Perth Glory — Wellington Phoenix : Match Preview and Prediction for October 18,2025

Perth Glory’s Major Overhaul

New season – new rules. Perth Glory, who finished last twice in a row, has embarked on a serious restructuring. Club owner Ross Pelligra has made it clear that this year’s focus is on results. With 11 new players in the squad, this isn’t just a cosmetic repair, but a complete overhaul of the team.

Adam Taggart’s Key Role

The key figure in this new setup is Adam Taggart. This striker was the only bright spot last season, and his statistics against Wellington speak for themselves. In 2025 alone, Taggart scored three goals against them in two matches, including a brace in the last league game, which Perth won 2-0 away. These aren’t just numbers; it’s dominance.

Strategic Reinforcements and Injury Response

Yes, the team faces some personnel losses before the opening round. The injury to primary goalkeeper Mark Birighitti is particularly unfortunate, but the club reacted swiftly by signing Matt Sutton on a short-term contract. This move demonstrates the management’s serious intentions. Perth has also strengthened at Wellington’s expense, acquiring defenders Scott Wotton and Sam Sutton from them, which is a double blow to their opponent.

Wellington’s Troubled Start

Wellington enters the season after a disastrous campaign, finishing 11th. The team suffered significant losses over the summer that will be difficult to replace. The departure of top scorer Kosta Barbarouses creates a huge void in their attacking potential that currently remains unfilled.

Defensive Weaknesses and Transfers

The team has weakened not only in attack. The loss of key defenders Scott Wotton and Sam Sutton, who moved precisely to Perth Glory, deals a blow to their defensive lines. The Phoenix not only lost quality but also strengthened a direct competitor for the first round. This is a strategic miscalculation that could prove costly right from the start.

Concerning Away Form

Furthermore, Wellington’s away form raises serious concerns. Statistics are relentless: the Phoenix lost in 9 out of their last 14 away matches. This is a systemic problem, not an accident.