PERTH GLORY women’s team opens its season with a home game at Perth Oval against Western Sydney this Sunday.

Melbourne City is considered the favourite to win the women’s league premiership this season, but Perth cannot be counted out as a serious challenger.

A bad run with injuries hampered the Glory last season, leaving them with a seventh-placed finish.

Captain Sam Kerr was sidelined for the majority of the season.

However, 2016-17 shows plenty of promise, with bright starts from US imports Vanessa DiBernardo and Nikki Stanton, along with the great displays of potential from young players Angelique Stannett and Caitlin Doeglas.

DiBernardo scored a brace on debut and went on to win Glory’s Golden Boot and Most Glorious Player despite playing just eight matches.

Head coach Bobby Despotovski will be hoping skipper Kerr’s return to fitness will see the rise of a potent attacking partnership between the Matildas star and DiBernardo.

Mexican international Arianna Romero and Missouri-born amidfielder Alyssa Mautz join the Perth side this season.