Milanmania takes over Perth as AC Milan face Glory
The Rossoneri's fans were out in force on Thursday night as their WA-based supporters took advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see their heroes in action against hometown Perth Glory.
The stands were draped in banners almost before the gates opened, fans flooding into the festival-like atmosphere of the near sellout.
Black and red dominated the venue as Glory purple struggled to penetrate the seething masses of Italian enthusiasm.
Perth's warm-up was met with polite applause, but it was simply a taster of things to come.
The visitors were greeted with a roar, their star power clearly in evidence.
The official supporter zone was the first to fill, but it was hardly the limit of the Milan love, even the youngest fans joining chants pre-game. AC Milan fans show their support. Credit: Paul Kane / Getty Images
Some fans had even flown in from interstate, the Milan Club Melbourne in attendance.
The later arrivals brought a cacophony of singing as giant black and red flags emblazoned with AC Milan's emblem swirled above their heads.
The flames that welcomed the players onto the pitch drew ahhs from the young fans before an emotional rendition of Il Canto degli Italiani reverberated around HBF Park.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
West Australian
17 hours ago
- West Australian
West Coast Fever grand final: Eagles, Dockers, Chad Warner, Basil Zempilas among West Aussies sending support
The entire State has rallied behind West Coast Fever ahead of their massive grand final this weekend, with top footy stars, sporting greats, politicians and Perthonalities flooding the team with messages of support. The side — who are on the greatest win streak of any club in West Australian history — will take on the Vixens in Melbourne on Saturday night for the Super Netball premiership. A victory would mark the Fever's second ever flag and extend their hot streak to a staggering 14 straight wins. Their success — led by the greatest netballer on the planet Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard — has WA at fever pitch, including some of the biggest names in the State who have sent in video messages of support. Among them was West Coast Eagles captain Liam Duggan, who said he had no doubts the squad would bring home the trophy. 'Hey girls, congratulations on making your way to the final, all the best this weekend against the Vixens,' he said. One of WA's top AFL stars Chad Warner, who plays for the Swans, said: 'I hope you do well, I hope you guys enjoy it, most importantly. We're all behind you ... cheering you on, so I hope you have a great one and get the 'W''. Retired Docker and avid Fever fan Michael Walters said: 'Just want to wish all the girls in the grand final all the best.' 'We'll be watching, WA is right behind you, West Coast Fever ... let's go!' Fremantle AFLW captain Ange Stannett also sent her well wishes. 'Your relentlessness all season is what's got you here and that's exactly why you'll make this moment,' she said. 'We're all right behind you.' Her teammate Ash Brazill — a former Fever player herself— also got behind her old club, even bringing her three-year-old in for a cameo. 'You've had an unbelievable season, but this game is the one that matters,' Brazill said. 'The Brazill family will be cheering you along with the purple army.' 'Go Fever!' her daughter Frankie added. Eagles AFLW captain Charlie Thomas said: 'Congrats Fever, we'll be cheering you on from the sidelines.' West Coast Fever legend Natalie Medhurst also rallied behind her old side. 'Just wanting to wish you all the absolute best for the grand final against the Melbourne Vixens,' she said. 'What an opporunity to be able to run out there in front of a sell-out crowd — no matter where it is! Enjoy this moment, make the most of it, which i know you will, have each other's backs, make those big moments count and enjoy it.' AFL great and The West columnist Danielle Laidley — who has also been a mentor for Fever coach Dan Ryan — said: 'Good luck in the grand final, you've been practicing for this all year.' 'Enjoy, stay fierce, calm and have a wonderful experience, go the Fever.' They may not agree on much, but Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti and Liberal leader Basil Zempilas are seemingly united as part of the green army. 'We know you can do it, WA is right behind you,' Saffioti, who is also Sports Minister, said in her video. Zempilas said: 'You've been the best team all year, 13 in-a-row! One more against the Vixens on Saturday night and bring that trophy home.' West Australian cricket legends Justin Langer also got behind the squad, labelling them an 'inspiration' to the State. 'Hope it's a great game, hope it's a great final, keep inspiring everyone, keep entertaining,' he said. Fellow cricket great Mitchell Johnson, who wrote his The Sunday Times column last week on his love for the Fever, encouraged the side to go hard for the win. 'This is why we play sports to be in these big moments,' he said. 'Go out there, keep trusting each other, do the hard work, back each other right up, get in a scrap if you have to, enjoy the moment, bring home that trophy.' Scorchers superstar Ashton Agar said the 13 game streak was 'ridiculous' while his teammate Matt Kelly stated he couldn't wait to watch the final. Fellow Scorchers Ebony Hoskin and Sophie Devine praised the squad's outstanding season. 'Have fun and enjoy the occasion,' said Devine. Perth Glory captain and Soccerroo Adam Taggart said: 'We're looking forward to seeing you guys bring the trophy home this weekend, all the best!' Western Force star Carlo Tizzano said the Fever had 'absolutely killed it.' 'So proud of how you guys have represented WA, go out and win this grand final,' he said. Fellow Force player Michaela Leonard — the ex-roommate of Fever captain Jess Anstiss — also wished the side good luck, encouraging them to keep doing WA proud. Wildcats veteran Jesse Wagstaff said: 'Just wanted to wish the mighty Fever good luck in this week's big GF! The fam and I will be watching and no doubt you'll do Western Australia proud!' West Coast take on the Vixens at Rod Laver Arena at 5.30pm on Saturday.
