He has seen it every week on the training paddock. And he has seen it in patches throughout their games.

When they're at their best, the Wolves have shown they can challenge the top teams in the competition. They haven't, however, played at their best for long enough to get results.

Read more: Rosellas geared up for tough Illawarra Premier League assignment on Sunday

With his side playing Sydney FC on Sunday night, Wilkshire is confident this is the week his side produces a 90-minutes performance.

"There's no denying it, it's been frustrating," Wilkshire said. "How we're performing at training hasn't translated. If the competition was based on second-half performances, we'd be sitting on top. But it's not, games go for 95 minutes, not just the 45 in the second half, it's important we get that right.

"Our second half performances have shown the ability of this squad, turning that into a 95-minutes performance is crucial. We'll try to change a couple of things this week, see if we can rectify the problem."

The clash with Sydney FC comes in the midst of the NPL transfer window, Van Elia and Hamish Lamberton departing the club this week.

Wilkshire remains open to signing replacements, however he is also eager to provide experience for Wollongong's junior talent.

"I'm on the lookout, but I won't bring someone in just for the sake of it. If it will benefit us going forward, I'll entertain it, but this is an opportunity for the young, talented players coming through. They're knocking on the door, taking their opportunity and impressing."

The match comes as the Wolves unveiled Neil Mann as their new football programs manager.

Currently the club's junior technical director, the Englishman will join Wolves on a full-time basis, with a focus on developing emerging talent and building the team's profile within the Illawarra.

"I am privileged to be involved with this exciting new chapter in the development of Wollongong Wolves Football Club and look forward to working with the wider football community across the Illawarra," Mann said.

"The Illawarra has a great history of developing footballers, both male and female and our aim is to value add to the great work that already occurs in the area and continue with the development of local players to assist them in realising their potential.

"Having been involved in Youth Development for 20 years I have been fortunate to have worked with players who have made it all the way to the Premier League. However, it is important for to me to develop both the person and the player and I am equally as pleased for the players who perhaps have not quite made it as a professional but have been a success in other aspects of their lives."

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