete the double again was a fantastic achievement,” he said.
“At the beginning of the season our coach, Damian Zane, set us the target of achieving this, plus to be the first team from our region to make the Round of 16 in the FFA Cup.
“We've achieved all we set out to and are now the first team from the region to make the NPL play-off semi so all in all it's been a very successful year.”
McBreen, who played over 90 games for the Mariners and had a successful loan spell at the Glory in 2010 said Saturday will be another huge test.
“One of the good things about playing in this team is that there are a number of young players who are all chomping at the bit to play and contribute,” he said.
“This makes a great atmosphere for pushing each other to perform better and any one of these young guys can create something for the team.”
Match details
Perth SC v Edgeworth
Saturday, September 24
Dorrien Gardens
Kick off 6pm
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