While opponents will be prepared for the threats posed by the likes of Robbie Fowler, Mile Sterjovski and Jason Culina, the Mariners recruits will not be so easy to fathom.

Wilkinson is confident Chris Doig, Michael McGlinchey and Nick Travis have more than enough skill and ability to shine on the A-League stage despite their relative anonymity in Australia .

Asensio's Screamer Vs FC Barcelona
Asensio's Screamer Vs FC Barcelona
In one of Real Madrid's most outstanding performances at the Camp Nou, Los Blancos beat FC Barcelona 3-1 in the Spanish Supercup. Real were leading 2-1 after Cristiano Ronaldo's 80th minute goal, but just before the final whistle, we sealed the win with this beautiful Marco Asensio strike.
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"They're not household names like a Jason Culina or a Chris Coyne but then that might make them more of a surprise for the opposition," Wilkinson told au.fourfourtwo.com.

"Michael, Nick and Chris are all decent players with a good pedigree from good clubs. They've all settled into the team really well."

Lawrie McKinna's men are outsiders for success this year but the club has become used to that and Wilkinson doesn't care what others think of their prospects.

"We are used to flying under the radar. We are happy to be that sort of team who just go about their own business," he said.

"The media and the selectors tend to not put us as among the favourites and we have proved them wrong in the past. Hopefully we can do so again.

"But maybe it does spur you on a little bit more to do better."

As for tonight's clash against Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium, Wilkinson is relishing the challenge of trying to down the champions.

He added: "Every team wants to get off to a good start. It will be a big test and give us a good gauge of where we're at."