Ben Smith
@bensmith94.bsky.social
All-rounder for The West Australian's sport team, but mainly football (⚽) & rugby. Devin Booker, Tugay & emo night enthusiast. Views are sadly, my own. News tips: ben.smith@wanews.com.au
Adam Griffiths says Glory will continue to nurse co-captain Adam Taggart through training until he is fully fit.
The marksman has battled injuries for most of the campaign, but last night tied Andy Keogh for most Perth goals in the A-League era (59).
The marksman has battled injuries for most of the campaign, but last night tied Andy Keogh for most Perth goals in the A-League era (59).
Glory to continue load management approach for Taggart
Perth Glory coach Adam Griffiths says they will continue to nurse record-equalling goalscorer and co-captain Adam Taggart through training until he is back at full health.
thewest.com.au
January 17, 2026 at 6:04 AM
Adam Griffiths says Glory will continue to nurse co-captain Adam Taggart through training until he is fully fit.
The marksman has battled injuries for most of the campaign, but last night tied Andy Keogh for most Perth goals in the A-League era (59).
The marksman has battled injuries for most of the campaign, but last night tied Andy Keogh for most Perth goals in the A-League era (59).
Sometimes the most fun a sports fan can have are the moments before their team becomes a contender.
The space between being a fun story and a serious football team is where Perth Glory currently find themself.
The space between being a fun story and a serious football team is where Perth Glory currently find themself.
SPECIAL FEATURE: How good-vibe Glory got their groove back
In half a season, Perth Glory have risen from being an historically poor team to a fun side scoring goals and leaving fans with smiles on their faces. Now they’re even contenders for a shock finals ap...
thewest.com.au
January 16, 2026 at 12:16 AM
Sometimes the most fun a sports fan can have are the moments before their team becomes a contender.
The space between being a fun story and a serious football team is where Perth Glory currently find themself.
The space between being a fun story and a serious football team is where Perth Glory currently find themself.
How an 18-year-old Gio De Abreu, with just four games and one start under his belt, is the embodiment of Adam Griffiths' new Perth Glory.
How recent Glory debutant personifies Griffiths’ new Perth
Gio De Abreu is the embodiment of Adam Griffiths’ new Perth Glory — which is a bold description of an 18-year-old with just four games and one start under his belt.
thewest.com.au
January 15, 2026 at 7:30 AM
How an 18-year-old Gio De Abreu, with just four games and one start under his belt, is the embodiment of Adam Griffiths' new Perth Glory.
Australian baseball and Perth Heat legend Tim Kennelly has declared he will retire with zero regrets and will forever hold his six championship wins close as the sun sets on his decorated career.
And he's eyeing one final curtain call on the world stage.
And he's eyeing one final curtain call on the world stage.
‘No regrets’ for Kennelly as he nears final at-bat
Australian Baseball League and Perth Heat legend Tim Kennelly has declared he will retire with zero regrets and will forever hold his six championship wins close as the sun sets on his decorated caree...
thewest.com.au
January 15, 2026 at 3:03 AM
Australian baseball and Perth Heat legend Tim Kennelly has declared he will retire with zero regrets and will forever hold his six championship wins close as the sun sets on his decorated career.
And he's eyeing one final curtain call on the world stage.
And he's eyeing one final curtain call on the world stage.
Off the back of the PFA's Ready for Takeoff report, Perth Glory captain Isobel Dalton has urged the A-League Women to not waste the chance to capitalise on the looming Asian Cup after the league’s post-Women’s World Cup shine quickly wore off.
A-League W must capitalise on Matildas momentum in 2026
Perth Glory captain Isobel Dalton has urged the A-League Women to not waste the chance to capitalise on the looming Asian Cup after the league’s post-Women’s World Cup shine quickly wore off.
thewest.com.au
January 14, 2026 at 8:03 AM
Off the back of the PFA's Ready for Takeoff report, Perth Glory captain Isobel Dalton has urged the A-League Women to not waste the chance to capitalise on the looming Asian Cup after the league’s post-Women’s World Cup shine quickly wore off.
