After winning the pre-season Fraternity Cup in 2016, United’s season came off the rails, with ongoing issues over their points deduction in the IPL season. That cost Oliver Vrtkovski’s side a Finals berth last term, with United ending mid-table and conceding points in matches where they may have won if Finals football had been within their reach.

United have started the 2017 season just as well as they did in 2016, reaching the Fraternity Cup Final. So, it feels like a clean slate for Vrtkovski’s side, which should now be able to move forward and let results on the field count.

Players to watch

In Ben Brooks, United have a fantastic weapon for set-pieces. His height makes him a threat to any defence, and he ended 2016 as United’s top scorer, even though he plays at full back.

Vrtkovski will be looking for the same hunger in front of goal from his forwards this year. Matt Floro, Karouna Michael and new signing Joel Craig would all hope to be among the goals this season, and it will be interesting to see whether Bradley Acev can convert his goalscoring touch from Youth Grade up to First Grade in 2017.

Daisuke Yuzawa is back with United as is Brendan Reilly who is always a fearsome presence in the back four. Another returnee after a four year absence is Milan Zoric, who comes to United from NPL2 outfit Bankstown Berries. Watch out also for Mikal Awad, who shone for Cringila Lions last season and looks to do the same in a United shirt. And there are more new signings with NPL experience in Shayne Ardle and Shivan Swamy.

Season expectation

Wollongong United are my tip to take the IPL title in 2017. Until the points deduction in 2016, Vrtkovski had put together a side that had a habit of winning the IPL silverware. His teams tend to work as a unit, without any one star player standing out, and I believe this unit will be hungry for success after the disappointments of last season. They are certain to at least make a Finals berth by October, and on the day, they are capable of beating anyone.