As the A-League season winds down, the Wellington Phoenix are already contemplating what 2021 has in store for them.
Melbourne City and Sydney FC will play out the Grand Final on Sunday - the culmination of a bizarre season that was halted in March because of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The Phoenix played their final six regular-season games in Australia when the season resumed last month as well as their elimination playoff clash against Perth Glory last weekend.
Now home in quarantine, the Phoenix have little time to celebrate an excellent season as they contemplate the realistic possibility of spending next season in Australian permanently.
Midfield star Alex Rufer says the possibility has been discussed internally, and with still no clear end in sight of the virus, the potential of further cluster outbreaks on both sides of the Tasman is likely.
Speaking to Newshub from his fourth quarantine base in 12 weeks, Rufer says the squad is up for it, having proven they are willing to sacrifice the comforts of home to win a first A-League crown.
"It's a possibility and of course that will be tough - especially being away from families for so long if they can't come," Rufer says.
"But we can't control that if it does happen. If we have to move over there, hopefully it's an easy transition and we can get things sorted quickly.
"But we can't control that - we can only look after what we can control, so if it happens it happens and we have shown we have a team willing to do that to win the league."
The Phoenix's season ended last Saturday night when they lost 1-0 to the Glory in the opening round of the playoffs.
It was a disappointing end to an otherwise stellar campaign where the overlooked Wellington club finished the regular season in third spot - a club record.
And despite the loss of star left-back Liberato Cacace, who is likely heading to Europe with Belgian club Sint-Truiden, and potentially former Celtic striker Gary Hooper, Rufer is confident the squad will kick on in 2021.
"As individuals and as a team, we aren't happy with the result and losing that match was a massively disappointing outcome for us.
"But I think we played very well and created a ton of chances - we just couldn't do the most important thing in football and that's score a goal.
"With the group that we have it was a great learning curve and it can only make us stronger
"It makes me excited about what we can achieve next season.
"We have a lot of us coming back - 14 or 15 lads are committed for next season and we will make some good signings to add to a young crop of players coming through
"We are in good shape I think."
And with confirmation coach Ufuk Taly will remain at the club, the Phoenix are in good hands.
The former Australian youth international scooped the A-League's Coach of the Year award on Thursday - a great testament to a tremendous debut season for Talay.
Talay was joined in the fictitious squad by captain Steven Taylor, Ulises Davilla, and Cacace.
"He is a great coach and he deserves that recognition.
"Very happy for him and those guys - they all deserve it given the season they have had.
"It shows just how good we were this season and that can only be a good thing for the club."
As for the departing Cacace, Rufer was full of praise.
The teenage sensation has been nothing short of electric this season, which caught the eye of several European suitors, including Sint-Truiden.
"Libby deserves this - he has done extremely well.
"The most impressive thing for me is how much and how quickly he has improved. He is a superb player and he will do very well over there. I wish him all the best.
"We have proved we as a club can create great young talent. We provide a platform to promote young footballers at a very high standard.
"The A-League is a great stepping stone for young, talented players."
