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: [email protected]
Am wondering whether a certain popular sports writer will use their spot on a popular sports podcast this year to wish a Merry Christmas to the people who sacked both Frank and Dyche, like they did for Ange...
February 12, 2026 at 1:39 AM
Am wondering whether a certain popular sports writer will use their spot on a popular sports podcast this year to wish a Merry Christmas to the people who sacked both Frank and Dyche, like they did for Ange...
Perth Glory have not found the net in a Dub match since their 1-1 draw with Central Coast in mid-January, which amounts to 369 minutes including stoppage time - but Stephen Peters isn't worried just yet.
Glory eye end to goal drought as Canberra visit beckons
Perth Glory coach Stephen Peters admits their recent goal-scoring drought is a concern and has challenged his side to take the game to Canberra United and keep their finals hopes alive.
thewest.com.au
February 11, 2026 at 8:18 AM
Perth Glory have not found the net in a Dub match since their 1-1 draw with Central Coast in mid-January, which amounts to 369 minutes including stoppage time - but Stephen Peters isn't worried just yet.
Spoke to Rohan Browning ahead of his Perth Track Classic appearance next week about the hunt for a sub-10 100m - and how Gout Gout and Lachlan Kennedy are spurring him on to greater heights.
Young sprint stars keeping elder statesman on his toes
Sprint star Rohan Browning says the emergence of hot-shots Gout Gout and Lachlan Kennedy is pushing him to stay sharp as he continues his quest to become the third Australian to break the fabled 10-se...
thewest.com.au
February 8, 2026 at 1:46 AM
Spoke to Rohan Browning ahead of his Perth Track Classic appearance next week about the hunt for a sub-10 100m - and how Gout Gout and Lachlan Kennedy are spurring him on to greater heights.
Spoke to Maddison Levi about her lofty goals.
She opened up on the prospect of one day being a dual international for Australia in both union AND league and retiring after the Brisbane Olympics.
She's one of Australia's great athletes for a reason.
She opened up on the prospect of one day being a dual international for Australia in both union AND league and retiring after the Brisbane Olympics.
She's one of Australia's great athletes for a reason.
Levi’s lofty ambitions: Wallaroos, Jillaroos and Olympics
2024 World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year Maddison Levi is not merely concerned with being the best possible version of a sevens player — she wants to conquer every terrain possible.
thewest.com.au
February 7, 2026 at 2:44 AM
Spoke to Maddison Levi about her lofty goals.
She opened up on the prospect of one day being a dual international for Australia in both union AND league and retiring after the Brisbane Olympics.
She's one of Australia's great athletes for a reason.
She opened up on the prospect of one day being a dual international for Australia in both union AND league and retiring after the Brisbane Olympics.
She's one of Australia's great athletes for a reason.
When you're in a finals race - and specifically, this Dub finals race - the margins a fine. Perth Glory may come to rue that very avoidable 45+4 goal to Makala Woods.
Glory rue missed opportunity as Nix move top of table
Perth Glory have missed an opportunity to keep pace with the top six in the A-League Women’s finals race after going down 1-0 to newly-minted ladder-leaders Wellington Phoenix.
thewest.com.au
February 6, 2026 at 5:38 AM
When you're in a finals race - and specifically, this Dub finals race - the margins a fine. Perth Glory may come to rue that very avoidable 45+4 goal to Makala Woods.
Reposted by Ben Smith
Me on the death of the Washington Post sports section.
This isn't a day to be nostalgic. It's a day to be angry.
www.theringer.com/2026/02/04/m...
This isn't a day to be nostalgic. It's a day to be angry.
www.theringer.com/2026/02/04/m...
Death of a Sports Section
The Washington Post sports department was dismantled before its leaders gave it a chance to change
www.theringer.com
February 4, 2026 at 4:20 PM
Me on the death of the Washington Post sports section.
This isn't a day to be nostalgic. It's a day to be angry.
www.theringer.com/2026/02/04/m...
This isn't a day to be nostalgic. It's a day to be angry.
www.theringer.com/2026/02/04/m...
Jaiden Kucharski might be the A-League’s best super-sub given his remarkable record of scoring late winners off the bench — but the young forward has his eye on a spot in Perth Glory’s starting 11.
Glory’s closer ready to swap bullpen for starting role
Jaiden Kucharski might be the A-League’s best super-sub given his remarkable record of scoring late winners off the bench - but the young forward has his eye on a spot in Perth Glory’s starting 11.
thewest.com.au
February 5, 2026 at 3:40 AM
Jaiden Kucharski might be the A-League’s best super-sub given his remarkable record of scoring late winners off the bench — but the young forward has his eye on a spot in Perth Glory’s starting 11.
Reposted by Ben Smith
Shrewd bit of business from Perth Glory, who effectively signed Rhys Bozinovski off the street (to use US sport parlance) to a two-year deal, and then shipped him off to Europe not long after. Understand the fee is in the region of $450K.
