Most footballers would dread returning to pre-season training in October, but the Wolves are relishing the opportunity in 2021.
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The carrot of an upcoming FFA Cup round of 32 fixture with NSW NPL rivals Mount Druitt has Luke Wilkshire's men hungry for success, led by veteran Brendan Griffin.
The midfielder is one of the longest-serving Wolves after re-committing to the club in September. It will be his seventh season in the red and white, over two stints, highlighted by being crowned National Premier Leagues champions in 2019.
"That was the best feeling in the world. We just want to get that feeling again, and we'll do whatever we can to make it happen," Griffin said.
"It's easy to just talk about it, but we've got to all of the hard work at training and in games beforehand."
There is a similar vibe brewing around Albert Butler Park as the Wolves return to training. It feels like a case of the band getting back together, with Guy Knight and Nick Littler - who played key roles in that NPL victory two years ago - returning to the club after stints with Illawarra Premier League side Bulli.
"We've got a few players back from when we did win the league. They've obviously been away from the club for a year or two doing their own thing for a year or two, and they're back. So hopefully we can put in some better performances than what we did last year," Griffin said.
"We're hoping to do the same (as 2019) and more, maybe get into the FFA Cup final too. That's what we're focusing on at the moment, we want to win everything that's on offer."
Read more: Wolves eye off FFA Cup victory on the road
Another key for the Wolves will be the man holding the clipboard. Luke Wilkshire led that title charge in just his second season as head coach, and remains crucial to their potential success.
Griffin has had some great coaches during his time in Wollongong, including Jacob Timpano and Nahuel Ararte, but he's never had a mentor like the ex-Socceroos defender.
"Since Luke has come, in training wise it's been pretty intense, but it's made a difference on the field. And I don't think Luke would have anyone in the club that's not hungry and didn't have that desire to win everything on offer. That starts with getting back to training and hopefully we can continue that run into next season," Griffin said.
"Going into my seventh season, I'm 30 years old now so I'm at the back end of my career, but I obviously want to stay playing at the highest level I can for as long as I can. As long as I'm still contributing to the team, I'll stick around. I feel really good at the moment and I'm hoping to get a full season under my belt, after the last two seasons have been stop-start with Coronavirus. Hopefully we can finish off a full season and win the league."
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