So what has brought about the renewed hope of A-League expansion for the Wollongong Wolves this week?
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What's changed?
In truth, not much.
Australian Professional Leagues chairman and Sydney FC boss Danny Townsend set tongues wagging and the Twittersphere ablaze, by declaring the aim of getting to 14 or 16 teams and "wouldn't rule out" moving on it as early as next season.
"There will be a strategic review on our process of expansion conducted over the next six months with a view to actioning that strategy once it's complete.
"We need to do work on what the process should be, not what is the process itself, because we don't know that yet."
It prompted the Wolves to add fuel to the fire by retweeting it, saying "Would you like to see us in an expanded (A-League men and A-League women's) competition? Watch this space...."
As often happens on Twitter, people interpreted the statement in different ways.
Some were feverishly believing, or at least hoping, the Wolves were on the verge of some landmark deal, to return to the top table of Australian football for the first time since the National Soccer League collapsed.
The Wolves are in the best position they've ever been in the NSW National Premier League, thanks to owner Tory Lavalle and coach Luke Wilkshire, and remain eternally optimistic about being welcomed in, if and when the door ever opens again.
But the reality is they're mid-pack of the peloton chasing A-League inclusion.
After the significant broadcast investment from Network 10 and Paramount, it is believed more large international corporate backing is to come.
The whispers continue Canberra is the front-runner for expansion, a move which would align the already established women's team with the A-League men's competition.
If Canberra is the 13th team admitted, then the Wolves would then have to reclaim the South Coast as a development territory to be the 14th, 15th or 16th.
Tasmania is a contender, but the APL would have to jump at the opportunity before the AFL ever commits to the arranged marriage they've long flirted with.
The APL know they have to make the right moves whatever happens next.
Take Queensland for example. After the fall of North Queensland Fury and Gold Coast United, there's no room for error.
If they established a derby rival to the Roar and they struggled to be successful, it would stain the code for generations.
Could a second team in New Zealand work?
It was only a couple of years ago some in power under the old Football Federation Australia regime were trying to kick the Phoenix out of the competition.
The Phoenix are based in Wollongong for four games, but despite the New Zealand Government announcing non-citizens are banned under COVID restrictions until at least April 30, the club is still hoping to form a travel bubble to return home to play.
Any excitement about joining a National Second Division is offset by concerns about whether it will end up being a true league to aspire to, or just a glorified knockout competition as the Australian NPL title is now.
The Wolves were among a large group of aspiring clubs to join a video conference with Townsend several weeks ago, where talks were described as productive and positive. With the clubs in charge these days, promotion and relegation is a distant prospect.
Melbourne Victory finished rock bottom last season and the idea of an A-League giant falling through the trap door is not palatable.
All the Wolves can do is wait, plan and hope.
In the meantime, they can make a ruthless statement by beating the Central Coast Mariners, who took the place the Wolves were offered when the A-League was established, in the FFA Cup on Wednesday night.
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