Callum McCowatt of the Phoenix in action against Perth. Photo / Photosport
The Wellington Phoenix will face Perth Glory in Saturday night's A-League elimination final. Here are some key facts to know about the team from out west - and four Phoenix players who hold the key to beating them.
Playoff pedigree
The Glory have been involved in the A-League finals in
six of the last nine seasons and only missed out in 2014-15 because of a points deduction for a salary cap breach. They've twice made the grand final, including last year, but have yet to lift the A-League championship trophy.
The boss
Former Socceroos defender Tony Popovic is one of the most highly regarded Australian coaches, having guided Western Sydney Wanderers to an Asian Champions League crown at their first attempt in 2014. Now in his second season at Glory, Popovic is famously fanatical about fitness with players on strict nutritional regimes and undergoing regular skin-fold testing. Sons Kristian (19) and Gabriel (17) are also part of Perth's first-team squad.
