IMAGINE having a football team that unifies St George and Sutherland Shire like the Wanderers have done for western Sydney.
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That may not be a pipedream as Football Federation Australia (FFA) sets about serious discussions on the A-League's expansion.
The competition has remained stable at 10 clubs for the past three seasons but key stakeholders, including Frank Lowy, are pushing for a 12-club competition.
News Limited reported on the weekend that FFA heavyweights in Brazil have been discussing a 12-team competition and long-term strategic planning ahead of its next broadcasting deal in 2017.
The new markets under consideration are not likely to include regional cities following the FFA's failed experiments in Townsville and the Gold Coast.
The focus will likely be Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Of these major markets it is understood that Sydney's south and south-west and Brisbane's west and south-west are regarded as prime territory for expansion.
The FFA wants a third Sydney team in the A-League and has a fan base in St George and the shire in its sights.
FFA boss David Gallop is giving careful consideration to the region, where the Cronulla Sharks rugby league club is struggling and St George Illawarra has all but abandoned Kogarah Oval.
The FFA wants to cash in on the World Cup hype and record SBS ratings, and corporate powerhouses Westfield and Nike have apparently indicated they would support a new venture in Sydney's south.
Socceroos legend Tim Cahill, who recently bought a waterfront home in the shire, could become the face of the proposed new local club.
Home grounds under consideration for a southern Sydney team include Shark Park and Kogarah Jubilee Oval which has received $37.6 million in funding since late 2002 to rebuild and extend the grandstand and tiered seating
A third club — along with Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers — would deliver more of the A-League's hottest matches: Sydney derby games.
Sydney is the heartland of Australian football boasting 40 per cent of all registered players.
Sutherland Shire Football Association is the biggest suburban football association in Australia with about 20,000 players in 26 clubs. The St George Football Association is a well-established association with 23 member clubs.
Both regions have teams in the National Premier League NSW Men's 1 competition.