United Cup tournament director Stephen Farrow lifts the lid on Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, increasing crowds, player feedback and whether Perth could host the final of the flagship multi-city team tournament.
Alcaraz, Sinner top of United Cup wishlist in 2027
United Cup tournament director Stephen Farrow opens up on Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, increasing crowds, player feedback and whether Perth could host the final of the flagship multi-city team tourn...
thewest.com.au
January 10, 2026 at 8:31 AM
United Cup tournament director Stephen Farrow lifts the lid on Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, increasing crowds, player feedback and whether Perth could host the final of the flagship multi-city team tournament.
Coco Gauff, Taylor Fritz, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Belinda Bencic have given their glowing endorsement to Perth’s United Cup, hailing it as an integral part of their Australian Open preparations.
Gauff, Tsitsipas among stars to celebrate United Cup
Some of the world’s biggest tennis stars have given their glowing endorsement to Perth’s United Cup, hailing it as an integral part of their Australian Open preparations.
thewest.com.au
January 9, 2026 at 6:18 AM
Coco Gauff, Taylor Fritz, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Belinda Bencic have given their glowing endorsement to Perth’s United Cup, hailing it as an integral part of their Australian Open preparations.
Perth Glory coach Adam Griffiths is hopeful the return to full fitness of four key attacking pillars can lay the foundations for additional consistency as his side nears the halfway point of the season.
Glory boost as fantastic four near full fitness
Perth Glory coach Adam Griffiths is hopeful the return to full fitness of four key attacking pillars can lay the foundations for additional consistency as his side near the half-way point of the seaso...
thewest.com.au
January 8, 2026 at 7:34 AM
Perth Glory coach Adam Griffiths is hopeful the return to full fitness of four key attacking pillars can lay the foundations for additional consistency as his side nears the halfway point of the season.
What is Tijan McKenna's best position? Perth Glory coach Stephen Peters admits he's not quite sure.
Glory’s McKenna conundrum amid Swiss Army knife’s good form
Perth Glory coach Stephen Peters has admitted he does not know what their reigning young player of the year Tijan McKenna’s best position is, but has hailed her selfless sacrifices for the team.
thewest.com.au
January 8, 2026 at 6:20 AM
What is Tijan McKenna's best position? Perth Glory coach Stephen Peters admits he's not quite sure.
And that's a wrap on the United Cup in Perth. Fitting that one of the current players with links to the old Hopman Cup put on a show to steer Switzerland into the semifinals.
Bencic leads Swiss into United Cup semifinals
A Belinda Bencic-inspired Switzerland have stormed into the United Cup semifinals as they ended Perth’s summer of top-tier tennis by beating Argentina 2-1 at RAC Arena.
thewest.com.au
January 8, 2026 at 2:21 AM
And that's a wrap on the United Cup in Perth. Fitting that one of the current players with links to the old Hopman Cup put on a show to steer Switzerland into the semifinals.
Two days after an uneven performance punctuated by serving problems, Coco Gauff has responded with an accomplished performance, downing an in-form Maria Sakkari 6-3 6-2 to put the USA in charge of their United Cup quarter-final.
Gauff rebounds to put USA in command of Greece tie
Women’s world No.4 Coco Gauff has bounced back from Monday’s upset loss to put USA in control of their United Cup quarter-final against Greece at RAC Arena.
thewest.com.au
January 7, 2026 at 4:07 AM
Two days after an uneven performance punctuated by serving problems, Coco Gauff has responded with an accomplished performance, downing an in-form Maria Sakkari 6-3 6-2 to put the USA in charge of their United Cup quarter-final.
Yet another lengthy night of United Cup action at RAC Arena as Stefanos Tsitsipas held off a mighty effort from Billy Harris, before Maria Sakkari outlasted Emma Raducanu in a pulsating encounter.
Tstisipas’ Great British escape as Greece taste victory
Greece have joined USA and Switzerland in the United Cup quarter-finals in Perth after Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari won out in three set-thrillers at RAC Arena.
thewest.com.au
January 6, 2026 at 12:15 AM
Yet another lengthy night of United Cup action at RAC Arena as Stefanos Tsitsipas held off a mighty effort from Billy Harris, before Maria Sakkari outlasted Emma Raducanu in a pulsating encounter.
