Perth Glory midfielder Brandon O’Neill impressed by Albany’s love for the game during preseason trip south

Perth Glory midfielder Brandon O’Neill insisted the club would welcome another trip to the Great Southern after being bombarded with Albany’s “appetite” for soccer. The Glory spent just two days in Albany but that was enough for O’Neill to notice the overwhelming support from the rich soccer culture the city boasts. More than 100 kids turned out for the club’s community open day on October 1 before hundreds of kids were among the 2022 people jammed into Retravision Stadium for their preseason friendly with Newcastle Jets the following day. The 30-year-old, who has played in South Korea and Thailand, said the stadium facilities and the pitch stacked up with some of the best he’s played on. “Yeah (the facilities) are really good, great change rooms and the pitch was lovely,” he said. “Before our open training session yesterday, being able to join the kids’ clinic and meet a few of the locals, and then after the game, speaking to a lot of people here, I think that appetite for football is definitely here. “If the appetite’s here, then we’re more than happy to come back any chance we get and put on a game.” O’Neill said the whole team benefited from the trip to Albany and noted the region’s gorgeous appeal. “It’s absolutely beautiful here, the views, the beaches, it’s been such a lovely trip and I know the boys and the club have gotten a hell of a lot from coming down here,” he said. “We’ve loved it, it’s been awesome meeting all the Albany people and they’ve been so welcoming. “We’re obviously based in Perth, but you come down here and, you walk out for the warm up, and they’re all shouting and it’s like there’s 10,000 people here. “You want as many people behind you spurring you on because they will you through.” O’Neill was part of the Glory side that finished 2-0 winners over the Jets, as their preparations continue for the new A-League season that starts later this month.