Dodd ovation pleases Ferguson

Perth Glory coach Ian Ferguson says he was blown away by the reception Travis Dodd received from the Adelaide crowd in their 1-1 draw on Sunday.

Dodd, the former captain of Adelaide, skippered the Glory in the absence of the injured Jacob Burns and was given a standing ovation as he left the pitch after being substituted in the 85th minute.

Sunday’s stalemate was only Dodd’s second appearance in opposition colours at Hindmarsh Stadium since he joined Perth in March 2011, but the first in which he received a rousing reception from the United faithful.

Ferguson said it was rare to see an opposition player enjoy such a warm welcome in the A-League but was moved by the emotional response Dodd received.

“It’s quite an emotional time for the boy,” Ferguson said.

“To get taken off and get that ovation I think it was a great thing from the Adelaide punters.

“There’s a mutual respect from player to fans and I think they showed that.

“Doddsy was captain and had four or five fantastic years here in Adelaide … he’s been in grand finals with them, an ACL (AFC Champions League) final and he’s a winner.

“I think the fans realise that and to come back and get taken off so late on and obviously get that ovation, it says a lot for Travis Dodd and Adelaide – it was fantastic.”

Perth had to settle for a point after striker Billy Mehmet’s first-half strike was cancelled out in the 49th minute by Reds attacker Dario Vidosic.

Ferguson agreed with his coaching counterpart John Kosmina that a draw was a fair reflection of the match.

“I think he’s spot on, both teams had some great opportunities,” Ferguson said.

“Overall it was a fair, even game which was good and 1-1 is a fair result.

“For both sides it wasn’t great conditions but they put on a good game particularly in the second half for the fans.”