Another A-League Men season begins for the Western Sydney Wanderers on Sunday with fresh hope and optimism the sleeping giants might finally awake from their slumber.
The Wanderers begin their new campaign at home to Perth Glory on Sunday as they aim to return to finals for the first time since Tony Popovic's departure in 2017.
Head coach Marko Rudan, who arrived midway through last year after the sacking of Carl Robinson, has set about revamping the Wanderers squad in the hope that drought can end.
The Wanderers have been aggressive in the transfer market but there is a sense Rudan's knowledge of the competition might prove a point of difference.
His capture of Milos Ninkovic from Sydney FC grabs the headlines but forms part of a strategy that relies on players with ALM experience.
Former Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas is among them after a spell in Denmark along with former Central Coast captain Oliver Bozanic.
Midfielder Brandon Borrello also returns to Australia after five years in Germany.
"As soon as the boss called me, I thought it was going to be a perfect fit for me," Borrello said.
"Obviously, the turnover from last year to this year means it's pretty much a brand new team.
"We're a team that obviously want to prove something because we've got the biggest footballing culture out west.
"It's time for us to give back to them.
"There's no beating around the bush - I don't think we worked that hard in the pre-season to have an average year."
Wanderers fans would be forgiven for thinking they have heard all this before, but their overseas recruits also look like handy pick-ups.
Brazilian Marcelo has been made the club's captain and the former Ligue 1 defender is joined by midfielder Romain Amalfitano and winger Yeni Ngbakoto in making the move to Sydney from France.
"We have a great mix of youth and experience," said Rudan.
"It's important for young players to have good role models like Marcelo and Ninkovic.
"The dynamic and togetherness in the group is outstanding.
"They have to understand the expectation of this football club and carry that onto the pitch."
