Perth coach Bobby Despotovski’s mood was bright after the match.

“Last year’s game was the other way around. Last year it was Canberra who came back to draw the match,” he said excitedly.

“In the first half, we played well from the back but struggled to get chances up front. We shouldn’t be in those positions to concede those penalties. Everything Canberra created was from our mistakes so we need to get those out of our game if we’re going to progress.”

“Sam is a good player, but we have to deliver the proper balls forward for her to perform. The young players came into the game in the last 15 minutes with the ability to bring Sam into the game.”

The local crowd of 1,742 filed out, mainly feeling the hurt of a game that slipped quickly away, but taking home memories of yet another epic dual between these two iconic sides and autographs of marquee player Sam Kerr who was again the last player on the ground, posing for selfies and signing autographs.  

The W-League takes a spell next weekend for its first recognised international break when players return to their national teams. When they resume, Canberra United play Newcastle Jets away at the No. 2 Sportsground, and Perth Glory will host their first home game against Western Sydney Wanderers at Dorrien Gardens.