There is plenty firing up Joshua Rawlins for Melbourne Victory’s Isuzu UTE A-League game against Perth Glory.
The visitors, on the road for the second week in a row, are hunting their first win of the 2025/26 season at HBF Park on Friday, October 31, kick-off 9.45pm AEDT.
Arthur Diles’ Men’s First Team claimed a solid point in Round 1 against Auckland FC on home soil before coming out on the losing side of a seven-goal contest away to Newcastle Jets last time out.
But for Victory’s Perth-born defender, who started his professional career with Glory, it is not just the prospect of three points that has him raring to go for Round 3.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Rawlins previewed the trip to Western Australia and revealed how having his nearest and dearest watching on serves as added inspiration.
“I am really looking forward to it. I think it’ll be a good challenge for the group, an opportunity to bounce back after last week’s defeat, and, on a personal note, to play in front of friends and family. So that’s always nice as well.
“Because I don’t get to play in front of them every week anymore, so knowing they’re in the crowd gives me extra motivation and, hopefully, the team extra motivation to bounce back this week.”
Rawlins, having sat out Round 1 through suspension, played the second 45 minutes versus the Jets, and is now eyeing a first start of the season in an area of the pitch where the competition for places is high, with Victory adding Jason Davidson, Sebastian Esposito and Franco Lino to their defensive ranks during the off-season.
And it was the former, a 23-time Socceroo, who was first singled out for credit when Rawlins reflected on the Club’s incomings.
“Davo’s a great character for the changing room and for the team. He brings a bit of leadership as well as being a bit older now, so he’s good.
“We got a few good signings, Louis (D’Arrigo), Keegs (Jelacic), they’re great additions to the squad, and I think they’ll be important for the season.”
Watch Diles’ full press conference below.
