Glory took a step back this term. After winning the regular season a year earlier and then dramatically losing the Grand Final the Violets had much bumpier ride in 2019/20 and they only just made the play-offs, finished 1 point ahead of Adelaide, before losing the semi-final vs. Sydney FC 0:2.
Slow start (W1 D3 L3) made Glory play catch up straight away and only thanks to 2-month unbeaten run between December and February (W7 D3) top 6 finish was secured. The form of the team after the COVID-break was not good, with this directly related to the fact that their captain and most creative player Diego Castro refused to play in the bubble due to COVID-fears.
Star striker Fornaroli played his part during the 10-game unbeaten run that generated most of the points, scored 9 goals in those 10 games, but the problem was that his contributions outside those 2 months were sparse (just 4 goals in other 18 games). Kilkenny was the most consistent performer throughout the season, with 39-year-old goalkeeper Reddy also solid between the posts for most games.
Glory’s defending was problematic all campaign and the Violets never really looked comfortable with the 3-man back line, but coach Popovic never changed it anyway.
Despite the setback season Glory had been contenders in both seasons under Popovic and it won’t take much improving for the team to be amongst the main favourites again. For starters Castro need to be back on the pitch and Fornaroli needs more support up front.
