Sunshine Coast Wanderers emerge as surprise packets of NPL with top four goals in sight

Paul Arnison’s Sunshine Coast Wanderers continue to defy expectations in the National Premier League who can eye off a top four finish in a make or break month.

Paul Arnison says his Sunshine Coast Wanderers have continued to defy expectations with the NPL side no longer just out to survive in the state’s top flight.

The Wanderers, who this year have contested the National Premier League for the second season after winning promotion in 2019, have found themselves in the top four.

The club has won 11 games so far this season, including four on the bounce.

For contrast, the Wanderers won seven games in 2020 from its 24 outings to finish ninth in its debut campaign.

“The start of the season was all about survival and making sure we stay in the NPL,” Arnison said.

“We can’t get carried away but we are where we are on merit. We need to try and build on it.

“I want to finish as high as we can.”

Arnison’s home grown focus of picking players from the Sunshine Coast league in the Jancevski brothers, Ethan Galbraith and Jacob Fullock pas paid dividends.

But he said the Wanderers did not rely on individuals. Instead they had evolved as a team.

It’s evident with the club’s goalscorers sharing the spoils with Danny Cuttler’s six goals the most.

Sunshine Coast Wanderers coach Paul Arnison says his goals have changed for the season with survival no longer the focus. Picture: File

While the Wanderers sit in the top four, Arnison said the club had not yet prevailed over a top four opponent.

That could change in make or break fixtures against the Brisbane Roar Youth, Brisbane Olympic, Moreton Bay and Peninsula Power to come over the next month.

Brisbane Roar Youth, who could feature Sippy Downs product Kane Gibbs and Gympie’s Sam Klein, are the Wanderers next opponent on Wednesday night’s catch-up game at Ballinger Park.

“It’s a difficult run for us playing teams around us,” he said.

“Roar Youth will be tough, they beat us in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.

“We need the fans to come out and support us, it could be the difference.”

Arnison said he will likely rotate the squad amid a run of three games in seven days but will able to call upon midfielder Oli Duncan who returns from suspension.

Kick off against the Roar is from 8pm.