Rhys Williams says it feels strange to have so many WA-born players in Perth Glory’s squad, but he believes it’ll be a huge factor in helping the side to success this season.
Williams was on hand on Monday with another WA talent Adam Taggart to reveal Perth’s new away kit that will also be used in the Westfield FFA Cup.
And with Tuesday night’s Round of 16 FFA Cup clash with Sydney FC at Dorrien Gardens, Glory are aiming to win the first of the three trophies on offer this season.
If they do, any success will be built on a squad that has a very strong WA flavour to it.
“They are all local boys. Boys we grew up with. It feels a bit strange actually but it’s good, positive and everyone’s happy,” Williams told reporters on Monday.
“I’ve come back to enjoy it [football] again, and to mount a serious title challenge. And with the team, the manager and everyone coming home, why not?” added Williams, a former Middlesbrough favourite, who’d been away from WA for 12 years before signing for the club this year.
“But first things first, let’s think about this Cup game tomorrow. These are the games we want. We want the big teams to come here and play us and we'll treat it like a Cup Final."
Williams, Adam Taggart, Chris Harold and Josh Risdon are just some of the WA talents at the club this season.
Glory monstered Roar in the Round of 32 in Brisbane, showing they have steel to add to the mix when necessary.
At Perth, it’s a potent mix of flair players and big, tough bodies who can dominate.
“It’s great. We’ve also got experience too. We are a big side and it’s nice to play both ways, if we need to go long then so be it.
“But we also want to play football and be known as a team that gets it down and plays. It’s nice to have two game plans in the locker if need be.”
And Williams added the league was in good shape going into the new season.
"There are a lot of boys coming back, Tim Cahill being the biggest. And that's a credit to the league. And it's only going to benefit the national team."
