WAGGA City Wanderers recruit Miranda Walker says the team wants to gain as much as possible from their COVID-19 shortened season, but is confident they will improve on their maiden campaign.
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The Wanderers begin their National Premier League Two season under new coach Sam Gray against Canberra Croatia FC at Gissing Oval on Sunday.
Wagga City won just three of 16 campaigns in their first foray into Canberra last year, but their young players now know what to expect and have another season of development under their belts.
Attacking midfielder Miranda Walker is one of the recruits expected to help the Wanderers try and build on their seventh placing in 2019.
The 28-year-old was part of the Central Coast Mariners Academy in 2012, which played in Sydney's NPL One competition.
"We're looking really good. We've had a couple of trial games which were positive for us heading into the season," she said.
"It's only a short season with eight games. We're going to use it as a year that's not ideal for us, but we'll look to build a foundation this year to get us through a full season (in 2021).
"Eight games is very short so it doesn't really give us the opportunity to say 'we can do this, or we can do that'.
"We have to go in and give us a go straight away and have a red hot crack really.
"The aim for this year is simply to improve on last year. We've got a range of new players and there's a new dynamic in the team.
"For us to get a spot or two up (the ladder) it would be a good morale boost for next year to get the girls coming back to play again."
Walker nominated right back Brandy Nicholson and midfielders Maddy Harris and Piper Lockley among the players who have impressed her in her short time in black and white.
"I think Brandy Nicholson is going to show us some real skill this year, along with Maddy in the middle and young Piper, I think we'll do well," she said.
"The young players are really willing and keen to learn from the more experienced girls.
"We'll tread the line between attack and defence, I don't think we'll go all guns blazing. We'll have a crack and try and get the best results we can in the situation we've been presented with by COVID.
Sunday's match kicks off at 3pm.
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