Perth Glory have been ahead of the game in announcing a large number of players who will make up their squad for the 2021/22 W-League campaign. One of the first names announced was last season’s captain Tash Rigby.
Speaking to Beyond90, the long-serving defender began by outlining her thoughts about being offered another season’s contract at her home state club: “I am so grateful and excited to be a part of the next W-League season.
“The decision took some consideration as I have stepped into a new professional role outside of football so I had to weigh up if I would successfully be able to balance my career, my football, and my personal life. Luckily, I have an absolutely incredible support network and so, with their encouragement, I am so excited to have signed for another year with Glory.”
The arrival of Alex Epakis as head coach towards the end of 2020 was seen by Tash as a hugely positive development at the club.
“Alex is superb. He has brought a renewed passion and drive to the team and a great amount of knowledge and experience to the team. He is not only a great coach but he is also extremely passionate about the women’s game and has a lot of knowledge to share. He has already made some great changes and established his vision and where he wants to take this team. His enthusiasm and drive are infectious.
“He and the club have committed to building a sustainable, supportive, and successful vision for the team and I really wanted to contribute and be a part of what looks to be an exciting future.”
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The Margaret River-born defender was part of the Perth Glory side who played in both the 2017 and 2019 W-League Grand Finals – occasions that will live with her for many years to come.
“Playing in a grand final is an indescribable feeling and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to represent my home city on those two occasions. When you work so hard for something, both individually and collectively, it is so special to be able to experience those moments of sheer joy and connectedness with your team. It feels like flying.”
The exceptionally challenging situation that Perth Glory found itself in last season is well documented. The late confirmation of the club being able to take part in the W-League due to restrictions on the Western Australia state border allied with some very last minute fixture changes caused real problems – none more so for players like Tash, who works full time as a prison officer and needs a fair degree of notice to be able to negotiate any necessary changes in her shift patterns.
“The balance of work, football, and my personal life was very hard during the season just finished. It definitely takes its toll and requires a lot of discipline and motivation.
“On top of this, it’s important to find the time to get enough sleep, fuel my body correctly and have some time for self-care and reflection in order to attempt to reach optimal performance.
“I am so incredibly grateful for my opportunity to play and pursue my dreams playing in the W-League but hopefully our sacrifices now, like those before us, mean that the future generation of women and girls looks brighter. In an ideal and equal world, female athletes will be paid to play full time so that their sole focus is only to perfect their craft and inspire the next generation.”
In addition to this, Tash had the additional responsibility of captaining a very young side.
“It was an incredibly challenging season in terms of uncertainty and preparation, however, there couldn’t have been a better group of players and staff to do it with. We experienced a lot of hardship but the resilience and humility displayed by the team was incredible. We focused on building our cohesion through practicing vulnerability and transparency and it helped us to stick closer together when we could have so easily fallen apart. Supporting one another was the key to our survival and continued perseverance.”
“To witness our young, local players step onto the big stage and to fulfill their dreams is priceless, it was such a positive part of the season.
“Players like Hana Lowry, Tijan McKenna, and Bella Wallhead, all of whom have been signed up for another season, were stand-out performers during the season. When given the opportunity to step into the starting eleven they did so with such heart and quiet confidence. They are all phenomenal players with such bright futures. It made me feel so proud to be West Australian. If we can keep producing players like them we will be setting ourselves up for success.”
At the present time, Tash is not playing in the WA NPLW. She outlined her footballing activities between now and the new W-League campaign.
“I will be training with the Perth Glory youth academy and closely following an allocated strength and fitness program.
“This is really important as next season we want to be as competitive as we possibly can and so our preparation starts now. We have a set vision and it’s now up to the players and the staff to remain accountable and set the wheels in motion.
“Personally, I would like to perform at my absolute best and continue to grow and contribute as a leader. Alex and the club have invested in me and so I want to do everything possible to do them, the team, and myself proud.”
Read More: Perth Glory and W-League
