Western United coach John Aloisi expects a response from his players following last weekend's humbling by Wellington, in an ominous warning to A-League Men's strugglers Perth Glory.
The 4-1 loss to the Phoenix put a severe dent in second-placed Western's hopes of chasing down league leaders Melbourne City in the premiership race.
The damage to his team's pride was a more immediate concern, and Aloisi says his squad has responded to the setback impressively.
"It's probably the most intense I've seen them train all season," Aloisi said.
"Excited about the game now because when you train like that you normally perform at that level.
"Their pride took a hit, that's the biggest thing.
"When you lose, it's hard, especially when you haven't lost too often and then to lose by such a margin is even worse.
"The players felt it and the response has been good."
Saturday's clash with last-placed Perth in Launceston is a chance for Western to show their season is far from done despite a slump in results in recent weeks.
Aloisi's team has won just one of their past six matches but face a Glory squad in deep strife, having failed to win in 13 games and with an injury list that now grown to 14 players with Jack Clisby (knee) and Trent Ostler (shoulder) the latest setbacks.
"Last week was a perfect example with Wellington actually losing heavily in the two games prior to ours that we have to be ready, have to be switched on, it doesn't matter who you're playing against," Aloisi said.
"Every game will throw difficulties and obstacles that you'll face and then we have to make sure we're ready and they've done that this week."
Aloisi said Alessandro Diamanti (knee) remains a little way off a return while Josh Risdon (syndesmosis) is also sidelined but Dylan Pierias will return from an ankle injury and travel to Tasmania.
