Following a meeting between club chairmen and Football Federation Australia, the governing body labelled expansion a ‘strategic priority’ if financially sustainable.

“Everyone recognises a new club needs to be successful in its own right, but equally importantly, should be a benefit to the entire game and help grow the pie for everyone,” FFA chief executive David Gallop told AAP.

Wollongong is one of several areas hoping to be included in an expanded competition, with bids in Geelong, Canberra, Adelaide, North Queensland and Southern Sydney also expected to be vying for a spot.

There is a chance Wollongong could be included in a Southern Sydney club. It’s believed FFA and the clubs see expansion as a way to add content, and thus increased value, to the A-League’s new broadcast deal.