In his first season as coach, the former Socceroo and Wollongong local guided the Wolves to their first Premiership in 31 years and has now qualified for the NPL 2019 Grand Final after a 2-0 win over Perth SC.

Goals to Thomas James (29th minute) and Takeru Okada (93rd minute) sealed victory for the Wolves on a sunny spring afternoon in excellent playing conditions last Sunday.

Wilkshire told FTBL early in the season that his intent from day one was to bring glory back to the club and, despite disappointing results in the NSW NPL finals series, he has got the team playing exciting attacking football to deliver on his promises.

After Sunday's victory, Wilkshire was satisfied with the work done...but the job was not yet finished.

"It has been a good season for the club and we have taken many steps forward," he said.

"Now the players have the chance to be National Premier League Champions for the first time in the club’s history and to write themselves into the history books forever."

Despite growing support for the NPL side from the city as the season progressed, Luke still believes that Wollongong can do more to show their support.

"This is a massive opportunity for our region to demonstrate its support for football," he said.

"I would like to see our football and general sporting community out in force at the game to
show the rest of Australia that we want professional sport on the South Coast and we will support it."

Opponents Lions FC secured their spot in the grand final after beating Maitland FC 2-0 in Newcastle.

Saturday's Grand Final against Queensland's Lions FC kicks off at 2.30pm on Saturday at Albert Butler Park in Primbee, NSW.