Perth Glory will end 2019 in third place in the A-League after a 3-0 victory away to Central Coast Mariners on Tuesday.
Diego Castro was the inspiration, scoring once and assisting another, as Tony Popovic's side coped better with the difficult conditions to claim a fourth win in a row.
The Mariners hit the post inside the first minute through Daniel De Silva, but chances were scarce in a first half affected by strong winds and concerns over air quality as a result of the New South Wales bush fires.
Castro broke the deadlock in first-half injury time, though, rifling a half-volley through a crowded box and into the bottom-left corner from 18 yards out.
Perth struck again three minutes after the restart when Joel Chianese headed in James Meredith's cross, and it was 3-0 just past the hour mark, Castro teeing up Bruno Fornaroli for a simple finish after a costly stumble from Ziggy Gordon.
Perth will finish the year 10 points behind leaders Sydney FC, although the loss of Gregory Wuthrich to an apparent knee injury will be a concern.
Central Coast are a point off the bottom in ninth place.
