Glory braces for fired-up Mariners

Perth's 1-0 win over Brisbane gave Ian Ferguson's charges the perfect start to the season, and also avenged the club's heartbreaking 2-1 defeat in last season's decider.

But another team seeking revenge is Central Coast, which collected the Premiers Plate last season but was bundled out by Perth in a preliminary final penalty shootout.

Exactly six months on from that day, Central Coast will have the chance to seek vengeance when the two teams lock horns again.

Glory skipper Jacob Burns said his team was bracing for a fired-up Mariners outfit, which was held to a 0-0 draw by newcomer Western Sydney last week.

"I think that's healthy," Burns said of the rivalry between the two sides.

"We know we are going to have to be at our best to get three points up there.

"If we go there thinking it's going to be an easy game, we'll learn the hard way.

"They're a tough team. I watched them play against the Wanderers and they looked good.

"They're a very physical side, well organised, and I'm sure Arnie (coach Graham Arnold) is going to be at them to put in a good performance against us."

The match will also pit new Mariners recruit Mile Sterjovski against his former Glory teammates.

"I promised my wife and Mile's wife that I wouldn't kick him, so I'll have to be on my best behaviour," Burns joked.

"He's a fantastic mate and a fantastic player and he did very well in their first game, so I'm sure he'll be looking to put in a good effort for his team up there."

Perth will be without star striker Shane Smeltz, who is on international duty with New Zealand.