It can be sink or swim for any new franchise to get off the ground in the competitive Australian sporting market.
The A-League Men's newest club, Macarthur FC, faced the daunting task during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Bulls finished the 2020/21 season just one win away from the grand final, leaving coach Ante Milicic pleased with his club's first-year return of 11 wins, nine losses and six draws.
"I thought it was a decent season for a start-up club in a very competitive league," Milicic told ABC Sport.
"We made the semi-finals with one game to spare but obviously we are looking to improve again.
Macarthur FC averaged 3,500 fans to home matches at Campbelltown Sports Stadium last season, with COVID-19 relocations, crowd restrictions and fixture changes a constant challenge.
The largest crowd was 5,126 against Wellington Phoenix, with Milicic confident the supporter base would grow this season.
"Our base — Campbelltown Stadium — has been a new experience for the locals," he said.
"But we've got a solid core group of supporters that is very encouraging, but of course we want to keep building and there's no reason why we can't do that."
According to a Roy Morgan poll, Macarthur FC attracted 84,000 new supporters in 2021 — twice as many as the Phoenix and Western United — but still well behind other A-League Men teams.
"Playing in the highest level of football in this country, now the locals know what we are about and we've got to do our part to put on a good product on the field," Milicic said.
Putting their strongest team on the field has been a challenge for Milicic, even before the 2021/22 season kicks off.
The recent retirement of goalkeeper Adam Federici — who was to succeed Mark Milligan as captain this season — was a massive blow to the Bulls.
"It was a big shock," Milicic said.
"We are really thankful for Adam Federici last season. He did have those knee issues and got through the whole season, but this year his body knew when it was enough.
"We've lost a very good goal keeper and our captain."
Bulls look to fresh leadership
Ulises Dávila — who joined the Bulls from the Phoenix — has assumed the captaincy, with Milicic describing the Mexican as a natural leader.
Federici is expected to be replaced as goalkeeper by another fresh recruit, Poland's Filip Kurto.
Milicic is also expecting big things from rising star Al Hassan Toure, who has joined the club from Adelaide United.
"I spoke to the coach (Milicic) and he has a really good playing style," Toure said.
"Attacking football suits me best and just coming to a new environment, I wanted a fresh start and to develop my skills.
"The team is looking good, there's a lot of things we want to achieve.
The 21-year-old boasts an impressive resume for his age, with two A-league seasons under his belt, an FFA Cup title (in which he scored a goal for the victorious Reds) and eight caps for the Australian under 23 team.
Toure said he wanted to take his football to the next level with the Bulls.
"Everyone's dream is to play in the Socceroos," he said.
"Since I was a little kid, I have always wanted to play with the Socceroos. First, I have to put in a good season with Macarthur and hopefully I can get that chance."
The Bulls meet the Phoenix at home in their A-League Men's season opener on Sunday.
