Perth Glory have a message for rivals Melbourne Victory as the race for A-League Women finals berths heats up: We're coming for you.
Glory posted their third consecutive win on Sunday with a 4-0 trouncing of Newcastle Jets at Macedonia Park.
Victory currently sit in fourth spot, but their lead over seventh-placed Glory has been reduced to seven points.
Importantly, Glory have two games in hand on the defending champions.
Last season, Victory edged out Glory for fourth spot on goal difference before going on to win the title.
Glory coach Alex Epakis is desperate for his team to sneak into the top four this time around.
"We're going to go after them, 100 per cent," Epakis said.
"We saw last season in the hunt for the finals, the season can pose so many ups and downs.
"We were on the wrong end of that last season, we missed out on goal difference.
"That's certainly a motivating factor for us. We want to continue to win week by week to give ourselves a chance."
Glory were on fire against Jets, with import Cyera Hintzen producing two wonder goals in the second half to go with a first-half assist.
Isabella Foletta also produced a spectacular long-range effort, while Sofia Sakalis scored from the spot.
Glory's hot run of form is even more remarkable considering they lost American forward Rylee Baisden to a season-ending knee four games ago.
"When we lost Rylee a few weeks ago, I put a challenge to the players - we need another attacking player to step up," Epakis said.
"And not only did one step up, a lot have stepped up.
"Susan (Phonsongkham), Sofia, Cyera, Hana (Lowry), players off the bench like Hannah Blake who has come in. That's really helped us.
"I'm really proud of the players for doing that."
One of the many players making a big impact is Foletta.
The 22-year-old was without a club in the off-season, but she won a spot on Glory's list via an injury replacement contract.
It was a contract she almost missed out on after breaking a toe while featuring in a charity match.
Her toughness was exemplified by the fact she played on in that charity match despite the fracture.
"Izzy reached out just before pre-season started, she didn't have a club," Epakis said.
"I said, 'absolutely, come in and train. I can't guarantee you anything, but let's just see how it plays out'.
"She was faultless from moment one. Her energy and attitude is top-class, it's exactly what I look for in players, and the way that she plays, she's relentless.
"What a story. I'm happy for her."
