ILLAWARRA PREMIER LEAGUE
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There are no competition points at stake and they've never played together, but the Illawarra Premier League All-Stars want to upstage South Coast Wolves in tomorrow's inaugural clash at Crehan Park.
Championship-winning Port Kembla coach Stuart Beedie has selected a side from nine IPL clubs.
Despite just one training session, last night the All-Stars are taking the game seriously.
"Absolutely. We want to put on a good show and showcase what the Premier League is about," Beedie said.
"We're keen to play well and get a result and if we can knock over the Wolves that'd be great."
Beedie will have a simple game plan tomorrow night.
"My back four is made up of players from four clubs, so we won't be over-complicating things," he said.
"Obviously we need to keep things tight but everyone in the squad has individual talent and I'll be encouraging them to go out there and show what they can do.
"In terms of team structure we'll keep it basic but defensively we need to be strong against a side playing at a higher level."
Without the pressure of competition points at stake, Beedie is expecting an open game.
"There should be goals with both teams having attacking threats," he said.
"We'll be doing our best to play an attacking, open style which is what this game is about.
"It's a good concept and if we get a positive response from the supporters ... the powers-that-be can consider making it an annual fixture."
Beedie nominated his Port Kembla captain and All-Stars skipper Daniel Aliffi as a key player.
"Daniel played in the old National League a few years ago and knows what to expect, so his experience will be important," he said.
"But all the players picked are among the best in our competition and there's a bit of pride at stake for us in showcasing the quality of the Premier League."
Meantime, the Wolves are well into their preparations after three preseason Cup games and a 1-1 draw against Marconi.
The Wolves start the season against Blacktown City on Sunday, March 16, at WIN Stadium.
The All-Stars game starts at 7.45pm at Crehan Park.