Wollongong Olympic FC

Olympic just missed out on a Finals berth in 2015, though it wasn’t until the final whistle on the last day of the final round of matches that they knew for sure they’d have to make do with sixth slot. Losing one of their top strikers in Swede Nicholas Schon, and their set-piece goal-scoring centre back Justin Potter might make the casual observer think this is a team that will languish in mid-table in 2016. But head coach Rob Birkin has made some significant signings over the summer, which could just push his Olympic side into the top five come September.

Consistency was again the issue for Olympic, with stunning wins at times (including a thrashing of eventual Grand Final winners Wollongong United) and shocking defeats, even at home, to sides struggling in the bottom four. Judging by their pre-season performances, Olympic could be the surprise package this year and may just sneak into the Finals – but consistency is the key.

Players to watch

Key signing for head coach Rob Birkin is surely the IPL’s second top scorer in 2015, Wandi Jajaw. This guy is lethal in front of goal given half a chance, and he showed that 18 times in Tarrawanna’s colours last term. Jack Keating is a canny signing from Cringila and it will be interesting to watch Japanese imports Ja Kon Yu, who could barely get a game for the Fury last season, but looked sharp in Olympic’s pre-season, and Yusuke Ueda, who looked very dangerous in Olympic’s sky blue.

Season expectation

I think I’d better go and watch Olympic more often because each time I see them, they turn on the style and seem to win with ease against tough opposition. But then they can go out and lose the week after to moderate opponents. The passion Birkin instils in his sides, and the goal-hungry nature of new signing Jajaw makes me want to predict a fifth spot and Finals place for Olympic this season. I may change my mind in a couple of weeks, though!

By Simon Duffin