NEW Wagga City Wanderers co-captain Carl Pideski is confident the club's increased focus on bringing local talent through the system will pay off.
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Pideski will wear the captaincy armband alongside incumbent leader and goalkeeper Rob Fry after returning to the National Premier League Two ACT outfit this season.
The striker will be 37 by the time the season starts, making him the oldest player to lace up the boots for the Wanderers heading into their sixth year.
"I think Babs (Michael Babic, coach) wanted to change it up a bit. Maybe I can execute a tackle or score a goal to get the boys going on the field.
"It's not to say Rob can't do that from the back, but I think it's something Babs wants. I didn't expect it, but I've been in the game long enough and can pass a few things on to the boys.
"I'm a man of few words and don't want to dribble on too much. Most of the boys know what to do, I'm just here to give a bit of guidance here or there."
Pideski has had stints as Wanderers skipper in the past and said he's looking forward to guiding the club's younger talent.
The likes of Luke Stevens and Ano Matowe are expected to play key roles in the top grade this year after impressing in the younger divisions last season.
"In 2015 when we first started we brought in a lot of the imports, which I suppose had to happen initially, but it wasn't good for the club," he said.
"Now it's mostly local players that you want to give a chance to develop, and everyone gets on really well.
"I've been impressed with him (Stevens), he's got some pretty silky skills and has a lot of talent. He's just got to back himself and he'll do really well."
The Wanderers made a late charge toward the finals, but fell short of qualifying for the first time in their history.
Babic has set a goal of a top two finish in his first season in charge, a challenge which isn't unrealistic should the newcomers in the squad adjust quickly.
Pideski said his partnership up front with fellow recruit Tyler Allen is flourishing well, with former Wagga United striker Allen in strong goal-scoring form through the pre-season thus far.
"We've got a good combination and I'm really enjoying playing up front with Tyler," he said.
"He's banged in a few over the trial games so hopefully he can keep it going during the regular season and help us pick up points.
"He looks like he's enjoying himself and hopefully he can stay in that goal scoring form."
Meanwhile, the Wanderers will take on Woden Valley on the road in round three of FFA Cup qualifying after the draw was held earlier this week.
Should they secure a win, they will again play away in round four against another Canberra outfit Woden-Weston.
The Wanderers men begin their regular season at Narrabundah on ANZAC Day, while the women travel to Gungahlin United for their round one clash on Sunday, April 5.
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