When Andy Keogh steps onto the field against Wellington on Sunday afternoon in his 100th Perth Glory game, he’ll have memories of where it all began fresh in his mind.
“My first game was against Wellington and I scored,” he said.
That game – a 2-1 away victory for the Glory in October 2014 – was the first game of Keogh’s Glory career split over two stints. And on Sunday afternoon the Irishman will tick over a century of appearances for the club against the team he first faced when it all began.
“It’s a fantastic achievement to get 100 games at any club, so yeah I’m delighted with that,” he said.
“My body’s been kind to me in the last few years to reach this and long may that continue.”
Keogh’s move to Perth came shortly after his release from English side Milwall in 2014 where he played with current Glory defender Shane Lowry.
Keogh’s first taste of football in Perth however came much earlier when he faced the Glory in Perth in 2009 as part of the Wolverhampton Wanderers squad visiting Australia in their pre-season tour.
He credits his family as the reason he moved down under to continue his career.
“My family moved here otherwise I would have stayed in England and continued playing there,” he said.
“I fancied the change, I wanted to be closer to my family and support them as well. Everything just fell into place nicely.”
The Glory’s infamous salary cap breach in 2015 saw the Irishman briefly move to Thai Premier League side Ratchaburi but by the end of the year he returned to Perth and has never looked back.
Glory boss Tony Popovic said he is delighted for his striker: especially playing his 100 games for the single A-League club.
“With the salary cap in Australia there’s a lot of player movement,” Popovic said.
“It’s a special milestone, that doesn’t happen too often. He’s been great for the club, the history of the club and the time he’s been here.
“He’s a leader, he’s Perth Glory, and he’s doing a great job.
“I’m very pleased with how he’s going, and I’m delighted that he’s celebrating that milestone.”
On the eve of his 100th Glory appearance, Keogh said his recipe for consistency and success is simple.
“You try give your all,” Keogh said.
“Be loyal, be honest, and stuff like that comes with those traits.”
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