Night series final Preview

The first silverware for the season is up for grabs this weekend with the final of the Bam Creative Night series between last season’s winners Perth SC and Western Knights at Clipsal Stadium on Sunday evening (6pm)

Both sides suffered shock losses in the opening group games, Perth losing 1-2 to Cockburn City, while the Knights were beaten 0-1 by Premier League new boys Balcatta, but both have been back to their best in the quarter and semi finals and Sunday’s game will be a cracker.

Knights’ keeper Frazer Siddall is looking forward to the game, and believes they head into the game full of confidence. “We had a hiccup in the opening game, but with no disrespect to Balcatta, that was only our second game as a squad and weren’t at full strength. We definitely missed the influence of David and Daniel Micevski that day, since then we have begun to settle as a team and the squad is finally start to bond as a unit more, especially since we had a lot of departures and some great new signings such as Stuart Montgomery and Paul van Dongen,” said Siddall.

After losing to Perth in last season’s top five finals, Siddall believes that is now in the past, and the club are looking forward. “On Sunday I would love to win no matter who it is against, obviously Perth beat us in the finals last season and it would be nice to beat them on Sunday, even if we do it won’t erase the memories of last year, I think I can speak from the squad when I say we hate losing with a passion and I know I don’t want that feeling of losing in a final to Perth again,” added Siddall.

Perth midfielder Greg Sharland and Knights playmaker David Micevski have been in great form for their respective clubs and both will play a huge part in Sunday’s game and both are looking forward to the big game. “A great rivalry has started to begin between the teams and I know we are all looking forward to a big game,” said Sharland.

“They have acquired some quality players in the off season and with David and Daniel Micevski now back they have a lot of players that can win the game of their own boot.  I feel we have a squad that is capable of anything this year and with more youngsters coming through the ranks spots will be hotly contested, and this can only be good for the club,” added Sharland.

The defeat against Cockburn made Perth more determined and they hammered Swan United 7-0 in their next group game, and Sharland believes they are improving with every game. “The squad has definitely moved forwards throughout the competition. In the first game Cockburn really put in a strong performance against us however we felt in the second half we should have got more from the game,” said Sharland.

“With Normo and Coyney they never base our games on score lines always on performance so I think the whole squad knew we would pick results up as the competition went on.  It is great to be part of another grand final match and hopefully the boys can make it a record five in a row,” added Sharland.

Micevski missed the Balcatta game but he believes the Knights have started to gel in recent weeks. “I missed the Balcatta game but we have improved gradually through the group stages. Since my brother and I return it’s nice that we have made such a positive influence to the side, and we’re beginning to gel and will only get better the more games we play,” said Micevski.

On Sunday the Knights will be tough opponents and Sharland believes it will be tough game. “Obviously with Dave Micevski having the year he did last year we will need to watch him closely however I am really looking forward in taking on their new recruit Paul Van Dongen.

“I have known Paul all my life as he has been a neighbour since I was born. He had a great year in a struggling side last season and after scoring the winner against a very good Floreat side last week I know he is just as pumped as I am for another big game,” explained Sharland.

Former Perth SC player, Micevski, knows Saturday will be tough game but one he’s looking forward to. “After being the best team after 22 rounds last season it was disappointing not to win the grand final and be crowned champions. We owe them one and hopefully we can come away with the win on Sunday,” said Micevski.

“We know it will not be easy, as they have some quality players. Dave Onoforo seems to have a knack of scoring against us so we need to keep a close eye on him. Also we can’t allow players like Robbie Puca and Greg Sharland too much time on the ball as they will hurt you,” added Micevski.

All in all it should be a great night of entertain so get down and support your team – entry is only $8 adults and $6 concessions with under-15’s admitted free.