Report by Tommy Doleman

Perth SC and Bayswater City have won the NPL title three times apiece. Photo by FotoEnzo

The NPLWA - Men's Round Four games on Saturday are headlined by a heavyweight clash between Perth SC and Bayswater City.

Both sides are three-time champions and were indeed the league's only winners since its inception until ECU Joondalup's 2020 triumph.

Both teams spent most of last year in the bottom half of the table, but the respective captains know three points from Saturday's "Italian" derby could provide the launchpad to keeping pace with leaders Floreat Athena.

Bayswater's Steve Hesketh said: "We all know how much this game means to the two clubs because we both get up for it and they're usually tight, competitive matches. It's why we work so hard, to play in these sorts of games.

"We know what Perth are like in terms of always being up there and competing, so it’ll be a good opportunity for us to test our mettle and continue that important momentum early in the season."

Bayswater, who are third, are now coached by Gareth Naven, a former Perth SC player and coach. City have started the league season with two wins and a defeat, while on Monday they advanced in the FFA Cup with a 1-0 win over Dianella White Eagles.

"With every 90 minutes, the team gels that little bit more, even though we've had some personnel changes with the coach and a few players this season," Hesketh said.

"We're still working out the lay of the land, but the transition has gone quite well so far. It’s a really good balance at the moment with the young lads bringing that youthfulness and work ethic and the core of experienced guys who can help lay on the wisdom and keep the standards honest.

"We’re not close to a finished product yet and that’s probably a good sign looking ahead."

Perth skipper Jordan De Leo is no stranger to this clash, having represented the Azzurri since 2015.

"It's a big rivalry with us both being Italian clubs and every time we play it's usually a close game and an aggressive one, which speaks to the way both sets of players like to approach the contest," he said.

"I'm sure both teams will be up for it. Obviously, there is the element of Gareth (Naven) coming back too and he's good friends with our coaches Ramon (Falzon) and Marc (Wignell), so that will be an interesting battle too."

Perth have taken four points from their opening three games, after losing in the Night Series decider to Inglewood.

With their FFA Cup tie against Murdoch University Melville rescheduled until next Tuesday., they head into the Bayswater games on the back of a welcome nine-day break.

"The break we've had is what the boys needed going into a big game against Bayswater, even this early into the season after a long pre-season and going all the way in the Night Series," defender De Leo said.

"The new signings have linked well, and we've also made some adjustments tactically due to a few injuries and Jackson (Morgan) being away on international duty. That has mixed our cohesion a little bit, but the players have bought into the culture and everything is great chemistry wise.

"It's maybe taking a little longer to gel on the pitch, but they're all fantastic additions to the club who have brought their own spark to the side."

Both teams will also be playing for the John Birighitti Cup on Saturday afternoon in honour of the WA Football Hall of Fame inductee. Birighitti was a well-known figure in the local football community, having coached in the state for over 40 years and playing influential roles at both Perth and Bayswater.

Elsewhere, there are some enticing match-ups as second plays fourth with Sorrento and ECU Joondalup meeting at Percy Doyle Reserve.

The Gulls have scored nine goals in three games so far and are unbeaten with two wins and a draw, but they face a test of their credentials against the defending champions who returned to winning ways last week at Inglewood United.

Inglewood are at leaders Floreat Athena looking to recover from two straight league defeats and an FFA Cup exit to Armadale.

Rockingham City, FFA Cup victors over second division Joondalup City, will host their first game of the 2021 season when they welcome Armadale to the SafeRad Stadium, while Balcatta and Gwelup clash at Grindleford Reserve.

Finally, winless Perth Glory host Cockburn City in the 7pm kick off at Crazy Domains Stadium. Cockburn's win at Balcatta last Saturday courtesy of Dor Jok's brace lifted them off the foot of the table at Glory's expense.

Fixtures (3pm unless stated)

Balcatta v Gwelup Croatia
Inglewood United v Floreat Athena
Perth Glory v Cockburn City (7pm)
Perth SC v Bayswater City
Rockingham City v Armadale
Sorrento v ECU Joondalup

- All games livestreamed on Football West Facebook and YouTube pages.