Former Perth Glory captain Tash Rigby wants the WA Women’s State Team to take the chance to impress when they face the A-League club in this year’s Challenge Cup.
The State Team and Glory meet this Sunday at Dorrien Gardens.
This is one of Glory’s final warm-up games before the new ALW season, which they begin away to Western Sydney Wanderers on 31 October.
And Rigby says the State players should see this as an opportunity to catch the eye.
“For the State Team to be able to play against players of this calibre and measure themselves is really exciting,” she said.
“This game means so much to me and holds such a special place in my heart, because this was the way that I was able to be identified for Perth Glory.
“I played for the State Team in 2016 and that was my opportunity. From that I was I was selected for Glory.
“I want the current players to believe it can happen for them.”
Rigby is now Football West Manager ‑ Female Football & Advocacy, as well as being part of the State Team set-up.
One of her former Glory teammates is Caitlin Doeglas, who is in the WA squad after another strong season with Perth RedStar.
“Last year was so much fun and I'm so honoured to be a part of it again this season,” Doeglas said.
“The training has been so good, the intensity has been right and we’re gelling really well.
“I think the gap between A-League (Women) and NPLWA is getting smaller and smaller, which just shows that women's football is growing and that we're getting such quality young girls coming through the ranks.”
State Team head coach Carlos Vega Mena is equally excited about pitting his wits against the professionals of Perth Glory.
“I suppose we always look for a challenge, and this is a big challenge for me to coach the best players in Western Australia and play against Perth Glory. I think it's a great opportunity for any coach,” he said.
Vega Mena has confirmed his final squad of 18, with 2025 NPLW champions Perth SC providing six players, Balcatta Etna five and Fremantle City four.
Sunday’s match kicks off at 3pm and is free entry.
Anyone who cannot make it to Dorrien Gardens can watch live and free on streamer.com.au
WA State Squad
| Name | Club |
| Beck Bennett (GK) | Balcatta Etna |
| Abbey Meakins | Balcatta Etna |
| Alyssa Van Heurck | Balcatta Etna |
| Izzy Foletta | Balcatta Etna |
| Jamie-Lee Gale | Balcatta Etna |
| Sofie Osborne | Fremantle City |
| Abbey Green | Fremantle City |
| Janice Kiama | Fremantle City |
| Alex Poad | Fremantle City |
| Harper Collinson | Hyundai FW Academy |
| Renee Leota | Perth RedStar |
| Caitlin Doeglas | Perth RedStar |
| Dayle Schroeder (GK) | Perth SC |
| Sam Mathers | Perth SC |
| Jessica Flannery | Perth SC |
| Daisy McAllister | Perth SC |
| Kim McCartney | Perth SC |
| Matilda Boehm | Perth SC |
| Carlos Vega Mena | Head coach |
| Stacey Learmont | Assistant |
| Nick Hook | Goalkeeper coach |