Papakosmas said the two-time NSL champions come “readymade” for the A-League with “three generations of fans, history, colours and close to one of the best home grounds in the league (WIN Stadium).”

It also has a readymade A-League rivalry. The 2000 Grand Final marked one of the greatest comebacks in Australian football when Wolves clawed back a 3-0 deficit to win the decider over Perth Glory in a penalty shootout.

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“Once the Wolves are included in the national competition think about the readymade derbies that will flow from that – they’re not manufactured,” Papakosmas said.

“Newcastle Jets v Wollongong – that’s the battle of the steel cities. Mariners v Wolves is the battle of the coasts…You’ve got Sydney FC v Wolves…

“But what we have to offer to the A-League is the most genuine and passionate east coast, west coast rivalry between the Wollongong Wolves and Perth Glory. You’re not going to get a genuine rivalry, pitting both sides of the country, as strong and as historical and passionate as Wolves v Perth.”

It all comes down to culture and Papakosmas said clubs can’t manufacture that or build it overnight.

“We already have a brand and a logo that in many regards is more recognisable than a lot of A-League clubs” he added.

“And we have the greatest half-time entertainment in Australian sport – chase the wolf (mascot). Now there’s no better sight than seeing hundreds of kids lined right across WIN Stadium waiting for the buzzer to go so they can all chase the wolf try and grab his tail and get the prize.”

It may seem a small point but Papakosmas is adamant it all adds up to a winning bid.

“A lot of people have come out with outrageous statements trying to get arguments in the media – he said, she said, we’re bigger and better than you,” he said.

“We’ve gone about our business confidently, quietly and very very carefully to ensure what we put forward is not hype and bluff. What we put forward is substance.

“We have some very passionate local business owners and organisations right behind our bid... and quite a few announcements still to come but they are planned and strategic.

“We are very confident that not only will we be part of the A-League expansion in this submission we’ll be the first team selected.”

FFA is expected to announce two new clubs for the A-League season 2019/20 in October.