Perth Now
17 hours ago
- Perth Now
High-profile WA stars' heartwarming video messages to Fever
The entire State has rallied behind West Coast Fever ahead of their massive grand final this weekend, with top footy stars, sporting greats, politicians and Perthonalities flooding the team with messages of support. The side — who are on the greatest win streak of any club in West Australian history — will take on the Vixens in Melbourne on Saturday night for the Super Netball premiership. A victory would mark the Fever's second ever flag and extend their hot streak to a staggering 14 straight wins. Their success — led by the greatest netballer on the planet Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard — has WA at fever pitch, including some of the biggest names in the State who have sent in video messages of support. Among them was West Coast Eagles captain Liam Duggan, who said he had no doubts the squad would bring home the trophy. 'Hey girls, congratulations on making your way to the final, all the best this weekend against the Vixens,' he said. One of WA's top AFL stars Chad Warner, who plays for the Swans, said: 'I hope you do well, I hope you guys enjoy it, most importantly. We're all behind you ... cheering you on, so I hope you have a great one and get the 'W''. Retired Docker and avid Fever fan Michael Walters said: 'Just want to wish all the girls in the grand final all the best.' Basil Zempilas gives his support. Credit: Unknown / Supplied 'We'll be watching, WA is right behind you, West Coast Fever ... let's go!' Fremantle AFLW captain Ange Stannett also sent her well wishes. 'Your relentlessness all season is what's got you here and that's exactly why you'll make this moment,' she said. 'We're all right behind you.' Her teammate Ash Brazill — a former Fever player herself— also got behind her old club, even bringing her three-year-old in for a cameo. 'You've had an unbelievable season, but this game is the one that matters,' Brazill said. 'The Brazill family will be cheering you along with the purple army.' 'Go Fever!' her daughter Frankie added. Sophie Devine shows her Fever support. Credit: Unknown / Supplied Eagles AFLW captain Charlie Thomas said: 'Congrats Fever, we'll be cheering you on from the sidelines.' West Coast Fever legend Natalie Medhurst also rallied behind her old side. 'Just wanting to wish you all the absolute best for the grand final against the Melbourne Vixens,' she said. 'What an opporunity to be able to run out there in front of a sell-out crowd — no matter where it is! Enjoy this moment, make the most of it, which i know you will, have each other's backs, make those big moments count and enjoy it.' AFL great and The West columnist Danielle Laidley — who has also been a mentor for Fever coach Dan Ryan — said: 'Good luck in the grand final, you've been practicing for this all year.' 'Enjoy, stay fierce, calm and have a wonderful experience, go the Fever.' They may not agree on much, but Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti and Liberal leader Basil Zempilas are seemingly united as part of the green army. 'We know you can do it, WA is right behind you,' Saffioti, who is also Sports Minister, said in her video. Charlie Thomas cheers the Fever on. Credit: Unknown / Supplied Zempilas said: 'You've been the best team all year, 13 in-a-row! One more against the Vixens on Saturday night and bring that trophy home.' West Australian cricket legends Justin Langer also got behind the squad, labelling them an 'inspiration' to the State. 'Hope it's a great game, hope it's a great final, keep inspiring everyone, keep entertaining,' he said. Fellow cricket great Mitchell Johnson, who wrote his The Sunday Times column last week on his love for the Fever, encouraged the side to go hard for the win. 'This is why we play sports to be in these big moments,' he said. 'Go out there, keep trusting each other, do the hard work, back each other right up, get in a scrap if you have to, enjoy the moment, bring home that trophy.' Scorchers superstar Ashton Agar said the 13 game streak was 'ridiculous' while his teammate Matt Kelly stated he couldn't wait to watch the final. Fellow Scorchers Ebony Hoskin and Sophie Devine praised the squad's outstanding season. Ashton Agar shows his support. Credit: Unknown / Supplied 'Have fun and enjoy the occasion,' said Devine. Perth Glory captain and Soccerroo Adam Taggart said: 'We're looking forward to seeing you guys bring the trophy home this weekend, all the best!' Western Force star Carlo Tizzano said the Fever had 'absolutely killed it.' 'So proud of how you guys have represented WA, go out and win this grand final,' he said. Fellow Force player Michaela Leonard — the ex-roommate of Fever captain Jess Anstiss — also wished the side good luck, encouraging them to keep doing WA proud. Ash Brazill. Credit: Unknown / Supplied Wildcats veteran Jesse Wagstaff said: 'Just wanted to wish the mighty Fever good luck in this week's big GF! The fam and I will be watching and no doubt you'll do Western Australia proud!' West Coast take on the Vixens at Rod Laver Arena at 5.30pm on Saturday.
