That set the scene for a drab evening, although it proved surprisingly eventful. Beginning with a fearsome pre-match hail-storm, one that delayed kick-off for half-an-hour, the affair would see goals, red cards, players on debut and a huge chunk of home fans walking out. More on that later.

Perth would emerge with the win - though not any points, one could surmise - by virtue of strikes in either half from their top goal poachers, Jamie Maclaren and then Andy Keogh, who took their season tallies to nine and 12 goals respectively.

Wanderers coach Tony Popovic used the rare opportunity to promote four of his youth team players to starting roles: Jonathan Aspropotamitis, Steve Kuzmanovski, Shayne D'Cunha and Liam Youlley. While the ever-impressive Aspropotamitis and Kuzmanovski have become semi-regulars of late, it was a debut start for the other two.

The Indian-born D'Cunha was dropped into right-back, allowing him to face up against the premier left-sided player of his age group, Danny De Silva. For context, this was De Silva's last game before joining Italian giants AS Roma next season.

D'Cunha, so slender that he looked as though he may blow over in a stiff breeze, sliced one ball off his boot into the stands inside 90 seconds. Yet the defender made some nice challenges soon after, even effecting one clearance when it seemed Perth were destined to bundle the ball over the line.

But the Glory would not be denied for long. Rostyn Griffiths sensed Maclaren was arcing his run to the right place, which just happened to be a widening gap in the Wanderers' back four. He took a touch forward and then blasted low and across Dean Bouzanis, who failed to get enough glove on the ball.

A strange, eerie silence descended over the venue as the Red and Black Bloc ceased their usual noise while one of their members was ejected from the stadium. After much yelling and finger pointing, they resumed supporting their team.

However, at some point during half-time, they reconsidered their stance and stormed out in solidarity. Pictures began streaming through on social media of a major police cordon outside the venue. Stories emerging indicated the use of pepper spray by the police, with many fans claiming it was an unnecessary response.

Both teams had chances just before the main interval, with Glory-bound full-back Antony Golec impressing his future paymasters with a surging run and low shot that had Danny Vukovic stretching for his near post. At the other end, Keogh had a free header from an excellent Maclaren cross but he couldn't generate enough power.

But the RBB would have heard the roar from inside when, Youlley - the 36th player to be used by the Wanderers this season - managed to poke home an equaliser amid a sea of legs.

The celebrations were short-lived, however. On 66 minutes, Josh Risdon was able to charge forward and draw enough attention that Keogh was able to race into open space, receive the ball and then deftly finish beyond the reach of Bouzanis.

Yet with time on their side, the Wanderers would always have hope of an equaliser. Aiding their cause in the 77th minute was the sight of Denis Kramar throwing an errant arm in the face of Kerem Bulut. The referee didn't miss it, handing the Slovenian his second yellow card.

Time was not enough, however, and the Wanderers would finish the season with their 17th loss - the most number of defeats for any team since North Queensland in 2010-11.