FOOTBALL

It's now full steam ahead to the FFA Cup for the South Coast Wolves.

With the club championship now safe and sound, the boys can fully focus on the biggest match for the club in recent years against Central Coast Mariners.

Unlike last year's final day escape - coincidentally against the Mariners' Academy side - South Coast have the luxury of going into the final day without worry and have the chance to rest players with niggling injuries heading into the big game.

Central Coast are sure to be taking the game seriously as the A-League season draws closer, and for many Wolves players it should be no different.

The match is another opportunity for many of the Wolves' young players to put their best foot forward in front of the Mariners' coaching staff.

Talented Wolves youngsters Zac MacKenzie and James Baldacchino have spent time trialling on the Central Coast in recent weeks, but there will be no better time to advertise their ability than in a match setting.

Competing against seasoned footballers always provides the best barometer to a player's development, particularly on such a big stage.

And it isn't just those two who should be concerned with impressing the Mariners' scouts.

Just a month earlier, three more Wolves were given trials with Sydney FC's youth grade squad.

Ben Zucco, Jordan Murray and Darcy Madden were all given some valuable experience on life at the next level during their time at the Sky Blues and have another chance to impress an A-League club.

For Zucco and Murray, it continues a dramatic rise from the Illawarra Premier League to a potential A-League youth contract.

Like former Dapto Dandaloo and Wolves striker Josh Bingham (now Central Coast) before them, it shows there are huge incentives on offer if playersmake the step up to the National Premier League level.

It's a credit to Wolves under-20s coach Jasper Spencer for helping lure players of their quality to the club and guiding their development towards the top-grade.