Capital Football president Mark O'Neill, ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, Central Coast Mariners boss Shaun Mielekamp, Wellington Phoenix boss David Dome and Wellington mayor Celia Wade-Brown at last year's announcement. Credit:Graham Tidy ACT chief minister Andrew Barr said A-League content was a must if the government was to build a new $350 million rectangular stadium in Civic by the mid 2020s. His preference is to align with an A-League club and form a long-term relationship similar to the one forged with AFL newcomers the GWS Giants. The Giants and government agreed to a 10-year deal to have the GWS side play three premiership games per year at Manuka Oval. Barr could be attracted to the Wolves bid because it would give Canberra to be a part of the club as soon as it joins the A-League rather than trying to partner with an existing team.

The Mariners laid the groundwork for future partnerships when they played two games in Canberra this season, taking a risk and losing money to show their commitment to the city. The Mariners and government are yet to begin negotiations about continuing their relationship. Barr said the government would "progress" plans for a new venue but a soccer presence was needed to make the project financially viable. However, the prospect of the Wolves' link to Canberra relies on A-League expansion, and FFA boss David Gallop has ruled that out for the next two years. "We're putting together a very strong and holistic and complete submission which involves Canberra and we're well on track to have a strong submission ready for the FFA when expansion is back on the table," Papakosmas said.

"Canberra is an area and a market that is absolutely crucial to the growth of football and it's about much more than just A-League games in Canberra. "It's also about the clinics and tournaments and opportunities and the pathways we'll provide for players. We're talking about a whole new vision and looking at how football is rolled out in our back yard, particularly taking into account the juniors." The Wolves already have a footprint in Canberra after partnering with Belconnen United in establishing a development program ready to kick off this season. "We've got some Canberra kids we're keeping our eye on already and having a chat with," Papakosmas said. "It's no stretch of the imagination that one day there will be Canberra locals playing through the pathways at Wolves and will play in the A-League, that's a guaranteed fact."