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A glimmer of hope has shone through the shadows clouding Perth Glory’s 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season, thanks to the club’s gifted 19-year-old forward and Young Socceroo, Jaylan Pearman.
After remaining largely in the background for the first 12 rounds, Pearman made a pivotal entry into head coach David Zdrilic’s starting lineup for his league debut at the onset of the New Year.
Since then, his displays for the league’s bottom side have injected a rare sense of joy into Glory supporters, who fondly refer to the young prospect as the “Prince of Perth” due to his dazzling performances in his debut season.
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The nickname is one Pearman is still adjusting to as his first – and possibly last – season in the Isuzu UTE A-League approaches its end.
“I first heard it (the nickname) after the Auckland match,” Pearman told Network 10 following a 4-1 triumph over Adelaide United in mid-April.
“The guys have been calling me that at training. It’s a lovely feeling.
“Certainly it’s not been the season we had hoped for, but having my breakout year here, in front of the home fans, my hometown club, and being able to give back to them in the last home game of the season, it’s just unbelievable, and they truly deserve it.”
Pearman has started all 10 of his appearances this season, with his standout performance occurring in Perth’s most recent match – a shocking 4-1 victory against finals contenders Adelaide United, where the 19-year-old scored two goals and provided an assist in the team’s final home outing of the season.
Strongly linked with a transfer to English Championship side Queens Park Rangers in the upcoming off-season, Glory supporters may have witnessed the last of their highly gifted teenager playing on home turf – but with two away fixtures remaining this season, they will be hoping Pearman can conjure a few more moments of brilliance to assist the club in climbing off the bottom of the table and avoid a second consecutive wooden spoon.
“He’s a fantastic young lad. His growth this season has been impressive,” said Zdrilic, after watching Pearman lead his side to a comprehensive victory over the Reds in mid-April.
“He started the season playing in the NPL and sometimes got pushed off the ball. His talent was always apparent, but his strength has definitely improved.
“He stepped into the team and looked right at home. But now he seems to elevate his performance level every match.
“Let’s not forget, I’m deploying him as a number 10 or alongside Taggs (Socceroo Adam Taggart), or out on the left. He’s playing various roles and has scored from the left, too.
“He’s incredibly versatile, a great kid, and I’m just thrilled for him.”
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The 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season has been one of growth for young Australian talent. A glance at the Golden Boot standings narrates the tale; the leading four goal scorers (Adrian Segecic, Archie Goodwin, Nicolas Milanovic, and Noah Botic) boast an average age of just 21.5.
However, beneath these rising stars lies a host of teenage attackers making their mark on the competition, with Pearman emerging as the premier performer among players yet to hit twenty.
Since his debut, Pearman has levelled with Melbourne City’s Max Caputo for the most goals (four) among teenagers in the competition, needing only 11 attempts to achieve this feat compared to Caputo’s 22.
Additionally, Pearman has provided three assists – the highest tally among teenage players in the league – and has created a phenomenal 18 chances, leading his age group. City’s Lawrence Wong is next with 16, followed by Central Coast Mariners’ 16-year-old Haine Eames with 10.
Pearman’s overall contributions, combining goals and assists, total seven — the highest among Isuzu UTE A-League teenagers since the beginning of 2025.
Goals + assists in 2025 (Teenage Isuzu UTE A-League players)
- Jaylan Pearman, Perth Glory: 7
- Max Caputo, Melbourne City: 5
- Haine Eames, Central Coast Mariners: 3
- Jacob Brazete, Brisbane Roar: 3
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Yet, it’s not merely Pearman’s output that has made him a standout since his league debut; he’s also showcased his ability as a dangerous dribbler and a vital component in Glory’s attacking build-up.
Only Brisbane Roar’s Jacob Brazete and Western United’s Luke Vickery have attempted more dribbles than Pearman this season. Additionally, the Glory forward has made 41 passes into the box (including crosses) and logged 93 successful passes in the final third — leading all other teenagers during the same period.
Pearman’s 10 matches for Perth were punctuated by a month-long absence in February.
Selected in the Young Socceroos’ Under-23 Asian Cup squad, he participated in all five matches for Australia and netted the decisive goal in a 2-0 semi-final victory against Japan, leading to their historic triumph over Saudi Arabia in the final as the Young Socceroos claimed the Asian Championship.
Reflecting on his extraordinary debut season with Perth, Pearman hailed the mid-season journey to China for the Under-23 Asian Cup as a key factor in his swift progression from an academy prospect to a genuine Glory star.
“Winning the Asian Cup has given me heaps of confidence upon returning,” he remarked.
“That winning mentality is now part of our group. A lot of confidence has been instilled in me, and it’s been terrific.”
A critical aspect of Pearman’s development this season has been his close connection with Socceroo and Perth Glory captain, Adam Taggart.
The current Isuzu UTE A-League Golden Boot leader has displayed courage and desperation in the struggling Glory side this season, scoring eight goals in 23 matches. With Pearman’s integration into the starting XI, the 19-year-old has complemented Taggart’s play, whether playing as a number 10 or a secondary striker, enhancing Taggart’s threat in the attacking phase.
Both Pearman and Taggart scored in Glory’s last league match, contributing to the WA club’s memorable win over Adelaide. Afterwards, Pearman described Taggart as a mentor, whose insightful feedback has been vital in his development within the team.
“Since debuting, Taggs has always been there to support me,” Pearman said. “Every little thing I can improve, he’s there to guide me.
“He can be critical at times, but he’s always supportive. He’s a fantastic mentor, and I’ve really enjoyed working with him.”
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With two matches remaining this season, Pearman is eager to build on his stellar outing against Adelaide, as reports strongly suggest it will be his final season in Western Australia prior to his move to QPR.
Pearman initially signed a scholarship deal with the Perth Glory first team in July 2023, coinciding with fellow teenager Daniel Bennie also signing a scholarship contract.
Bennie made the switch to QPR in the off-season prior to 2024-25, and now Pearman appears poised to follow suit, joining his fellow Perth Glory academy product at the English Championship club.
In a conversation with former Glory captain Jacob Burns about the QPR links and the possibility of reuniting with Bennie in England, Pearman nearly confirmed the incoming transfer, expressing gratitude that a familiar face will be there as he embarks on his European adventure.
“Relocating to the other side of the globe without your family will be challenging,” Pearman admitted.
“But having a close friend there to guide me will be immensely helpful.”
Pearman and Glory’s next challenge is on Sunday, April 27, against league leaders Auckland FC at Go Media Stadium.
Currently sitting equal on 14 points with 12th-placed Brisbane Roar, Glory must secure more points than Brisbane in their final two matches of the season to avert a second consecutive wooden spoon.
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