The Wollongong Wolves are poised to launch their 2026 NSW National Premier Leagues campaign with a potent mix of seasoned A-League steel and vibrant Brazilian flair, as head coach Luke Wilkshire sets his sights on a return to finals football.
Balanced Squad Targets Finals Redemption
After finishing eighth in the 2025 season and narrowly missing the finals, the Wolves have focused on continuity and strategic recruitment during the off-season. Wilkshire, who returns to the helm after guiding the club through the inaugural Australian Championship, is confident his side can recapture the form that previously earned him Coach of the Year honours.
The Wolves kick off their 2026 campaign away to St George FC at Barton Park on Saturday night, February 7, entering the season as one of the league's most balanced squads.
Key Re-signings Provide Stability
Continuity has been a cornerstone of the Wolves' preparations, with the club retaining a strong core of experienced players. Ace striker Lachlan Scott headlines the list of re-signings, alongside goalkeeper Daniel Solsky, defenders Dylan Ryan and Banri Kanaizumi, and midfielders Flynn Madden, Sebastian Hernandez, Dax Kelly, Marcus Beattie, and Alex Masciovecchio.
This group provides essential stability and familiarity as the Wolves aim to build on their progress from last season.
Strategic Additions Bolster Squad Depth
Beyond retaining key players, the Wolves have made several strategic signings to enhance their squad. Former A-League defender Tate Russell, who joined during the Australian Championship, brings additional steel and leadership to Wilkshire's defensive options.
Among the headline acquisitions is Brazilian attacking talent Felipe D'Agostini, expected to inject flair and firepower into the Wolves' forward line. Fellow Australian Championship recruit Kazuya Yamamura, a Japanese midfielder, will make his NPL Men's NSW debut, adding technical quality and creativity in the middle of the park.
Further strengthening the squad, Wollongong have secured the services of Liam Ball, Noah Mathie, Lucas Trajcevski, Sebastian Duarte, Taj DeMito, Dylan King, and Max Cunial, rounding out a well-balanced group capable of competing at the highest level.
Wilkshire Confident in Squad Mix
"We are looking forward to an exciting year ahead of football," Wilkshire said. "It's gonna be another long year, but it's an exciting group of players, who I expect to play an exciting brand of football that people enjoy watching."
The Wolves have lost reigning NSW NPL player of the year Nicholas Olsen to Sutherland Sharks and Australian Championship recruit Isaac Danzo to Rockdale. Wilkshire acknowledged their absence but expressed strong belief in his new recruits and the overall squad.
"I've got a strong belief in the squad that we've got and what they're capable of. I'm not too worried about the opposition, we've got to control what we control, which is us being at our best," he emphasised.
Wilkshire highlighted the blend of experience and youth, noting, "I'm happy with the mix of experience of the leaders, in Lachlan Scott, Dylan Ryan, Banri [Kanaizumi], Kazu [Yamamura], to really help, also with the growth and development of some of these young talented local players that are coming through."
He also praised D'Agostini's integration, stating, "Our Brazilian [Felipe D'Agostini] has also fitted in well. He's hit the ground running in the trials, which is great. I'm sure he's gonna be a huge asset for us going through the season."
Entertaining Football a Priority
Reflecting on the Australian Championship, Wilkshire said, "I felt that we made some good strides forward. The plan now going into this year is to continue to make those strides forward and turn them into results and trophies ultimately."
Entertainment remains a key focus for the Wolves. "We want to be entertaining," Wilkshire asserted. "I always say football's a source of entertainment. The players need to enjoy playing the style of football that we want to play, and people need to want to come and watch it."
He added, "I think we showed that in our last game. I think everyone who was there that last game definitely went home entertained. We want to continue playing entertaining football. We want to score goals, we want to create, we want to dominate with the ball, we want to be aggressive."
Ultimately, Wilkshire aims for a lasting impression: "Results aside, that people, after watching the Wolves play, turn around and go, I want to come back and watch them again."
Wollongong Wolves 2026 Squad
The full squad for the 2026 season includes: Daniel Solsky, Dylan Ryan, Banri Kanaizumi, James Anagnostopoulos, Felipe D'Agostini, Liam Ball, Flynn Madden, Sebastian Hernandez, Tate Russell, Noah Mathie, Dax Kelly, Lucas Trajcevski, Marcus Beattie, Kazuya Yamamura, Max Cunial, Sebastian Duarte, Lachlan Scott, Alex Masciovecchio, Taj DeMito, and Dylan King.
