Perth have ended an 18-game winless streak with a 1-0 win over Brisbane, who equalled a 19-year record for most consecutive home A-League Men losses.
The Glory's stand-in skipper David Williams, wearing the captain's armband due to an illness to Adam Taggart, scored in the 69th minute against his former club.
The Roar are now winless and last after their opening eight games as pressure mounts on coach Ruben Zadkovich who needed a win against his former club with the axe hovering.
For Perth coach David Zdrilic, it was a wonderful maiden win after a season from hell and took them to 11th on five competition points.
"It was a great feeling at the end and obviously relief but I feel for Brisbane as well, obviously in the same position as us. It is difficult to get out of a little bit of a rut," he said.
In the wake of the defeat, Brisbane equalled the New Zealand Knights' record of seven consecutive home losses set in 2005/06.
"I am fine under pressure. That is what I signed up for," Zadkovich said.
"I am well aware of the difficulties the club is in and the responsibility is on my shoulders to keep pushing to get through this difficult period.
"I have got the support of the people I deal with in the club and until I hear otherwise I will continue to try and do my best."
The Roar were lacklustre in front of 6145 fans at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday. They sparked into action after Williams's goal but could not find the finishing touch.
The moment one of the A-Leagues' longest winless runs finally ended 💜 David Williams wins it for Perth Glory!
— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) December 21, 2024
Right place, right time - the veteran gets it done against the club where his career started 🎯
Watch #BRIvPER live NOW on Paramount+ and 10 Bold 📺 pic.twitter.com/W9JxrKdijD
The Glory fielded their seventh different defensive line of the season and after conceding 24 goals in their previous eight matches managed to hang on.Â
Perth's victory ensured they did not equal the 19-game winless record streak currently held by the Knights in the opening season of the ALM and Melbourne Heart in 2013/14.
Brisbane had won their past four home games against the Glory. They did not look like making it a fifth in the opening 25 minutes of the match, the home side without a single shot on goal.
That changed immediately after a scheduled drinks break when Roar midfielder Keegan Jelacic, against his old club, hit the crossbar with a thunderous shot from five metres outside the box.
Brisbane were wasteful in midfield and generally sloppy in the heat. Perth had four shots at goal in the first half and two on-target, but both were easily snaffled by goalkeeper Macklin Freke.
The Roar's Adam Zimarino had a gilt-edged chance in the 52nd minute after a back heel from Florin Berenguer but sprayed his shot in front of an open goal.Â
It was Williams who stepped up to deliver for his team with a volley at the far post from a floating Josh Risdon cross.
Brisbane lost defender Ben Worland late in the first half to a right knee injury in a non-contact situation, with early fears that he had ruptured an ACL. He was replaced by Hosine Bility, on loan from second division Portuguese club Mafra.
The Glory's previous win was a 3-2 home victory over the Roar in February.
