Berkrey returns to Wagga City Wanderers after Cootamundra hiatus

And while sleepy Cootamundra couldn't be more different to the spectacular scenery of Spain and Croatia, he's looking forward to a first full campaign in years with Wagga City Wanderers.

The 27-year-old midfielder was set to play Pascoe Cup with Cootamundra Strikers before the COVID-19 situation forced them to withdraw from first grade.

Berkrey hasn't played a full season since the Wanderers' maiden campaign in 2015, and is keen to put more focus into the game.

"I spend most of my time in Spain and Croatia. Little old Cootamundra, it's a different world at the moment and I guess I'm back to the simple life," he said.

"The last full season I played was with the Wanderers in 2015. It will be good to get back to it, even though it is only half a season.

"I'd done pre-season with the Strikers and committed to them. But once things started to open back up,there was quite a few players not able to play anymore."

Berkrey feels his experience will be a handy foil for the likes of young midfielders Luke Stevens and Anotidaishe Matowe in their first season in seniors.

"Most of my time at Wanderers has been mostly centre back, but I definitely prefer midfield," he said.

"Hopefully having a steady head in there, and using my experience to communicate and keep things calm, goes a long way with a bit of youth and energy in the middle as well."

Berkrey applauded the club's philosophy in bringing through the young talent into the senior ranks, instead of looking for outside recruits.

"The first year there was definitely going to be a few teething issues and I think there was, just with how the club went about getting players," he said.

"But they're definitely on the right track now, trying to look locally rather than getting overseas players. Getting the better players from here is a far better model for the club to go with.

"When the club first started it was just first grade and twenties, but now having the juniors hopefully that's their progression (to play for Wanderers seniors) instead of going into the local clubs.

"Hopefully when they're older the mindset will be a little bit different."

With just nine rounds to be played before finals in the National Premier League ACT Two, Berkrey said some good fortune with injuries will be critical.

"Injuries will play a big part in such a short season. If you miss key players for two or three weeks that's a big chunk," he said.

"The team is pretty young too so I don't think fitness will be an issue."

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