The heat was on for Perth Glory and not just in terms of the weather, Glory had to win their last home game of the season not just for goal keeper Jason Petkovic but also to thank the loyal crowd that has stood by them in their disappointing season.
Glory were able to farewell Petkovic with a "fairytale ending", winning their last home game of the season 3-2 at Members Equity Stadium.
Petkovic did not have a good game, in the opening minutes of the second half the long serving goal keeper dropped a crucial high ball in the goal box which allowed Melbourne's Ney Fabiano to equalise just minutes into the second half.
Three minutes into the first half Melbourne's Archie Thompson broke away from the Glory defence and set the strike up for Danny Allsopp who slipped the ball passed Petkovic for their first goal and their lead in the match.
Glory's defence were under threat and Melbourne didn't stop their aggressive attacking style. The home team were in trouble after Allsopp's goal, coach David Mitchell was not sure if his team could come back to win the match.
Glory were lucky to not be trailing the away team by three goals. Melbourne sent a threatening ball wide that deflected off the side bar, providing the visitors with another chance to score, but Archie Thompson recklessly thumped the ball wide.
Melbourne were in control of the match until drinks break was called in the 22nd minute. This was Glory's chance to take advantage of the break and regroup, which they did. Rukavytsya came out attacking and used his pace to take on the Victory defence and goal keeper, but was unsuccessful.
In the 33rd minute Eugene Dadi scored the home teams' first goal by heading the ball into the net off a corner kick.
Three minutes later Nikita Rukavytsya's perseverance paid off as he intercepted a Victory ball and sent a firing shot passed the goal keeper to put Glory in the lead. Rukavytsya's celebrations with the crowd showed the possibility of him not returning to the Glory next year.
Glory were drawn at 2-2 in the second half and the game looked over. That was until Dadi managed to get his boot to the ball to finalise the game with a win.
Scott Neville played an outstanding game on home soil and received a standing ovation from the members section when he was substituted. Petkovic said it was a "fairytale ending" and was happy to finish with a win in front of the home crowd. The goal keeper admitted he didn't have a good game and emotions got the better of him.
"The emotion of the game interfered with my performance but the boys pulled their weight and dug in. They still had the heart to win the game for us."