WAGGA City Wanderers co-captain Robert Fry says the team will embrace the pressure of needing a fast start after being allocated three straight home games to start their season.
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The Wanderers will host National Premier League ACT Two defending champions ANU on Saturday, July 18, before welcoming Weston Molonglo and Brindabella to Gissing Oval the following two weeks.
The competition will be contested by nine teams, with everybody playing each other once before finals.
Wagga City has the bye in round four, meaning they won't leave town for the entire first month of the competition.
While it does put the onus on the new-look team to start strongly, Fry said it's an ideal chance to bank points early before an arduous road schedule in the back half of the season.
"It was a bit of surprise (to get three straight home games) but I think it's a really good draw," he said.
"Having those three home games to start with, it hopefully helps us get off to a good start."
Fry said they have no fear playing ANU straight out of the blocks after showing they're more than competitive against the best teams last year, before falling just short of a maiden finals appearance.
"I'm really happy to get ANU first up at home. We beat them last year at home, so it will be interesting to see how strong they are this year," he said.
"Training's been excellent, the numbers have been really good and the commitment and keenness from all the boys is really good, especially considering the last couple of months.
"I've been really impressed with how all the boys have come together, it's inspiring.
"I don't expect there to be any easy games, it's a strong comp and we can't wait."
The Wanderers will travel to Griffith in the penultimate round to take on league newcomers Yoogali SC.
Fry also welcome the competition for the goalkeeping spot after the return of Liam Dedini.
"He's been running goalkeeping sessions on a Thursday with the younger lads, it's a real benefit to the club to have him back in the system again."
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