Josh Risdon has enjoyed a career which took him from Bunbury to Kazan, compiling one of the best resumes by a WA footballer along the way.
This weekend, it will end when Perth Glory's A-League games record-holder plays his final professional game.
Spoke to Adam Taggart about breaking Perth Glory's A-League Men's goal-scoring record - but also the mental burden of the record hovering above him, and how he was fighting through the pain of a nagging heel injury for most of the season.
It looked like a day for Perth Glory and Adam Taggart to forget.
But two months after he equalled Andy Keogh's Glory A-League goal-scoring record, the Perth skipper became the out-right leaders and kept his side's finals flame flickering.
It's not all doom & gloom. Most in-control performance of the tournament came against Japan. Montemurro has had just three international camps, and only two with most of his first-choice 11. A seriously solid foundation for 27' World Cup and 28 Olympics.
Still hurts though.
This, more than any of their other heartbreaking losses in recent memory, will sting the Matildas most.
They were, for large periods, the better team against a very good opposition. They just did not finish their chances.
Joe Montemurro and Caitlin Foord may have feted Sam Kerr’s match-winning efforts, but the Matildas skipper still says she has room for her confidence to grow.
ANALYSIS: In a game of few chances, many players would have snatched at the opportunity, knowing they might not get a second look in the game.
Not Sam Kerr.
How her goal laid the platform for the final half- hour.
As cool as the other side of the pillow.
Sam Kerr has scored for a sixth successive Tillies game in Perth, and the Matildas are into the Women's Asian Cup final for the first time since 2018.
Outstanding game management after Kerr's goal, China could not get near Australia.
ANALYSIS: Like a ‘paint and sip’ with too much wine, the Matildas struggled to create anything resembling a Picasso or a Rembrandt.
That is, apart from the goals.
It was not pretty, but they found a way to win ugly amid a second messy performance.
Joe Montemurro on the belief being back in the Matildas and scoffing at Alanna Kennedy doubters; Sam Kerr on her confidence returning; Mackenzie Arnold on their lift in intensity; and Kaitlyn Torpey on Steph Catley's half-time advice.
Our photographer got the shot!
Australia got two shots on target, but they were both excellent.
Australia through to the Women's Asian Cup semi-finals (and the 2027 Women's World Cup) after a 2-1 win over North Korea.
Gurt.
Sam Kerr is not focusing on the ghosts of major tournaments past and the heartbreaking, knock-out stage losses the Matildas have suffered.
Instead, she is comforted not just by backs-to-the-wall games they have won, but that the best is yet to come.
New AUS Rugby Scene on 8/9 Rugby!
In a wonderful piece of coincidental timing, @bensmith94.bsky.social joined @bmcsport.bsky.social for a dive into the Western Force in exactly the week they signed Zac Lomax!
So we covered that, too. #SuperRugbyPacific
8/9 YouTube + pods: youtu.be/UEauyZcy5UU
For the people behind some of Australia’s great sporting moments, having Dennis Cometti lend his voice to their greatest achievements elevated and enriched their own careers and lives.
With thanks to Heath Shaw & Peter Wilson.
Gorry and Wheeler the highlights for mine, whether it was one of the pair pushing further forward and providing an option, or moving into the half-spaces and bringing the wide players into play. Really want to see Fowler/Sayer playing in that third midfield role.
"Apparently my football is messy. I like that."
Joe Montemurro with yet another invigorating post-match presser. Went into good detail about playing against Philippines' deep block. Believes the Matildas will be braver as the Asian Cup progresses.
Goals are to a striker what closed deals are to a salesperson.
Despite a game of limited opportunities, Sam Kerr will be walking a little taller today.
There are certain things to factor in - the short run-up, no friendlies in the build-up, first game of the tournament nerves.
But a green-and-gold team gurt by tight defensive lines and facing a low block? This is Aus Sokkah heritage.
851-day wait for a Matildas goal ended by Sam Kerr in her hometown. But Australia spent most of the 90 minutes frustrated by a resolute Philippines defence.
Matildas coach Joe Montemurro has refused to rule goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold either in or out of Sunday’s Women’s Asian Cup opener.
Further clouding goalkeeper conundrum: Jada Whyman not on park during 15 minutes open to media.
Matildas midfielder Katrina Gorry has backed deputy goalkeepers Jada Whyman and Chloe Lincoln to do their country proud should veteran shot-stopper Mackenzie Arnold not front up for Sunday’s Women’s Asian Cup opener.
Spoke to The Philippines’ Australian coach Mark Torcaso this morning, who has promised his side will "fight to the death" and declared his side are more prepared for their Women’s Asian Cup opener than their previous 8-0 hiding by the Matildas.
Mackenzie Arnold made a brief appearance on the training track this morning before heading inside during the 15 minutes of Matildas training open to media.
It took me less than five minutes to get angry at the Scrubs reboot (rest of the first two episodes were fine).
Never before have I related more to the cross Pingu meme.
For all the star-power the Matildas possess, Winonah Heatley is one of four players with less than 35 caps to their name who could potentially find their way into Joe Montemurro’s starting 11 against The Philippines.
Good news for Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler at Matildas training.
Also good news to see ex-Glory 'keeper Morgan Aquino at training.
The bad news? No Mackenzie Arnold in the portion open to the media.
