Round Six of the NPLWA – Men’s competition features a top-versus-bottom clash as leaders Perth SC travel north to face Olympic Kingsway on Saturday afternoon.
Despite the positional gap between the two sides, only seven points separate first and last in what is shaping up to be one of the most tightly fought league seasons in quite some time.
Kingsway were winners of the Night Series last month but have collected just a solitary win over Armadale in their five league outings so far. Perth on the other hand are the division’s best defensive side although they shipped five last weekend to Division One Fremantle City as they were eliminated 5-4 in an Australia Cup thriller.
Azzurri midfielder Abdul Osman said: “That’s how the cup can go sometimes.
“Credit to Fremantle, they were very good on the day, but we weren’t quite on it in terms of conceding the five goals.
“I don’t think we defended too badly because they scored three of four really good goals. But we definitely need to be tighter and more vigilant with the way we defend as a team.
“Overall, we continue to train well every week and we’ve built a really good chemistry. We’re one of the youngest teams in the league and we’ve shown really good signs so far.”
Osman has emerged as one of the competition’s most consistent performers over the past 12 months with an all-action approach that sees him contribute in build-up play and defensively screening the back four.
The catalyst was a positional change in his return to NPLWA football last year at Armadale, where he played in the centre of midfield. The former Bayswater City youngster had originally come through as a winger that could also play up front.
“I’ve always had the attacking instincts because as a junior I played as a forward, but I really needed to improve my defensive work and understanding of the positioning side of the game,” Osman explained.
“That was probably the thing I’ve worked the hardest on and I definitely think this is now the position I want to keep trying to excel in. I love being on the ball, and I feel very comfortable being able to try and influence things and hopefully help my team win more games.
“Last year definitely boosted my confidence to know that I can play consistently at this level. A lot of positives came from the season with making the State Cup Final and Australia Cup Round of 32 and there was a lot of great things to take away from it. I’m trying to build on those experiences now to continue to get better.”
Having had that breakthrough campaign at Armadale in 2022 with 20 appearances and three goals, Osman hopes moving to the Azzurri under Marc and Dale Wingell will bring further improvement as the club aims for a return to challenging for honours.
“Last season was a blip for the club and the message was about getting back to winning ways this season and having a fresh start,” Osman said.
“When Marc and Dale contacted me, I really bought into what they were saying about the way club wants to play, and I wanted to challenge myself in a possession-based side. So far, it’s gone pretty well and I feel Perth is a good club to help me continue my development to be the player I want to be.
“We have a good squad and we’re hoping to continue working hard towards our goals, take it week by week and be in contention for titles and getting back in the top four.”
Due to Perth’s home of Dorrien Gardens being used as a training ground for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in July, the Azzurri have a front-loaded NPL schedule which has seen them play all five of their leagues matches to date at home.
Having played at Hilton Park for the Australia Cup last weekend, Perth now hit the road for their first league fixture of 2023 against promoted Kingsway.
“It was a weird wearing the white kit against Fremantle last week because it’s been a while since we’ve played away from home and not worn blue,” Osman said.
“We know Kingsway are a good team who won the Night Series, but this is a game we want to go and win at all costs to help us keep our place at the top of the league.
“The biggest key for us is being on it early and taking our chances when they come. If we can do that, we’re good enough defensively and are also good at keeping the ball, and hopefully that means we can go and get the win.”
Floreat Athena are one of four teams sitting a point behind Perth in the standings and they will look to maintain the pressure when they host Armadale.
Vas Vujacic’s team came through a tricky tie against Belt Up Amateur side Jaguar last week, but in the league their three-game winning run came to an end after late drama at Dorrien Gardens in Round Five.
Armadale, meanwhile, have lost their last two in the league and went out of the cup to Division One Gwelup Croatia. Despite sitting in ninth spot, however, they are only three points off second-place Athena and John O’Reilly’s team were the only side to beat the 2022 champions at E&D Litis Stadium last season.
Stirling Macedonia are in the chasing pack having returned to winning ways against Sorrento a fortnight ago. They welcome Bayswater to Macedonia Park, who are on a three-game unbeaten run in the league and have stabilised in that competition despite being knocked out of the Australia Cup by Kingsway.
Fourth-placed Balcatta Etna are hoping to hit back from defeat two weeks ago when they host Perth RedStar, who have scored 17 times in their last three away games in all competitions.
Cockburn City are fifth and are also a point off the pace. They are on the road against Perth Glory side who started the campaign well, but have lost back-to-back matches at Perth and Inglewood United.
This week Inglewood take on Sorrento in a meeting between 11th and 10th, with both teams looking to build on welcome cup wins last Saturday and move up the table.
Round Six fixtures
Saturday (3pm unless stated)
Balcatta Etna v Perth RedStar
Floreat Athena v Armadale
Inglewood United v Sorrento
Perth Glory v Cockburn City
Perth SC v Olympic Kingsway
Stirling Macedonia v Bayswater City (7pm)