Australian football has taken the early steps on the road to a national second division and it's the old National Soccer League teams that are leading the way.
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The Wolves are one of 35 clubs in a working group to establish a blueprint for the competition, alongside the likes of Marconi and Sydney United 58.
While there is still a lot of work to be done, this competition should be set up within the next couple of years.
The National Premier League competitions are technically a second division, but they are state-based leagues, with the sport missing that vital link between the NPL and the A-League.
The national second division will provide that link.
The biggest challenge to be worked out is how to manage the demands and costs associated with national travel.
The involvement of the old NSL clubs is crucial to the success of the competition.
Many of those clubs are currently operating on budgets not far from what would be required of them in a second division.
Additionally, they have experienced football departments that understand what it takes to compete in a national competition.
Finally, they have existing, passionate fans that will support their club from the moment the national second division is established.
