Injury-plagued Socceroo Rhys Williams will attempt to reignite his World Cup dream via the A-League after signing with Perth on a one-year deal.
Williams has been wracked by injuries in recent years, with two separate achilles tendon ruptures cutting short his promising career at English Championship outfit Middlesbrough -- a club he once captained.
After spending a recent loan stint with Charlton Athletic, Williams decided it was the right time to come home to Perth to reunite with brother Aryn Williams at the Glory.
"After 11 years in the UK, the opportunity to re-unite with my family and re-join a manager who believes in me and my football is the tonic I need for my career," Williams said.
"I'm not only coming home to re-join my family, but Aryn will be there by my side on the training track, day in, day out.
"I think that will benefit us both and can only bode well for the rest of the team."
Injury heartbreak has been a common theme throughout Williams' career.
The 27-year-old was part of the provisional 2010 World Cup squad, before being forced out with a pelvic issue.
Then in 2014, Williams was unavailable for the World Cup in Brazil because of the first of his two achilles ruptures.
But the defensive midfielder is hoping it will be a case of third time lucky in 2018, and a standout season with Perth could well propel him back into the Socceroos' frame.
However, it remains to be seen whether Williams' body will be able to hold up given his long history of injuries.
Perth will start as one of the favourites to win next season's title given the strength of their squad.
Williams and Socceroos striker Adam Taggart have already been signed, while the club has also been linked to defender Chris Herd.
The Glory are hopeful of re-signing star import Diego Castro for at least another season.
Perth crashed out of the title race last week after suffering a 2-0 loss to Melbourne City in the elimination final.
But their run to the finals -- in which they won 10 of their last 12 regular-season games -- showcased the squad's potential.