In the opening round of the A-League on Friday night in Perth, Fury looked set to crumble against Robbie Fowler’s Glory after conceding a goal inside the first five minutes.

With a crowd of more than 16,000 roaring on the home side, it looked very much like Franz Straka’s young side would be lambs to the slaughter.

But Fury refused to buckle and did what few expected by drawing level though Chris Payne. Fury later stunned the nib Stadium when Williams adeptly volleyed home for a 2-1 lead.

After subsequently conceding twice North Queensland again refused to buckle scrambling a 3-3 draw thanks to a powerful Chris Grossman header in the final minute of time added on.

The result and the manner of the comeback confirmed Williams’ theory that Fury v2.0 was made of sterner stuff than last season’s version– and they might just get better as the season progresses thanks to the squad they’ve built and the unity of purpose Straka has engendered in Townsville.

“It’s been excellent, the team’s coming together well,” Williams told au.fourfourtwo.com. "It’s been a tough lead in but it’s been exciting.

"We’ve got our 20-man squad and hopefully there may be few more coming later on in the season.

One of the new Fury players signed was towering Togolese defender Eric Akoto. The 30-year-old was outstanding against Glory in both a defensive sense and at set pieces. Williams see him as key going forward.

He added: “He’s looked great. And with our new striker Eugene Seppuya coming in, it’s been excellent.”

Seppuya didn't travel to Perth but the Ugandan is tipped to push for a spot this weekend when Fury face Sydney FC in Townsville in their first home game of the campaign.

“We started with a nucleus from last season and slowly built on that," said Williams." Everyone gets on very well with great team unity.

"I’m proud and privileged to be a part of such a tight-knit group.”