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We bring you a team by team guide to the A-League season. Source: FoxSports
PERTH Glory has finally done what it has been promising to do for years and begun building a squad around youth, particularly young Western Australian talent.
The most significant of the off-season arrivals are Young Socceroos attacker Jamie Maclaren and Edwards' son Ryan, on loan from Reading. Other notable signings include Brazilian midfielder Sidnei, although the club has already parted ways with Ljubo Milicevic. New coach Alistair Edwards will be supported by former teammates Gareth Naven and Scott Miller as Glory draws on its successful era in the old NSL.
X-FACTOR
The A-League's all-time leading goalscorer Shane Smeltz, 32, will be desperate to bounce back after an injury-hindered return of just seven goals last season. A decision to have hip surgery in the off-season will cost him at least the first month of the new campaign, but the club is hopeful Smeltz will be his old self when he does get onto the pitch. At his best, Smeltz has been close to unstoppable in this competition and with Glory the lowest-scoring team in the A-League last season, the club will be desperate for its talisman to fire.
THE ROOKIE
There are plenty of 16-year-olds who dream of playing for the biggest clubs in the world. But when Daniel De Silva told the club's season launch he wanted to play for Barcelona one day, no one doubted that he could. The precocious youngster made a name for himself as the youngest player at the under-20 World Cup in Turkey in June and can expect plenty of game time under Edwards' youth policy.
THE HEARTBEAT
Combative midfielder Jacob Burns, 35, will captain Glory for the fifth season and remains a crucial cog in the midfield. Don't expect the tough-tackling former Socceroo to show any signs of slowing down as he tries to set an example for a host of Glory youngsters. Burns fumed at referee Jarred Gillett following last season's controversial 2-1 knockout finals loss to Melbourne Victory and is desperate to lead the side to a title.
There might be a gem or two in Perth for you to draft into your Fantasy A-League squad.
The blend between youth and experience means there are plenty of cut-priced youngsters that are worth considering when assembling your squad.
THE GAFFER
Edwards insisted on being able to do things his way when he took over from the sacked Ian Ferguson late last season and having guided the team to an unlikely finals berth, he has now had time to assemble a new-look squad and prepare for his first full season in charge. Edwards, the former FFA assistant national technical director, is a lover of the beautiful game and has been preaching a more patient, possession-based game plan.
THE VERDICT
Glory owner Tony Sage has already conceded this season will be tough, reasoning that after the big influx of youth, the club will be better placed to challenge next season. But there's no reason Glory can't secure a place in the finals. Goalkeeper Danny Vuvokic, Michael Thwaite, Milicevic, Burns, Steven McGarry and Smeltz provide an experienced spine and if the likes of Maclaren, Ryan Edwards and De Silva can stand up, Glory won't be easy beats.