Coco Gauff hit just one ace, was broken nine times, including her first five and final three service games, had had 14 double-faults and it took her until the 18th time of asking to win a point on her second serve in a stunning three-set upset loss.
Gauff off her best as serve eludes US star in upset defeat
USA’s world No.4 Coco Gauff has stumbled after a stunningly sub-par serving performance led to an emphatic three-set upset defeat to Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro at RAC Arena.
thewest.com.au
January 5, 2026 at 4:54 AM
Coco Gauff hit just one ace, was broken nine times, including her first five and final three service games, had had 14 double-faults and it took her until the 18th time of asking to win a point on her second serve in a stunning three-set upset loss.
Another wonderful Swtizerland win at the United Cup - and yet another Stan Wawrinka three-set epic. Yes, he fell to Flavio Cobolli on Sunday night, but if this is a preview of the remainder of Wawrinka’s retirement tour, it will be appointment viewing.
Cobolli brings down The Stanimal in three-set epic
Italian Flavio Cobolli has outlasted Stan Wawrinka in an incredible three-setter at RAC Arena as the Swiss great found himself involved in an instant classic for the second straight day.
thewest.com.au
January 4, 2026 at 11:38 PM
Another wonderful Swtizerland win at the United Cup - and yet another Stan Wawrinka three-set epic. Yes, he fell to Flavio Cobolli on Sunday night, but if this is a preview of the remainder of Wawrinka’s retirement tour, it will be appointment viewing.
Tennis szn forever a vibe. Fun match between Belinda Bencic and Jasmine Paolini.
January 4, 2026 at 11:57 AM
Tennis szn forever a vibe. Fun match between Belinda Bencic and Jasmine Paolini.
Not an ideal start to 'Super Sunday' at the United Cup. thewest.com.au/sport/tennis...
United Cup blow as star pulls out of marquee match-up
Perth’s blockbuster United Cup tie between former grand slam champions Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu has been dealt a seismic blow after one of the pair pulled out.
thewest.com.au
January 4, 2026 at 2:45 AM
Not an ideal start to 'Super Sunday' at the United Cup. thewest.com.au/sport/tennis...
"Not really where he’s reached. How quickly? Very much so."
As part of The West Australian Sport's 'Six for 2026' series of WA athletes primed for big years: Alessandro Circati will have a lot on his plate for club & country - but handling pressure is what he does.
As part of The West Australian Sport's 'Six for 2026' series of WA athletes primed for big years: Alessandro Circati will have a lot on his plate for club & country - but handling pressure is what he does.
Circati: the Socceroos’ Mr. Cool, Calm and Collected
In the first of our WA Stars On The Rise in 2026 series, The West Australian takes a look at how 22-year-old Alessandro Circati has gone from Perth Azzurri to captaining the Socceroos.
thewest.com.au
January 4, 2026 at 1:19 AM
"Not really where he’s reached. How quickly? Very much so."
As part of The West Australian Sport's 'Six for 2026' series of WA athletes primed for big years: Alessandro Circati will have a lot on his plate for club & country - but handling pressure is what he does.
As part of The West Australian Sport's 'Six for 2026' series of WA athletes primed for big years: Alessandro Circati will have a lot on his plate for club & country - but handling pressure is what he does.
Men’s world No.6 Taylor Fritz admitted his troublesome knee tendinopathy is still causing him issues after being stunned by Argentinian Sebastian Baez at the United Cup in Perth.
Something to watch in the lead-up the Australian Open.
Something to watch in the lead-up the Australian Open.
Happy Baez as US star Fritz falls in Perth opener
The United Cup’s run of upsets has continued as men’s world No.6 Taylor Fritz was stunned by Argentinian Sebastian Baez in three sets at RAC Arena.
thewest.com.au
January 3, 2026 at 11:37 PM
Men’s world No.6 Taylor Fritz admitted his troublesome knee tendinopathy is still causing him issues after being stunned by Argentinian Sebastian Baez at the United Cup in Perth.