West Australian
a day ago
- West Australian
Broome junior and youth floorball players shine on international stage at Singapore Open 2025
Six young athletes from the Broome Floorball Club have returned home with heads held high after an impressive showing at the 2025 Singapore Open, held over the July school holidays. Representing WA under various teams with the WA Exports these young athletes showcased grit and sportsmanship on the international stage. The Under-13 boys' team, featuring Silas Harabe, Harrison Goodey, and Zac Moyle, dominated their division, winning all but one game. The trio along with their team demonstrated exceptional skill over the competition. 'My week in Singapore was the most enjoyable in my four years of playing floorball,' Harrison said 'The challenge helped me grow, I gained new skills, made great friends, and felt proud to be part of the team. I'm truly grateful for the entire experience.' 'I loved competing at the Singapore floorball comp. It was exciting, fast-paced, and helped me improve my skills,' Silas said. 'It was an awesome tournament and great to play against other amazing teams,' Zac said. Arlia Pearce, representing Broome in the Under-13 girls' team, also played an important role in her team's undefeated streak — until the final match. Despite the narrow loss, the team secured the runners-up title in their division. 'I loved being a part of Singapore Open as floorball is a deep passion of mine because it can be competitive, but it is always fun,' Arlia said. Freddie Durant, played as an Under-15 boys' goalie and faced fierce competition but rose to the challenge. In his very first game, he faced a penalty shot and his standout performance in one of the toughest matches earned him the MVP award, highlighting his defensive skills. 'The games were very fast paced, and I learned a lot,' Freddie said. 'We had good food, met nice people and had lots of fun.' Zayla Hinde, a goalie for the Under-15 girls' team, played for a powerhouse squad that remained undefeated throughout the tournament. Their flawless run culminated in a grand final victory of 3-2, earning them the championship trophy in their division. Hinde's composure and agility in goal were instrumental in her team's success. 'I didn't know what to expect and was so impressed by how welcome my team made me feel and winning the grand final made me feel so proud to be part of the team, now I just want to train harder and play more,' Zayla said. Coach Lexi Elliot led the Under-15 girls' team to victory with strategic game play and unwavering support and has shared her personal journey and philosophy as a coach: 'I've been fortunate to receive strong support in my floorball journey, including playing in Switzerland and qualifying for the 2025 Women's World Cup with the national team,' she said. 'My coaches taught me to love the game through tough times, and that joy is what I aim to share. I believe floorball should be fun—because when players enjoy it, they play their best. 'A positive environment encourages learning, confidence, and growth through challenges.' Adding to the support system was Shannon Barnes, the Australian women's national goalie, who mentored both Durant and Hinde throughout the four-day competition. Her guidance helped the young goalies develop mental resilience and sharpen their game skills which they will bring back and share with the Broome Floorball Club. Additionally, Zayla will be training under a development program, positioning her as a future contender for the U19 national goalie spot at the World Floorball Championships in the coming years. In June, Broome Floorball Inc. with support from the Shire of Broome and Floorball WA also hosted a training clinic led by national players Edward Rawlins, Hayley Crute and Shannon Barnes. They shared their passion for the sport and insights on gameplay, umpiring, and coaching, helping 111 Broome Floorball Club members across all divisions sharpen their skills in a hugely successful weekend training clinic. With Broome Floorball Inc. now the second biggest floorball club in WA and inspiring talent emerging at all levels, the club aims to run two clinics a year to meet demand and upskill their players.
