Why Adam Taggart believes being announced as Perth Glory's co-captain will take his game to another level in the A-League
- Striker named co-captain of Perth Glory by new coach Alen Stajcic
- Former Socceroos star, 30, started his football journey in WA
- Adam Taggart firmly believes Perth can be A-League title contender
EXCLUSIVE
He is the proud local product who believes being appointed co-captain of Perth Glory can take his game to new heights.
Adam Taggart will skipper the men in purple with English born defender Mark Beevers in the A-League this season, and the 30-year-old clearly relished the responsibility in his team's season opener against Newcastle.
Taggart led by example, finding the back of the net after just two minutes in his team's eventual 2-2 draw.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's 'Distance Derby' against Wellington Phoenix at 3.30pm AEDT, the former Socceroos star is convinced Perth can be premiership contenders.
'Not many people are talking about us which is fine, we are happy to fly under the radar,' Taggart told Daily Mail Australia.
![Adam Taggart is the hometown boy who believes being appointed co-captain of Perth Glory can take his game to new heights](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/28/03/77104253-12682221-image-a-54_1698461482569.jpg)
Adam Taggart is the hometown boy who believes being appointed co-captain of Perth Glory can take his game to new heights
![Taggart relished the responsibility in his team's season opener against Newcastle, scoring a goal inside the first two minutes](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/28/03/77104181-12682221-image-a-55_1698461520747.jpg)
Taggart relished the responsibility in his team's season opener against Newcastle, scoring a goal inside the first two minutes
![Taggart also believes the new look Glory squad will hold their own and be a finals threat](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/28/03/77104183-12682221-image-a-56_1698461575811.jpg)
Taggart also believes the new look Glory squad will hold their own and be a finals threat
'We have a new manager in Alen Stajcic, and everyone knows what he has achieved in football - especially with the Matildas.
'We have belief collectively and high expectations.'
The Glory playing group have been based in New Zealand since Monday, as club officials wanted to avoid two long-haul flights ahead of kick-off in the Distance Derby.
'We flew direct to Auckland early, and then we will make our way to Wellington,' Taggart revealed earlier this week.
'You guys (media) and the fans make a bit out of the travel involved, but it is part of the job as professional footballers.
'The flight on Monday was about six hours....we could have flown to Sydney and then New Zealand, so it actually wasn't that bad.
'Same goes for the Phoenix guys, they played their first game of the season in Sydney before heading home....so no excuses, we will be ready to go.'
Taggart also confirmed he hasn't the closed the door on the Socceroos, but conceded other players may continue to get the nod at his expense.
'Whatever happens, I'll run with it,' he said.
'I'm focused on a big season with Perth... it means a lot to captain this club, it really was a special moment for me against the Jets.
'Perth is where my football journey began, both as a kid and in the A-League.'