Returning Josh Macdonald says the Wolves are "full of confidence" heading into Saturday's FFA Cup showdown with Mount Druitt.
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The Wolves will travel to Popondetta Park to meet their NSW NPL rivals in a Cup round-of-32 clash.
It will be Luke Wilkshire's side's second game since NSW community sport was given the green light again. The Wolves put up a strong showing against Sydney FC in a friendly last weekend, eventually falling 2-0.
Macdonald was given managed game time on his Wolves return, but liked what he saw from his teammates.
"I'm coming from a hamstring injury, so I only played 30 minutes, but seeing all the locals out and about watching us again was good and hopefully they keep coming all season," he said.
"It was obviously unreal to play against Sydney FC as well. They're deep into pre-season and we've only just started, and to go down 2-0 and probably have the better chances in the game was very positive. We only took positives out of it and it's only up from here for us.
"The result wasn't really the focus. Obviously you want to win every single game, but it wasn't really our main focus. It was just to see where we're at playing against the best side in Australia."
In a unique twist, the game will mark the second time Macdonald has faced Mount Druitt in a FFA Cup fixture this year.
Macdonald represented South Coast club Wollongong Olympic in 2021, losing 2-1 to the Rangers in a sixth-round Cup tie in May.
"Obviously it will be a little bit different this time because we'll be playing a same-level team, but we gave them a really good run with Olympic," he said.
"Mount Druitt are a very direct team, they like hitting their wingers and then coming inside. They're physical, so I think it's going to be one of those games where you weather the storm, get on top of them by playing football and then hopefully our skill level is a little higher, and we take over and win the game.
"I think we can win and move on to the next round, and hopefully get to face an A-League side in front of a big crowd down here in Wollongong, and show everyone why Wollongong should be back in the A-League."
The Wolves announced Macdonald's return in September, after the 25-year-old spent three years away playing at the Central Coast Mariners, Sydney United 58 and Wollongong Olympic.
"It's going well. Luke is looking after me really well, trying to get me back into the best shape I possibly can be in," Macdonald said.
"The squad is looking strong, so I think we're going to give the NPL a real shake-up this year."
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