After nearly two decades of false starts, dysfunction and resurrections, the Wollongong Wolves are determined to get things right throughout the coming years.
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It's a statement we've heard before, but this time seems different.
This time, the Wolves have an international football star and passionate Illawarra product leading the charge.
That man is Luke Wilkshire.
Such is the high regard the former Socceroo is held, he has been voted the Illawarra Mercury Sportsperson of the Year People's Choice winner.
Wilkshire led the Wolves to a drought-breaking NSW National Premier Leagues premiership and National NPL title in just his first year of coaching this season and he's determined to ensure the club continues to reach new heights both on and off the field in the coming years.
"We're not going to stand still and accept being in NPL1," Wilkshire said. "If that's the ambition of the club, to just be sustainable in NPL1, that wouldn't excite me and I wouldn't be up for the challenge.
"I took on this job to promote football in the region and to help create more opportunities for our young talent. They have shown the ability they have, with the Wolves last year and also the UOW boys, we just need to create a new environment.
"We won't be resting on our laurels in 2020, we have bigger goals to achieve. We want to build and improve this club. We want to improve the position of the club off the field, improve the financial stability. We also want to develop young players in our academy system and to win every game we play."
While it's Wilkshire leading the public push, he has been supported by a small group of dedicated, hard-working staff.
Director Chris Sheppard, primary backer Tory Lavalle and Susan Gatt have all carried out crucial behind the scenes work to ensure the club is on firm footing off the field.
For Wilkshire, winning the People's Choice award is a reflection of what all at the club have achieved this year.
"Nothing could have been achieved individually. I'm the coach, I'm working to get my group of players to buy into what we want to do.
"I'm proud of this award and it reflects the club as a whole, my squad and all the people behind the scenes at the Wolves, and my wife and all the sacrifices she has endured over the year."
Wilkshire also takes the award as a sign the region is behind the Wolves and he urged residents to continue to demand a presence in a national competition.
"We want the region to embrace football and the best way to do that is to create a successful team and club. We're building around good people with the right ambitions for the region, for the players of the region and the people of the region.
"We have felt the support of the Illawarra throughout the year, this award reflects that. It's something I've called upon, we wanted to bring that spark in football in the region back. We've ignited that, now we need to get that flame burning."
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Cameron Mee
Sports reporter at the Canberra Times
Sports reporter at the Canberra Times
