Undoubtedly this a big game for the club historically. Unfortunately the win loss ratio for Athena in crucial games like finals makes somewhat sad reading that does not need converting to numerals and decimal points!
The clubs achievement to date after the drastic rebuild project and the uncharacteristic very slow start has been remarkable. But as AK keeps reminding us all - keep a grip on reality and in football it is always a case of one game at a time.
No doubt we will be match of the week - enabling us to build a up nice archive of these fixtures.
In the lead up to one of the perennial big games on the WAPL calendar Athena vs Perth at the Gardens Athenista - just like every other die hard blue blood was I dying to find out what the fixture means to three of our stars.
Firstly, from the back we get some insights from the man in the cage - Alex Dunn and the crack to the head he copped from Onoforo when we last me in April.
This is followed somewhat more forward by captain courageous -Julian Madaschi.
And finally to the middle of the park into the creative engine room of the side that is located in the mind and boots of Milorad (Miki)Vujačić.
Hello Alex and thanks for being part of the Athenista blog.
No worries pal.
Please tell me what this game means to you as a player and what you recall about the knock in the head from the last time we played.
Games against Perth are always high intensity and passionate games, as Perth have been the most consistent team for many years. Along with having quite a few mates in the Perth squad it adds a little bit extra for when we play them. I think no matter what retrospective of either clubs positions on the table, the games are always action packed with goal scoring chances and good football. This one is even bigger for us than last time we met earlier in the season as we are pushing for a finals berth instead of relegation. A lot of boys are hungry to get back to some competitive football after having 3 weeks off.
As you can see from the video of the match - the knock to the head last time when we played Perth, was a through ball and I came out aggressively to and dived head first to smother the ball as Onoforo was closing in.
As I claimed the ball, I think Dave had already committed and studded me just below my eyebrow and split me open. I don’t think there was any malice involved, Dave is a tenacious striker who never gives up and has made a career by scoring goals through his persistence, its just one of those things that happens I don’t hold any grudges
Cheers Alexander and here's hoping for another outstanding performance and hopefully a clean sheet and 3 points!
Athenista also caught up with our captain courageous Julian Madaschi to continue this theme of the personal meaningfulness of this fixture:
Jules, you have played in a few of these City of Vincent derbies now - is there one that is particularly memorable for you?
One that stands out to me was the away fixture in our undefeated season of 2007. Having played and beaten Perth 1-0 at home, we travelled to Dorien Gardens in round 15. I’m pretty sure we were 1-0 down quite early but we regrouped and put four past them in a clinical display to smash them 4-1! That was just one of many amazing moments in that unbelievable, history making season.
As an Athena player and as captain - what does the Athena vs Perth match mean to you?
It is one of the biggest rivalries going around in the Western Australian Premier League and it never fails to deliver. Being a 10 year veteran at Athena and also having an Italian background and being a junior at Perth, this is more than just another game, it’s war! It’s a massive game of significance, not only for the years of rivalry, but for the context of our season. With six games remaining, we need to get back to winning ways by knocking off Perth which hopefully sparks a winning streak to help us push for a spot in the top five.
We obviously have a mad desire for revenge for our first loss at home to Perth in 8 years in Round 6.
Jules - how pumped are the boys for this one?
The boys are buzzing!! Jumping out of their skin!! The loss at home this year was devastating, especially because we were probably the better side and some decisions didn’t go our way but that is football. The 4-1 score line didn’t really reflect our efforts and it blew out as we got caught pushing forward to try and get back in the game. But now it’s time for payback!! We have two more sessions this week (Thursday night and Saturday morning) and I will continue to rev the boys up and get them focussed for this blockbuster vs Perth S.C.
Now to finish off this unique trifecta of interviews with the Athena stars we catch up with a club favourite both on and off the Park midfielder Miki V!
Miki V (centre)
Hi Miki and thanks for making the time to contribute to the blog
Always a pleasure to talk about our football club Athenista!
What does the game mean to you?
Personally I always enjoy playing against Perth, they are always near the top of the ladder which ensures that you’re playing against some of the best players in the State.
These are the sorts of games you look forward to playing in throughout the year, so Sunday will be no exception and given our respective positions in the league both sides will not want to give up any ground to the teams surrounding us.
So I expect a highly intense battle and hopefully some good football on show!
How big is the Perth Floreat match amongst the players?
It’s become a big fixture of late, since I’ve been at Floreat both teams have been near the top of the ladder so in a football sense it has been an important game for both clubs.
There seems to be a strong, respectful rivalry forging again between the clubs which is great for the league and both sets of supporters.
With the 3 week break just gone we have been looking forward to this match for a while now, so the focus within the playing group is getting ourselves ready for this fixture and the run into the finals.
What's it like playing at the Gardens?
It’s a great place to come, I had about 4 great years at Perth and really enjoyed it there so it brings back some good memories.
Plus it’s one of the best playing surfaces in the league so it makes it enjoyable to play on too!
What years were you at the Perth SC and what coaches were you under?
1998 – 2001
- Perth SC Under 18’s – Frank Faraone - I was fortunate enough to captain the team in a very successful period and won the league twice and made the cup final.
- Perth SC Reserves – John Coyne – Probably the best reserves side I have ever been involved in!
- Perth SC First Team – Graham Normanton – trained with the first team for a couple of years before I got the opportunity to join Future Glory. Still goes down as the hardest pre-season I have ever done in my life! Cheers Normo!
Thanks you blokes for sharing your views with your adoring fans. We wish you luck and we collectively dream of the result that we desire and deserve – 3 valuable away points at Perth.
Just imagine how tasty the pasta will be!
Well that’s it Athena fans throughout the world – some very special and exclusive insights into this massive fixture from three of our stars.
Al that remains for me to say is see you Sunday 3.00 PM at the Gardens and that well – I’m excited!
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