The Sunshine Coast Wanderers were desperate to avoid relegation during their maiden state league campaign but are hoping for much more in their second season.
The Buderim-based outfit has returned to the National Premier Leagues Queensland, after finishing in 9th place of 13 teams last year, just avoiding the drop.
It took them seven games to register a point and 13 matches to win a game, but they finished 2020 with a flourish to claim 17 points from their last nine outings.
They won their 2021 season opener in style last month, crushing Capalaba 6-3 at Ballinger Park.
Arnison said their objectives were different this year.
“Last season was all about survival,” he said.
“But we want to build on it in our second season.”
“We’ve gone from a team with young players to a team with NPL experience who have experienced trials and tribulations and I think that’s made us stronger as a group.”
“We want to finish higher than what we finished last year.
“It’s going to be tough because there’s some good teams and three teams will be relegated (but) … we want to win games of football. We’re trying to win as many games as we can.”
The Wanderers have benefited from a solid pre-season, some astute signings and the experience of last year.
“Fitness is good and the boys are jelling as a unit,” Arnison said.
“And we’ve brought in some experienced players.
“But I think mainly we’ve learned from last year, myself and the players.”
He said they have plenty of work to do during this season, which includes 14 teams and 26 rounds.
A heavy 4-0 loss to Brisbane Roar Youth in Round 2 is evidence of the competition, but they bounced back with a 3-1 win over Redlands in Round 3.
“It’s all about consistency. You can’t have one good game and then go missing the next two weeks,” Arnison said.
“That (consistency) is what we didn’t have last year and I’m trying to drill it into the players.
“Football can come back and bite you, so we’ve got to focus.”
Harry Arnison, Oliver Duncan and Andre Jancevski have looked good in the midfield early in the season while ex-Caloundra striker Ethan Galbraith has offered a formidable presence.
He was made vice-captain to support captain Chris Jancevski.
Galbraith came off the bench after 56 minutes during their season opener and the team scored five goals during the next 34 minutes.
“He’s a big lad who holds the ball well,” the coach said.
Arnison said the team consisted of mostly local players.
“Our budget’s not the best but the players play because they want to play, they’re not there for the money.”
“They want to play football and most of the boys are from the Sunshine Coast and want to play for their own side.”
