He may have topped the NSW National Premier Leagues goal scoring tally and won the competition's player of the year award in 2019, but Wollongong Wolves striker Thomas James has a message for his rivals.
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Expect an even better version this season.
"I want to improve my goal scoring," James said.
"Even though I was top goal scorer last year, I want to improve my scoring. Goals win you games."
The English star was at the forefront of the Wolves turnaround last year, James scoring 22 goals in 24 matches.
James' attacking presence helped the side dominate their rivals throughout the season, Wollongong losing just three matches on the way to the NPL premiership.
With 11 other clubs eager to knock the Wolves off their perch, coach Luke Wilkshire said James, and all within the squad, must improve their games this season.
"We've spoken as a club," Wilkshire said. "If we want to be better, we need to look to improve. Thomas had a fantastic year, but he needs to be better, there's more he can improve on.
"He can get stronger, better in the air, even quicker. He's got a fantastic finish on him, but he's someone who hasn't scored many easy goals. I'd like to see him score more easier goals, tap ins, be on the move in the box.
"I've been very impressed with everyone, especially TJ and his attitude and work rate, this pre-season."
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While the team broke a 31-year premiership drought, 2019 was not all positive. Two disappointing finals performances led to a meek exit, Wollongong missing the grand final.
Speaking at a promotion for the Illawarra Codes Combine Golf Day, James said the Wolves will be determined to make amends for that disappointment in 2020.
"The team's coming on really well," James said.
"We're improving all over the park. Individually and as a team, we know where we need to improve and where we need to be better.
"We're definitely stronger and going to be a lot better than last year and I can't see us being beaten."
While the Wolves pre-season commenced with Saturday's Football for Firies clash, it will kick up a gear when the side travels to Newcastle to take on Hamilton Olympic on Saturday.
Matches in Wollongong against Manly, Belconnen and Bonnyrig will follow in February, with the team looking to build toward's a round one clash with Sydney Olympic on Sunday March 1.
A hamstring injury to Hamish Lamberton was the only blemish to come from a successful evening last Saturday, the new recruit expected to be sidelined for the next four weeks.
With round one looming, James said it's crucial the Wolves improve with each trial they play.
"Pre-season is all about getting minutes in the legs, hopefully I get 45 minutes in. It will be in the heat, so it will be a very hard game.
"We need to build and be ready for round one.
"Everyone wants to beat the best in the league and we're the best in the league, so everyone's going to try and come for us."
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