Perth wants focus on opener

The match at Patersons Stadium is a repeat of last season's grand final, won by Roar thanks to a controversial Besart Berisha penalty.

And despite all the talk in the build-up, both the Perth coach and his captain want to concentrate on defeating Roar in its season-opener rather than dwelling on last season's disappointments.

"I knew there'd be a lot of hype leading into the game, it's not come as any surprise," Ferguson said.

"But we know we've got to be focused.

"We've got a job to do on Sunday and that is to get the three points.

"I've heard there might be a few surprises for Berisha, but we can't worry about what's happening on the terraces.

"We've just got to stay focused and make sure we're ready for this challenge."

While Burns says the team will use that grand final setback as 'motivation', he also insists the players will stick to their game plan.

"I don't think you ever completely forget something like that and we are using it as motivation, but the past is the past," Burns said.

"It's a new season and we're looking forward to it.

"Brisbane are a fantastic team, but we had some great qualities to make that final and play as we did and now we've got a wonderful opportunity this season to go one better and that's our focus.

"We've got to keep our heads and stick to our game plan.

"It's only one game at the start of the season, but we want to start on the right foot, put on a good display for a big crowd and get the three points to get our season on the roll straight away."

Ferguson, who admits 'it's been very difficult to pick a starting side', said he will pick his team on Saturday.

"I won't tell the players who's in and who's out until tomorrow (Saturday)," he said. "We're working on a few things today and I'll assess it after this session and let them know.

"We've got one or two slight little knocks and that's another reason why we'll delay telling the players what the side is."

Chris Harold and Evan Berger are short of match fitness so miss out, but otherwise Ferguson should have a full-strength squad to choose from.