To see the latest training session...

Bolton, Steve Corica and Terry McFlynn are the only three survivors from Sydney's inaugural title winning side as the club prepares for its 100th A-League match when it faces Central Coast Mariners on Monday.

The 34-year-old glovesman, who had a heated discussion with McFlynn at training on Wednesday, believes it's now a very different competition to the one that kicked-off against Melbourne Victory in August 2005.

"I think the teams have gotten stronger in general," Bolton said. "You can see this year it's a very strong league across the board.

"The expansion with the two extra teams (North Queensland Fury and Gold Coast United) has been a good thing. It's a sign of the league getting bigger and bigger.

 "There are a few more foreign players. They bring their own individual flavour to the league.  It's (also) become a young man's game in a way. 

"There are a lot of young players out there now getting their chance at the top level in Australia."

While the changes have been many, both in club and competition, the experienced keeper believes at least one thing has remained constant through so many changes: Sydney 's desire to win.

"We've always been a hardworking side that spends a lot of hours out on the pitch," he said.  "That's always been our trademark really, despite the old tag 'Bling FC'.

"As players we never bought into that.  It doesn't matter which coach has come or gone, that's one thing that's been consistent for us - hard work."

Another constant for Sydney since season one has been their rivalry with Central Coast Mariners. Another chapter will be added to that history on Monday afternoon at the SFS.

Bolton added: "We've had a good rivalry with Central Coast from day one. We know we're in for a fight against them every time and we've had some great battles with them over the years.

"They're the type of team that doesn't give up, and I expect the same thing on Monday."

The game kicks off at  3pm on Monday (October 5) at Sydney Football Stadium, following the Westfield W-League curtain-raiser.

To see the latest training session...