- In recent clashes, Floreat Athena FC Reserves have won five of the last seven head-to-head matches against Gwelup Croatia SC Reserves in all competitions (W5).
- Floreat Athena FC Reserves have scored 15 goals in five matches in the Western Australia State League 1 Reserves 2026 season.
- Gwelup Croatia SC Reserves have scored 14 goals in seven matches in the Western Australia State League 1 Reserves 2026.
Plenty to play for in Perth derby
Floreat Athena FC Reserves have dominated the recent history of this fixture, but Gwelup Croatia SC Reserves have impressed so far this season and have the firepower to potentially cause an upset.
Floreat Athena FC Reserves have been playing an high-tempo, possession-based, attacking style of footy since Alun Vernals took over as manager in 2026. Floreat's playing style is built on a patient build-up and the use of high pressing to create turnovers, but they do not lack attacking intent.
Floreat's full-backs have plenty of license to push forward and Athena's players do a good job of spreading the ball wide to overload centrally when they have possession. Callum Dobbs is the midfield pivot for this young side, and he is an excellent player at transitioning quickly and controlling the tempo of the game. After suspension, he will be keen to hit the ground running this weekend.
Gwelup Croatia SC Reserves' style is heavily influenced by their attack-minded head coach, Taki Nicolaidis, who has been an excellent appointment for the club. Gwelup's reserves play a similar game to the senior side, sitting in a compact block, and trying to catch opponents on the counter with pace.
Expect goals when these two sides meet
The Over 2.5 goals market is a heavy favourite at 1.49 for this match, which is no surprise given the two clubs' attacking records and the history of this match-up in the State League 1 Reserves. Six of the past seven meetings have seen over 2.5 goals scored.
Floreat Athena Reserves have won three of their five matches so far in the State League 1 Reserves, which puts them in a comfortable position in the upper half of the table. Harry Lewis and Jordan Langley have been two of the main contributors to their goal tally this season, but they have received plenty of help as they have racked up multiple-goal wins.
Gwelup Croatia Reserves have been in even better form than their hosts, only failing to win two of their seven matches (W3, D2, L2). They have been even more prolific in front of goal, scoring 14 goals in their seven outings. They have netted four or more goals in three of their last five, including a 4-1 win over Kingsley Westside and a 5-1 win at Inglewood United.
Floreat have the edge
The bookmakers think the hosts will just edge this one, and we agree. Floreat Athena Reserves are priced up at 2.02 to win, while Gwelup Croatia Reserves are a bit longer at 2.9 with the draw coming in at 3.66.
We think the bookies have this one about right, and given both sides are in decent form and the weather should be ideal for football on Saturday, we fancy this to be an entertaining affair. Floreat have the quality to hold the edge though, and they can clinch a result when this game of chess is settled in the second halves, and midfield battles.
