Perth Glory coach Alex Epakis has praised defensive rocks Kim Carroll and Elizabeth Anton, with the pair's form boosting the club's hopes of gatecrashing the A-League Women finals.
Glory have conceded just two goals over their past four games, with the unbeaten run propelling them back into the finals mix.
Perth followed a 1-1 draw against defending champions Melbourne Victory with wins over Wellington (2-0), ladder leaders Western United (3-1) and Newcastle (4-0).
The hot run of results means Glory are now seven points adrift of fourth-placed Victory with two games in hand.
Perth will be aiming to keep their sizzling form going when they host sixth-placed Brisbane Roar at Macedonia Park on Saturday.
Anton was with the New Zealand national side during the recent international break for games in the US, but she returned to Perth this week and is set to face the Roar.
She has combined brilliantly with Carroll to form a steely defensive wall.
"I think we've been quite stable this season defensively as a whole structure," Epakis said.
"We're in a good place in terms of we're aware of what our roles are when we don't have the ball, and everyone wants to defend just as much as everyone wants to attack.
"We've got that balance. And Kim and LIz in particular are in really good form.
"Kim, she's like a fine bottle of red wine, she just keeps getting better and finds another lease of life in every week.
"They're both providing a lot of experience and stability at the back there, which is important for us."
Glory will need to be on guard against star Roar midfielder Katrina Gorry, who played a key role in Australia's recent Cup of Nations title triumph.
"Credit to her, she's had some really solid performances in recent weeks for the Matildas," Epakis said.
"She's a player we have to be aware of and manage, but we also know what we're capable of, so that's more what I'm setting my sights on.
"Every game, as we've said, is a final. So we'll play it at the intensity that it deserves.
"We will back ourselves to match it with anyone."
Glory will be bolstered by the return of Ella Mastrantonio from suspension.