Glory send ‘future Socceroo’ to Holland for six-figure fee
Perth Glory have bade a fond farewell to midfielder Rhys Bozinovski after Dutch Eredivisie side Heracles Almelo side snapped up the 21 year-old for an understood to be six-figure fee.
thewest.com.au
February 4, 2026 at 2:15 AM
Shrewd bit of business from Perth Glory, who effectively signed Rhys Bozinovski off the street (to use US sport parlance) to a two-year deal, and then shipped him off to Europe not long after. Understand the fee is in the region of $450K.
How it feels to watch Carlos Alcaraz
February 1, 2026 at 11:50 AM
How it feels to watch Carlos Alcaraz
Fun game at SKFC last night. But one which could have seismic repercussions for Glory's Dub finals hopes down the line. Badawiya probably denied a clear-cut penalty, but Heather Hinz was in good form in between the sticks for Sydney.
Shots aplenty, but Glory thwarted in goalless draw
Perth Glory have missed a golden opportunity to move into second on the A-League Women ladder after they were frustrated by Sydney FC in an entertaining 0-0 draw at Sam Kerr Football Centre.
thewest.com.au
January 29, 2026 at 2:57 AM
Fun game at SKFC last night. But one which could have seismic repercussions for Glory's Dub finals hopes down the line. Badawiya probably denied a clear-cut penalty, but Heather Hinz was in good form in between the sticks for Sydney.
Stephen Peters has unleashed on the officiating during Glory's 2-0 loss to Melbourne City, claiming it felt like his side were facing 12 opponents. In particular, he was ropeable over the lack of a second yellow to Alexia Apostolakis.
‘Absolute joke’: Glory coach unloads on ref after loss
Perth Glory coach Stephen Peters has unleashed on the officiating during his side’s 2-0 loss at home to A-League Women table-toppers Melbourne City, claiming it felt like his side were facing 12 oppon...
thewest.com.au
January 25, 2026 at 5:25 AM
Stephen Peters has unleashed on the officiating during Glory's 2-0 loss to Melbourne City, claiming it felt like his side were facing 12 opponents. In particular, he was ropeable over the lack of a second yellow to Alexia Apostolakis.
For almost a decade, Melbourne City have served as the benchmark of the A-League Women — and Perth Glory coach Stephen Peters cannot wait for his in-form side to test themselves against the competition yardstick.
Glory relishing showdown with ‘benchmark’ City
Melbourne City are the benchmark of the A-League Women - and Perth Glory coach Stephen Peters is relishing the chance for his in-form side to test themselves against the competition yardstick.
thewest.com.au
January 23, 2026 at 4:26 AM
For almost a decade, Melbourne City have served as the benchmark of the A-League Women — and Perth Glory coach Stephen Peters cannot wait for his in-form side to test themselves against the competition yardstick.
Maddison WINglis: The Perth product is the last Aussie standing on the women's side of the draw after a second consecutive three-set win equalled her best appearance at Melbourne Park AND put her on collision course with Naomi Osaka in the third round.
WA’s Inglis into third round after EPIC win
Perth’s Maddison Inglis has equalled her best Australian Open showing - and could be set for a showdown with four-time major-winner Naomi Osaka after winning through to the third round.
thewest.com.au
January 22, 2026 at 6:18 AM
Maddison WINglis: The Perth product is the last Aussie standing on the women's side of the draw after a second consecutive three-set win equalled her best appearance at Melbourne Park AND put her on collision course with Naomi Osaka in the third round.
"I always knew I wanted to be back in Perth and I wanted to play for the Glory again."
It has been a long time coming, but Stefan Colakovski is eager to repay Perth Glory’s faith in him after signing on until the end of the A-League Men season.
It has been a long time coming, but Stefan Colakovski is eager to repay Perth Glory’s faith in him after signing on until the end of the A-League Men season.
Cola’s sweet return! How fond memories spurred Glory reunion
It has been a long time coming, but returning Perth Glory fan favourite Stefan Colakovski is eager to repay the club’s faith in him after signing on until the end of the A-League Men season.
thewest.com.au
January 21, 2026 at 1:12 AM
"I always knew I wanted to be back in Perth and I wanted to play for the Glory again."
It has been a long time coming, but Stefan Colakovski is eager to repay Perth Glory’s faith in him after signing on until the end of the A-League Men season.
It has been a long time coming, but Stefan Colakovski is eager to repay Perth Glory’s faith in him after signing on until the end of the A-League Men season.
Every year the Australian Open comes around. Every year I wish for a remake.
January 20, 2026 at 2:32 AM
Every year the Australian Open comes around. Every year I wish for a remake.
Reposted by Ben Smith
close enough
i feel compelled to watch the entire Bears game even though I know it will end with Caleb Williams throwing a 37-yard touchdown under intense pressure on 4th-and-11
January 19, 2026 at 2:37 AM
close enough
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.