Something to watch in the lead-up the Australian Open.
Something to watch in the lead-up the Australian Open.
An under-the-weather Naomi Osaka says she is not overly worried falling in straight sets to Maria Sakkari in her opening United Cup match and first hit-out of the season.
Down with the sickness, but Osaka not disturbed by defeat
Maria Sakkari has stunned Naomi Osaka in straight sets and reminded the WTA tour of her own class as she put Greece in command of their United Cup tie with Japan at RAC Arena.
thewest.com.au
January 2, 2026 at 11:38 PM
An under-the-weather Naomi Osaka says she is not overly worried falling in straight sets to Maria Sakkari in her opening United Cup match and first hit-out of the season.
Great Britain star Emma Raducanu is once again feeling positive about her trajectory — and the former US Open champion is eager to build on the performances which steered her back into the top 30.
Raducanu’s radical optimism after rebound season
Great Britain star Emma Raducanu is once again feeling positive about her trajectory - and the former US Open champion is eager to build on the performances which steered her back into the top 30.
thewest.com.au
January 2, 2026 at 7:55 AM
Great Britain star Emma Raducanu is once again feeling positive about her trajectory — and the former US Open champion is eager to build on the performances which steered her back into the top 30.
Osaka vs Raducanu undoubtedly the pick of the match-ups in Perth as the United Cup gets underway today - but it is not the only one of interest.
Five to watch: The can’t-miss United Cup ties in Perth
The United Cup roars into action on Friday with yet another star-studded line-up descending upon Perth. But what are the top five singles matches to watch for at RAC Arena?
thewest.com.au
January 2, 2026 at 4:33 AM
Osaka vs Raducanu undoubtedly the pick of the match-ups in Perth as the United Cup gets underway today - but it is not the only one of interest.
A raw Stefanos Tsitsipas spoke yesterday about the lengths to which his back injury haunted him throughout 2025, revealing he could not walk after his US Open exit in August and admitting he questioned his future.
Back from the brink: Greek star hopes for year of redemption
A raw Stefanos Tsitsipas has spoken about the lengths to which his back injury haunted him throughout 2025, revealing he could not walk after his US Open exit in August and admitting he questioned his...
thewest.com.au
January 2, 2026 at 1:56 AM
A raw Stefanos Tsitsipas spoke yesterday about the lengths to which his back injury haunted him throughout 2025, revealing he could not walk after his US Open exit in August and admitting he questioned his future.
Four-time grand slam winner Naomi Osaka believes motherhood has evolved her career and shifted her mindset for the better - but admits there is still a balancing act between being a parent and a professional as she aims to build on last year’s renaissance.
Mum’s the word: four-time major winner Osaka’s mindset shift
Four-time grand slam winner Naomi Osaka has opened up about the positive impact of motherhood on her career as she aims to build on last year’s renaissance - starting with the United Cup in Perth.
thewest.com.au
January 1, 2026 at 6:56 AM
Four-time grand slam winner Naomi Osaka believes motherhood has evolved her career and shifted her mindset for the better - but admits there is still a balancing act between being a parent and a professional as she aims to build on last year’s renaissance.
My top 20 favourite albums for the year 2025, ranked.
December 31, 2025 at 7:52 AM
My top 20 favourite albums for the year 2025, ranked.
Perth’s United Cup marks the beginning of the end for Stan Wawrinka - but the 2014 Australian Open champion and three-time major winner is at peace with his decision to call it a day and determined to make the most of his final year on the tour.
Stan the man not done yet ahead of Perth bow
Three-time grand slam champion Stan Wawrinka is at peace with his decision to call it a day — but determined to make the most of his final year on the tour.
thewest.com.au
December 29, 2025 at 6:34 AM
Perth’s United Cup marks the beginning of the end for Stan Wawrinka - but the 2014 Australian Open champion and three-time major winner is at peace with his decision to call it a day and determined to make the most of his final year on the tour.