The lack of Max Balard in the Socceroos World Cup pre-camp is mystifying and frustrating to me.

Big re-signing for Perth Glory in the form of Gio De Abreu, a fresh two-year senior deal. Would expect him to follow in the footsteps of Jaylan Pearman and Daniel Bennie in heading overseas at some stage.

Perth Glory are targeting a foreign winger among a handful of off-season transfer targets. But with no salary cap yet set in stone for next season's A-League campaign amid expiring CBA and broadcast deals, it is hindering planning.

Perth Glory chief executive Anthony Radich says re-signed coach Adam Griffiths was always their No.1 candidate for the role despite doing their due diligence on experienced alternatives. Changes already underway to Griffiths' backroom staff as well.

Analysis: Inside the numbers, beyond the win-loss column, that have defined Simon Cron's tenure as Western Force coach - and why as you dig a little deeper, you come to understand why the Force extended his contract.

More bands should sponsor their local football teams and then sell jerseys at the merch stand. Enter Shikari remain one of the best and most important bands in the business.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has thrown his support behind a much-touted, historic Bledisloe Cup Test on Anzac Day and backed Perth as a potential host city.

Analysis: After four coaches in the space of five years, something had to change at Perth Glory; as it were, that change was in fact the absence of change.

Perth Glory have extended Adam Griffiths until 2028. "The expectations of the fans for us to play finals football is something we need to relish, because if we as a group are not expecting ourselves to get to that level, we may as well quit."

Former Perth Glory captain Jacob Burns says the club’s future success goes beyond the potential return of Adam Griffiths as coach and depends as much on the off-field hierarchy.

Two(!) old-fashioned World Cup bolters! By gar, it's been a while! Great to see Daniel Bennie heading to Florida for the Socceroos' pre-World Cup training camp. Burgess, Irankunda, Toure among the familiar faces called up as well.

After seeing her new show last night, reckon Emma Holland might be Australia's best stand-up in the game.

"They’ve shown the resilience and mentality you need at a World Cup, because you need to be able to suffer." Harry Souttar & Mathew Leckie among the first wave of World Cup training camp call-ups. Will have every chance to prove their fitness.

"My eyes are set on the green and gold." Having watcher her sister and "idol" Leticia make her Matildas debut, Tijan McKenna wants to do the same. She previously accepted a Croatia call-up but did not play and remains eligible for Australia.

Perth Glory defender Brian Kaltak has credited coach Adam Griffith for helping him overcome a sluggish start to life at his new team after he claimed the club’s highest individual honour.

Inter Milan legend Christian Vieri has encouraged young Australian players with dual nationalities to chase their dreams amid a rising wave of potential Socceroos caught in international tug-of-wars.

"We never have a friendly match in a derby; derbies, we always want to win." A quartet of Italian football greats have pledged Perth fans will not be disappointed when four of the world’s biggest clubs touch down later this year.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

Matildas shot-stopper Mackenzie Arnold is adamant she is not simply assuming she will start in goal in Australia’s Women’s Asian Cup opener despite fellow custodian Teagan Micah’s injury.

Two of the Matildas' biggest names did not train with the main group on a scorching-hot Wednesday morning - but did coach Joe Montemurro tip his hand as to how he views Alanna Kennedy and Kaitlyn Torpey position-wise?

Perth has a Tillies fever and the only prescription is more Kerr-ball

Matildas winger Hayley Raso has declared her team will put on a show at the Women’s Asian Cup, with the Aussies excited to embrace the pressure of hosting a major tournament.

Spoke to new APL CEO Steve Rosich about a few things, including his timeline for the Central Coast Mariners and a Western United update.

WA Exclusive: Mary Fowler has declared herself “100 per cent” confident in her surgically-repaired knee, despite just 15 minutes of action in the lead-up to the Women’s Asian Cup.

Matildas coach Joe Montemurro is confident Australia’s two biggest stars in Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler can positively impact their Women’s Asian Cup campaign despite twin returns from torn ACLs over the past year.

'I never thought AI would ruin MY life,' sobs woman who voted for the AI Will Ruin Your Life Party

There is fresh news on the injury front for Perth Glory - and it’s a mixed bag as they plot a late-season finals surge.

A Yellowcard arena show (even though it may be a support slot) in the year 2026 AD. We've never been so back.