The Wollongong Wolves celebrate their 2019 premiership. Photo: Sylvia Liber.

AFTR years of talk of a national second division, finally the football community is getting down to business.

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Clubs from across the country have united to push ahead with plans for the vital link between the A-League and state-based leagues.

And the Wollongong Wolves want to be a part of it.

The Wolves, which currently feature Milton-Ulladulla's Chris Price and Shoalhaven Heads's Brendan Low, were one of 61 teams to attend a virtual meeting of the Association of Australian Football Clubs (AAFC) on Tuesday night to map out plans for the new competition.

Central to those proposals are promotion, relegation and a transfer fee model.

Wollongong's push for a return to a national football competition harks all the way back to the launch of the A-League, when the Wolves knocked back the licence eventually handed to the Central Coast Mariners.

The club was not in the financial position it is now, with prominent businessman Tory Lavalle and coach Luke Wilkshire turning the side around in recent years.

In their first season under the former Socceroo, the team broke a 31-year premiership drought before claiming the 2019 National Premier Leagues final.

For Wilkshire, the Wolves must be included in the national second division for one simple reason.

"We're the best team in Australia outside of the A-League," Wilkshire said.

While the current economic climate has seen many organisations shy away from major changes, football is using it as a chance to implement key improvements.

With cash from television broadcasters likely to dry up, the FFA, led by chief executive James Johnson, is attempting to position the code for long-term growth.

AAFC chairman Nick Galatas said now is the time to work with the governing body to turn the second division dream into a reality.

"I think everyone agrees that a national second division is no longer in the realm of 'nice to have' but a 'must have' as an important means of improving the quality and level of football, but also our credentials and viability as a football nation," Galatas said.

"A NSD gives all clubs that are interested in it something to aspire to."

There are still a number of hurdles that must be overcome for a second division to be established, however the current timeline sees it launching in 2022.

That would combine with a mooted A-League switch from summer to winter to achieve alignment across all levels of the sport.

While eager to participate in a second division, the Wolves ultimate goal is to play in the top-flight.

It is likely two licences will become available in the coming years, with Central Coast owner Mike Charlesworth selling the franchise and question marks swirling around the future of the Wellington Phoenix.

The A-League is also considering expanding from 12 to 14 teams.

It is understood significant financial investment is required for Wollongong to be in contention for the licences on offer.

Given the size of the challenge, the second division could be the Wolves safest path to the A-League.

"I'm not too bothered about which option's the best," Wilkshire said.

"It's about which option is going to get us there the quickest. If that's through a second division, so be it. If there are other viable ways, then so be it.

"The region and the players of this region deserve a team in the A-League, we've got work to do to make it happen."