Wollongong Wolves confident as National Premier Leagues final nears

In what has been described as the biggest game of their lives for a number of the Wolves players, Wollongong will take on Lions FC in the National Premier Leagues final at Albert Butler Park.

For Wolves coach Luke Wilkshire, everyone within the squad is laser focused on toppling the Queensland premiers and lifting the trophy on Saturday afternoon.

"The opportunity to be crowned national champions is not something that comes around every day," Wilkshire said.

"It's a massive game, a final, if you can't get up for this game, you shouldn't be playing. It's been a long year, the boys have worked hard to get in this position, now we have one more game to win."

The Wolves journey to the national final has not been an easy one.

Runaway NSW NPL premiers, Wollongong were stunned in the semi-finals.

Two straight losses to APIA Leichhardt and Sydney United 58 saw the Wolves bundled out of the competition, hopes of a premiership-championship double evaporating in the blink of an eye.

The temptation to switch off after such a draining season could have been high, but the Wolves were determined not to let their season finish on such a low note.

Read more: Penitani hoping to cap stellar year with NRLW premiership

After a brief break to mentally and physically refresh, Wilkshire's side reassembled with one goal in mind.

Win a national title.

For Wilkshire, the pain of the semi-finals defeat will spur the Wolves on throughout Saturday's clash.

"It was very disappointing and that disappointment is still very raw.

"When you lose you learn. Throughout life and football you come across challenges and different moments. It's not those moments that define you, it's how you react and go on from those moments.

"There is a lot of resilience within this squad. It's a squad of winners and we have a hunger and desire to win.

"We are fortunate to have these nationals to play in and a chance to finish the season with a victory. It's something we're desperate for and the boys deserve it."

Wollongong have steadily built throughout their first two national fixtures. A rusty 5-1 win over Canberra Olympic a fortnight ago was followed by a much-improved 2-0 victory over Perth SC last Sunday.

Wilkshire recognises the Lions pose a fresh challenge, but he's confident his side will prevail if they perform at their best.

"The first game against Canberra we started slow, last week we started much better, which set the tone for the match. We could've kept the ball a little bit better, but overall the performance was good.

"I've seen enough of the Lions to get an idea. But for us, we need to focus on ourselves.

"We need to be at our best, we need to perform and we need to be ruthless. In these games it's about the defining moments, so we've got to make sure they count."

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