Introduction: A New Dawn in the West
Perth Glory Women is a proud founding member of the A-League Women. They are the sole professional club representing the state of Western Australia in the competition. The club has a rich history of being highly competitive. They often build exciting, attack-minded teams that have challenged for major honours. After a period of off-field instability, the club is now entering an exciting new era. This new chapter is defined by ambition under stable new ownership.
Context: The A-League Women
Perth Glory Women compete in the A-League Women, the highest level of women’s professional football in Australia. The league showcases the country’s best talent and attracts international stars. For a complete overview of the competition, its history, and its clubs, explore our comprehensive A-League Women Hub.
The Glory Way: Philosophy and Identity
Perth Glory Women’s identity is a celebration of its unique history. This history even predates the current A-Leagues structure. For its 25th anniversary, the club made a significant decision. They reverted to the original 1996 “sunburst” logo. This logo provides a powerful link to a decorated past. The club’s primary colours are a distinctive and memorable purple and orange.
Club History: Forging a Western Legacy
The club has a history of coming very close to the ultimate prize. They quickly established themselves as a formidable team, particularly during the mid-2010s. The team reached its zenith in the 2014 season. After a dominant campaign, they were crowned Premiers, finishing top of the league table. The club has also reached the Grand Final on three separate occasions in 2014, 2017, and 2019. However, they have so far been unable to secure the coveted Championship trophy.
The Modern Era: A New Vision
The new era at Perth Glory Women is being led by Head Coach Stephen Peters. His primary task is to translate newfound off-field stability into consistent on-field success. For the 2024-25 season, the team is co-captained by midfielder Isobel Dalton and Nigerian international defender Onyinyechi Zogg (On-yin-yay-chee Zog). The squad features a mix of domestic talent and international players. Key signings include American forward Gabby Hollar and New Zealand forward Kelli Brown.
A Rivalry Forged by Distance
Perth Glory’s most unique rivalry is the “Distance Derby” against the Wellington Phoenix Women. This rivalry was born out of the immense geographical distance between the two cities. It is a testament to the commitment of both clubs and their dedicated supporters. To formalise this unique contest, a dedicated trophy, the “Long Distance Derby Cup,” was established.
Perth Glory Women Major Honours
- A-League Women Premiers: 2014
- A-League Women Grand Finalist: 2014, 2017, 2019
(Data sourced from official A-Leagues records).
Key Players & Club Legends
Perth Glory has been home to some of Australia’s most talented footballers. These players have left a lasting legacy on the club and have been central to its most successful periods. Their contributions define the history of The Glory Girls.
Sam Kerr: Glory’s Global Icon
Few players define an era like Sam Kerr did for Perth Glory. The global superstar began her senior career in her hometown of Perth. Her explosive pace and phenomenal goalscoring ability became legendary in the league. Kerr was the driving force behind the club’s dominant 2014 Premiership victory. She became a local hero for The Glory Girls before conquering world football.
Collette McCallum: The Midfield Maestro
A creative and intelligent midfielder, Collette McCallum was another foundational star for the club. The former Matildas international provided essential leadership and vision from the centre of the park. Her intelligent passing was crucial to the team’s dynamic attacking success during the mid-2010s. McCallum remains one of the most respected and influential players in the club’s history.
Conclusion: The Future of The Glory Girls
With a new home ground at the Sam Kerr Football Centre and stable ownership, the future looks bright for The Glory Girls. The club is focused on building a competitive squad that can once again challenge for titles. They aim to bring the A-League Women Championship trophy to Western Australia for the first time. The passionate support of the Glory Shed Supporters Club will be crucial in this new chapter.
